Upperchurch show they will be a force to be reckoned with in football championship
‘The Church’ defeat Grangemockler/Ballyneale in opening round
Upperchurch/Drombane 1-18 Grangemockler-Ballyneale 0-14
Upperchurch/Drombane were not flattered by their seven-points winning margin over Grangemockler/Ballyneale in Round One of Group Three of the FBD Insurance County Senior Football Championship at Cashel on Sunday.
“The Church” have been dining at the top table in Tipperary football for the past few years and they will again be in the shake-up for honours this campaign, if this outing is anything to go by. They were far superior to the south side for much of the game but, with a half-time lead of 1-12 to 0-3, they took their foot off the pedal in the closing quarter when their victory was beyond question.
It was an impressive showing by Upperchurch/Drombane, who were far more direct in their approach. Grangemockler had their fair share of possession but showed a damaging reluctance to shoot for scores, particularly in the second half. They had the ability to hit long range points, notching five two-pointers in the last twenty minutes, but by then Upperchurch-Drombane were out of sight and looking ahead to their joust with Moyle Rovers in round two of this very competitive group.
“The Church” meant business from the start. Luke Shanahan had a two-pointer in the first minute, and nine minutes later his brother Paul availed of a defensive mis-judgement on a high ball to deftly find the net. Conor Fahey fired over a two-pointer and followed with another point and the Mid lads were coasting by 1-5 to 0-1 at the end of the first quarter.
Grangemockler did no better in the second quarter. Upperchurch outpointed them seven to two for an interval lead of 1-12 to 0-3, and barring a complete collapse the points were in the bag for Upperchurch.
The south side needed a big start to the second half to give themselves any chance. Instead, it was Upperchurch who continued to call the shots, points from Luke Shanahan, Sean Griffin and Paul Shanahan extending their advantage inside nine minutes.
When it was too late, Grangemockler/Ballyneale began to have a go. Mark O’Meara, their best player, kicked two two-pointers in as many minutes. Thomas Regan fired over another two minutes later before goalkeeper David Power kicked a two-point free in the 52nd minute to leave them 0-11 to 1-16 behind.
There was never any real danger of Upperchurch-Drombane collapsing. Luke Shanahan picked off a few points to keep the scoreboard ticking over for them but in injury time David Power kicked his second two-point free for Grangemockler, their fifth of the second half, leaving them seven points behind at the long whistle.
This is an extremely competitive group, which also features two of the championship favourites, Loughmore/Castleiney and Moyle Rovers, so the importance of this win for Upperchurch/Drombane cannot be overstated. Next up for them is a clash with Moyle Rovers, which will give a clearer picture of how they stand in the pecking order, but with former Kildare manager Glen Ryan coaching, along with manager Conor O’Dwyer, “The Church” are a force to be reckoned with.
Brothers Paul and Luke Shanahan vied for man of the match acclaim and young Philip O’ Dwyer made an impressive debut at this level, his pace and confidence on the ball causing major problems for Grangemockler. Sean Griffin, Gavin Ryan, Conor Fahey and goalie Loughlin Ryan also had big games.
Grangemockler/Ballyneale have work to do to avoid being caught in the relegation struggle. They face Loughmore/Casteleiney next and points won't come easy there. The positive thing from this game is that when they opted for long-range shooting they showed they were quite capable of two- pointers. Five in the last twenty minutes was impressive and more of that will be necessary next time out.
County underage star Mark O’Meara was their top performer with most support coming from Leon Kennedy, Brian Walsh, Ben Comerford and Manus McFadden. Goalie David Power’s ability to score long-range points is also a great asset to the team.
Upperchurch/Drombane scorers: L Shanahan (0-8,1f) P Shanahan (1-4,2ptf), C Fahey (0-3,1 2ptr), S Griffin, G Grant, P O Dwyer (0-1 each).
Grangemockler scorers: M O’Meara (0-6, 2fs, 2,2ptrs), D Power (0-4,2 2pt fs), T Regan (0-2,2pt), B Comerford, M McFadden (0-1 each).
Upperchurch/Drombane: Loughlin Ryan; Pat Ryan, Mikey Griffin, Mikey Lavery; Sean Griffin, Gavin Ryan, Oisin Treacy; Keith Ryan, Dean Carew; Philip O’Dwyer, Ger Grant, Paddy Phelan; Conor Fahey, Paul Shanahan, Luke Shanahan.
Subs: Jack Butler for G Grant (45 mins), Diarmuid Grant for Treacy (45 mins), Sean Ryan for O’ Dwyer (54 mins).
Grangemockler/Ballyneale: David Power; John Lyons, Conor Hahessy, James Daly; Thomas Regan, Leon Kennedy, Sean O’Meara; Brian Walsh, Ben Comerford; Manus McFadden, Sean Daly, James O’Meara; Conor McGuire, Mark O’Meara, Paudie O’Shea.
Subs: Joey Lyons for J O’Meara (h/t), Ian Brett for McGuire (50 mins), Jack Bourke for O’ Shea (54 mins).
Referee: Willie Fitzharris, Fr Sheehy’s.