‘Church win leaves Drom on the brink

Upperchurch/Drombane 3-14

Drom & Inch 1-17

Report: Michael Dundon at Semple Stadium

Two goals in as many minutes midway through the third quarter sent Upperchurch-Drombane on their way to a crucial win over Drom & Inch in group 1 of the County Senior Hurling Championship on Saturday.

Before the championship got underway, Drom & Inch entertained thoughts of being involved in the knockout stages but after this, their second defeat, while it is mathematically possible for them to still qualify, also looming on their horizon is a relegation battle.

Upperchurch suffered a setback when losing to Eire Og Annacarty in the first round, but they are right back on track now, and boosted by this success will surely have a right go at Sarsfields in the third round as they seek a second victory to possibly reach the quarter finals.

Much was expected from this contest, but it was scrappy for much of the way. In the first quarter the sides traded points, Upperchurch reaching the water break 0-7 to 0-6 ahead. Paidi Greene’s goal for Upperchurch in the 21st minute after good work by Jack Butler, put them 1-8 to 0-6 clear and they reached half-time with a 1-9 to 0-9 advantage.

A very tight and determined Upperchurch defence had kept Drom dangermen Johnny Ryan, Seamus Callanan and David Collins in check while at the other end, Paul Shanahan and Jack Butler were causing the Drom rear-guard plenty of problems with their ball-winning ability.

The third quarter was decisive. The sides each pointed twice before, in the 39th minute, Paul Shanahan set up Paidi Greene for his second goal. Two minutes later, Keith Ryan’s delivery from defence was won by Shanahan who forced his way through for Upperchurch’s third goal and a lead of 3-10 to 0-11.

It was 3-11 to 0-14 at the second water break, still plenty of time for Drom to save the day if they were good enough. Johnny Ryan, who had taken over free-taking duties from Seamus Callanan, was their driving force now but the goal they needed eluded them, some heroic Upperchurch defending denying David Collins and Johnny Ryan green flags.

Paul Ryan’s 63rd minute point put Upperchurch six clear but in the 67th minute, David Collins netted a penalty for Drom & Inch, too late to be of any consequence.

One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon was for former county defender James Barry who came on in attack for Upperchurch and contributed a point to their tally. Paul Shanahan was their most influential player, but Paidi Greene’s two goals from play, not to mention his free-taking, underlined his quality. Matt Ryan, Jack Butler and Paul Ryan also had big games for them.

Drom & Inch were understandably disappointed at this their third successive championship defeat this year, having lost to Moycarkey in the Mid, but they fell well below their own high standards. Exceptions were Fintan Purcell, Podge Campion, Johnny Ryan, Emmett Moloney and Robbie Long.

Player of the Match: Paul Shanahan (Upperchurch-Drombane)

Upperchurch-Drombane: Ciaran Shortt (6); Ger Grant (6), Matt Ryan (7), Dean Carew (6); Keith Ryan (7), Gavin Ryan (6), Ailbe O’Donoghue (6); Niall Grant (6), Colm Ryan (6); Aaron Ryan (0-1, 6), Paidi Greene (2-8, 0-8f) 7), Paul Ryan (0-2, 7); Luke Shanahan (6), Jack Butler (0-2, 7), Paul Shanahan (1-0, 8).

Subs: James Barry (0-1, 6) for C Ryan (39); Michael Lavery (6) for N Grant (55); Loughlin Ryan (NR) for L Shanahan (59); Diarmuid Grant (NR) for A Ryan (60+4).

Drom & Inch: Eoin Collins (6); Lorcan Campion (6), Kevin Hassett (6), Emmett Moloney (6); Podge Campion (7), John Campion (0-1, 7), Fintan Purcell (0-1, 7); Robbie Long (0-1, 6), Jamie Moloney (6); Johnny Ryan (0-6, 4f) 7), David Butler (6), Stevie Nolan (6); Tony Cahill (0-1, 6), Seamus Callanan (0-6, 4f) 6), David Collins (1-1, 1-0 pen) 6).

Subs: Mikie Connors (6) for Nolan (HT); Maidhc Fitzpatrick (6) for Butler (51).

Referee: John Dooley (Thurles Gaels).