Upperchurch grind out important win over Killenaule on round two

FBD Insurance Senior Football Championship - Group 3 - Round 2

Upperchurch Drombane 1-6

Killenaule 0-4

Beaten county finalists last year, Upperchurch Drombane secured their place in this year’s FBD Insurance County Senior Football Championship with a five points win over Killenaule after an elements-marred contest at The Ragg on Friday evening.

Having already beaten Cahir in the first round this win sees Upperchurch Drombane through to the business end of the championship with a game to spare, that against Arravale Rovers, and all the indications are that The Church are building up momentum to seriously challenge for their first title in the competition.

It was not an evening for the faint-hearted. A continuous downpour led to pools of water on the pitch and hazardous underfoot conditions. Top that with some thunder and lightning and you had to admire the resilience and commitment of the players who braved such atrocious elements to serve up a most entertaining encounter.

And despite the scarcity of scores, and the many ball-handling errors, it was an entertaining contest with Upperchurch-Drombane deservedly taking the points from a Killenaule combination who may well come through as number two in the group if they overcome Cahir in the third round.

There was nothing between the sides early on as both enjoyed extended periods of possession with scores at a premium. Luke Shanahan pointed a free to get Upperchurh going after six minutes but Joe O'Dwyer, also from a free, levelled for Killenaule 8 minutes later, followed immediately by a Michael Doyle point for the south boys.

The big moment of the game came after 22 minutes. Jimmy Feehan had taken the ball off the Killenaule goal line with a goal looking inevitable off a Keith Ryan delivery, but at the expense of a 45. Paul Shanahan’s effort for a point fell short and in the ensuing goalmouth melee, Keith Ryan appeared to be the one to get the vital touch for an Upperchurch goal.

Killenaule did not wilt under the setback and Eoin O'Connell pointed for them to leave them trailing 0-3 to 1-2 at half-time but with the game still very much up for grabs.

Niall Grant’s early point got Upperchurch off on the right foot on resuming but Michael Doyle soon countered for Killenaule. Gradually Upperchurch got the upper hand, points from Paul Shanahan and Aaron Ryan giving them a 1-5 to 0-4 advantage at the three quarter stage.
Killenaule needed a goal but a Tom Stakelum fist to a high delivery hit the woodwork. A goal then and it is anybody’s guess how things might have gone but it was Upperchurch who finished the stronger as Paul Shanahan pointed after 51 minutes.

The loss of Keith Ryan to a black card after 55 minutes, did not curtail their momentum and four minutes from the end Luke Shanahan saw a worthy effort skid across the face of the Killenaule goal but on the wrong side of the post.

Upperchurch have every reason to be pleased with this win and their guaranteed quarter-final spot but they will also take satisfaction from the performance in dreadful conditions. They have matured greatly over the last two years and are capable of holding their own with any opposition in the county. Well-served in all departments Paul Shanahan was the key man in attack, orchestrating much of what went on there, and notching three points for good measure.

He was not short of help with Keith Ryan, Dean Carew, Colm Ryan, and Gavin Ryan, in particular catching the eye. A late injury to Ailbe O’Donoghue will be a concern given the busy programme of games between hurling and football.

Killenaule must win their remaining game against Cahir to go through to the knock-out stages. On this form they are well capable of doing so, and should figure in the shake-up, even without the injured John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer. Their key men, the Feehans, Paddy Codd, and Michael Doyle all did their bit as did Tom Stakelum, Jack Hassett and Killian O’Dwyer.

Upperchurch Drombane: James Griffin; Keith Ryan (1-0), Dean Crew, Colm Ryan; Gavin Ryan, Michael Lavery, Ailbe O’Donoghue; Jack Butler, Ger Grant; Pat Ryan, Aaron Ryan (0-1), Loughlin Ryan; Niall Grant (0-1), Paul Shanahan (0-3, 0-1f), Luke Shanahan (0-1f).

Subs used: Conor Fahey for L Ryan (48), Paddy Phelan for N Grant (48); Diarmuid Grant for Ailbe O’Donoghue (56).

Killenaule: Michael Fitzgerald; Dean O’Connor, Jimmy Feehan, Jack Hassett; Killian O’Dwyer, Paddy Codd, Ciaran O’Dwyer; Mark Stakelum, Tom Stakelum; Thomas Keaveney, Paudi Feehan, Joe O’Dwyer (0-1f); Eoin Shaw, Michael Doyle (0-2, 0-1f), Eoin O’Connell (0-1).

Subs used: Finn Nolan for Codd (40); Luke Ryan for O’Connell (48); Nathan Barrett for J O’Dwyer (50); Daniel Guinan for M Stakelum (51).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan)