Local derby ends in Upperchurch Drombane qualifying for league final

FBD Insurance County Hurling League Semi-Final - Division 1

Upperchurch Drombane 3-19

Borris-Ileigh 3-18

By Michael Dundon

Upperchurch Drombane fought like tigers to fend off a late Borris-Ileigh resurgence in the semi-final of Division 1 of the county senior hurling league at Borris-Ileigh on Sunday, claiming their place in the final against Drom & Inch by the slimmest of margins.

The absence of key players on both sides diminishes the relevance of this result and both managers (Liam Dunphy, Upperchurch and John Connors, Borris-Ileigh) were pleased with their charge's performances despite absentees like Brendan Maher, Dan McCormack, Paddy McCormack, and Seamus Bourke for Borris with Keith Ryan, Paul Shanahan, Paul Ryan and Ger Grant not in the Upperchurch starting line-up. Conor Kenny (Borris) and Paidi Greene (Upperchurch) did not start either because of injuries but both got into the action in the second half.

In what was a free-flowing and highly entertaining tussle scores came rapidly. The Church were 0-4 to 0-1 up after 9 minutes but Borris levelled at 0-5 each by the end of the first quarter. Sean Ryan’s goal for Upperchurch in the 21st minute was countered a minute later by Shane Kenny’s green flag for Borris.

In the 27th minute, Colm Ryan had an Upperchurch goal after two efforts were beaten out but in the 30th minute, Eddie Ryan careered through the Upperchurch defence for a smashing goal for Borris to put them 2-9 to 2-8 ahead.

Before the half-time whistle though, the hugely impressive Aaron Ryan and Gavin Ryan pointed to give The Church a half-time advantage of 2-10 to 2-9 but with the final spot very much up for grabs.

The second half was every bit as exciting. James Devaney had a Borris goal after three minutes and that helped them stay in front to the three-quarter stage (3-14 to 2-13). Paidi Greene had come on for Upperchurch and marked his arrival with a brace of points followed in the 47th minute by Sean Ryan’s second goal to put his side ahead 3-15 to 3-14.

By the 58th minute Uppperchurch were 3-19 to 3-16 and likely winners clear but in a hectic finish Kevin Maher pointed a free for Borris and in injury time had another free from distance scrambled off the line.

Upperchurch then lost A J Shanahan to a red card, Kevin Maher pointing the resulting free to leave a point in it but time ran out on them and Upperchurch were through to the final.

It was a gripping contest that had a handy crowd enthralled all the way. Borris will rue some wasted chances, which, in so tight a game proved detrimental to their cause.

Upperchurch too had their lapses and both will no doubt be addressing that situation in the build-up to their respective divisional championships in a few weeks.

In Aaron Ryan Upperchurch had the man of the match, his five points from midfield a huge contribution. Luke Shanahan, named at the heart of the defence instead of in attack, had a fine game too, his reading of the play relieving some sticky situations for his team.

AJ Shanahan, Pat Ryan, Sean Ryan, and Gavin Ryan, whose long-range point shooting contributed six points to the cause, were others to shine for the winners.

Borris will take many positives from the game and will be justifiably confident that at full strength they will again figure in the championship shortlist of potential winners.

Colm Boyle and Ray McCormack stood tall in defence with Tommy Ryan doing a lot of work in the midfield area. Eddie Ryan was their main source of scores with Kevin Maher also to the fore from placed balls.

Upperchurch Drombane: Ciaran Shortt; Michael Lavery, Gavin Ryan (0-6, 0-5f), AJ Shanahan; Ailbe O’Donoghue, Luke Shanahan, Niall Grant; Aaron Ryan (0-5), Dean Carew; Paddy Whelan (0-1), Colm Ryan (1-1), Diarmuid Ryan; Mikey Griffin, Pat Ryan (0-3), Sean Ryan (2-0).

Subs used: Paidi Greene(0-3f) for A Ryan (40); Conor Fahey for Sean Ryan (54); Oisin Treacy for Pat Ryan (64).

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack; Colm Boyle (0-1), Sean McCormack, John McGrath; Kieran Maher (0-1), Liam Ryan, Ray McCormack; Mikey Kennedy (0-1), Tommy Ryan (0-1); Shane McCormack (0-2), Eddie Ryan (1-5, 0-2f), Eoin Boyle (0-1); James Devaney (1-0), Shane Kenny (1-0), Kevin Maher (0-6, 0-5f).

Subs used: Conor Kenny for S McCormack (HT); Seamus Burke for McGrath (38); Harry Groome for L Ryan (58).

Referee: Philip Kelly (Ballinahinch)