A famous G.A.A. coach once said two words to his team at half time, “Men Needed”. This definitely was true in Fethard on Friday night as Thurles saw Fethard race into a 17 point lead. At that stage a rout looked to be on the cards but this young Thurles team responded with a gritty, grinding performance that silenced the Fethard celebrating supporters in the immaculate setting of Fethard Town Park.

This match had its own logic. Fethard raced into a 17 – 0 lead and looked a class above. Thurles responded with a Sean McGrath try and Ciarán O’Hagan converted. J. D. Devaney took centre stage and scored from inside his own half. Ciarán O’Hagan converted, score 17 – 14 and game on. It was the grit shown by forwards and backs that gave Thurles the boost they needed. Dwayne Stanley, as Captain, set the bar high and kept his troops going. The returning Peter Wall showed his usual obstinacy in everything he did allied by Daniel Lanigan-Ryan tackling and ball carrying, it had a huge impact. Conor Ryan, our Church man, steamed into the game with Brandon Meaney, Richie Holohan and the abrasive Kieran Murphy.

Fethard responded with two tries to push themselves ahead, but mirabile dictu, Thurles again came back into it at 29 – 14 down. J.D. Devaney again set off towards the line and swept in under the posts. O Hagan added the conversion. Kieran Murphy added another, 29 – 26.

A fine penalty from O’Hagan levelled the scores. Special mention of the young guns who have blended so well with the regulars, Stephen Shaw played a stormer out of his normal position in the centre. Luke Molumby, Sean Lloyd, Cillian O’Shea & Callum Hall all have settled into and added plenty of vigour to the panel. Sadly Daniel Dlamini returned from injury but barely lasted 10 mins on the pitch.

With Fethard attacking, J.D. Devaney snatched an intercept and raced in under the posts. A 7 pointer, Thurles ahead 36 – 29. What a turnaround, but Fethard were not to be denied. A fine 7 pointer 2 minutes from the end levelled the scores. 

Scanlon, Leamy, Quinlan and stats man Kelly, were delighted with the effort and proud of their disciples after this epic struggle. Next week, Clanwilliam will arrive at Loughtagalla. for a Saturday evening Kick Off under the newly upgraded floodlights. All support greatly appreciated