Dromtariffe make no mistake this time
THE dream became a reality, few teams deserve a county title more than Dromtariffe on bringing their final torment to an end by overcoming Sarsfields in an entertaining County Junior B Hurling Inter-divisional Championship decider played at a chilly Pairc Uí Rinn last Sunday.
Appearing in their fifth outing at the venue in three seasons and with silverware on offer, two losses and two draws had tested the perseverance of Dromtariffe only for their patience to be rewarded on this occasion in a replay. History wrapped in emotion and decorated in red and white colours summed a memorable day for the Duhallow side.
Having forfeited four points in injury time eight days previously, Dromtariffe’s hunger and bite was maintained for the full hour on this occasion. Faster to the ball, sharper stickwork and creative in possession saw Dromtariffe make a firm statement that ultimately helped secure a first time county championship title in adult hurling.
Typical of Sarsfields, they were honest and committed, toiled bravely on throwing themselves in everything in a bid to save the day. And having cut a four point deficit to the minimum, it looked as Sars were capable of at least forcing the game into extra time.
However, a well drilled Dromtariffe rearguard, to a man resisted stoutly, backed up by the reliable presence of net minder Dermot Cremin helped repel the late charge. And Dromtariffe finished in style, points to Jack Murphy and Stephen Ahern put the icing on the cake.
From the drawn tussle, both sides introduced a pair of new players into both starting line ups, little separating the pair during the opening quarter with the sides deadlocked on four occasions.
Up and running with Ken Ryan and Seán Howard exchanging points, both ‘keepers Cathal Duggan and Cremin were called into action on timely interventions.
The nip and tuck affair continued, Sars points to Timmy Murphy and Ger O’Callaghan answered by Dromtariffe’s Seán Howard and Murphy to draw parity for the third time. Again Sars nudged ahead from a Ryan free, Cremin kept his side in the hunt, showing vigilance to deny Jonathan Kelleher’s effort.
That spurred Dromtariffe on, beginning to create inroads, back to back points from
Murphy and another by Mark O’Connor helped secure a 0-6 to 0-4 advantage.
Growing in stature, Dromtariffe operating against the breeze were now full of energy and exuberance, the O’Gorman brothers, Mikie and Billy along with Kevin Cremin and Neil Galvin solidified their dominance in defence; Howard, well supported by Daniel O’Keeffe thrived at midfield with the outstanding Murphy delivering a busy and bustling performance at centre forward.
Indeed, the skilful stickman Murphy expressed himself on two smashing points to push Dromtariffe ahead by four. Sars broke a barren 13 minute scoreless spell to mount a comeback, points to Ryan and O’Driscoll halved the deficit.
After Sars custodian Duggan saved well from Murphy, Dromtariffe added to their tally from a Howard pointed free to enjoy a 0-9 to 0-6 lead at the break. Sars bounced out of the traps early on the restart, Timmy Murphy pointed a ‘65.
Still Dromtariffe appeared more than equal to the task, Howard pointing from play and a free. Sars weren’t prepared to bow out too tamely, adopting a much more purposeful and assertive approach to dig in for a real battle.
That stemmed from positional switches with a half back line of Conor English, Joe Cashman and Murphy much more prominent with new man Patrick O’Driscoll winning large volume of possession.
Two points by O’Driscoll sandwiched one by Howard before Sars were again thankful to goalie Duggan on a brilliant save from Murphy to allow his side trail 0-12 to 0-9 at the three quarter stage.
Indeed, Sars kept plugging away, subs. O’Driscoll and Séan Quinn obliging to bisect the uprights to leave the minimum between the teams with seven minutes of regulation time remaining.
For both sets of supporters, it was edge of the seat excitement with the possibility of extra time looming.
However, Dromtariffe wriggled their way out of potential trouble, a sweeping move down the field saw Murphy take a return pass from Howard to split the uprights with Stephen Ahern following suit.
Late on, Sars came raiding, looking for the goal that would hand them another lifeline but heroic defending saw the Dromtariffe rearguard prove an unmoveable obstacle before the full time whistle sounded much to the delight of success starved supporters.
For both sets of supporters it was edge of the seat excitement with the possiblity of extra time looming