Borrisokane back in senior ranks

BORRISOKANE landed the Tipperary IHC crown yesterday and ensured that no fewer than 12 teams from the North division are eligible for senior fare in 2011.

Borrisokane made the leap to the top flight after claiming a 2-13 to 1-12 victory against Gortnahoe-Glengoole in yesterday’s Templemore decider.

Two early goals from county senior footballer Philip Austin and Graham McMahon saw Borrisokane lead 2-1 to 0-0 before Gortnahoe rallied to level at half-time, 1-7 to 2-4.

Keith Corbett’s fortuitous goal hauled Gortnahoe back into contention and the sides were level twice more in the early stages of the second half.

Eoin Larkin’s 46th minute free edged Borrisokane ahead and late on, scores from Seosamh Cleary and Colm Larkin helped to secure a five-points victory as Borrisokane claimed a first county intermediate title since 1982.

Meanwhile, Cahir and Aherlow booked their spots in the county SFC semi-finals.

On Saturday, Cahir finished strongly against 14-man Carrick Swans for a 0-13 to 1-7 victory in Kilsheelan. Cahir, county champions in 2003 and runners-up two years ago, had eight-points from Benny Hickey while Roger Peters hit three points from play.

Jamie Sweetman’s first half goal ensured Carrick Swan were level at half-time – 1-5 to 0-8 – but their task became much tougher when they were reduced to 14 men.

Late on, the Swans were hanging on, level at 1-7 to 0-10, before Cahir landed the final three points of the game to advance.

Yesterday, last year’s beaten finalists Aherlow proved too good for north champions Thomas McDonaghs as the west kingpins ran out 1-13 to 2-5 winners in Holycross.

At half-time, Aherlow were 0-9 to 0-3 clear and midway through the second half, they held a 1-13 to 0-3 advantage.

Barry Grogan, who notched 1-4, netted a penalty early in the second half to end the game as a contest before substitutes Andrew Byrne and Tommy Connors scored late consolation goals for Thomas McDonaghs.