Guerins’ first-half goal brace fires JK Brackens past champions Loughmore-Castleiney

JK Brackens shocked fancied holders Loughmore-Castleiney in the Mid Tipperary SFC final at Templetuohy yesterday and were full value for their 2-10 to 1-9 win.

County minor star Colin O’Riordan was man of the match for the Templemore boys and he, with veteran Kevin Mulryan alongside him, gave the winners a grip at midfield that the holders never broke.

The decisive period came just before half-time. Loughmore were ahead 0-5 to 0-4 when Sean Patrick Guerins struck a goal for JK Brackens in the 25th minute. Two minutes later, he slotted home a second and Brackens led 2-6 to 0- 7 at the break.

Loughmore fought hard in the second half and when Brackens had Eoin Fitzpatrick dismissed for a second yellow with 18 minutes to go, the holders were still in with a shout, albeit being four points down.

However, Brackens never wilted and they were seven points clear as the game went into injury time. Loughmore were then awarded a penalty which John McGrath converted but the score came too late to ignite a rally.

Colin O’Riordan, Kevin Mulryan, John Dunne and Sean Patrick Guerins were the key men for Brackens while John McGrath, John Ryan, Liam McGrath and Evan Sweeney, until injured, did most for Loughmore.

There were no shocks in South Tipperary where favourites Clonmel Commercials proved too strong for Kilsheelan-Kilcash in the divisional senior football final at Monroe, winning by 1-12 to 0-6.

There was little between the sides in the first half, with Commercials leading 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time. However, on the changeover, Commercials brought Michael Quinlivan to midfield and he played a big role in their second half dominance. A Colman Kennedy goal early in the second half really put them in the driving seat and with Ian Barnes also playing well, Commercials finished comfortable winners.

Kilsheelan, who had top performers in Aidan Walsh, Eoin Ryan, Tommy Ryan and Bill Maher, will now be looking to the county championship to extend their season.

The West SFC final will be between Arravale Rovers and Galtee Rovers following their semi-final wins over Éire Óg Annacarty and Aherlow Gaels respectively.

* On Saturday next in Holycross, Toomevara play Clonoulty-Rossmore and Borrisoleigh face Carrick Swans in the county SHC fourth round.