Tipperary minor, Michael O Brien, was star of the show, as fourteen man Thurles CBS, the holders, saw off the challenge of county neighbours, Nenagh CBS in a very competitive Munster Colleges (Dr Harty Cup) senior hurling semi-final at Templemore yesterday(Sunday).
O Brien bagged nine points for Thurles and was an inspirational figure as the holders showed huge character to overcome the loss of centre half forward, Aidan McCormack after only fifteen minutes.
McCormack, who had earlier taken a knock, was red-c
arded by referee Noel Cosgrave following an off-the-ball incident, but the champions rose to the challenge in style. Trailing by 0-2 to 0-1 at the time, they surged into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead by the 21st minute.
Nenagh rocked them with a Jason Forde penalty goal in the 24th minute, but Thurles held their nerve to lead at half-time 0-7 to 1-2.
Three points, two from O Brien and one from Cian Treacy, in the opening minutes of the second half sent Thurles five clear. With Brian Stapleton and Jason Forde leading the charge, Nenagh fought back, but O Brien's point-taking kept Thurles nose ahead.
With two minutes of ordinary time remaining, two points separated the sides, but sub John Bergin finished a sweet Thurles move with a goal that set the seal on their win.
While O Brien was Thurles' hero, other key performances came from Cathal Barrett, Denis Maher, John Meagher, and Pat Ralph.
Brian Stapleton was Nenagh's top performer with Jason Forde, Daire Quinn, Mark Tuite, goalkeeper David Reddan, and sub, Paul Butler others to shine.
Thurles CBS - A Stakelum; S Maher, C Carroll, J Bourke; C Barrett, D Maher (0-1), J Meagher; P Dunne, P Ralph (0-2); P Looby, A McCormack (0-1), N O Brien; C Treacy (0-1), D Devane, M O Brien (0-9); Subs- J Bergin(1-0) for Devane; K Slattery for N O Brien; T Doyle (0-1) for Treacy; M Sadlier for Looby;
Nenagh CBS - D Reddan; P Peters, D Maher, J O Dwyer; M O Flaherty, D Quinn, P Gill; B Stapleton (0-2),C Canning; J Forde (1-5), K Seymour, J O Brien; T Gallagher, E Hogan, M Tuite(0-1); Subs- P Butler for Canning; N Gleeson for O Brien; P Shanahan for Gallagher; J Minogue for O Flaherty; D Walsh(0-1) for D Maher;
Ref- N Cosgrove,Clonmel.
