Liam Dunphy: 'To get back to the top level of hurling in Tipperary is a huge achievement'

BACK IN SENIOR RANKS: Upperchurch-Drombane are back in the senior ranks for the first time since 2023 after this convincing premier intermediate final win in Thurles. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Tipperary Premier IFC final: Upperchurch-Drombane 2-17 Carrick Swans 1-14 

Upperchurch-Drombane are back in the senior ranks for the first time since 2023 after this convincing premier intermediate final win in Thurles.

Carrick Swans were bridesmaids for the second successive year but unlike last year’s defeat to Cashel King Cormacs they were the inferior team for a good stretch of this game.

Upperchurch-Drombane were five points up with 10 minutes remaining when Paddy Phelan put the game beyond Swans’s reach. The south Tipperary side did outscore their opponents 1-5 to 0-3 for the remainder but the damage had been done.

Upperchurch-Drombane led 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time, their opening goal scored by Paul Shanahan in the second minute.

Speaking to Tipp FM after the game, Upperchurch-Drombane manager Liam Dunphy said the efforts made by the players were rewarded. “Two years in the making, really. We were at the semi-final stage last year, got to the line but didn’t get over it. Made sure we weren’t going to fall short of the line this year. Put huge work into this. The work these guys have done is unbelievable. A savage bunch of fellas to work with.

“To get back to the top level of hurling in Tipperary is a huge achievement and it’s probably where we feel we should be.” 

Dunphy credited the strength of his defence. “Our forwards go into training and they probably mark statistically the best defensive unit in the premier intermediate championship. You go in there and mark statistically the best six backs in the premier intermediate championship and that’s what tests you, that’s what brings you there.

“Bear Bryant has a great saying there, ‘defence win championships’ and I’m a firm believer that you’ve got to be able to protect your own goal first and then you see what you can do at the other end of the field and look it worked for us throughout the year.”