Holycross’ scoring power trumps the ‘Church
GAA: FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship Group 3
Holycross/Ballycahill 2-16
Upperchurch/Drombane 1-13
Report: Noel Dundon in Littleton
Ten scorers on the day were more than enough for Holycross/Ballycahill to see off neighbours and a fancied Upperchurch/Drombane in the first round of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh from losing the Mid final a week previously at the same venue, the Upperchurch/Drombane lads were fancied to prevail, but they never reached the level of intensity they required, and their rivals were full value for their success which was fashioned from a lovely blend of steely experience and fresh-faced enthusiasm throughout the side.
That experience was tested to the full when, having held an early lead through Aidan Stakelum and Ewan Bourke points, Upperchurch/Drombane fired back with a Padraig Green point followed by a Luke Shanahan goal in the ninth minute which came after Holycross/Ballycahill failed to clear their lines.
The goal was between them right up to the 31st minute of the half by which stage Holycross had shot five out of seven scores to level the game – the impressive Ben Hennessy (2) and Darragh Woods (3 frees) hitting the target, while Padraig Greene (2) and Gavin Ryan were on target for the ‘Church.
Then, a brilliant Joe Caesar goal for Holycross, after Woods, minus his hurley, set him up saw them take a 1-7 to 1-5 lead to the dressing room – Padraig Greene shooting the last score of the half.
It was an advantage which Holycross deserved, but Upperchurch had missed guilt-edge chances in that half and even though both had seven wides apiece, the Church’s erraticism was more noteworthy. Within three minutes of the restart, it was all square again – Paddy Ryan and Padraig Greene pointing for them, before Aidan Stakelum restored the Holycross advantage. A brilliant save from Ewan Bourke off a Paddy Phelan drive proved crucial but he could do nothing about two Luke Shanahan points which again tied up the match – Jim Ryan scoring a fine point for Holycross in between Shanahan’s contributions.
Four-in-a-row then for Holycross put daylight between them – Ben Hennessy, Eoin Craddock, Joe Caesar, and Cathal Barrett all finding their range and though Gavin Ryan and Michael Doyle traded points, as did Padraig Greene and Barrett again, the pendulum had swung in the direction of the green and white jersey clad side.
That advantage was trumped then when captain Luke O’Mara scored a fine goal from a tight angle in the 48th minute after Barrett set him up and it proved to be the game-sealing score.
They could have had another in the 55th minute when sub Tadhg Gould raced down on goal, but his effort went inches wide to keep the ‘Church relatively in touch. However, the black and amber side were a beaten docket and from ten to fifteen minutes out from the final whistle, they never looked as though they could get back at the eventual winners who showed great energy, appetite, and hunger for the points.
A fine victory then for Holycross/Ballycahill for whom Conor Ryan, Jimmy Ryan, Ben Hennessy, Joe Caesar, Cathal Barrett, Aidan Stakelum, Michael Doyle, and Bryan O’Mara were in top form while Eoin Craddock and Michael Doyle worked so hard right the way through.
For Upperchurch/Drombane, Gavin Ryan, Luke Shanahan, Aaron Ryan, Colm Ryan, and Padraig Greene were best on a day they will need to improve greatly from if they are to make any impact in the championship.
Player of the Match: Ben Hennessy (Holycross/Ballycahill)
Holycross/Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke (0-1, 7), Gavin Dunne (7), Conor Ryan (6), Jimmy Ryan (8), Michael Doyle (0-1, 7), Bryan O’Mara (7), Jim Ryan (7), Eoin Craddock (0-1, 6), Shane Ryan (6), Ben Hennessy (0-3, 8), Cathal Barrett (0-2, 6), Luke O’Mara (1-0, 6), Darragh Woods (0-4f, 6), Joe Caesar (1-1, 6), Aidan Stakelum (0-2, 7).
Subs: Jack Lahart (6) for S Ryan (43); Tadhg Gould (6) for L O’Mara (49); Jack Dwan (6) for Hennessy (59).
Upperchurch/Drombane: Ciaran Shortt (6); Dean Carey (6), Ger Grant (5), AJ Shanahan (5), Keith Ryan (5), Gavin Ryan (0-2f, 6), Ailbe O’Donoghue (6), Aaron Ryan (6), Paddy Phelan (0-1, 6), Jack Butler (5), Colm Ryan (5), Mikey Griffin (5), Luke Shanahan (1-2, 7), Paul Shanahan (7), Padraig Greene (0-8, 7f, 7).
Subs: Pat Ryan (6) for Phelan (41); Niall Grant (6) for Griffin (41).
Referee: Joe Leahy (Moyne-Templetuohy).