Thurles turn up the heat to overpower Spioraid Naoimh

THURLES CBS opened the defence of their Dr Harty Cup title with a comfortable victory over Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh in the first round at Rathcormac yesterday.

Fielding seven of last year’s all-conquering squad, the champions were never going to lose this game, but the final scoreline is a little flattering as the Bishopstown school put up a brave show and were only a point adrift early in the second-half.

However, two goals in a minute by Pat Ralph ended any hopes of a shock result and the champions will only get better the longer they stay in the competition.