Upperchurch head for Croker,Golden day for U21 decider; Cats downed on a cat day.
Thank God for late-season games, the kind that grip the mind and fill the days as Yuletide draws ever closer. Yes, it may be Christmas week, but GAA still reigns supreme, and from a Tipperary standpoint centre stage belonged to Upperchurch Drombane and their battle with Danesfort in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, in the All-Ireland intermediate hurling club semi-final.
This was a compelling confrontation – sparse in polish, but overflowing with raw intent, ferocious commitment and total dedication to the cause. Judging by the spirit Upperchurch Drombane have displayed throughout this championship, this was precisely the sort of contest they savour – tense, bruising, unyielding, with thunderous tackling and staggering work-rate. These traits define this proud mid-Tipperary club, and once again they hit the heights required, even when it seemed the Leinster and Kilkenny champions were about to topple them.
There were blows along the way – another injury and another player lost was a cruel setback, yet they absorbed it, steeled themselves after the trauma of seeing a teammate stretchered off, and refocused instantly on the task ahead. That was no small challenge, but in classic Upperchurch Drombane fashion, they met it head-on and prevailed.
Doing things the easy way simply isn’t in their make-up. Chances were squandered, scores conceded that would have had coach Liam Dunphy tearing his hair out, yet through it all they never blinked. Their concentration was immense from start to finish – goalkeeper Ciaran Shortt embodying the defiant spirit with a superb penalty save that kept them in front.
Just as well, too, as Danesfort fired over a late burst of points to draw level – had that penalty gone in, you might well be reading a very different piece, with a very different tone.
And so, Upperchurch Drombane are All-Ireland finalists. It bears repeating – Upperchurch Drombane are in an All-Ireland final. They will take to the field in the GAA’s cathedral, Croke Park, on All-Ireland club final weekend – a magnificent reward for a season that has been nothing short of outstanding for The Church.
Few among them will begrudge festive training sessions or minding the diet in the weeks ahead – there will be time enough for turkey and treats once silverware is secured. The chance now before these players and this club is enormous, and it must be seized with both hands, with every sacrifice made to turn opportunity into history.
Perhaps a glance across parish lines to neighbours Borrisoleigh will offer inspiration, if any is required. Borrisoleigh came agonisingly close to senior glory a few seasons back to add to their ’87 triumph, falling just short after a fine campaign. Upperchurch Drombane will have no desire to repeat that fate and they will want to carve their own name into the annals of history.
Stephen’s Day outing for the wren boys of Borris’ and the Cross.
The U21 championships are providing superb entertainment at this time of year also – what a tremendous competition this continues to be. And, with the U19 championship now gone following the return to even ages, the U21 grade has reclaimed the sense of prestige and importance it once enjoyed in days of old. Inevitably, weather conditions play a decisive role in where U21 silverware is ultimately decided.
Thankfully, Fethard Town Park is there to be relied upon when grass pitches can take no more – the astro-turf may not appeal to everyone, but it remains an outstanding alternative to have available.
This weekend saw the two A hurling semi-finals contested in Fethard, and emerging from the storm were holders and outright favourites Holycross Ballycahill, alongside north champions Borris-Ileigh. The final is now pencilled in for St Stephen’s Day in Golden, though it would come as no shock if a venue switch is required should the weather remain unforgiving.
It was likely music to the players’ ears to hear St Stephen’s Day confirmed – allowing them enjoy some festive cheer afterwards, rather than having to curb celebrations ahead of a later weekend fixture – a sensible and player-friendly call by the County Competitions Control Committee.
Mary’s Meals challenge in ‘cat’ conditions.
The Cats of Kilkenny crossed the border into Templetuohy on Saturday for the Mary’s Meals senior hurling challenge game, played in conditions that could only be described as feline in nature. It was wet, it was windy, it was greasy, it was mucky – a complete waste of time, some would argue. Others, however, would strongly disagree. Games like these, staged in the harsh heart of winter, are not about silken skills but about attitude and application.
Management teams are judging the mettle of a defender rather than the purity of a first touch; they are studying how a forward attacks the supply, not necessarily what they do once it arrives. In short, these contests can be deeply revealing, even if to the naked eye they appear meaningless.
Tipperary fielded a largely experimental side in Templetuohy, yet there were several noteworthy observations from the sideline. Alan Tynan enjoyed a polished half-hour at wing-back; Joe Caesar continues to grow in stature at centre-back; Billy Seymour was the standout attacking influence; Brian Hogan produced a handful of sharp saves; Oisín O’Donoghue once again delivered his trademark goalscoring cameo; and Charlie Ryan made a striking impact when introduced.
Kilkenny will scarcely lose sleep over defeat, particularly after being reduced to fourteen men just twelve minutes in following a challenge on Ray McCormack, who was forced off injured. Referee Conor Doyle had little option – it was a head injury sustained as the Kilkenny player swooped in. There was no malice, but rules are rules.
The Tipp panel will now enjoy a brief respite before turning their attention to the Munster League. On January 3rd they face Waterford, before taking on Kerry on January 12th, as preparations intensify ahead of the Allianz National Hurling League later in January.
5 Takeaways from Last Saturday’s Tipperary v Kilkenny Challenge Game.