Upperchurch Drombane stand at Heaven’s door; Harty Cup recommences after Festive lag; draw & win is Tipp’s lot.
An early-season journey to Croke Park is a pilgrimage many a Tipperary Gael will gladly undertake on Saturday evening next, as they rise to salute Upperchurch Drombane in the All-Ireland Club intermediate hurling final against Tuairín. The Church making its way to the Association’s cathedral feels fitting in every sense, and given the spirit and steel they have displayed all season, they can travel with confidence coursing through their veins as they stride towards Jones’ Road.
Croker has been fertile ground for Tipperary hearts this season, particularly for those from mid-Tipp. On another golden date in the calendar, March 17th, Thurles CBS carried the Croke Cup home, crowning a glorious St Patrick’s weekend. Months later, the Tipperary senior hurlers joined forces in celebration with the camogie women in an All-Ireland double bill against Kilkenny – two Tipp victories again – before the summer crescendo delivered unrestrained joy when Liam MacCarthy returned to Premier soil.
Should Upperchurch Drombane triumph on Saturday, it would place a fitting seal on a magnificent hurling season for Tipperary, even if the club deciders are technically in the new year.
Upperchurch Drombane must believe that victory lies within reach. They have navigated ferocious trials throughout the campaign and emerged unbowed every time. Setbacks were absorbed, challenges to their character confronted, and every question answered across a long and demanding road. Few foresaw such a run midway through the season, but once rhythm and belief were found, brighter days followed. Slowly, the philosophy and vision of the management crystallised, and led by Roscrea’s Liam Dunphy – surely destined for the freedom of Upperchurch and Drombane should silverware be secured – performances grew in authority and assurance.
Their rise was a slow burn, each test a lesson learned; perhaps none more so than the semi-final against Danesfort, when with backs to the wall and momentum slipping away, they stayed calm, clear-headed and courageous, finishing with real intent. Replicate that at Headquarters and All-Ireland glory awaits.
There have been many unforgettable nights in Upperchurch and Drombane of late – the 2016 homecoming of Michael Ryan and James Barry with Liam MacCarthy will forever glow in memory. That clubman Michael Bourke chaired the County Board at the time only deepened the pride. Yet even that celebration would pale should All-Ireland club honours be claimed on Saturday night. The hopes of Tipp travel with them to the capital.
Tipp teams back at it.
The Tipp hurlers and footballers returned to the unforgiving theatre of competitive combat at the weekend, and it was heartening indeed to record that fortune did not turn against them. The footballers opened their account in the McGrath Cup with an emphatic, statement-making victory over Limerick, as manager Niall Fitzgerald boldly cast his lot with youth.
And youth, full of fire and fearless intent, answered the call magnificently, delivering an energetic, driven display that delighted all who bore witness. New faces were everywhere, and Niall’s deep knowledge of, and long apprenticeship with, the U20 footballers of recent seasons appears to be bearing rich fruit, as those same men now step forward to don the senior jersey. It remains early in the journey, with many trials yet to be faced by players and management alike, but tosach maith leath na h-oibre, as the old Irish seanfhocal reminds us – a strong beginning is half the battle won.
Waterford, too, burst from the blocks in the Munster Co-Op League clash with Tipperary at the rescheduled Fethard venue on Saturday. The Déise signalled their intent with a blistering early surge that carried them into a commanding lead. Yet Tipperary dug deep, clawed their way back, and appeared to have steadied the ship, with a Paddy Creedon goal steering them toward an interval advantage.
It seemed for long stretches that Tipp would carry that slender edge all the way to the dying echo of the final whistle, only for Waterford to strike late and dramatically to salvage a share of the spoils. While Tipperary will rue surrendering control so late in the day, there will be little appetite for post-mortems over the reversal. The contest served its purpose, offering Tipp valuable glimpses of emerging options, and the forthcoming round-two clash with Kerry will provide another such proving ground.
Creedon looks comfortably at home at full forward; Conor Martin was composed and assured in defence; Joe Caesar continues his upward arc; and Peter McGarry was relentlessly industrious throughout. Others, too, will earn their chance in the weeks ahead, and for each man handed a jersey, it is an open invitation to stake a claim. The ledger closed at 1-18 apiece, and there was something gloriously nostalgic in seeing the crowd pressed tight to the pitchside after the late migration from a frost-bitten Sportsfield in Clonmel to the welcoming grass of Fethard Town Park – a reminder of how blessed the Premier County is to possess such a splendid facility.
Harty Cup Quarter Finals, 7th of January.
No sooner have school gates swung open again after the glow of the Festive Season than the Harty Cup jerseys are lifted from presses, shaken free of dust, and readied once more for battle on Wednesday as the quarter-finals beckon. Three Tipperary schools still stand proudly in contention, with holders Thurles CBS facing De La Salle of Waterford in Castlelyons; a much-fancied Nenagh CBS side drawn against Midleton CBS in Bansha; and Our Lady’s Templemore preparing to test themselves against the formidable force of St Flannan’s of Ennis in Tus Moylish.
Victory would set the stage for a mouth-watering semi-final meeting between Thurles CBS and Nenagh CBS – a contest to stir the soul. Our Lady’s, meanwhile, would march into the last four brimming with belief were they to overcome St Flannan’s, knowing their next hurdle would be either St Joseph’s Tulla or Blackwater Community School of Lismore. Sadly, the Thurles contest will unfold without a familiar and much-loved presence on the sideline, following the passing of former teacher and team medic, Pierce Murphy. The Harty Cup was dear to his heart. May he rest in peace.