Upperchurch Qualify for Final
Upperchurch Drombane 3-12 Mullinahone C.J. Kickhams 0-4
On Monday night week last Upperchurch Drombane qualified rather easily for this years Tipperary Intermediate Football final. In the semi-final under lights in Dr. Morris Park they defeated South Tipp champions Mullinahone C.J.Kickhams. The score line was a comprehensive 3-12 to 0-4 in favour of the Mid lads.
The game was played in Dr.Morris Park on what turned out to be in the eyes of many the first night of Winter. It was cold and the harsh lights and open pitch as well as the absence of bite in the game didn’t rouse the small crowd, nor indeed did the standard of football.
Upperchurch were well deserving of their win. They were far more eager to seek possession of the ball and they showed that their recent Under 21 B final win a few weeks ago was well deserved. They had a half dozen or so of that winning side in action. While youth had its fling, the Church also benefited from the experience of the two Shortt brothers up front.
For those with the taste for stats, we saw three Tipperary senior full backs, or former full backs on view. James Barry appeared for the Church, while the Curran brothers, Paul (hurling) and Niall (football) lined out for Mullinahone.
Drombane were quickly into their stride with early points from Colin Stapleton and Paul Shanahan. Eoin Shortt then added another point which was originally waved wide. In the next minute, Mullinahone went four points down when Stapleton pointed a free. It took 19 minutes to put their first scoring attempt wide. Niall Curran pointed to open Kickhams account in 21 minutes, but Shanahan replied immediately. Another point before the break saw Upperchurch lead at half time by 0-6 to 0-1.
Mullinahone were not out of the game yet, but they needed a goal. They didn’t get it in the first seven minutes, but Pat Shortt did and it looked as if the Church were home and hosed. They were, especially when Eoin Shortt goaled again in 16 minutes. Paul Kelly had pointed a free for Mullinahone on seven minutes, but Shortt’s goal saw Upperchurch 2-9 to 0-3 in front.
By now the night was much colder especially for Mullinahone fans. A third Church goal from Colm Stapleton before the end put a gloss on the scoreboard. One of the few highlights for Mullinahone was the two points scored by Kevin Walzer who started as a defender. Of course, this feat was matched by the Church’s Andy Kinnane who got on the scoreboard just as often. Michael Cody defended well for Mullinahone, but up front Mullinahone offered little threat.
As the game progressed. The Church’s confidence grew. They moved well for the ball and the bit of experience from the Shortt brothers blended in well. They will now be favourites to win the county crown as Clonmel Og whom they meet have already lost the South final to Mullinahone who were a disappointment in the semi-final. The Church, also, have the opportunity to win the Mid title when they play Holycross and the Mid lads seem to want to become a senior club in both football and hurling.
Teams
Upperchurch-Drombane: Loughlin Ryan, Andy Kinnane, Matt Ryan, Padraig Stapleton, Gavin Ryan, L.J. Ryan, Colm Ryan, Ger Grant, Paul Shanahan, Paul Ryan, Pat Shortt, Jack Butler, Eoin Shortt, Colm Stapleton, Michael Ryan (D).
Sub used: James Barry
Mullinahone C.J. Kickhams: Michael Lonergan, Michael Cody, Luke Mullally, James Connolly, Alan Curran, Paul Curran, Jack Shelly, Niall Curran, Micheal Dunne, Paul Kelly, Gary Cronin, Graham Horan, Enda McEnery.
Referee: David Grogan (Aherlow)
Report supplied by Ricky Sheehan
