Upperchurch Drombane defy the odds to leave Roscrea facing the drop

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Relegation Semi-Final

Upperchurch-Drombane 0-23

Roscrea 0-17

Fourteen-man Upperchurch Drombane produced a hugely determined performance to secure their senior status for 2027 with a fully merited six-point victory over a disappointing Roscrea in The Ragg on Sunday.

Despite playing for over 40 minutes at a numerical disadvantage following Diarmaid Grant’s first-half dismissal, Upperchurch were the better side and never allowed Roscrea to make their extra man count.

Ironically, two players who were ineligible for Upperchurch’s historic Premier Intermediate, Munster and All-Ireland run last year, Philip O’Dwyer and Sean Griffin, were among the key figures in a victory built on work-rate, organisation and a greater spread of scorers.

Upperchurch led 0-6 to 0-4 after 19 minutes when Grant put his side in a difficult position, referee Phil Ryan correctly issuing a straight red card following a strike on Conor Phelan.

Rather than retreat into their shell, the Mid Tipp side responded impressively and raised their performance considerably.

In a game riddled with wides, Upperchurch were much more clinical, with Pat Ryan, Gavin Ryan and O’Dwyer helping them establish a 0-9 to 0-5 half-time advantage.

Roscrea’s attacking struggles were particularly evident during that opening half. After registering their fourth point in the 11th minute, they had to wait another 16 minutes before Evan Fitzpatrick landed a superb score from play for their fifth and final point before the interval.

Roscrea needed to make their numerical advantage tell after the restart, but they never managed to build up the sustained momentum required to seriously trouble Upperchurch.

Alan Tynan and Luke Cashin did their best to keep Roscrea in touch and the margin was briefly reduced to three, 0-16 to 0-13, in the 48th minute.

However, every time Roscrea threatened to close the gap, Upperchurch found an answer.

Conor Fahey, Sean Griffin and Philip O’Dwyer made important contributions from play, while the accuracy of Pat Ryan and Gavin Ryan from placed balls ensured Upperchurch continued to keep the scoreboard moving.

Substitute Jack Butler also made a telling contribution as Upperchurch’s link-up play and relentless work-rate repeatedly frustrated a Roscrea side who struggled to create any clear-cut goal opportunities.

Pat Ryan finished with eight points, while Gavin Ryan contributed five and O’Dwyer chipped in with two as Upperchurch comfortably negotiated the closing stages to secure their place in the senior ranks for another year.

For Roscrea, attention now turns to an altogether more daunting assignment. They will face Mullinahone in the relegation final, with senior status for 2027 on the line.

Scorers: Upperchurch Drombane: Pat Ryan (0-8, 0-5f), Gavin Ryan 0-5f, Philip O’Dwyer, Keith Ryan, Conor Fahey 0-2 each, Paddy Phelan, Jack Butler, Aaron Ryan, Sean Griffin all 0-1 each.

Roscrea: Shane Fletcher (0-4, 0-3f), Alan Tynan, Luke Cashin 0-4 each, Leigh Loughnane 0-2, Evan Fitzpatrick, Darragh Tynan, Aaron O’Donoghue 0-1 each.

Upperchurch-Drombane: Ciaran Shortt; AJ Shanahan, Dean Carew, Luke Shanahan; Keith Ryan, Gavin Ryan, Sean Griffin; Toby Corbett, Paddy Phelan; Conor Fahey, Diarmaid Grant, Aaron Ryan; Pat Ryan, Paul Shanahan, Philip O’Dwyer.

Subs used: Jack Butler for A Ryan (45); Sean Ryan for O’Dwyer (58); Jim O’Dwyer for Corbett (62); Michael Griffin for P Shanahan (63).

Roscrea: Daryl Ryan; Conor Booth, Michael Campion, Aidan Booth; Darragh Tynan, Conor Phelan, Conor Sheedy; Alan Tynan, Dan Ryan; Leigh Loughnane, Evan Fitzpatrick, Luke Cashin; Shane Fletcher, Conor Dooley, Kenny Lee.

Subs used: Glenn Loughnane for C Booth (36); Jack Lee for K Lee (42); Aaron O’Donoghue for Phelan (55); Owen Tynan for Ryan (59); Dylan Hogan for G Loughnane (63).

Referee: Phil Ryan (Knockavilla Kickhams)