Imagine the heartbreak of losing an All-Ireland final… then imagine fighting back from a TEN-POINT deficit in extra time, only to fall short by a hair's breadth. That's the story of the Upperchurch-Drombane vs. Tooreen All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship final. But it was more than just a game; it was an epic clash of wills, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a testament to the unwavering spirit of both teams. Upperchurch-Drombane emerged victorious with a final score of 4-20 to Tooreen's 2-24 after a nail-biting period of extra time at Croke Park.
The Tipperary champions secured the coveted title thanks to crucial extra-time goals from Paddy Phelan, Conor Fahey, and Paul Shanahan. These scores were the difference makers in a game defined by its unpredictable swings and dramatic shifts in momentum. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that luck played a significant role, while others would emphasize the sheer determination and skill displayed by Upperchurch-Drombane.
Tooreen, representing Mayo, knew this stage all too well, having suffered defeat in the final against Monaleen of Limerick three years prior. Despite the weight of past disappointment, they refused to go down without a fight. In a stunning display of resilience, they mounted a late comeback, erasing a seemingly insurmountable 10-point deficit with a rapid-fire 2-02 in the dying moments of extra time.
Liam Lavin and David Harrison ignited Tooreen's late surge with back-to-back goals, followed by points from Fionn Delaney and Fergal Boland. And this is the part most people miss... Boland, usually known for his football prowess with Mayo, almost became the hero of the hour. His point attempt, had it been just inches lower, could have been the goal that would have leveled the score and forced yet another period of extra time.
Ultimately, Upperchurch-Drombane managed to hold on for the win, becoming the first team from Tipperary to claim the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship since Kiladangan's victory in the inaugural competition back in 2005. What a feat!
Conor Fahey proved to be a key player for Upperchurch, scoring two goals in total, while Luke Shanahan led the scoring charge with an impressive seven points. The game was played in front of 5,916 fans on a frigid evening in Dublin, a testament to the dedication of supporters from both counties.
Prior to the game, Upperchurch-Drombane faced significant setbacks with injuries ruling out Paudie Greene and Paddy Phelan. These were considered major losses for the Munster champions, though their absence wasn't immediately apparent. Fresh off impressive victories against the champions of Cork, Waterford, and Kilkenny after claiming the premier intermediate county title, Upperchurch started the game with fierce intensity.
In fact, after just 25 minutes, the pre-match predictions of a close encounter seemed overly generous to Tooreen. The team in black and amber established an early lead, going 0-04 to 0-01 ahead and extending it to 0-09 to 0-02 with only five minutes remaining in the first half.
Mikey Griffin, wearing number 21 despite starting in the semi-final win over Danesfort, scored a memorable point. Gavin Ryan followed suit with a couple of impressive long-range scores. When Pat Ryan expertly cut a sideline ball over the bar from beneath the Hogan Stand, stretching the lead to seven points, it looked like Upperchurch were in complete control.
Surprisingly, Liam Dunphy's Upperchurch side didn't score again until the 36th minute. Tooreen, seizing the opportunity, finished the first half strongly, outscoring their opponents 0-07 to 0-01.
The 35-time Mayo senior champions capitalized on pockets of space in the middle third to unleash a series of long-range scores, narrowing the gap. Joe Boyle contributed two points, while Eoin Delaney's points in the 29th and 31st minutes were delivered with such passion that they were accompanied by mighty roars, inspiring his teammates and the Tooreen faithful.
Despite Tooreen's strong finish, they still trailed by a single point at half-time, 0-09 to 0-10. They maintained their momentum after the restart.
Sure enough, they surged ahead, taking a 0-14 to 0-11 lead ten minutes into the second half. At this point, Tooreen appeared to be on the cusp of victory.
If Upperchurch ever needed divine intervention, it was then. Conor Fahey answered their prayers with a crucial goal in the 41st minute. He skillfully evaded his marker on the left wing, raced clear, and slotted a low shot past Tooreen goalkeeper Bobby Douglas.
The remainder of the second half was characterized by a series of powerful blows and counter-blows. Kenny Feeney and Brian Morley landed scores for Tooreen, while Pat and Gavin Ryan responded for Upperchurch.
The sides were level again at the hour mark, 1-16 to 0-19. Brian Morley thought he had won it for Tooreen in the 63rd minute, but Gavin Ryan responded with a massive score from his own half to force extra-time, with the score at 1-17 to 0-20.
Two goals for Upperchurch in the first half of extra-time put them in a commanding position, leading 3-17 to 0-22. Substitute Paddy Phelan scored the first after being set up by Fahey, who then turned scorer himself to register their third goal.
Upperchurch held a seemingly comfortable 10-point lead with 78 minutes on the clock when Tooreen launched their incredible scoring blitz, reducing the deficit to just two points at the death.
The Upperchurch-Drombane team consisted of: Ciaran Shortt; Mikey Lavery, Keith Ryan, Dean Carew; David Harrison, Gavin Ryan (0-05, 0-04f, 0-01 65), Niall Grant; Diarmuid Grant (0-01), Aaron Ryan; Conor Fahey (2-00), Colm Ryan (0-01), Paul Shanahan (1-01); Mikey Griffin (0-01), Luke Shanahan (0-07, 0-05fs), Pat Ryan (0-03, 0-01sl).
Subs: Paddy Phelan (1-00) for Colm Ryan (42), Jack Butler (0-01) for Aaron Ryan (49). Aaron Ryan for Diarmuid Grant (64), Ger Grant for Corbett (69).
The Tooreen team consisted of: Bobby Douglas (0-01, 0-01f); Conal Hession, Michael Morley, Oisin Greally; David Kenny, Stephen Coyne, Joe Boyle (0-03); Fergal Boland (0-06), Sean Kenny (0-02); Eoin Delaney (0-03), Brian Morley (0-04), John Cassidy; Liam Lavin (1-00), Shane Boland (0-01, 0-01f), Keeny Feeney (0-03).
Subs: Daniel Huane for Michael Morley (22), Sean Regan for Cassidy (43), Fionn Delaney (0-01, 0-01f) for Feeney (56), Padraig Mooney for Hession (59), Jake Glavey for Kenny (70), David Delaney for Brian Morley (74), David Harrison (1-00) for Shane Boland (74).
The referee for the match was Caymon Flynn from Westmeath.
So, what do you think? Was this a deserved victory for Upperchurch-Drombane, or did Tooreen's late comeback deserve a different outcome? Could a different refereeing decision have changed the game? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
