Well done to our Senior hurlers who retained their Senior hurling status in the Ragg last Saturday afternoon following their 0-18 to 1-14 victory over Upperchurch/Drombane. Since our promotion to the Dan Breen, Brackens have faced all the top top teams and contested a preliminary quarter-final and a County quarter-final. But Saturday presented a different challenge as we faced into our first relegation battle since the top 16 was introduced. Facing the 'Church on consecutive weekends in consecutive years didn't make it any easier, but victory in the football semi-final the previous Saturday certainly helped. Brackens were very lively early on and had some lovely scores from play from Andrew Ormond, Shane Doyle, Lyndon Fairbrother and Conor Cadell. A Pat Ryan goal halted our gallop in the 14th minute but further scores from Cadell, Ormond and Fairbrother saw the sides tied after twenty minutes. The goal gave Upperchurch confidence though and they led by four after 26 minutes (1-9 to 0-8). Brackens were reduced to 14 when Shane Doyle, who was having quite an influence on the game, was incorrectly red-carded a minute later and the gap remained at four at the short whistle (1-11 to 0-10). Brackens were in a tight corner but the display of sheer determination and will to win that they showed over the next half hour was exceptional. They defended heroically, used the ball intelligently and won a succession of frees which the ever-reliable Fairbrother popped over from all distances and angles. Eight points without reply in the opening seventeen minutes courtesy of Fairbrother (6), Ormond and Conor Cadell's third saw Brackens surge four clear and the chances of survival had increased dramatically. Brackens wouldn't score again, but time and again they thwarted the 'Church who simply couldn't find a way past a rock solid defence. Pat Ryan got their only point from play in the second half in the 48th minute and two further frees from Padraig Greene closed the gap to the minimum. But Brackens stood firm to maintain their Senior status, proudly held since 1998. It was an excellent team effort but special mention must go to Jamie Bergin, Jack Bergin and Stephen Cahill, who having broken on to the team this year should great leadership. They now go forward to the County Senior Football final on Sunday with great confidence where a repeat of that same spirit and will to win may well end our eighty-seven year wait for County honours. The club are very proud of the efforts of all those involved and wish you the very best of luck in Semple Stadium. Bring it home boys. Brackens Abu.

Team and Scorers: Jack Kennedy, Jamie Bergin, Luke Ormond, Martin Delaney, Jack Bergin, Eanna McBride, Jordan Moloney, Conor Cadell (0-3), Paddy Cadell, Neil Quinlan, Stephen Cahill, Cathal Scully, Andrew Ormond (0-3), Shane Doyle (0-1), Lyndon Fairbrother (0-11, 8f, '65). Subs: Dean McEnroe for Moloney, Eoin Fitzpatrick, Cathal Scully for Eoin Fitzpatrick (inj).

Referee: Peter Carroll (Burgess).