Upperchurch Drombane experience proves crucial in quarter-final victory over Killenaule

FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship quarter-final

Upperchurch Drombane 0-20

Killenaule 1-12

By Michael Dundon

Upperchurch Drombane produced their best display of the season so far to secure a semi-final place and move a step closer to regaining senior status, seeing off Killenaule in the FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship quarter-final with far more ease than expected in Holycross on Sunday.

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This clash of two sides recently relegated from the senior ranks promised more than it ultimately delivered, as Upperchurch led from the start and never looked like relinquishing its grip. Killenaule struck for a late goal in injury time, but by then the Mid outfit had the contest sewn up.

While both clubs would consider themselves senior standard, it was Upperchurch who carried that mantle on the day, delivering a performance full of efficiency, accuracy, and composure. Killenaule, by contrast, were left to rue a host of wasted chances, particularly in the first half when they hit eight wides that proved costly.

The South men started brightly, leading 0-5 to 0-3 after the opening quarter, but by the 25th minute the sides were level at 0-7 apiece. Upperchurch then finished the half strongly, with points from Conor Fahey, Pat Ryan and Paudie Greene sending them in at the break three clear, 0-10 to 0-7. Luke Shanahan was reliable from frees, while Ciaran O’Dwyer did likewise for Killenaule.

Any suggestion of a tight second half was quickly dispelled. Upperchurch asserted authority on the restart and by the three-quarter mark they had surged 0-17 to 0-10 ahead. Shanahan added three more points, Pat Ryan and Paddy Phelan chipped in with two apiece, and Killenaule’s shooting woes continued. John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer was moved outfield in a late effort to inspire his side, but to little effect.

Mark Stakelum eventually found the net in the 63rd minute to reduce the deficit, but it was far too late to change the outcome. Upperchurch Drombane had already done the damage, and with leaders like Shanahan, Phelan, Ryan, and the defensive strength of Dean Carew, Keith Ryan, and Gavin Ryan, they were always in control.

For Killenaule, another season in the intermediate ranks awaits. Despite honest effort from the likes of Stakelum, Killian O’Dwyer, and Dean O’Connor, their inefficiency up front ultimately cost them.

Scorers: Upperchurch Drombane: Luke Shanahan 0-7f, Pat Ryan, Paddy Phelan 0-3 each, Paudie Greene (0-2, 0-1f), Toby Corbett, Keith Ryan, Conor Fahey, Colm Ryan, Gavin Grant all 0-1 each.

Killenaule: Mark Stakelum 1-1, Luke Ryan (0-4, 0-3f), Ciaran O’Dwyer 0-2f, Killian O’Dwyer, Dara Fitzgerald, Tom Stakelum, Podge O’Dwyer, Joe O’Dwyer all 0-1 each.

Upperchurch Drombane: Ciaran Shortt; Mikey Lavery, Keith Ryan, Dean Carew; Niall Grant, Gavin Ryan, Toby Corbett; Diarmuid Grant, Aaron Ryan; Conor Fahey, Paudie Greene, Paul Shanahan; Luke Shanahan, Paddy Phelan, Pat Ryan.

Subs used: Ger Grant for N Grant (54); Mikey Griffin for D Grant (58); Colm Ryan for Phelan (59); Jim O’Dwyer for Fahey (60).

Killenaule: John O’Dwyer; Shane Ryan, Killian O’Dwyer, Jack Hassett; Tommy Keaveney, Tom Stakelum, Podge O’Dwyer; Ciaran O’Dwyer, Dean O’Connor; Dara Fitzgerald, Michael Doyle, Luke Ryan; Joe O’Dwyer, Mark Stakelum, Paudie Feehan.

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

Referee: Peter Carroll (Burgess)

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