Wolfe Tones qualify for Munster final

Wolfe Tones 1-12 Bruree, Limerick 0-11

Wolfe Tones from Shannon will play Newcestown from Cork in the final of the Munster intermediate club hurling championship in two weeks time.

At Kilmallock earlier today (Sunday), the Clare champions proved too strong for their Limerick counterparts, Bruree and emerged with a four point victory, 1-12 to 0-11.

The game’s only goal came nine minutes into the second half and it proved to be a crucial score, Rory Hayes getting the final touch after the experienced Brian O’Connell had created the opportunity.

After playing with the aid of the wind, the Shannon club led by five points, 0-9 to 0-4, at half time. Bruree had the first two points of the second half but then the visitors struck for an Aron Shanagher point followed by goal from Hayes.

Bruree piled on the pressure and outscored their opponents, 0-5 to 0-1 in the next twenty minutes to trail by a goal with the full time whistle approaching. Wolfe Tones, however, had the final say and another Shanagher effort sealed a merited victory and a place in the Provincial decider.

The winners lost the experienced Declan O’Rourke early in the game with a suspected broken thumb and he is now a doubtful starter for the final.

Dermot O’Rourke, Brian and Daithi O’Connell, Barry Loughnane, and Aron Shanagher were prominent throughout for the winners hi their latest victory

By Seamus Hayes