Lar Corbett goes on a solo run from midfield to score Thurles Sarsfield first goal. (Photo Courtesy J.O’Loughlin.)
Thurles Sarsfields came away 2-20 to 2-15 winners following their clash with Cork Sarsfields in the AIB Munster Club SHC semi-final at Semple Stadium, Thurles this afternoon in front of a 2,934 official attendance.
Richie Ruth and Lar Corbett scored Thurles Sarsfields goals, while points from Pa Bourke, Aidan McCormack, Michael Gleeson, Michael O’Brien, Ger ‘Redser’ O’Grady and Johnny Enright sealed this important home win.
A brilliant save by Thurles Sarsfields goalkeeper Patrick McCormack as he reacted to head away a shot by Cork’s Ronan Murphy, around the 29th minute, did not go unnoticed.
Thurles Sarsfields had gained control of the game leading 1-11 to 1-8 at the break, greatly encouraged by Lar Corbett’s superb seventh-minute goal, driven into the net by the former Hurler of the Year, following a magnificent catch around the 65-yard line and a solo run through Cork’s defences.
Early second half points from Bourke and Enright ensured Thurles Sarsfields continued on a winning course against Cork, while also stretching their lead to five points.
Cork with the aid of Cian McCarthy had however levelled by injury-time, but Ruth’s goal, aided by a great run from Michael Cahill, and two points from McCormack and Enright ensured the hosts a late, but deserved win.
Thurles Sarsfields did manage to hit some seven uncharacteristic misses during the second half, but despite this they can now look forward to facing Waterford champions De La Salle in the provincial decider on Sunday, November 25th.
Thurles Sarsfields have 32 county titles to their name, but amazingly have never won a Munster Club hurling championship, so expect a no holds barred contest on next outing.
Team
Thurles Sarsfields: Patrick McCormack, Aidan McCormack, Padraic Maher, Stephen Maher, Kevin O’Gorman, Jim Corbett, Lar Corbett, David Maher, David Kennedy, Michael Cahill, Michael Gleeson, Johnny Enright, Pa Bourke, Michael O’Brien and Denis Maher.
Score Board: Pa Bourke 0-7, Aidan McCormack 0-5, Johnny Enright 0-4, Lar Corbett 1-1, Richie Ruth 1-0, with Michael Gleeson, Ger O’Grady and Michael O’Brien at 0-1 each.
Substitutions: Richie Ruth for Jim Corbett, John Maher for Michael Gleeson & Ger ‘Redser,’ O’Grady for John Maher.
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