Borris-Ileigh into relegation after miraculous Drom & Inch comeback in a classic

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Championship - Group 1 - Round 3

Drom-Inch 0-27

Borris-Ileigh 2-19

By Michael Dundon

Drom & Inch hit the last three points of this cliff-hanger in the FBD Insurance county senior hurling championship group 1, round 3 tie with neighbours Borris-Ileigh at Holycross on Saturday to give themselves a fighting chance of staving off being caught up in the relegation battle. 

With both sides needing a result this was one of the ties of the third round and while its intensity never reached fever pitch, it was a close and finely balanced encounter all the way, Drom’s second-half display tipping the scales in their favour to record their first win in three games.

Borris had an initial win over Toomevara but a loss to Kilruane left them vulnerable though in a better situation than their rivals. 

They started without Kevin Maher who was nursing a hamstring injury, but, breeze aided, had five points on the trot from the third to the eighth minute to go 0-6 to 0-3 clear after a free-flowing opening. In the 10th minute Paddy McCormack netted for them and two minutes later, wrong-footed his marker for a second Borris goal and a lead of 2-7 to 0-4.

Borris were undoubtedly in control and playing sweet hurling but a couple of wasted opportunities deprived them of an even bigger lead and the chance to put the game beyond Drom’s reach. 

In the long run, this was to prove costly, the full extent of which only became clear when the stats were analysed at the conclusion and Borris now find themselves fighting to retain their senior status.

Having lost both their opening games, Drom-Inch were in a precarious situation but with Seamus Callanan and Johnny Ryan leading by example, they hauled themselves back into the game to be just two goals adrift at half-time 0-10 to 2-10. 

Borris were in a decent position but Drom, having out-pointed their rivals seven to three in the closing minutes of the half, had momentum with them. Cormac Fitzpatrick shot two points to add to Seamus Callanan’s 4 in the first half.

That momentum continued into the third quarter with Callanan again to the fore scoring 5 points to close the gap to 0-18 to 2-15, Eddie Ryan notching all but one of Borris’ replies, James Devaney getting the other. 

Borris were very definitely on the back foot but in the 47th minute, Eoin Collins made a marvellous save from James Devaney to deny Borris a goal their flagging fortunes badly needed at that stage. Had they got it, it might have killed off the Drom surge.

Still, it wasn’t until the 52nd minute that Drom finally drew level, David Collins’ second point levelling the game at 0-22 to 2-16. 

Drom were poised for victory but Borris still were not wilting. Eddie Ryan’s free restored Borris’ lead. Podge Campion tied it again before Tom Delaney’s point had Borris ahead 2-18 to 0-23 in the 58th minute. Seamus Callanan levelled for Drom as the game ticked into injury time.

Every puck and possession was vital now as Kieran Maher nudged Borris ahead once more only for David Collins to secure parity for Drom again. 

Fittingly, it was Seamus Callanan who decided the game, his 62nd minute point followed by another from a 63rd minute free getting Drom over the line for their first win.

Tight as it was, Drom deserved the shade the win, on the strength of their second-half showing. Nine of their team got on the score sheet with Seamus Callanan, despite strapping on his leg, showing inspirational leadership. 

Veteran Johnn Ryan also did well on his recall while the power of Podge Campion, and Fintan Purcell in the halfback line was an immense factor in this win. David Collins came into his own in the second half – Drom’s senior stars rising to the challenge when they were most needed. Eoin Collins’ second-half save was also crucial to keeping them clear of relegation.

Borris will be disappointed with the outcome which leaves them in a precarious situation, caught up in the relegation battle. 

They will be particularly disappointed at their third-quarter performance which was when Drom reeled them in and while they fought hard in the final quarter they didn’t do enough to save their championship challenge.

Like Drom, their key men did their bit with Brendan Maher, Dan McCormack, Eddie Ryan and Conor Kenny, early on, showing the way. 

Paddy McCormack showed a real poacher’s instinct for his two goals with Tom Delaney, James Devaney and Seamus Burke having moments. Most pundits would say Borris are too good to go down but as others have found, there are no guarantees.

Drom & Inch: Eoin Collins; Lorcan Campion, Jamie Moloney, Stevie Nolan; Podge Campion (0-1), Fintan Purcell, Kevin Hassett; John Campion (0-1), Cormac Cahill (0-1); Johnny Ryan (0-3),Seamie Callanan (0-13, 0-8f), David Collins (0-3); Cormac Fitzpatrick (0-2), Maidhc Fitzpatrick (0-1), Tommy Nolan (0-2).

Subs used:  Michael Campion for Hassett (35); David Butler for Ryan (54).

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack; Colm Boyle, Liam Ryan, John McGrath; Ray McCormack, Brendan Maher, Seamus Bourke; Tommy Ryan (0-1), Dan McCormack; Tom Delaney (0-2), Eddie Ryan (0-11, 0-9f), Kieran Maher (0-1); James Devaney (0-2), Paddy McCormack (2-0), Conor Kenny (0-2).

Subs used: Shane McCormack for Kenny (51).

Referee: Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams)