Upperchurch Drombane are up and running in Tipperary senior football championship

Upperchurch Drombane 1-8 Cahir 0-10

Despite the absence of a few regulars, Upperchurch Drombane got their FBD Insurance County Senior Football Championship campaign in group 2 off to the best possible start with a hard-fought, one-point win over Cahir in a lively encounter at Dundrum on Friday night last.

Group 2 has only three teams due to the withdrawal of Drom-Inch, and, with two to qualify for the knockout stages, competition is keen. Cahir beat Ballina in the first round but this loss now means they must await the outcome of the Ballina versus Upperchurch Drombane game in the next round to learn their fate.

With crucial hurling games coming up, Upperchurch Drombane were taking no chances with players carrying knocks. But indicative of the progress they have been making in football in recent years, they now have strength in depth. Their credentials were seriously tested in the last 20 minutes, as Cahir sought to erase a six -points deficit, but in a nail-biting climax The Church held tough, despite not scoring in that time.

Cahir were missing the influential Liam Casey and while his absence was a big blow they still had enough of the ball to take at least a point from the game. However their attack lacked a cutting edge, five of their points coming from frees. A division of the spoils would have guaranteed their progress to the knockout stages so they have an anxious time ahead as their fate is out of their own hands.

Scores were at a premium in a lively first half. Both sides were playing a possession game. Kevin Grogan’s height was a vital asset for Cahir on kick outs while Luke Shanahan was smoothly directing operations for Upperchurh from midfield. Paul Shanahan pointed four frees for Upperchurch, with Luke Shanahan and Conor Fahey also on target as they established a slender 0-6 to 0-5 lead at half-time.

Cahir had shown the greater urgency early on with lots of movement among their players, but their concession of frees presented Upperchurch with scoring chances that Paul Shanahan did not spurn. Conor O’Brien had two points for Cahir, Ian Flannery, Nicholas Reidy and Craig Guiry adding the others in the first half, with everything to play for on resuming.

The decisive period came at the start of the second half. Inside a minute Conor Fahey had the ball in the Cahir net after Jim O’Dwyer created the chance. Niall Grant and Luke Shanahan added points to give the eventual winners a six points advantage (1-8 to 0-5) after 35 minutes. They looked on course for a comfortable win but Cahir showed great resolve for the remainder of the game, as they set about reeling in their opponents.

Craig Guiry initiated the comeback with a point in the 41st minute. Conor O’Brien followed with two more in the 45th and 46th minutes to leave just a goal between them and plenty of time to bridge the gap.

Momentum was with Cahir but Upperchurch were not wilting, despite playing with their backs to the wall. Ian Flannery pointed for Cahir in the 51st minute and Conor O’Brien added another from a free in the 57th minute.

With just a point in it and Cahir pushing forward relentlessly, it seemed the South lads must equalise but a combination of determined defending and a few rash efforts at goal from Cahir saw Upperchurch survive.

Next up for the winners is a clash with Ballina, when a share of the spoils would be enough for them to top the group.

The Church have done very well in this championship in recent years and the indications are that they will again be a force this time. Luke Shanahan was hugely influential, orchestrating things in a roving midfield role. Pat Ryan, Conor Fahey, Oisin Treacy, Jim O’Dwyer and Ailbe O’Donoghue all did well, with goalie James Griffin offering himself as an extra outfield player to good effect too.

This was a setback for Cahir certainly but by no means the end of the road. There was plenty to admire about their game and with a bit more cut in attack they will get their change out of most sides.

Kevin Grogan was a towering figure for them at midfield, where Eddie Kendrick was very effective in a holding role. Michael O’ Connor, Jessie Kiely, Ian Flannery and Craig Guiry were others to have big games for them.

Upperchurch Drombane: James Griffin; Michael Griffin, Ailbe O’Donoghue, Matt Ryan; Oisin Treacy, Gavin Ryan, Pat Ryan; Keith Ryan, Luke Shanahan (0-2); Jim O’Dwyer, Paul Shanahan (0-4fs), Paddy Phelan; Sean Ryan, Conor Fahey (1-1), Niall Grant (0-1).

Subs: Sean Shanahan for Phelan (h/t), Dean Carew for S Ryan (58 mins), Aaron Ryan for Dwyer (61 mins).

Cahir: Aaron Ward; Sean Leahy, Michael O’Connor, Eoin Donaghy; Jessie Kiely, Stephen Grogan, Ciaran Condon; Kevin Grogan, Eddie Kendrick; Nicholas Reidy (0-1), Dylan Butler, Ian Flannery (0-2); Conor O’Brien (0-5fs), Craig Guiry (0-2), Jack Buckley.

Subs: Conor McKenna for Buckley (h/t), Eoin Wyse for Butler (50 mins), Dara Heffernan for Reidy (55 mins), James Walsh for Donaghy (59 mins).

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Ardfinnan).