Murroe-Boher celebrate impressive Limerick intermediate hurling final victory over Bruree

MURROE-BOHER annexed their second-ever Limerick Intermediate Hurling title with a commanding performance in their 2-22 to 1-13 final victory against Bruree in challenging windy conditions at Fedamore on Saturday.

The victory was largely credited to Murroe-Boher's formidable inside line, where Michael Ryan (M), Seanie Tobin, and Mark Nicholas inflicted significant damage on a Bruree side that has now endured back-to-back final losses.

The foundation for Murroe-Boher’s success was laid in the first half, despite facing a strong breeze in Fedamore. They managed to lead by a single point at the changeover.

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Bruree, however, struggled with accuracy, registering an uncharacteristic 12 wides in the opening half. When Ryan slotted his first of two crucial goals, it seemed to seal Bruree’s fate.

Although Kieran O’Dea capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to bring Bruree within two points, the visitors only managed to add a single point afterward, as Murroe Boher dominated proceedings until the final whistle.

This triumph adds to Murroe Boher’s previous Intermediate title win in 1999 and serves as some consolation after the disappointment of their relegation from Senior ranks in 2020 and 2021, dropping down to this third tier.

While Bruree will no doubt reflect on missed opportunities, these regrets are overshadowed by recent bereavements experienced by several members of their panel in recent weeks.

At half-time, the sides were separated by just a single point. Sam Cronnolly, Michael Lane, and Conor Frawley all contributed scores for Bruree, while Seanie Tobin responded with three impressive points from play for Murroe Boher. Oisin Holmes also added a long-range point for Murroe Boher, who generally managed better ball control throughout the half.

David Hickey’s tireless work rate had an influence on the contest, with the sides level seven times before Michael Ryan’s two stoppage-time points nudged Murroe Boher into a 0-10 to 0-9 lead at the break. A pivotal moment came when goalkeeper Killian Quaid—son of former star Joe Quaid—made a stunning helmet save to deny Kieran O’Dea.

Murroe-Boher, who had beaten Knockainey in the 1999 final, are now striving to enjoy that historic success. Earlier on the same day, their U16 team secured the Division One title, defeating Na Piarsaigh, signalling a bright future for the club.

After leading by a point at the interval, they quickly opened some breathing room with three early points from Darren Collopy, Michael Ryan, and Tobin. Bruree struggled to string scores together, and Ryan’s goal on the 39th minute effectively put the game out of reach.

Bruree briefly fought back with a Sam Cronnolly free before O’Dea netted into an almost empty goal, profiting on a mistake that left goalkeeper Quaid out of position.

Yet Murroe Boher responded with an impressive run of 1-7 to 0-1 to close out the match. Mark Nicholas, Tobin, and substitute John O’Keeffe added points before Ryan sealed the win in stoppage time, sending supporters into celebrations.

James Butler, who was a player the last time Murroe Boher won this grade (then the second tier), now leads the new generation to glory.

SCORERS: Murroe-Boher: Seanie Tobin 0-10 (6f, 1 '65); Michael Ryan (M) 2-3; Michael Ryan (N) 0-3; Darren Collopy 0-2; Mark Nicholas 0-2; Oisin Holmes 0-1, John O'Keeffe 0-1. Bruree: Sam Cronnolly 0-8 (6f, 1 '65); Kieran O'Dea 1-2; Conor Frawley 0-1, Michael Lane 0-1; Paddy Lynch 0-1

MURROE-BOHER: Killian Quaid; Eoghan Burke, Cillian Byrnes, Euan Sheridan; Darragh Kennedy (C), Oisin Holmes, Finn Hourigan; Jack Nicholas, Dylan Sheehan; Michael Ryan (N), Darren Collopy, David Hickey; Michael Ryan (M), Seánie Tobin, Mark Nicholas. Subs: Aaron Kennedy for Sheridan (39); John O'Keeffe for Byrnes (48); P McNamara for Hickey (51); D Ryan for Burke (62); T Cusack for Ryan (M) (63).

BRUREE: Fionn O’Brien; Shane Feane, Kevin Hayden, W Sexton; Jimmy Leslie Madigan, Tommy Cronnolly, Conor Frawley; Patrick Deady, Sam Williams (C) ; Paddy Lynch, Kieran O’Dea, Darragh McDonagh; Michael Lane, Jimmy O’Dea, Sam Cronnolly. Subs: Brian Sexton for J Leslie Madigan (blood 12-15); Brian Sexton for McDonagh (ht); Gearoid McCarthy for Lane (43); Eamon Lyons for Madigan (47); Matthew Howard for Lynch (51); Kieran O'Rourke for W Sexton (55).

REFEREE: Johnny Murphy (Glenroe)