Eire Og Annacarty's Senior Hurling Championship run came to an end at the hands of a star-studded Thurles Sarsfields in the County semi-final in Semple Stadium today. 

While the winning margin was more or less expected, ultimately it was the opening quarter that was the winning and losing of the game as Eire Og were outscored 0-12 to a single point from Donal O'Dwyer before Ronan O'Brien added a 2nd point. Sarsfields found scoring a little easier to come courtesy of scores from Ronan Maher (2), Aidan McCormack (4), Pa Bourke (3 frees), Denis and John Maher. 

Gradually Eire Og came to grips with the pace and movement of the County Champions and started to make better use of the ball by working the lines and create chances. Points from play courtesy of Tom Fox and a brace from Ronan O'Brien plus 4 excellent points from long range frees by goalie Daragh Mooney brought life back to the West Tipperary side minus suspended captain Conor O'Brien. No doubt a major loss as to keep pace with a team of Sarsfields' quality. While Eire Og were finishing the half stronger, Sarsfields finished the half with further points from Pa Bourke (2, 1 free), Michael Cahill, Conor Stakelum, Stephen Cahill, John Maher to leave the halftime score, 0-18 to 0-09 in favour of Thurles Sarsfields.

The second half began with a flurry of 4 points inside 4 minutes. 2 from Pa Bourke answered by scores from Ronan O'Brien and Brian Fox. Stephen Maher followed Michael Cahill's lead with a point sandwiched between scores from Seanie Ryan and another huge Daragh Mooney free. Now Eire Og were well able for the game as the backline gradually slowed the Sarsfields scoring rate inspired by the Foxes, Ronan O'Brien, and Eoin Bradshaw. However the game needed a goal from Eire Og to really liven up proceedings. In the 47th minute, one such opportunity came when Eire Og won a close-in free after Donal O'Dwyer was fouled. Daragh Mooney was summoned from the goal to attempt a much needed green flag. The Sarsfields backline led by Patrick McCormack had other ideas and the goal attempt came to nothing as it was saved and cleared. Seanie Ryan had pointed a brace of frees either side of another goal chance for Eire Og. Donal O'Dwyer's first time shot flew wide with 6 minutes remaining. Sub Conor Bradshaw and Ronan O'Brien closed out the Eire Og scoring with late consolation points to leave the full time score 0-27 to 0-18 in favour of Thurles Sarsfields at Michael Murphy's full time whistle.

Eire Og Annacarty would no doubt rue the dreadful first quarter and the absence of Conor O'Brien. Like the Mullinahone game, their never-say-die spirit kept them within touching distance of the reigning County Champions. Amongst their leading performers were Daragh Mooney, Eoin Bradshaw, Stephen O'Brien, the Foxes, Ronan O'Brien and Donal O'Dwyer.

Eire Og Annacarty: Daragh Mooney (0-5, frees), Diarmaid Ryan, Eoin Bradshaw, Dan Hogan, Stephen O'Brien, Paidi O'Dwyer, Kev Fox, Tom Fox (0-1), Mike O'Brien, Paul Downey, Donal O'Dwyer (0-1), Ronan O'Brien (0-6), Seanie Ryan (0-3, 2 frees), Dinny Crosse, Brian Fox (0-1). Subs: Pat Aherne for Mike O'Brien, Conor Bradshaw (0-1) for Dinny Crosse.