
Heartbreak for Ballinhassig in Munster Semi-Final
Ballinhassig’s dream of provincial glory ended in disappointment at Semple Stadium as they fell to Tipperary champions Upperchurch Drombane, 2-14 to 0-17, in a tough AIB Munster Intermediate Hurling semi-final.
While the Cork champions showed immense grit and fought back to level the scores twice—first in the second quarter and again after the break—they ultimately paid the price for failing to convert opportunities into goals. The two crucial green flags raised by Upperchurch Drombane proved to be the difference.
Ballinhassig relied heavily on the accuracy of Ger Collins, who landed six frees, but the team’s relentless effort to breach the Upperchurch defence was thwarted time and again. The decisive second goal conceded with nine minutes remaining was a major blow.
Despite a spirited finish and a late scramble for a major, the necessary goal never materialised. While the defeat is a painful end to their club campaign, Ballinhassig can hold their heads high, having represented Cork with pride on the Munster stage. Their focus now turns to building on this successful county-winning season.
L Shanahan 0-5 (0-3 f), A Ryan 0-3, Pat Ryan 1-1 (0-1 sl), C Fahey 1-0, P Shanahan, G Ryan (f), P Greene, D Carew, P Phelan 0-1 each.
G Collins 0-6 f, S McCarthy, M Collins 0-2 each, P Collins (f), F O’Leary, E Cullinane, S O’Neill, D O’Sullivan, B Lynch, C Desmond 0-1 each.
C Shortt; M Lavery, K Ryan (c), D Carew; N Grant, G Ryan, T Corbett; D Grant, A Ryan; C Fahey, P Phelan, P Shanahan; Pat Ryan, P Greene, L Shanahan.
C Ryan for P Greene , M Griffin for D Grant , Paul Ryan for Pat Ryan .
P Collins; D O’Donovan, K Maguiure, P O’Leary; J O’Callaghan, D O’Sullivan, E Lombard; C Grainger, C Desmond; E Cullinane, M Collins, S McCarthy; F O’Leary, G Collins (c), S Lombard.
J Lyne for J O’Callaghan (h-t), B Lynch for F O’Leary , S O’Neill for E Cullinane , G Kirby for M Collins .
Seaghán Walsh (De La Salle)