Bourke keeps Sars on course

THURLES SARSFIELDS stayed on course for a third successive Tipperary SHC title, seeing off the challenge of Loughmore-Castleiney by 3-17 to 2-16 in a thrilling quarter-final at Semple Stadium on Saturday.

A free-flowing first half yielded five goals in a quality contest. Denis Maher got the first for Sarsfields after seven minutes but two minutes later Noel McGrath netted from a penalty for Loughmore. The sides were level at 1-6 each when Lar Corbett pounced for Sarsfields’ second goal, but again Loughmore hit back, Michael Webster blazing home a minute later.

Next it was Pa Bourke’s turn, his cracking goal in the 29th minute sending Sarsfields in at the break with a 3-7 to 2-8 lead.