Dunne seals it

Tipperary SHC Final: Toomevara 3-19 Sarsfield 3-16 Toomevara powered their way to their fifth Tipperary senior hurling title in six years in Thurles yesterday when they held off the challenge of Thurles Sarsfields.

Hot-favourites Toomevara dominated the first half when aided by the breeze. They had a goal from Michael Bevans after three minutes and another from Tommy Dunne in the 24th minute to lead 2-10 to 0-5 at half-time.

Sarsfields looked on course for their fourth successive defeat in the final but a Lar Corbett goal three minutes into the second half raised their hopes.

Toomevara stayed on track with a Paddy O'Brien goal eight minutes later but in the last quarter Sarsfields rose to the challenge.

Four points on the trot and a second Lar Corbett goal in the 24th minute had them breathing down Toomevara necks. Two further points and a Richie Ruth goal in the 30th minute left only two points in it as the game went into injury time.

The woodwork denied Sarsfields a further goal and Toomevara were relieved to see Ken Dunne point three minutes into injury time to clinch the title for them.

Toomevara deserved their win. The performances of Ken Dunne, Terry Dunne, Benny Dunne, John O'Brien and Michael Bevans were crucial to their victory. For Sarsfields Larry Corbett, Ger O'Grady, Eddie Enright, Johnnie Enright and Brendan O'Sullivan did most.

TOOMEVARA: J Cottrell; B Dunne, G Frend, P Shanahan; B Duff, T Delaney, D Young; Terry Dunne (0-3), K Dunne (0-7); P O'Brien (1-1), E Brislane (0-3), J O'Brien (0-2); M Bevans (1-3), Tommy Dunne (1-0), W Ryan (0-1). Sub: J Boland for Duff.

SARSFIELDS: P McCormack; B O'Grady, T Maher, T Connolly; B O'Sullivan, E Enright (0-1), L Shanahan; S Mason, W Cully (0-3); J Enright (0-6), G O'Grady (0-2), T Ruth (0-3); L Corbett (2-1), E Costello, S Ryan. Subs: R Ruth (1-0) for Ryan, S O'Shea for Connolly, B Carroll for Mason, E Walsh for Costello.

Referee: S Roche (Kilsheelan).