All-Ireland Intermediate champions Thomastown marked their return to the top grade in style, securing an impressive victory over James Stephens with a final score of 1-23 to 20 points in Bennetsbridge.
Stephen Donnelly’s crucial goal midway through the first half set the tone for the match, giving Thomastown a solid lead. James Stephens faced additional challenges, finishing the game with 13 men after Niall Delaney and Niall Brassill were both sent off.
Thomastown manager Noel Doherty expressed his delight at the team’s successful return to senior hurling. “We’re obviously delighted we’re up. I think it’s 35 years since Thomastown played senior. Genuinely didn’t really know what to expect. It was a question mark over the players there, but to be fair, they answered it. For sure, we won’t get carried away.”
“There’s a massive task facing us now, next week against near neighbors playing the bridge. So that’s going to be a great, it’s going to be a tough match,” Doherty said.
Looking forward, Thomastown faces a challenging match next week against their near neighbors, Bennettsbridge. While James Stephens can look forward to a clash with city rivals Dicksboro.