Upperchurch ease past Killenaule in disappointing clash

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Quarter Final

Upperchurch/Drombane 0-20

Killenaule 1-12

Report: Michael Dundon at St Michael’s Park, Holycross

Billed as the top tie of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship quarter finals the clash of potential champions on Sunday did not meet expectations as Upperchurch/Drombane were far more comfortable winners over Killenaule than the five point margin suggests.

Both sides entertained serious ambitions of a return to the top-flight following demotion in recent years but in a contest that was always competitive, if a trifle moderate in standard, the Mid lads looked to have greater senior potential and having cleared this difficult hurdle will look forward with confidence to the semi-finals.

Essentially, the difference between the sides was that Upperchurch/Drombane were far more efficient in front of goal than their rivals who spurned chances from play and frees and ultimately paid the price. Killenaule had eight first half wides to Upperchurch’s three, and while they improved afterwards, there were still too many lapses for success at this level.

Killenaule initially set the pace and were 0-5 to 0-3 ahead after a moderate first quarter, Luke Shanahan frees accounting for Upperchurch’s tally. Ciaran O’Dwyer pointed two frees for Killenaule with Luke Ryan, Dara Fitzgerald and Killian O’Dwyer also on target. At 27 minutes they were tied 0-7 each but Upperchurch finished the half well with scores from Conor Fahey, Paudie Greene and Pat Ryan, all from play, for an interval lead of 0-10 to 0-7.

Anybody’s game facing into the second half but by the end of the third quarter Upperchurch had gone 0-17 to 0-9 clear and were on course for the semi-finals. Killenaule’s Mark Stakelum had a goal chance saved but four points without reply for Upperchurch from Pat Ryan (2), Paddy Phelan and Luke Shanahan helped open the gap to eight points with Killenaule very much on the back foot.

In a desperate bid to redress the situation Killenaule brought former county man John O’Dwyer out of goal into the attack with five minutes remaining. He did point a free but had the switch been made earlier, there might have been more time and opportunity for a serious rally.

Killenaule did eventually get the goal they needed so badly earlier, but Mark Stakelum’s effort in the 63rd minute came too late to make a difference, the South side’s fate truly decided by then.

Taking such a significant scalp should do wonders for Upperchurch/Drombane morale as they face into the crunch end of the campaign and a semi-final with Mid rivals Gortnahoe/Glengoole.

The result here was more important than the performance and while there are areas in need of attention, Upperchurch appear to be coming into form at the right time.

Football matters will take precedence this weekend and the demands of campaigning on both fronts are considerable but, with a clean bill of health, they are a force to be reckoned with in the hurling championship.

Pat Ryan and Paddy Phelan had fine outings in attack where Luke Shanahan’s accuracy off placed balls was important. Further back, Dean Carew was most impressive in defence with Gavin Ryan and Keith Ryan also prominent.

Another year in the lower grade is disappointing for Killenaule but they can have no complaint. They had their chances, didn’t take them, and duly paid the penalty.

The difference a fully fit John O’Dwyer would have made is a matter for speculation but they could certainly have done with him in attack, if only for free taking. Killian O’Dwyer, Dean O’Connor, Tom and Mark Stakelum, Tommy Keaveney and Joe O’Dwyer did their utmost to further their cause.

Player of the Match: Dean Carew (Upperchurch/Drombane)

Upperchurch/Drombane: Ciaran Shortt (6); Mikey Lavery (6), Keith Ryan (0-1, 7), Dean Carew (8); Niall Grant (6), Gavin Ryan (7), Toby Corbett (0-1, 6); Diarmuid Grant (6), Aaron Ryan (6); Conor Fahey (0-1, 6), Paudie Greene (0-2, 1f, 6), Paul Shanahan (6); Luke Shanahan (0-7f, 7), Paddy Phelan (0-3, 7), Pat Ryan (0-3, 7).

Subs: Ger Grant (0-1, 7) for N Grant (54); Mikey Griffin (6) for D Grant (58); Colm Ryan (0-1, 7) for Phelan (59); Jim O’Dwyer (NR) for Fahey (60).

Killenaule: John O’Dwyer (0-1f, 6); Shane Ryan (6), Killian O’Dwyer (0-1, 7), Jack Hassett (6); Tommy Keaveney (7), Tom Stakelum (0-1, 7), Podge O’Dwyer (0-1, 6); Ciaran O’Dwyer (0-2f, 6), Dean O’Connor (7); Dara Fitzgerald (0-1, 6), Michael Doyle (6), Luke Ryan (0-4, 3f, 6); Joe O’Dwyer (6), Mark Stakelum (1-1, 7), Paudie Feehan (6).

Subs: Gus Browne (6) for Doyle (HT); Eoin Shaw (6) for L Ryan (44); Eoin O’Connell (6) for Fitzgerald (53).

Referee: Peter Carroll (Burgess).