Ep. 188 – Upperchurch Munster Champs
In Episode 188 of The Premier View Podcast Sean is joined by Noel Dundon and Mike McCarthy for a full breakdown of a huge weekend in the club championships, starting with Upperchurch Drombane’s Munster Intermediate triumph. The lads take a deep dive into a final that had everything, from controversy to composure, and from discipline to dominance.
The discussion opens with the key flashpoint that shaped the game, O Callaghan Mills finishing with only 12 men after two first half sendings off followed by a third late in the contest. Mike argues that while the online reaction focused heavily on the referee, the decisions themselves were largely unavoidable. A high tackle on a yellow, dissent on a yellow and a frustrated late foul left the Clare champions with no margin for recovery. From there the conversation shifts to the bigger lesson, Upperchurch keeping their heads, dragging teammates away from trouble and showing the discipline required to win knockout games at this time of year.
Noel highlights how Upperchurch’s season has built steadily, from their county final win over Carrick Swan right through Munster. He stresses how confidence, cohesion and a near clean bill of health have them perfectly placed for the All Ireland Series. Their ability to hurl at pace, mix it physically and post big scores, including 3-20 at the Gaelic Grounds, shows they are a fully rounded contender. He also underlines the character of a group that was relegated two seasons ago, regrouped, rebuilt and is now back performing like the team that reached county quarter finals and semi finals only a few years earlier.
The lads then cast an eye forward to potential All Ireland opponents. With Dainsfort and Rathdowney Errill in Leinster and Tooreen on the other side, Upperchurch will have to navigate serious opposition, but Mike feels the current form line, physical profile and winter hurling style make them a real threat. A three week break now provides recovery time, celebrations time and preparation time ahead of the semi final.
Attention then turns to Munster Senior where Ballygunner collected their sixth title with a commanding 0-21 to 1-9 win over Eire Og of Clare. The lads reflect on the sheer class and pace Ballygunner brought, led by Desi Hutchinson’s seven points from play. Noel notes the difficulty for any club trying to peak after surviving fierce county championships, while Ballygunner benefit from being able to gear their season entirely towards Munster and the All Ireland series. Their consistency, hurt from last year and proven ability to time their run has them as leading contenders once again.
It is a packed and detailed episode, with sharp analysis, honest opinion and plenty for Tipperary supporters to enjoy as Upperchurch continue their remarkable rise.