Nenagh CBS secured a dramatic 1‑18 to 0‑20 victory over defending champions Thurles CBS in the Dr Harty Cup semi‑final at Fr. Kenyon Park, clinching a place in the 2024 final. A late free by 18‑year‑old forward Eoghan Doughan broke a deadlock in injury time, giving the Nenagh side the one‑point edge they needed.
Match Summary: Key Moments and Scoreline
First Half: Early Pressure from Thurles
Thurles CBS opened the scoring strongly, leading 0‑11 to 0‑9 at the midway break. Their disciplined defence limited Nenagh’s chances, but the Nenagh midfield kept the game within reach.
Second Half: Nenagh’s Comeback
Mid‑fielder Padraig O’Mahony and forward Conor McGrath sparked a run of points that cut Thurles’s lead to a single point with five minutes remaining. Veteran centre‑back Sean O’Brien anchored the defence, preventing further damage.
Injury‑Time Free Seals Victory
With scores level at 0‑20 to 1‑18, a fifth‑minute injury‑time addition was granted. Eoghan Doughan stepped up, struck a clean free from just outside the 21‑yard line, and sent the ball over the bar, giving Nenagh a decisive 1‑18 to 0‑20 win.
What the Win Means for the Harty Cup Final
Nenagh CBS now joins the roll of honour and will face St Flannan’s College in the final. The clash pits Nenagh’s pragmatic, resilient style against St Flannan’s fluid, attack‑oriented approach, promising a compelling tactical battle.
Future Outlook: Final Preview
- Venue: Semple Stadium, early March 2024.
- Key Players: Eoghan Doughan (Nenagh) and the attacking unit of St Flannan’s.
- Storyline: Both teams have demonstrated the ability to overturn deficits, suggesting another nail‑biting contest.
- Implication: A Nenagh victory would secure back‑to‑back titles, while a St Flannan’s win would reinforce their status as Munster’s premier hurling academy.
