Church set up Drom League decider

GAA: FBD Insurance County Hurling League Division 1 Semi-Final

Upperchurch/Drombane 3-19

Borris-Ileigh 3-18

Report: Michael Dundon in Borrisoleigh

Relegated last year to Premier Intermediate grade at championship level, Upperchurch/Drombane set down a marker for other promotion hopefuls with this narrow one-point win over Borris-Ileigh in the semi-final of Division 1 of the County Hurling League on Sunday.

Of course, it is early days to be making championship predictions, and both sides were missing key players, but the indications here were that Upperchurch/Drombane are primed for a speedy return to the top flight and that with the return of Keith Ryan, Paul Shanahan and Paul Ryan, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the lower grade. Paudie Greene did not start because of injury but came on to good effect in the second half.

Borris too were missing key men with Brendan Maher, Dan McCormack, and Paddy McCormack all unavailable while Seamus Burke came on as a second half sub. They will not be unduly perturbed by this defeat and will take a lot of positives from an engaging encounter that that was well within their grasp but for some wayward shooting in both halves.

Upperchurch’s relegation last year after an exceptional year in 2022 was a shock and they certainly looked a top flight team as they raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after just nine minutes. Fullback Gavin Ryan landed three of those points, two from frees.

Borris settled to score the next four points and be in front 0-5 to 0-4 at the end of a lively first quarter. They were helped by a smart James McCormack save from Sean Ryan when a goal looked likely in the twelfth minute.

The first goal came in the 21st minute when Sean Ryan netted for Upperchurch but from the puck-out Borris pressed forward and Shane Kenny had a green flag for them.

It was 1-8 apiece after 27 minutes when Colm Ryan got Upperchurch’s second goal in a siege which saw two other likely goal efforts beaten out but on the stroke of half-time Eddie Ryan raced through for a great Borris goal to put them ahead.

There was still time for more action and Aaron Ryan, who was having a stormer for Upperchurch, and Gavin Ryan registered points for them for an interval lead of 2-10 to 2-9.

The battle royale continued in the second half with James Devaney netting for Borris after 33 minutes. They kept their noses in front for a four points lead 3-14 to 2-13 up to the three quarter stage but then a brace of Paidi Greene points and a goal from Sean Ryan off a Paddy Whelan run had ‘The Church in the lead 3-15 to 3-14 with ten minutes to play.

It was nip and tuck all the way, but Upperchurch were 3-19 to 3-16 ahead as the hour mark approached. Borris were not done yet. Kevin Maher pointed a free and saw another free scrambled off the line by the Upperchurch defence in the 63rd minute.

‘The Church then had AJ Shanahan red-carded but Kevin Maher’s free from distance sailed over the bar, the puck-out signalling the final whistle.

The win sets Upperchurch/Drombane up for a joust with neighbours Drom & Inch in the final and what a clash that should be, particularly if both teams are at full strength.

Aaron Ryan was the star turn for Upperchurch with five points from play from midfield, but goalie Kieran Shortt, Gavin Ryan, Luke Shanahan, operating comfortably in the number six jersey, Pat Ryan and Sean Ryan were other to make a big contribution to the win.

Borris-Ileigh will be knuckling down to preparations for the North championship and manager John Connors of Thurles Sarsfields, will be happy enough with what he saw in this clash. A bit of fine-tuning in attack in particular, and Borris will be ready for the best. Colm Boyle, Ray McCormack, Tommy Ryan, Eddie Ryan, Kevin Maher, and Shane McCormack out in a good shift as their bid for a final spot came up just short.

Player of the Match: Aaron Ryan (Upperchurch/Drombane)

Upperchurch/Drombane: Kieran Shortt (7); Michael Lavery (6), Gavin Ryan (0-6, 5f) 7), AJ Shanahan (6); Ailbe O’Donoghue (6), Luke Shanahan (7), Niall Grant (6); Aaron Ryan (0-5, 9), Dean Carew (6); Paddy Whelan (0-1, 6), Colm Ryan (1-1, 6), Diarmuid Ryan (6); Mikey Griffin (6), Pat Ryan (0-3, 7), Sean Ryan (2-0, 7).

Subs: Paudie Greene (0-3f, 6) for A Ryan (40); Conor Fahey (6) for S Ryan (54); Oisin Treacy (NR) for P Ryan (60+4).

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack (6); Colm Boyle (0-1, 7), Sean McCormack (6), John McGrath (6); Kieran Maher (0-1, 6), Liam Ryan (6), Ray McCormack (7); Mikey Kennedy (0-1, 6), Tommy Ryan (0-1, 6); Shane McCormack (0-2, 6), Eddie Ryan (1-5, 0-2f, 7), Eoin Boyle (0-1, 6); James Devaney (1-0, 6), Shane Kenny (1-0, 6), Kevin Maher (0-6, 5f, 6).

Subs: Conor Kenny (6) for S McCormack (HT); Seamus Burke (6) for McGrath (38); Harry Groome (NR) for L Ryan (58).

Referee: Philip Kelly (Ballinahinch).