Tipp champions to prevail in tight game
Thurles have had the longer road, starting against Limerick’s finest in Kilmallock. As was the case two years ago between the teams, Sars emerged from another nail-biter. Next up was a home tie against their namesakes from Cork. As with Thurles Sars, the Cork edition had won their title frequently in recent years but failed to parlay that into a Munster crown.
On the other side of the draw, lies the equally impressive De La Salle who, in this their third Munster campaign in five years, remain unbeaten but more impressively, have won all those games on the road.
They were tested in their semi-final against Clare champions Newmarket-on-Fergus in their home-from-home fortress, Sixmilebridge. This one was in the balance entering injury-time, tied on 0-10 apiece until a goal from Tipperary native John Keane was enough to see De La Salle through.
They each have their heroes of course. Last time they met in the 2010 final Thurles Sarsfields had newly-crowned Hurler of the Year Lar Corbett in their ranks, along with All-Ireland winning stars in Padraic Maher, Michael Cahill and Pa Bourke.
It didn’t matter though as De La Salle won 0-9 to 0-8.
This time De La Salle’s stars have the gongs, both John Mullane and Kevin Moran decorated with All Star awards this year while Thurles Sars (and Tipperary, controversially) have none.
Both teams claim – with justification – that they’re stronger than they were in 2010. Mullane reckons they’re much stronger but, having seen Thurles Sars on a few occasions, they look the real deal.
Crucially the Tipp champions have more incentive. Yes it’s a provincial title and leaves you only one win away from Croke Park, incentive enough for any club in any circumstance, but De La Salle have been twice winners while Thurles Sars have yet to break that duck.
It’s going to be tight again, though I’ll be shocked if it’s as low-scoring.
Verdict: Thurles Sarsfields
