Stubborn 14-man Silvermines secure Premier status at Swan expense

FBD Insurance Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Relegation Semi-Final

Silvermines 1-21

Carrick Swan 1-19

Fourteen-man Silvermines produced a hugely determined and spirited performance to overcome a dogged Carrick Swan challenge and secure their Premier Intermediate status following a tense and highly competitive relegation semi-final at Dundrum on Sunday.

The reigning North Tipperary champions were bidding to avoid a relegation trapdoor decider against near neighbours Templederry Kenyons and, from the very outset, there was a steely resolve about the ‘Mines.

Despite the pre-match loss of full-forward Danny Quinn through injury, Silvermines fielded a strong side and, with talismanic marksman Jason Forde in outstanding scoring form, they always posed a significant threat to their South Tipperary opponents.

Forde was once again the difference between the sides, finishing with a remarkable 1-13, including 1-11 from placed balls. His accuracy, allied to a superb defensive effort from the ‘Mines and some outstanding late saves from goalkeeper Conor Murphy, ultimately ensured Silvermines escaped the relegation trapdoor.

Carrick Swan battled magnificently throughout and came agonisingly close to snatching victory at the death. Had it not been for Murphy’s composure and goalkeeping heroics during the closing stages, the Swans could well have rescued the game from the jaws of defeat.

The South Tipperary side made the brighter start, with Aaron Dunne and Jamie Holloway pointing early on to give Swan an early advantage.

Forde responded with a free before Patrick Leamy quickly followed with another score to restore parity.

Callum Lanigan, who was Carrick Swan’s principal scoring threat throughout, then fired over a long-range free on ten minutes to put the Swans back in front.

However, Silvermines began to settle and successive scores from the impressive Leamy and Sean Nolan edged the North champions into the ascendancy once again.

The decisive moment of the opening half arrived in the 14th minute when Silvermines were awarded a penalty after Conor McKelvey was pulled down by Swan full-back Scott Hogan as he advanced towards goal.

Forde made no mistake from the spot, confidently dispatching the penalty to give Silvermines a 1-5 to 0-4 lead.

Lanigan and Dunne responded for Carrick Swan before Forde produced a fine score on the run to keep Silvermines in front.

The opening half was characterised by a stop-start battle, with both sides heavily reliant on their free-takers. A 26th-minute point from Aaron O’Halloran, followed a minute later by a Callum Walsh effort, reduced the deficit to the minimum.

Forde, however, remained unerring from placed balls and two further frees on the cusp of half-time ensured Silvermines went to the dressing room with a deserved three-point advantage, leading 1-10 to 0-10.

Silvermines were dealt a major blow just five minutes into the second half when full-back Darragh Nolan was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Rather than buckle under the pressure of being reduced to 14 men, however, the ‘Mines responded magnificently.

The loss of their full-back appeared to galvanise the North champions as Forde struck twice from placed balls before Andy Hayden also found the target, opening up a four-point advantage.

Conor McKelvey then added a superb angled point from out near the stand sideline, keeping the Silvermines scoreboard moving as Carrick Swan struggled to match the intensity of their opponents.

Lanigan and Forde exchanged further frees before Patrick Leamy restored a five-point advantage for Silvermines with his third point of the afternoon in the 52nd minute.

Carrick Swan refused to capitulate, however, and Lanigan and Aaron O’Halloran reduced the deficit to three points as the clock ticked towards the final stages.

Then, in the 58th minute, Silvermines midfielder Eddie Ryan produced a booming effort from distance to give his side some much-needed breathing space.

But there was still one final twist.

With full-time approaching, Carrick Swan were handed a lifeline when Lanigan produced a superb first-time finish to fire the ball to the net and reduce the deficit to just two points.

Suddenly, the pressure was back on Silvermines.

As the clock ticked into the closing moments, Carrick Swan fashioned one final opportunity when Eric O’Halloran and Aaron O’Halloran combined cleverly to create an opening.

Eric O’Halloran got his shot away, but Silvermines goalkeeper Conor Murphy stood tall, producing a crucial save to scoop the sliotar to safety and finally extinguish the Swan challenge.

It was a fitting conclusion to a performance built on resilience from the North champions.

Silvermines had shown tremendous character after losing a player to a red card, while Forde’s extraordinary scoring contribution and Murphy’s heroics between the posts proved decisive.

The victory allows Silvermines to finish their campaign on a high and, while their North Tipperary title represents a welcome achievement, they will reflect on a season which perhaps promised more.

For Carrick Swan, meanwhile, the defeat means they must now face into a relegation trapdoor battle with Templederry Kenyons, with Premier Intermediate survival the ultimate prize for both sides.

Silvermines: Conor Murphy; Darragh Treacy, Darragh Nolan, Cathal Treacy; Ronan Sherlock, Luke O’Brien, Daniel McKelvey; Patrick Leamy (0-3), Eddie Ryan (0-1); Michael Corcoran, Jason Forde (1-13, 1-0 pen, 0-11f), Sean Nolan (0-2); Conor McKelvey (0-1), Andy Hayden (0-1), Sean McGrath.

Subs used: Oisin Murphy for Sean Nolan (41); Michéal Hogan for Daniel McKelvey (51); Sean Spillane for Hayden (57).

Carrick Swan: Adam Kerwick; Luke O’Dwyer, Scott Hogan, Dean Kiely; Ben Mulcaire (0-1), Gavin O’Halloran, Jack Murphy; Aaron O’Halloran (0-2), Sean Foley (0-1); Jamie Holloway (0-1), Callum Lanigan (1-11, 0-8f), Eric O’Halloran; Stefan Tobin, Aaron Dunne (0-2), Callum Walsh (0-1).

Subs used: Aidan Hanlon for Kiely (51); Colin Loughman for Foley (54); Darragh Dunne for Aaron Dunne (54).

Referee: Paddy Russell (Emly)