All teams in both hurling and football at minor, U 21 and Junior performed well and represented the club with pride during the year.

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2 The year just ending has been a very busy year both on and off the field. Having won the County Junior B Championship in 2016, the club was invited to participate in the Munster and All Ireland Junior B competition organised by the Killeedy club in Limerick. The team did themselves and the parish proud by reaching both finals and while defeat was our lot, the numerous journeys to Killeedy created great entertainment and excitement for everyone involved. The team and club won many admirers and friends along the way and great credit and thanks to the players, management, sponsors and all those who supported them in any way. The Senior hurlers and footballers, while not winning silverware, performed admirably in all competitions. Both teams largely comprising the same players reaching both Senior Mid Divisional finals was a unique achievement. The football team easily maintained their senior status in the county series while giving football kingpins Loughmore plenty to think about for long periods in the Mid final. The senior hurling team performed heroics with great championship wins over last year s county finalists Kiladangan and over Loughmore in the Mid Championship semi-final. While disappointed at losing the Mid final to perennial county champions Thurles Sarsfields by 1 point, we were about the only team in the county to really challenge Sarsfields, while the team and club won many admirers far and wide for a magnificent performance on the evening. All teams in both hurling and football at minor, U 21 and Junior performed well and represented the club with pride during the year. The future of our club rests with our juveniles and the various teams in both hurling and football had some great performances and victories during the year. Many thanks to mentors, parents and all who supported them in any way. Finance is required to run any club and the demands are increasing from year to year. Thanks to all who organised and supported our various fund-raising activities particularly the golf classic in Dundrum and the dog night in Thurles. Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank all club members who represented the club in any way with Mid or County teams and on the various committees. Well done again to clubmen Michael Ryan on managing the county senior hurling team and on his reappointment to the position for the next 3 years, to James Barry who again represented the club with distinction on the field of play and to Michael Bourke who this year completes his 3-year term as Chairman of the County Board. The GAA club is the lifeblood of our small community and thanks to all who contributed in any way to ensuring that it survives and prospers and continues to give enjoyment to young and old alike. Page 2

3 Committee 2017 Phil Lowry, Jerry O' Dwyer, Padraig Hayes, Michael Griffin, Fr. Tony Ryan, John Keane, Paddy Bourke, Richard Ryan, John Ryan (Jerry), Colm Ryan, Rody Lowry, Conor O'Dwyer, Kaye Ryan, Tomas Hayes, Joseph Lowry, Catheriona Kennedy, Martin Bourke, J.J Kinane, Joan Shanahan, Donal Hayes, Noel Ryan, Stephen Gleeson, John Ryan (Line) President: Phil Lowry Chairman: Tomas Hayes Vice Chairman: Fr. Tony Ryan Secretary: Catheriona Kennedy Assistant Secretary: Joseph Lowry Treasurer: Kaye Ryan Assistant Treasurer: J.J Kinane PRO: Stephen Gleeson Registrar: J.J Kinane I.T Officer: Martin Bourke Child Protection Officer: Joan Shanahan Cultural Officer: Richard Ryan Mid Board Rep: Rody Lowry County Board Rep: Donal Hayes Club Coaching Officer: Seamus Griffin Club Management 2017 Senior Hurling: John Ryan (L), John Quinn, Seamus Gleeson Senior Football: Conor O'Dwyer, Viv Downey, J.J Kinane Junior Hurling: Phil Lowry, Michael O'Dwyer, LT Ryan, Pakie Purcell, Frankie Shortt Junior Football: Michael Ryan (Dooree), Noel Ryan, Robert Grant Under 21: Johnny Butler, Viv Downey, Sean Purcell, Pat Phelan (Lacken) Minor: Niall Ryan, Conor O'Dwyer, Ollie Murray, Ailbe Quinlan Page 3

4 In total the senior hurlers played 13 competitive matches in 2017 between county league & championship, mid championship and Cahill Cup. A new management team was in place consisting of John Ryan, John Quinn & Seamus Gleeson. The format for the league was changed this year with the seniors being placed in Division 1B. Defeats to Eire Óg Annacarty and Borris-Ileigh were followed by a victory over Drom & Inch before the league took a break to allow for championship to commence. On it's resumption we were narrowly defeated by Kiladangan before overcoming Kilruane MacDonaghs in our last league game. This left us in 5th place in a very competitive group with only 3 points between top and 6th. The Cahill Cup saw us drawn against JK Brackens in the quarter final. We overcame this challenge easing to a 10 point victory to set up a semi final against Drom & Inch. Our local rivals had the upper hand in this clash, claiming a 5 point victory. In the county championship we were drawn in a very tough group in Roinn 1 against Loughmore-Castleiney, Kiladangan & Borris-Ileigh. As before the top two teams would progress to the knockout stages while the bottom team would be demoted to roinn 2 for The first group game took place in late April against Loughmore. The 2 teams remained close for the first 40 minutes before a Loughmore goal by John McGrath saw them open up a lead that they maintained to eventually prevail by 7 points. A couple of weeks later the action moved to Dolla for our second group game against last years county finalists Kiladangan. A lively start saw us move into a 3 point lead before a Darragh Egan goal levelled the game. Upperchurch then reeled off 5 of the next 6 points to go into the break with a 3 point cushion. Kiladangan mounted a fightback in the second half but back & forwards worked hard to eliminate open space and we eventually won on a scoreline of 0-15 to 1-9. The final group game against Borris-Ileigh saw all 4 teams in the group in with a chance of progressing to the latter stages. Borris started very strongly and a goal for them in the 2nd minute set the tone for the day. They struck for a second goal after 20 minutes to extend their lead with Brendan Maher controlling the game from his sweeper role. Borris pressed home their advantage in the second half to run out deserving winners. This result saw us finish 3rd in the group, not progressing to the next round but also safe from relegation and remaining in Roinn 1 for next year. Page 4

5 This left the mid championship to be decided and we received a quarter final tie against JK Brackens. After a tight opening half Upperchurch took a 1 point lead into the break. The second half though proved to be move one sided as Upperchurch outscored Brackens 1-12 to 0-5 to run out winners on a scoreline of 2-23 to The goals coming from Eoin Shortt and Matthew Greene. By now the game were coming thick and fast and just one week later we faced reigning mid champions Loughmore in the semi final. Upperchurch got up to the pace of the game with an early goal from Loughlin Ryan and 2 more in quick succession before half time saw us stretch our lead to 9 points at the interval. Loughmore, as expected, staged a dogged fightback in the second half and at one stage reduced the arrears to 5 points but Upperchurch showed all their grit by scoring the final 7 points of the game to prevail by 10 points 3-22 to Fine performances throughout the field were key to this win and saw us reach a 3rd mid final in 10 years. Having faced Drom in our previous 2 finals it was Thurles Sarsfields who provided the opposition this time. Sarsfields came into the game as raging hot favourites having won the 3 previous county titles. To add to that they also had an average winning margin from their 5 county & mid championship games up to that point of 20 points. The match started evenly with points from play by both Padraig Greene & Paul Ryan before Upperchurch Drombane took a 3 point lead thanks to a Loughlin Ryan goal. James Barry chipped in with a couple of scores before Sarsfields reduced the deficit to a single point. Further points were traded including a point from play by Paul Shanahan and from free by Paul Ryan to send us into the break with a 2 point lead. Page 5

6 Early in the second half Padraig Greene stuck a point and followed it up a few minutes later with a goal to push our lead out to 5 points. Eoin Shortt then added another to extend it to 6 points. Sarsfields were putting us under relentless pressure but some fine saves from Ciaran Shortt along with some dogged defending from the back 9 kept them at bay until Stephen Cahill found the net to reduce our lead to 2 points with 15 minutes left. Sarsfields were able to introduce players like former hurler of the year Lar Corbett and they took a 2 point lead with 5 minutes left as our legs tired. However Paul Ryan reduced the arrears to 1 point but it was in vain as Sarsfields held out to claim victory. It was a tremendous performance by the entire team against a team made up almost entirely of players who have represented Tipperary. While the wait for a first mid title goes on there can be great hope this form can be carried into next year to bring success DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Sun Mar 12th 12:00pm County Hurling League Div 1B Upperchurch Drombane 1-15 Eire Óg Annacarty 2-17 Annacarty Wed Mar 29th 8:00pm County Hurling League Div 1B Upperchurch Drombane 2-13 Borris-Ileigh 3-14 Borrisoleigh Mon Apr 17th 1:00pm County Hurling League Div 1B Upperchurch Drombane 1-18 Drom & Inch 1-17 The Ragg Sun Apr 30th 3:30pm County SHC Roinn 1 Group 1 Upperchurch Drombane 0-18 Loughmore-Castleiney 2-19 Boherlahan Tue May 16th 7:30pm Cahill Cup Quarter Final Upperchurch Drombane 0-20 JK Brackens 0-10 Drombane Sun May 28th 7:30pm County SHC Roinn 1 Group 1 Upperchurch Drombane 0-15 Kiladangan 1-9 Dolla Tue Jun 6th 7:30pm Cahill Cup Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 1-9 Drom & Inch 1-14 Drombane Sat Jun 24th 5:00pm County Hurling League Div 1B Upperchurch Drombane 0-17 Kiladangan 1-16 Drombane Sun Jul 16th 1:00pm County Hurling League Div 1B Upperchurch Drombane 0-24 Kilruane McDonaghs 2-16 Cloughjordan Sat Aug 12th 8:00pm County SHC Roinn 1 Group 1 Upperchurch Drombane 0-15 Borris-Ileigh 4-17 Semple Stadium Sat Aug 19th 4:00pm Mid SHC Quarter Final Upperchurch Drombane 2-23 JK Brackens 1-15 Holycross Sat Aug 26th 6:00pm Mid SHC Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 3-22 Loughmore-Castleiney 0-21 The Ragg Sun Sep 3rd 6:00pm Mid SHC Final Upperchurch Drombane 2-10 Thurles Sarsfields 1-14 The Ragg Page 6

7 2017 saw the club face into their second season as a senior football club and aiming to further progress after reaching a mid final in their debut season. The draw for the county championship saw us pitted in a tough group along with Ballyporeen, Cahir and Clonmel Commercials. The county championship campaign was kicked off against Ballyporeen who boasted an in-form Conor Sweeney as their main threat. Ballyporeen raced into a 4 point lead but Upperchurch Drombane responded to leave just 2 points in it at half time. Ballyporeen started the second half strongly and got a goal to extend their lead to 7 points but it was all Upperchurch from there as we reeled off 6 unanswered points. Ultimately it was not to be enough as we lost by 1 and will rue a number of wides that could have gained the victory. Next up was to be Cahir. On a warm midweek evening early goals from John Ryan(J) and Niall Grant to push Upperchurch into a 7 point lead after only 16 minutes. With great performances all over the field being aided by deadly accuracy from Paul Shanahan on frees the half time lead was 8 points. A Cahir goal midway through the second half saw the lead reduced to 6 but Niall Grant's 2nd goal of the game immediately after regained the momentum. The remainder of the game saw Upperchurch controlling the game and although Cahir scored 2 goals from penalties in injury time the result was never in doubt and Upperchurch Drombane prevailed by 4 points. That set up the final group game against Clonmel Commercials as a winner take all clash. Clonmel showed all the class that saw them claim the Munster title 18 months earlier and would see them go on to regain their county title a few months later as they eased to a comprehensive victory. The result saw us finish 3rd in the group and although we didn't qualify for the knockout stages it was also enough to avoid the relegation battle. This meant attention could switch to the mid championship where we were drawn against Drom & Inch in the semi final. The game started very brightly with both teams scoring some fantastic points from difficult angles. Drom got an early goal to race into a 4 point lead but Upperchurch battled hard and by half time had turned this into a 3 point lead, thanks in part to a Ger Grant goal. The 2nd half was lower scoring but none the less exciting and despite a fightback by Drom we managed to hold on for a 2 point victory. Page 7

8 This set up a repeat of last years final against the reigning county champions Loughmore-Castleiney. It was a fiercely contested contest early on and we were within 2 points of Loughmore at the break. The gap was still 2 points mid-way through the second half but Loughmore turned on the style to run out comfortable victors in the end. Despite the disappointing result there were some very encouraging performances throughout the year. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Sat May 6th 7:00pm County SFC Group 4 Upperchurch Drombane 0-12 Ballyporeen 1-10 Tipperary Tue May 23rd 7:30pm County SFC Group 4 Upperchurch Drombane 3-13 Cahir 3-9 Cahir Sat Jun 17th 6:30pm County SFC Group 4 Upperchurch Drombane 1-6 Clonmel Commercials 3-17 Cashel Tue Aug 22nd 7:00pm Mid SFC Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 1-14 Drom & Inch 1-12 Littleton Sat Sep 9th 5:30pm Mid SFC Final Upperchurch Drombane 0-6 Loughmore-Castleiney 0-17 Littleton Page 8

9 Spring saw the club move into unknown territory as they progressed into the Munster & All Ireland stages of the junior B hurling championship. Following last years victory over Portroe in the county final this qualified the club to enter the All Ireland championship organised by Killeedy in Cork. In the Munster semi final the team withstood the challenge of Limerick's Murroe-Boher. This set up a clash against Whitechurch of Cork. On a breezy February day Whitechurch raced into an 8 point lead only for our boys to claw this back, partly helped by a goal from Michael Ryan(D) and draw level. However Whitechurch were able to kick on and win by 3 points. Despite this we qualified for the All Ireland semi final against Kinvara of Galway where we put on a very impressive display and bossed the game throughout and ran out 9 point winners to set up a re-match against Whitechurch in the All Ireland final. The next couple of weeks saw a great buzz around the area and what seemed like the whole of the parish descended on north west Cork for the final. In glorious conditions Whitechurch gained the early dominance and with the help of a goal took a 4 point lead into the break. Upperchurch began the 2nd half strongly with 2 early points to bring the deficit down to 2 and then had a fine goal chance well blocked before Whitechurch struck their own green flag to take control. From then on we were chasing the game and couldn't find the necessary goal to bring us back into it. Despite this result it was a fantastic season for the panel that saw them claim mid league & championship & county titles along with Munster & All Ireland final appearances. Shortly after the final the All Star team of the tournament was chosen and Upperchurch Drombane received 4 awards with Ger Fogarty, Andy Kinane, Diarmuid Grant & Michael Ryan being selected along with a number of others who received nominations. Page 9

10 Winning the county title last year meant we were promoted to junior A in hurling this year. Most of the focus in the spring was on our run to the junior B All Ireland final. In the county league Upperchurch Drombane were drawn in division 5B where we began brightly with a 4 point victory over Skeheenarinky in Drombane. Another win followed against Cahir but from there the results tailed off with defeats against Ballylooby Castlegrace, Ballybacon/ Grange and Knockshegowna. This sequence saw us finish in 3rd place in the table. Victory in last years mid junior league also saw us promoted to division in that competition and a tough series of opponents saw us defeated by Loughmore, Thurles Sarsfields and Holycross. In the mid championship we suffered a narrow defeat to Moycarkey/Borris before drawing with Thurles Gaels. The final group game saw defeat to Holycross/ Ballycahill. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Sun Feb 12th Munster Junior B Hurling 1:00pm Championship Final Upperchurch Drombane 1-11 Whitechurch 0-17 Killeedy, Limerick Sun Mar 5th 1:00pm All Ireland Junior B Hurling Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 0-14 Kinvara 0-5 Killeedy, Limerick Sun Mar County Hurling League 12th 3:00pm Div 5B Upperchurch Drombane 3-15 Skeheenarinky 3-11 Drombane Sun Mar All Ireland Junior B Hurling 26th 2:00pm Final Upperchurch Drombane 0-12 Whitechurch, Cork 2-16 Killeedy, Limerick Fri Apr 7th 6:45pm Mid Junior Hurling League Div 1 Upperchurch Drombane 2-13 Loughmore-Castleiney 1-19 Drombane Sun Apr 9th County Hurling League 3:00pm Div 5B Upperchurch Drombane 0-13 Cahir 0-12 Cahir Mon Apr County Hurling League 17th 3:00pm Div 5B Upperchurch Drombane 1-18 Ballylooby Castlegrace 3-13 Ballylooby Fri Apr 21st 7:00pm Mid Junior Hurling League Div 1 Upperchurch Drombane 2-15 Thurles Sarsfields 3-20 Outside Field Thurles Sun May 7th Mid Junior Hurling League 12:00pm Div 1 Upperchurch Drombane 1-10 Holycross-Ballycahill 2-25 Drombane Sun Jun 25th County Hurling League 3:00pm Div 5B Upperchurch Drombane 1-12 Ballybacon/Grange 2-19 Drombane Fri Jun 30th 8:00pm Mid Junior A Hurling Championship Group Upperchurch Drombane 0-15 Moycarkey-Borris 1-16 Littleton Sat Jul 15th County Hurling League 7:30pm Div 5B Upperchurch Drombane 1-9 Knockshegowna 0-15 Ballingarry Sat Aug 5th Mid Junior A Hurling 6:45pm Championship Group Upperchurch Drombane 1-16 Thurles Gaels 1-16 Drombane Sun Aug 20th Mid Junior A Hurling 6:30pm Championship Group Upperchurch Drombane 2-11 Holycross/Ballycahill 5-19 Holycross Page 10

11 2 matches were played in the mid junior B football championship this year with defeats to Boherlahan Dualla & Moycarkey/Borris. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Sun Jun 18th Mid Junior B Football Upperchurch Drombane 1-4 Boherlahan Dualla 1-15 Boherlahan Fri Jul 7th Mid Junior B Football Upperchurch Drombane 1-6 Moycarkey-Borris 6-14 Drombane The first game of the under 21 championship saw us face off against Moycarkey/Borris on St Patricks Day. A good performance saw us pull out a 4 point win and in the process qualify for the mid semi final. This game was played over 7 months later against JK Brackens Óg. After a tight start to the game Brackens claimed the upper hand and were able to stretch their lead in the second half to end our interest in the competition. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Fri Mar 17th 12:00pm Mid Under 21B Hurling Round 1 Upperchurch Drombane 2-9 Moycarkey-Borris 1-8 Drombane Sat Oct 28th 11:45pm Mid Under 21B Hurling Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 1-14 JK Brackens Óg 2-20 Holycross We competed at A level in the football this year and as with the under 21 hurling we had 2 games in the championship. In both games, against Loughmore & JK Brackens, we battled doggedly but were unfortunate to lose by 2 points on each occasion. Brackens were to go on to reach the county semi final. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Sun 29th Jan 2:30pm Mid Under 21A Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 2-6 Loughmore-Castleiney 2-8 Drombane Sun Feb 5th 11:00am Mid Under 21A Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 1-7 JK Brackens Óg 1-9 Templemore Page 11

12 This year saw our minor hurlers play 3 games with defeats in the mid championship to Boherlahan Dualla, Drom & Inch & Loughmore-Castleiney. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Wed Jul 5th 7:30pm Wed Jul 19th 7:30pm Mon Aug 7th 7:00pm Mid Minor B Hurling Championship Group Upperchurch Drombane 1-8 Boherlahan Dualla 5-18 Boherlahan Mid Minor B Hurling Championship Group Upperchurch Drombane 0-10 Drom & Inch 0-26 The Ragg Mid Minor B Hurling Championship Quarter Final Upperchurch Drombane 0-11 Loughmore-Castleiney 3-19 Castleiney The minor footballers contested 7 matches this season. A fine group campaign saw us notch up victories against Moycarkey/Borris and Drom & Inch before suffering a 1 point defeat to Boherlahan Dualla. Things were put back on track with a victory against Gortnahoe-Glengoole before we were beaten by the combo of Moyne/Templetouhy & Thurles Gaels in the final group game. This set up a rematch against the Moyne/Gaels combo in the semi final. It was a keenly contested match that ended in a high scoring draw 1-17 to Sadly the replay didn't go our way as Moyne/ Mon May 15th 7:00pm Mid Minor B Football Semi Final Replay Upperchurch Drombane 2-9 Gaels prevailed thanks to a number of goals. DATE COMPETITION TEAM TEAM VENUE Wed Mar 29th 7:15pm Mid Minor B Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 3-15 Moycarkey-Borris 2-2 Littleton Sat Apr 8th 11:00am Mid Minor B Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 5-11 Drom & Inch 1-4 The Ragg Thu Apr 13th 6:45pm Mid Minor B Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 2-10 Boherlahan Dualla 0-17 Drombane Wed Apr 19th 7:00pm Mid Minor B Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 1-17 Gortnahoe-Glengoole 3-7 Drombane Wed Apr 26th Moyne/Templetouhy- 7:15pm Mid Minor B Football Group Upperchurch Drombane 1-10 Thurles Gaels 3-8 Drombane Fri May 5th 7:00pm Mid Minor B Football Semi Final Upperchurch Drombane 1-17 Moyne/Templetouhy- Thurles Gaels 2-14 Templetouhy Moyne/Templetouhy- Thurles Gaels 7-6 Drombane This year turned out to be a very successful year for the Upperchurch Drombane Juvenile GAA club. In football the club collected a total of 5 trophies and also contested a number of other finals. At under 12 a mid title was claimed on the way to the county final. The under 14 A footballers claimed both mid & county titles, beating Moyle Rovers in the county final. A mid Peil title was added also. At under 16 level we reached the B county final having won the mid final against JK Brackens. On the hurling front some great performances were also put in which will stand Them in good stead when they graduate to the adult ranks in the coming years. Well done to all the mentors of the various groups for their hard work & efforts this year. Page 12

13 As in 2016 the club hosted a fundraising night in Thurles Greyhound Stadium. This time the novelty race was slightly different and on September 30th 10 families lined up to find out who is "Upperchurch Drombane's Fastest Family". Each member of the 3 person family completed a lap of the course with the lead changing hands a number of times. In the end it was the Ryan Giants team of Larry, Norita and Matt who emerged as champions with Matt adding to his fastest man title from last year. Kelley Harrington took the prize for fastest lady on the night. Many thanks to all who purchased tickets, bet on the competitors or bid in the auction. A fantastic night was had by all and the celebrating continued well into the early hours. Also many thanks and well done to all the families who competed: the Greenes, the Grants, the Gleesons, the Ryans of the Line, the Harrington-Pamplins, the Ryan Farmers, the O'Dwyer-Quinlans, the Ryan Giants, the Shanahans and the Shortt-Bourkes. The year kicked off on a celebratory note as the club hosted a medal presentation night in Drombane Hall. On the night medals were presented to our victorious mid minor football champions by club President Phil Lowry while long time servant of the club Tommy Ryan(Line) presented to our juniors hurlers who claimed mid, county and league honours in Also on the night highlights were shown of the junior B county final and the subsequent Munster semi final. Page 13

14 The club's annual golf classic has become a staple of the club's calendar and this year we returned once again to Dundrum Golf & Country club in July for 2 days of competition. Once again the event was very well supported with over 50 teams entering and saw some fantastic golf played. Prizes were awarded for a number of categories the title for best team was taken by the fourball of Tom Ryan, Fr Tony Ryan, Eddie Stapleton & Barry Murphy. Thanks to all who supported either by playing, sponsoring tee boxes or helping to organise the event. The Tipperary GAA Clubs Draw continues to be very well supported in the parish and offers some great prizes as well as each membership benefitting the club itself. We had 2 big wins this year with James Carey winning the top prize in the June draw of a Renault Kadjar while John & Mary Carey were the lotto jackpot winners in the October draw. All of this is in addition to Fr. Loughlin Brennan claiming the top prize of a Skoda car in the December 2016 draw. There were also a number of smaller winners from the club this year with wins from the club in 8 of the last 12 monthly draws. Pictured is James receiving his cheque along with winning promoter Padraig Hayes. Early January saw the club host its annual charity fundraising walk/run. The charity chosen for this instalment was Down Syndrome Ireland Tipperary Branch The 7k Moher Hill route is notoriously challenging but both runners & walkers seemed to enjoy the event. Winner of the men s race was John Fogarty in a time of just over 28 minutes following by Sean Percy, Michael Carey, Willie Shanahan & Eamon Ryan. In the ladies race Louise Condon took the spoils with Kelly Pamplin in second followed by Ashling Ryan, Martina Ryan and Laura Carey. Colm Ryan took the award for most improved athlete. 2,150 was raised on the day for a very worthwhile charity. For the forthcoming run on Dec 31st we'll be taking a break from the Moher Hill course and tackling a 5km run/walk in Drombane Village in aid of Upperchurch Drombane Active Retirement Group. Page 14

15 CLUBHOUSE PATRON SCHEME Back in 2012 the club started work on building our new clubhouse in Drombane. This development saw the creation of a number of new dressing rooms, kitchen facilities, store rooms, upper level playing area and a gym. To allay the cost club members were asked to support the cause by donating annually marks the final year of the clubhouse patron scheme. Building the new clubhouse was a large commitment and could not have been undertaken without the support of these patrons. We'd like to sincerely thank all those who contributed during the scheme and the clubhouse as it stands today is testament to their contribution. CARD NIGHTS With the evenings getting longer towards the end of the year the club resumed their weekly card nights in the Drombane Clubhouse on Mondays at 8:30pm. All are welcome to attend. CLASSIC GAA MATCHES November saw the club start a series of nights showing old classic GAA matches in the clubhouse. This initiative is in conjunction with the Active Retirement Group with the first game being the iconic Munster hurling final replay in 1987 between Tipperary and Cork. The day when the famine was ended with a first Munster title in 16 years for the Premier county. It's hoped that this will provide a nice social gathering in the long nights of winter and a chance to reminisce over old games. CLUBHOUSE GYM The clubhouse gym continues to go from strength to strength under the able stewardship of Jerry O'Dwyer. Such is the success that a ladies only night has been introduced on Wednesdays to cater for the demand DEFIBRILLATOR In May the club received the very kind donation of a defibrillator from Eamon Kennedy. This vital piece of life saving equipment is a welcome addition to the clubhouse. Page 15

16 Following on from his achievements in bringing the Liam McCarthy back to Tipperary, in May Michael Ryan was chosen as the Tipperary Association Dublin's Person of The Year. October saw James Barry selected to represent Ireland in the annual shinty/hurling clash against Scotland. Both also represented the club very well as part of the Tipperary senior hurling setup this year. In November the list of recipients for the 15th Laochra Gael awards were named. These awards honour club members in Tipperary who have given significant service down through the years to their club or the GAA. Among the 26 to be named this year is our own Phil Lowry from Moyaliffe. Phil follows in the footsteps of a number of others from the parish who have received this award in previous years. Congratulations to him on this well deserved achievement. Page 16

17 Upperchurch-Drombane delight at historic win Tipperary Star (Saturday, December 12th 1998) By Noel Dundon Upperchurch-Drombane 1-10 Ballybacon-Grange 1-9 Upperchurch-Drombane have finally reached their Holy Grail. Following a swashbuckling performance in soggy Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary, the Upperchurch-Drombane men annexed the Jacksie Ryan Cup (county intermediate hurling) for the first time to make history for the famed club. Perhaps, more importantly, they have made that vital jump back to the senior grade. It s almost a decade since they last played senior hurling and it has taken ten years to prepare a side which will make an assault on the grade. Their displays in the intermediate competition have been very ordinary from time to time but 98 saw them get it together. Under Eamonn Owens they trained hard and were really fit, mentally and physically. There was no way they were going to lose the county final having worked hard to get there. The disappointment of losing to Burgess in the 1993 decider was still there but Sunday saw that disappointment forgotten as Sean Purcell lifted the cup having played a vital role himself. One would have to feel sorry for Ballybacon-Grange. This was a side that possessed many of the defeated Ardfinnan senior footballers as well and to lose two county finals in one year is a real heartbreak. They hit nine wides, three less than Upperchurch-Drombane and while they put up a very strong performance and were perhaps unlucky not to have gotten something from the game, they will probably be the first to admit that Upperchurch-Drombane deserved their victory. From the outset this was a game that seemed destined to go all the way to the wire. Conditions were heavy with the ball dropping dead once it hit the ground. Quite a number of rucks developed with referee Johnny McDonnell resorting to throwing the ball in on numerous occasions. A very clean and fair game, both sides hit hard and the dogged determination of aspiring champions was very much on display. Ballybacon-Grange made the early running and were a better team to take their scores in the first quarter. Although they hit three wides before Sean Maher finally got them off the mark in the 7th minute from a free, they were 0-4 to 0-2 ahead at the end of the quarter, Kenneth O Shea getting their three other scores from frees as well. Upperchurch-Drombane were finding it hard to get their range and hit a number of early wides before John Keane pointed in the 9th minute. John Ryan (Casey) struck a nice score for them in the 11th minute and he was to have the game of his life in the decider as he tormented the South champions with his pace. Michael Ryan had a third score for the Church in the 19th minute to leave a point in it but they had six wides at that stage. The first score from play for Ballybacon-Grange came from Declan Ryan in the 20th minute and they almost had a goal a minute later when Michael English got inside the defence but kicked wide. A goal at that stage would have been a great boost to them as Upperchurch-Drombane were finding it hard to get into stride despite a Darren Keane point in the 23rd minute. As half-time approached, Ballybacon-Grange led by 0-5 to 0-4 and the Church were perhaps fortunate to have been so close to them. Upperchurch-Drombane would have been very content with that scenario at the break considering their first half display but when John Ryan Casey) goaled for them on the stroke of half time after great work from Brian Phelan, it was a real shot in the arm for them. Ryan s unconventional celebrations have become his trademark and once more he didn t disappoint the delighted Upperchurch-Drombane folk. Page 17

18 Ballybacon-Grange could probably feel justifiably perturbed at the fact that their interval lead was stolen with practically the last puck of the half. They had played solidly with Sean Maher leading by example. He played a holding-role as a second centre-back and cleaned up a lot if loose ball. Upperchurch-Drombane forwards were not getting the room they needed and Maher had a lot to do with it. So, too, had Brian Condon and Ciaran Walsh while Michael O Sullivan was giving away nothing to John Ryan at full-forward. Darren Keane and Kenneth O Shea swapped scores immediately after the break before Sean Maher hit a brilliant point for Ballybacon-Grange from the right wing to leave one in it. The goal the South men threatened finally came in the 8th minute after Alan O Gorman raced in along the end line and finished brilliantly to send his side into the lead once more. Upperchurch-Drombane now needed character to come forward and they found a man more than willing in Michael Ryan at midfield. He absorbed a lot of pressure and hit a lot of very good ball despite receiving a serious hard wound midway through the half. The introduction of injured captain, Sean Purcell, gave them added impetus and he certainly made a difference. John Ryan and Brian Phelan struck for the Church to leave the sides level. Kenneth O Shea shoved Ballybacon-Grange in front but Brendan Cummins was forced to show his class in the 14th minute when he dived full length to deny John Ryan (Casey) a second goal. L.T. Ryan came into his own, too, at centre-back for the Church and swept across the half-line. His clearances were vital and put Ballybacon-Grange under pressure. Upperchurch-Drombane moved Darren Keane to full-forward and John Ryan to the corner and it was a vital move. Ryan finally shrugged off Michael O Sullivan and he made the decisive impact eventually grabbing the winning point before the end. Michael Ryan levelled the game for the Church with a huge free in the 25th minute and captain, Sean Purcell, blasted over the bar three minutes later after corner-forward, Michael O Dwyer, and John Ryan (Casey) combined. Hardly had the Upperchurch-Drombane cheering ended when Sean Maher replied for Ballybacon-Grange to level the scored again but in similar fashion Upperchurch-Drombane went upfield and John Ryan found a little space to hit a beauty between the posts. The drama continued. Upperchurch-Drombane lost both Brian Phelan and Sean Purcell in injury time, the two displaying the scars of battle as they departed through injury and into the fray came Tom Ryan and Gerry Quinn. The break in play allowed the Church to catch their breath and settle things down a little and they readied themselves for the final onslaught. It was now a case of what we have we hold. The final throw of the dice from Ballybacon-Grange came from a long Brendan Cummins free which landed in the square but, as bodies dived to keep it out, the ball eventually went off a Ballybacon-Grange man and wide. It was all over. The scenes of celebration were remarkable. The pitch was invaded as the success-starved Upperchurch-Drombane folk displayed their delight. The Jacksie Ryan Cup was going to the home of one it remembers with affection and it was a fitting tribute to the great Upperchurch man. When people look back on this game they will point to the display of John Ryan (Casey) as being hugely significant. His finest hour in the black and amber jersey was equalled only by Michael Ryan and L.T. Ryan while Darren Keane was also very prominent. The solid displays of Seamus Griffin and John Ryan (P) together with the creativity of Brian Phelan will be remembered for some time to come. John Ryan has had happier hours in the Upperchurch-Drombane jersey and even the frees eluded him at vital times. However, when it mattered most he produced the goods and his Page 18

19 winning score was an excellent one and his courage and bravery in going for it was admirable. Padraig Hayes got plenty of protection from Michael O Dwyer and Seamus Armstrong while Jim Ryan, Gerry Ryan, Padraig Burke, John Keane also played their part. Ballybacon-Grange can feel justifiably proud of their achievements in Two county final appearances would please any club and they were not too far away at all. The intermediate hurling final will be remembered perhaps as the one that got away. They held the initiative and saw it slip like sand through their fingers as Upperchurch-Drombane used all their cunning to overcome them. Sean Maher was inspirational for them while Gerry Ryan worked hard. Kenneth O Shea, too, was in good form while James Hackett, Declan Ryan and Brian Condon battled hard. In goal Brendan Cummins was safe and his clearances provided a lot of relief for Ballybacon-Grange. Upperchurch-Drombane are back where they want to be. They will celebrate like only they can and they deserve it. Almost a decade has been spent in the intermediate grade but it has been ten years of learning and development. The results of that were seen in Sean Treacy Park on Sunday. The fruits of it will be seen on a bigger stage in Footnote A word of praise, too, for referee Johnny McDonnell and his officials for their handling of the game in difficult conditions. They contributed in no small way to an excellent intermediate final. Upperchurch-Drombane P. Hayes; M. O Dwyer, S. Griffin, S. Armstrong; Jim Ryan (B), L.T. Ryan, John Ryan (P); M. Ryan 0-2, G. Ryan; B. Phelan 0-1, P. Bourke, D. Keane 0-2; J. Keane 0-1, John Ryan 0-2, John Ryan (C) 1-1. Substitutes S. Purcell 0-1 for P. Burke; T. Ryan for S. Purcell; G. Quinn for B. Phelan. Ballybacon-Grange B. Cummins; G. O Mahoney, M. O Sullivan, R. Walsh; P. Norton, B. Condon, C. Walsh; S. Maher 0-3, G. Ryan; D. Ryan 0-1, J. Hackett, L. Butler; A. O Gorman 1-0, M. English, K. O Shea 0-5. Referee J McDonnell (Roscrea). Page 19

20 A big thanks to all who have sponsored or supported the club during the year. Many of the local businesses have once again dug deep. Special thanks to our main sponsors Mid West Oil who have backed the club for a number of years now and also our IT sponsor Pa's Bar. Thanks to those who helped in providing information for this newsletter including Ryan Milestone Photography for some of the photos. There are many ways to connect with the club online. Clubify App: Anyone with a smartphone who would like to get news/fixtures and results for the club can download the Clubify app (from the Apple App Store, Google Play store or at and select Upperchurch Drombane GAA from the menu. Website: Facebook: Twitter: Newsletter: Anyone interested in getting weekly club news and fixtures sent to them via can subscribe to the mailing list by ing upperchurchdrombane.gaa@gmail.com with Subscribe in the subject bar A range of club merchandise can be purchased from the O Neills website. The link for the shop is: Page 20