Upperchurch aim to make their mark on Munster
GAA: AIB Munster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final Preview
UPPERCHURCH/DROMBANE V BALLINHASSING
FBD Semple Stadium
Sunday, 16th November Throw-in @ 1.15pm (E.T.)
Referee: Seaghan Walsh (Waterford)
By Stephen Barry
At times, Upperchurch/Drombane and Ballinhassig have survived by the finest of margins.
Now, they are hoping to thrive on the opportunity of a Munster Intermediate campaign.
Rewind to the weekend of September 7th, long before thoughts of a provincial run had entered the equation. The final round of the hurling group stages were down for decision in Tipperary and Cork.
That Saturday, Church looked to have their bags packed when trailing Ballina by two points deep in stoppage time. However, Gavin Ryan’s 75-metre free dropped under the crossbar and lifted them from third place to first. Thereafter, the year opened up for them.
On the following afternoon, Ballinhassig were on the way out when trailing Kilworth by the minimum well into added time. The Blues snatched the final two points for a crazy swing in permutations. From a likely fourth-place finish and potential relegation play-off, they jumped up to first on the head-to-head rule and grabbed a semi-final bye on score difference. Like The Church, they made the most of their second chance.
Both ended as convincing county champions. The Paddy Phelan-inspired Church outlasted Gortnahoe/Glengoole in a nail-biting finish before upsetting the odds to conquer Carrick Swan in the final.
Ballinhassig held off Cloyne and overwhelmed Ballincollig to claim Cork Premier Intermediate honours.
Although they haven’t competed in Munster since 2012, the Leeside club retain plenty of institutional know-how.
They won the All-Ireland Junior title in 2003 and added the Munster Intermediate crown in 2005 before falling short in a second national final at Croke Park.
Remarkably, Fintan O’Leary played in that 2003 final as a 16-year-old and won his third Cork Premier Intermediate title last month at 39.
Upperchurch haven’t the same provincial pedigree, but their trump card could be the senior experience accumulated over recent decades.
It’s only three years since they were senior semi-finalists, and two since they were pipped in another Mid final by Thurles Sarsfields. All the while, they’ve become contenders at the highest level of Tipperary football, too.
Last year, the hurlers were undone by Cashel King Cormacs’ sensational six-goal blitz in an extra-time classic. They have taken measures to avoid any repeat of that landslide. In six games this autumn, they have conceded just four goals.
Keith and Gavin Ryan anchor a watertight defence, which has been boosted by the addition of All-Ireland minor winner Toby Corbett.
While they are built around seasoned campaigners, they have mixed in some rising stars, such as Corbett and Phelan, who has been their top scorer from play with 1-15.
The Shanahan brothers, Paul and Luke, are consistent performers alongside Paudie Greene, Conor Fahey, and Pat Ryan in attack.
Ballinhassig have exciting talents in their ranks. Centre-back Darragh O’Sullivan is a Cork senior panellist who will expect to see game time under Ben O’Connor. His younger brother, Adam, is also an U20 All-Ireland winner.
All-Star nominee Patrick Collins provides a strong puck-out platform. Up front, former Rebel sub-keeper Ger Collins has scored 4-38 in five games (1-9 from play). He put in a captain’s performance in the county final to take man-of-the-match honours.
Competition for places is strong, with some starring performances off the bench in the county final. The month off will further help them get key players back towards full fitness.
The Church’s celebrations didn’t drag on as they faced a quick turnaround for a narrow football semi-final defeat to Clonmel Commercials. That run-out should benefit them on Sunday.
Tipp clubs haven’t won Munster Intermediate silverware since Silvermines in 2012. Meanwhile, Cork clubs are going for three in a row, which makes Ballinhassig justifiable favourites. If the Church are to cause another upset, their cocktail of senior experience and home advantage will be vital.