Thurles Sarsfields win the duel to become Senior Duals; Commercials 22nd or 5th for Kilsheelan? Allstar awards up for grabs.

THE VIEW allows itself a touch of parochial pride this week, as the spotlight falls firmly on the Thurles Sarsfields intermediate footballers, who etched their names into history on Sunday by capturing their first-ever county title — and with it, promotion to the senior ranks in 2026.

Thurles last tasted senior football glory back in 1960, when, under the name of Thurles Crokes, they triumphed over Clonmel Commercials with heroes such as Jimmy and Paddy Doyle, Sean McLoughlin, Larry Keane, Micheal McElgunn, Blackie Keane, and captain Niall O’Dea in their ranks. Yet this most recent success may well be the most momentous of all in the proud saga of the Blues.

There have been countless efforts and heartbreaks since, often hampered by a shortage of players willing to commit to the code. But when the senior hurlers bowed out earlier than expected, Sarsfields turned their focus to football — and how it paid off.

A club stalwart’s bold prediction that they could win the county title proved prophetic, and Sunday’s jubilant scenes were unforgettable. Incidentally, five senior hurlers lined out in the side.

Many Thurles men have claimed football titles with Dúrlas Óg over the years, showing their innate ability with the big ball. Yet once they graduate to Sarsfields, the sliotar usually takes precedence. Still, that underage skill never disappears — it is merely dormant until revived.

Under the guidance of Peter Creedon, Declan Costello, Pat Bracken, and Tony Smith, a dedicated group was moulded, winning the mid crown before sealing county glory against Rockwell Rovers in Bansha in an absorbing contest which went to extra time and seemed to be heading towards penalties, when the Sarsfields lads superior fitness saw them pull clear to win by three points.

For those who have long cherished football in the club, this triumph was pure vindication — years of effort finally rewarded. It was a marvellous win and one which could rouse a sleeping football giant from slumber.

Sarsfields now advance to the Munster club championship, and next year they will stand shoulder to shoulder with Loughmore-Castleiney, JK Brackens, and Upperchurch Drombane in the senior ranks. Let’s hope the club embraces football with the same passion the players have shown.

Their courage, athleticism, and tenacity can only enrich the hurling cause — and strengthen Thurles sport as a whole. You think of men like Larry O’Connor, Gerry McEntee and Conor O’Dwyer on such days – great men who instilled pride in the Sars’ football teams and who always believed that the footballers existed in the Cathedral Town to compete with the best. Well now we’ll see.

Football final day is almost upon us.

Upperchurch Drombane, still buoyed by their stirring triumph over Carrick Swans in the Premier Intermediate hurling championship, exchanged ash and leather for the big ball last weekend in their delayed football semi-final against Clonmel Commercials. And, true to their spirited nature, they pushed the favourites right to the edge — though Commercials never appeared in genuine peril of surrendering the game.

So now, the stage is set for an all–south county decider — Clonmel Commercials versus Kilsheelan Kilcash. The contrast between these two sides could hardly be sharper. Commercials, chasing their 22nd county senior football crown, seek to step one ahead of Fethard — their last triumph dating back to 2023. Their rivals, Kilsheelan Kilcash, dream of a far rarer glory — a fifth title, and their first in over half a century. Not since 1972 have their colours been draped around the cherished silverware.

Curiously, this monumental clash is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. next Saturday afternoon — yes, Saturday — in FBD Semple Stadium. You read that correctly: Saturday afternoon, in Thurles. One can’t help but wonder why. Had this showdown been fixed for a venue in south Tipperary, the crowd would surely be twice what is expected for Saturday — not Sunday.

Why not Cashel? Or Cahir? Even Goatenbridge? Such places would hum with atmosphere, drawing in neutral supporters from football’s heartland in the south. Instead, it’s hard to imagine many making the trek to Semple Stadium, leaving vast space echoing and the mood hollow. It’s unfortunate, but so it is.

Eight All-Star Awards for Tipperary?

There will be keen anticipation surrounding the All-Star Awards and the coveted Players of the Year announcements, set to unfold next Friday evening. The All-Star nominations, selected by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents spanning print, radio, television, and digital media, were overseen by none other than Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns. Now in its 54th year — a proud tradition dating back to 1971 — the awards have long featured a strong Tipp presence, even through the county’s quieter spells on the hurling stage.

This year’s PwC All-Stars ceremony promises all the sparkle of a grand occasion — a gala black-tie event at Dublin’s RDS, broadcast live to the nation on RTÉ. Thirteen Premier County men find themselves among the nominees, along with double Tipperary representation in the Hurler of the Year category — John McGrath and Jake Morris — and young sensations Robert Doyle and Darragh McCarthy vying for Young Hurler of the Year. Their stellar seasons helped restore the Liam MacCarthy Cup to Tipp soil after a six-year absence, reigniting pride and passion across the county. So, make sure to tune in. How many will Tipperary take home? My guess — a mighty Eight.

Tipperary nominees are highlightedTipp

PwC All-Stars Hurling 2025, Goalkeepers

#	Player	County
1	Rhys ShellyTipp	Tipperary
2	Patrick Collins	Cork
3	Nickie Quaid	Limerick

PwC All-Stars Hurling 2025, Defenders

#	Player	County
1	Eoghan ConnollyTipp	Tipperary
2	Ronan MaherTipp	Tipperary
3	Robert DoyleTipp	Tipperary
4	Michael BreenTipp	Tipperary
5	Bryan O’MaraTipp	Tipperary
6	Craig MorganTipp	Tipperary
7	Seán O’Donoghue	Cork
8	Niall O’Leary	Cork
9	Mark Coleman	Cork
10	Ciaran Joyce	Cork
11	Michael Casey	Limerick
12	Kyle Hayes	Limerick
13	Dan Morrissey	Limerick
14	Michael Carey	Kilkenny
15	Huw Lawlor	Kilkenny
16	Conor Burke	Dublin
17	John Bellew	Dublin
18	Mark Fitzgerald	Waterford

PwC All-Stars Hurling 2025, Midfield

#	Player	County
1	Darragh Fitzgibbon	Cork
2	Tim O’Mahony	Cork
3	Cian Kenny	Kilkenny
4	Adam English	Limerick
5	Willie ConnorsTipp	Tipperary
6	Cathal Mannion	Galway