Thurles Sars claim first Munster title

Thurles Sarsfields were crowned AIB Munster Club SHC winners for the first time this afternoon after beating De La Salle in a keenly-fought final in Cork.

Jim Corbett’s fifth-minute goal set Thurles on their way to a memorable 1-21 to 1-16 triumph at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The Tipperary champions leaked a goal to Paudie Nevin but held a 1-11 to 1-9 advantage at the break, and the sending-off of John Keane left De La Salle unable to close the gap.

Seamus Quinn’s side deservedly took the provincial crown, as they gained revenge on De La Salle for a 0-9 to 0-8 defeat in the 2010 Munster decider at the same venue.

Sarsfields foraged ahead on the back of Corbett’s early goal, which was supplemented by points from Pa Bourke, Johnny Enright, Michael Gleeson and the ever influential Lar Corbett.

De La Salle, with John Mullane playing a pivotal role, showed their battling qualities as they bounced back from being five points down midway through the first half.

Nevin fired home a well-struck goal three minutes before the break to leave the Waterford outfit just two points in arrears.

De La Salle made light of Keane’s dismissal as they pressed on, landing three points in-a-row on the resumption with Jake Dillon in superb form.

The quality of hurling was excellent given the wintry conditions and the high stakes, and the influence of Pa Bourke and substitute Ger ‘Redser’ O’Grady was telling as Thurles edged back ahead.

The talismanic Kevin Moran landed an excellent score from distance as De La Salle applied the pressure again at 1-18 to 1-16 down, but the Tipp men prevailed thanks to a strong finish.

Pa Bourke, Richie Ruth and O’Grady all fired over closing points to wrap it up for Thurles at the end of an hugely enjoyable contest.

Meanwhile, today’s AIB Leinster Club SHC semi-final between Oulart-the Ballagh and Ballyhale Shamrocks was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Wexford Park.

No details for the refixed game has been released as of yet, but it is likely to take place next Saturday.

AIB MUNSTER CLUB SHC FINAL:

Thurles Sarsfields (Tipperary) 1-21 De La Salle (Waterford) 1-16, Pairc Ui Chaoimh

AIB LEINSTER CLUB SHC SEMI-FINAL:

Oulart-the Ballagh (Wexford) v Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny), Wexford Park (Postponed due to a waterlogged pitch)