Thurles Sarsfields 2-22
Loughmore-Castleiney 3-11

Thurles Sarsfields avenged last year's final loss to Loughmore-Castleiney with a comfortable victory in today's Dan Breen Cup decider at Semple Stadium.

It was the town side's fourth title in six seasons and their 33rd in all as they set up a Munster club SHC semi-final against Clare kingpins Cratloe in Ennis next Sunday.

Pa Bourke played a captain's part by scoring 1-3, while Denis Maher and Aidan McCormack chipped in with 0-5 apiece. Ritchie Ruth also bagged 0-4 from play following his introduction early in the second half as the Blues proved too strong for their Mid Tipp divisional rivals.

With Bourke and Maher in fine scoring form, the winners had raced into a 0-8 to 0-1 by the 17th minute. Liam McGrath's 20th minute goal brought Loughmore back into it, but they still trailed by 1-6 to 0-13 at the break.

Thurles tightened their grip on proceedings five minutes after the restart when Bourke's long-range free broke kindly for Michael O'Brien who finished to the net from close range. Bourke got in on the goal-scoring act himself with four minutes remaining after Lar Corbett had set him up to make it 2-22 to 2-10.

Evan Sweeney managed a late consolation goal for the holders who misery was compounded when the subdued Noel McGrath missed a penalty in injury-time.

Thurles Sarsfields - P McCormack; S Maher, M Cahill, David Maher; R Maher, P Maher, M Gleeson; S Cahill (0-2), B McCarthy; Denis Maher (0-5), L Corbett (0-2), A McCormack (0-5); C Lanigan (0-1), P Bourke (1-3, 0-1f), M O'Brien (1-0). Subs: R Ruth (0-4) for M O'Brien, G O'Grady for A McCormack, J Maher for B McCarthy, K O'Gorman for David Maher, P Dunne for M Gleeson.

Loughmore-Castleiney - S Nolan; L Egan, D Bourke, J Hennessy; A McGrath (0-1f), D Kennedy, T King; C McGrath, T McGrath (0-1); J McGrath (1-1), L Treacy (0-1), N McGrath (0-5f); L McGrath (1-1, 0-1f), E Sweeney (1-0), C Hennessy (0-1). Subs: J Nyland for T McGrath, J Ryan for L McGrath, T Maher for L Treacy.

Referee - J Ryan.

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