Kilruane progress to County decider

Kilruane MacDonaghs overcame a stiff Upperchurch/Drombane challenge to book their place in the County Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling final following an absorbing semi-final on Sunday.

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Under 19 ‘B’ Hurling Semi-Final

Kilruane MacDonaghs 2-14

Upperchurch/Drombane 0-16

Report: James Hayden at Kenyon Park, Templederry

The old adage that ‘goals win games’ certainly rang true with two second half majors propelling the North champions past their Mid counterparts.

Kilruane went into this clash fresh from a resounding North final victory over Newport while Upperchurch-Drombane had overcome Drom & Inch by just two points following a thrilling extra-time Mid decider just five days previous.

The quick turnaround for the Mid champions may have had a bearing on their performance with a disappointing tally of just six points from play as their forwards struggled to break down a resolute Kilruane defence while corner forward Richard Ryan arrowed over a total of ten points from placed balls.

Kilruane had a broader spread of scorers as they registered scores from seven different players with only two points attributed to placed balls. Player of the match Brian O’Meara knifed over five points from play while Michael Cleary, Michael Hennelly, Tommy O’Meara, Cillian Healy and captain Tom Austin all got in on the scoring action.

Playing against a slight breeze, the Mid champions were quick off the mark with early points from Richie Ryan (free) and Sean Griffin before a Michael Hennelly effort coupled with a long-range free from Kilruane captain, Tom Austin brought the sides level.

Kilruane were causing early problems for the ‘Church rearguard and were awarded an eighth minute penalty after captain Paddy Phelan was adjudged to have fouled Jack Mulcahy as Shane Cleary’s free out of defence dropped on the edge of the square. Brian O’Meara elected to take the penalty but his low goal-bound drive was well-saved by Padraig Griffin.

Rian Treacy and Tommy O’Meara exchanged points midway through the half before Brian O’Meara edged Kilruane into the lead before they were dealt a heavy blow though after nineteen minutes when influential centre-back Eamonn Coonan landed awkwardly after challenging for a high dropping ball and sustained a suspected broken arm.

Points from Toby Corbett and Sean Griffin restored a slender advantage for the ‘Church before a brace from the excellent Brian O’Meara saw the momentum swing back in favour of Kilruane once more.

Points from Richie Ryan (free) and Hughie Purcell restored Upperchurch’s advantage but Kilruane turned the screw as the half drew to a close with three points without reply ensuring they took a 0-9 to 0-7 lead to the dressing room.

Upperchurch emerged determined to regain parity once more and an early Richie Ryan free served to bring them to within a point before Tommy O’Meara set up the raiding Michael Cleary for Kilruane's first goal on 31 minutes.

Credit to the ‘Church they retorted with an impressive Rian Treacy point before a brace of Richard Ryan frees brought the Mid champions to within one once more. Michael Cleary and Richard Ryan then both exchanged points from placed balls before the crucial and most contentious score of the game saw Jack Mulcahy gather Michael Cleary’s pass and rattle the Upperchurch net. However, in the act of shooting Kilruane’s centre-forward appeared to foul the sliotar by throwing it up and catching it again before blasting the sliotar past Padraig Griffin.

Upperchurch’s immediate protests were to no avail though and the goal stood, putting four points between the sides with 44 minutes elapsed.

The dangerous Michael Cleary quickly added to Kilruane’s tally before Upperchurch forced their way back into contention once more with a trio of unanswered Richie Ryan frees, 2-11 to 0-15.

Kilruane were by now fighting a strong rearguard and hitting the ‘Church on the break, a tactic that yielded another Michael Cleary point before Brian O’Meara fired over a sublime 56th minute effort. Upperchurch raided once more though with Jim O’Dwyer bringing the best out of Tom Austin following a low drive.

With three points between the sides and the game now deep in time added on, Kilruane substitute Cormac Kennedy popped up for an excellent insurance point before they were forced to ensure one last scare after Tom Austin flicked Paddy Phelan’s goal-bound free away to safety. It wasn’t to be for the Upperchurch/Drombane and Kilruane MacDonaghs held out to win by four and deservedly march on to a forthcoming county decider.

Impressive for Kilruane were Tom Austin, Cathal England, Shane Cleary, Cian Moyles, Jack Mulcahy, Michael Cleary, and Brian O’Meara while Tony Corbett, Paddy Phelan, Richard Ryan, Sean Griffin, and Rian Treacy were to the fore for the Mid champions.

Player of the Match: Brian O’Meara (Upperchurch/Drombane).

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Tom Austin (Capt 0-1f, 7); Danny Cahalan (7), Cathal England (7), Cian Hayes (7); Paul Molloy (7), Eamonn Coonan (6), Shane Cleary (8); Cian Moyles (8), Tommy Burriss (7); Tommy O’Meara (0-1, 7), Jack Mulcahy (1-0, 7), Cillian Healy (0-1, 7); Michael Hennelly (0-1, 7), Brian O’Meara (0-5, 8), Michael Cleary (1-4, 0-1f, 8).

Subs: Cormac Kennedy (0-1, 7) for Coonan (19 inj); Charlie Kennedy (NR) for Burris (59).

Upperchurch/Drombane: Padraig Griffin (8), Conor Brett (7), Michael Quinlan (7), James Woodlock (7); Hughie Purcell (0-1, 7), Paddy Phelan (Capt, 7), Thomas Ryan (7); Sean Griffin (0-2, 8), Rian Treacy (0-1, 7); David Griffin (7), Toby Corbett (0-1, 7), Sean Shanahan (7); Philip O’Dwyer, (7), Jim O’Dwyer (7), Richard Ryan (0-10f, 7).

Referee: Mark Gennery (Portroe).