Flashpoints galore as ‘Mines fall to Boherlahan

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 2 Round 1

Boherlahan-Dualla 1-22

Silvermines 2-17

Report: Noel Dundon at Bishop Quinlan Park, Borrisoleigh

A highly competitive first round clash of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship on Saturday was marred by three major flare-up’s involving multiple players, mentors, and supporters, with only one of those flare-ups occurring on the field of play.

The clash of Boherlahan Dualla and Silvermines was a cracking tie, but the flash points ended up being the main talking points, with one taking place off the pitch on-route to the dressing room at half time, and the other taking place after the final whistle had sounded and victory had gone to Boherlahan.

The incidents resulted in neither side getting any credit for their involvement – an unfortunate occurrence considering the highly entertaining game they had served up – a game which went right the way to the wire and resulted in high tension at the very death.

Boherlahan-Dualla were the better side alright, but they encountered a very resolute and stubborn Silvermines side which refused to give in, and which could easily have stolen the win at the end – especially with the Mid men down to fourteen men following the dismissal of centre back Gerard O’Dwyer who picked up two yellow cards in four second half minutes.

Boherlahan had four points on the board inside eleven minutes through Dylan Fogarty, Brian Og Dwyer, Thossy Ryan and Pa Gahan – Jason Forde pointing twice for Silvermines in this period.

But a Forde goal in the 12th minute shot the ‘Mines in front and they would remain there until Boherlahan goaled four minutes before the breakthrough Pa Gahan.

In the intervening minutes Silvermines had scores from Forde (3), Brian Seymour and Cathal Treacy, while Boherlahan had points from Thossy Ryan (2), Seamus Leahy and Euan Ryan before Gahan’s goal which helped them to a 1-8 to 1-7 interval lead.

The first flashpoint took place before the break and resulted in the coming together of a number of players in front of the Boherlahan bench. It appeared to have been dealt with by referee Gerry Treacy but another incident on the stroke of half time which resulted in a young watercarrier suffering a facial injury, led to a skirmish off the field as the teams made their way to the dressing room. The incident lasted for several minutes as peace was restored, and it appeared that the incident had passed by the time the players resumed for the second half.

That half proved to be highly entertaining with Boherlahan assuming control by firing over seven of the opening nine points – Seamus Leahy, Charlie Ryan, Mark Downey and the highly impressive Thossy Ryan (4) helping them to a six-point lead – Pa Leamy and Jason Forde pointing for Silvermines.

The ‘Mines hit back – a sublime Forde sideline cut, followed by a free, and then an Andy Hayden score keeping them in touch. But, Boherlahan stepped clear again with James Kirby, Thossy Ryan (2) and Charlie Ryan points to give them a seven-point advantage with ten minutes to go.

Four points in quick success from Forde (3 frees) and Andy Hayden coincided with Gerard O’Dwyer’s dismissal and now Boherlahan had a real battle on their hands – Thossy Ryan helping their cause greatly with two further scores.

Silvermines came in search of goals and several efforts were beaten away including free attempts from Forde. But a long-range effort from Sean Nolan did find the net in the 60th minute to leave two in it – Pa Leamy pointing immediately to cut the deficit to one.

Fittingly, the insurance score for Boherlahan came from Thossy Ryan who had an outstanding second half hitting five points from play and four from frees.

But the drama was not over yet and as the players and mentors ‘greeted’ each other at the end of the game, the pleasantries kicked off again and once more lasted for several minutes with supporters involved also. It was highly unpleasant and unnecessary, and the incidents certainly marred what had been a very good game of hurling.

Silvermines certainly rued missed opportunities, but they will be pleased to have fought it out to the very end. And, despite leaving a number of chances behind them, they could still have stolen it in the dying moments. But it wasn’t to be and fourteen-man Boherlahan-Dualla just about prevailed – Thossy Ryan proving to be the difference between the sides in the final analysis.

Player of the Match: Thossy Ryan (Boherlahan-Dualla)

Boherlahan-Dualla: Darragh Lacey (7), John Ryan (6), Tomas Bourke (6), Brian Carrig (7), Dylan Fogarty (0-1, 6), Gerard O’Dwyer (7), Martin Paul O’Dwyer (6), Charlie Ryan (0-2, 7), Euan Ryan (0-1, 7), Brian Og Dwyer (0-1, 6), Cathal Darcy (6), Pa Gahan (1-1, 7), Thossy Ryan (0-12, 7f, 9), Seamus Leahy (0-2, 8), Mark Downey (0-1, 7).

Subs: James Kirby (0-1, 7) for Darcy (44); Ryne Bargary (6) for Fogarty (55).

Silvermines: Conor Murphy (7), Sean McGrath (7), Ronan Sherlock (8), Darragh Nolan (6), Luke O’Brien (7), Jason Forde (1-11, 0-7f, 8), Darragh McKelvey (7), Darragh Treacy (6), Oisin Murphy (6), Conor McKelvey (6), Brian Seymour (0-1, 7), Sean Nolan (1-0, 7), Pa Leamy (0-2, 6), Danny Quinn (7), Cathal Treacy (0-1, 7).

Subs: Andy Hayden (0-2, 8) for O Murphy (30); Paudie Fogarty (6) for Seymour (55).

Referee: Gerry Treacy (Borris-Ileigh)