Horse and Jockey Kia Mid u21 B hurling final: Upperchurch Drombane finish the season in style

Upperchurch Drombane 1-16

Loughmore Castleiney 1-14

A late injury time point from Pat Ryan propelled Upperchurch Drombane to claim the U21B Hurling Title for 2022, adding to their U21A Football trophy won a few weeks ago.

An action packed second half which saw dismissals and one handed goals gave the large crowd an entertaining game on St Stephen’s Day.

Loughmore Castleiney were first on the scoreboard with Ciarán McCormack adding a free from inside the 21. McCormack doubled the lead shortly afterwards with another placed ball before the church claimed their opening point, a well worked move saw Jim O’Dwyer point.

Loughmore almost got the first goal of the encounter. Martin Manton with an accurate pass to McCormack who was fouled just before his strike got away. He pointed the resultant free to put the score 0-03 to 0-01 in their favour.

Upperchurch responded with a Shanahan free before Loughmore Castleiney got a grip on the half. Philip O’Connell and two McCormack frees extended their lead to four. Shanahan added one more to reduce the game to three before the opening goal.
Credit to Podge Treacy in the Loughmore Castleiney goal who pulled off two quick saves to deny Tom Purcell but Purcell made no mistake on the this chance and levelled proceedings. 1-03 to 0-06, 19mins played.

Loughmore edged ahead with McCormack again the provider. Mikey Griffin then found himself on the end of a superb Phelan pass and pointed to level proceedings.

Upperchurch Drombane’s indiscipline was beginning to cost them with McCormack again scoring the next three scores all from placed balls the pick of them a long range free from his own 65m.

Despite their opening half dominance Loughmore Castleiney had their share of the wides and could have been further in front. Paddy Phelan reduced the game to two before Conor McGrath again extend his teams lead.

The final score of the half came Upperchurch Drombane’s way with another Shanahan free to leaveit 1-6 to 0-11 at the break.
Both teams emerged and it would be Upperchurch Drombane who would make the most of the opening exchanges. Jim O’Dwyer was quickest to a breaking ball and put one between the sides.

Paddy Phelan then levelled the game with a wonder score from the sideline and with their dominance now showing they took the lead with Shanahan pointing the first 65m of the game.

McCormack continued his good run of form on frees and levelled things again.

The game was really getting going at this point and Loughmore Castleiney retook the lead in fine fashion. Michael Connolly took off on a solo from his own half and placed a high ball into the Upperchurch Drombane square and it was McCormack who rose highest and one handed put the ball passed James Griffin.

Reminiscent of our All Ireland Minor winning goal early in the year. 1-12 to 1-09, game on!

Upperchurch Drombane responded well with a Pat Ryan free. The game was really brewing and it didn’t take much to set it off despite it being a fair and hard hitting game.

An off the ball incident saw referee Kevin Jordon brandish two red cards to Tom Purcell and Bill Ryan. Upperchurch Drombane looked to have delt with their blow better, pointing the next three scores to regain the lead.

Loughmore Castleiney though being Loughmore Castleiney did not wilt and the game was again level on the 25th minute.
Both sides searched for the advantage and another Shanahan free saw his side one to the good. Indeed Shanahan scored the point of the game moments later from far on the sideline and falling into the stand.

Upperchurch Drombane now were two to the good. McCormack again put one between the sides and a frantic finish ensued. Loughmore Castleiney desperately searched for the leveller but it was Pat Ryan who stood up to the call for his charges and scored to put two between the sides and send the U21B trophy to the Upperchurch Drombane Club by 1-16 to 1-14.

Loughmore Castleiney will rue their opening half chances to be further in front but credit to Upperchurch Drombane who have now completed the U21 double for 2022 and complete what was a wonderful year for the black and amber.
Captain Keith Ryan picked up the trophy from Chairman Joe O’Sullivan and Secretary Catherine Dunne.