Ballymacelligott GAA club notes Sunday 24th September 2023
by Joanne Long PRO
Senior Ladies
Bons Secours Junior A Championship
Round 6
In what was dreadful conditions for a football match, our ladies kept their place at the top of the Junior A rankings after a well-deserved 5-11 to 1-8 victory over a very game Kilcummin side.
The comprehensive scoreline did not look likely as we struggled to adapt to the weather conditions, dropping a lot of ball and in particular giving away too many turnovers, which one in particular hurt us as Kilcummin broke away to score a goal against the run of play. This put them into 1-2 to 0-4 with 23 minutes of the first half gone. But when the chips are down then our ladies rise to the occasion and two minutes later, after a lovely flowing move, Rachel Creedon finishes to the net. With another point each, the teams went in at halftime with Ballymac leading by 2 points 1-5 to 1-3. One positive from the first half was that after going 2 points to no score down, we had responded with 4 points on the bounce from Kate Collins (2), Keelin Enright and Eve Creedon. If we could sustain the type of movement then the second half would go our way. We also had to improve on our shooting accuracy as we were only 38% compared to 58% for Kilcummin.
The start of the second half was worrying as Kilcummin were first to score and our lead was just the minimum. However yet again we stepped it up and a quick-fire point from Kate Collins and a trademark Roisin Rahilly goal, put Ballymac into the clear. From here we took control of the game, with further goals from Lisa Curran, Una Morrissey and Kerry Hennessy putting the game out of sight.
Next week now becomes our most vital game of the year-, as victory away in Killorglin versus Laune Rangers would give us a home semi-final.
Today’s squad was as follows, Robyn White, Grainne Galvin, Niamh Rahilly Anna Collins, Ciara Kerins, Una Morrissey (1-0), Rachel Griffin, Aishling O’Connell, Eve Creedon (0-1), Roisin Rahilly (1-1), Keelin Enright (0-1), Rachel Creedon (1-1), Ella Quirke, Kate O’Connor, Kate Collins (0-6). Ellie McElligott and Lisa Curran (1-1) HT for Ella and Kate, Caoimhe Carroll for Una Kerins, Kerry Hennessy (1-0) for Aishling O’Connell, Ella Quirke for Rachel Griffin and Kate O’Connor for Grainne Galvin.
Minor Boys
Ballymacelligott GAA v Ardfert GAA – Minor – Group B – Final – Club Championship
Ballymacelligott GAA 2-05 (11)
Ardfert GAA 1-11 (14)
On a blustery, wet day in Blennerville, our Ballymac minors played Ardfert GAA in the final of the Group B (Intermediate championship minor equivalent) on Saturday, 23rd of September. The boys had trained well in preparation for the game and also came to the final with their new kit bags kindly sponsored by Brendan Martin of Flo Gas.
In the first half, in windy conditions, scores were at a premium for both teams. Early in the first half, Ardfert were awarded a penalty which was well slotted away by Ardfert in the bottom left corner. Worthy of mention was a perfectly struck free from the left-hand side around the 21-yard line by Mairtin McKivergan that went straight between the posts, an incredible effort in tricky conditions. The score at the Half Time break was Ballymac 0-3, Ardfert 1-3.
To the oppositions credit, they took full advantage of the stiff breeze at their back in the second period with many fine scores on display aided by the wind. We found ourselves well behind with 10 minutes to go but, in fairness to the resilience that these young men have shown in spades all year, they never threw in the towel even in the most difficult, wet & windy conditions. Two goals in the last 10 minutes by the powerful runner that is Shane Gilroy brought us back within 3 but the clock beat us in the end. Ardfert ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-05 to 1-11.
There was a great air of disappointment amongst players, management & the immense Ballymac support that showed up despite the conditions and was much appreciated by the players and management. The future of Ballymac football is in safe hands based on these group of fine young men. This final might not have been our day but there will be better days to come in the future. Having won a central region title and getting to the final of a club championship is no small achievement and the lads can hold their heads high after a good year. Ballymac ABU.
Under 14 Girls
The U14 girls will play Duagh in North Kerry league on next Saturday at 6pm in Ballymac
Under 15 boys
Ballymac U15 boys play Cordal in the Castleisland District final in Knocknagoshel at 6pm this Monday evening all support welcome.
Academy
Our Academy put in a tough session this morning in very wet conditions. Well done to everyone for turning up see ye all next week.
Many thanks
Ballymacelligott GAA are delighted to receive financial assistance under the Community Enhancement Programme 2022 from Kerry County Council and Department of Rural and Community Development which will assist with our operating running costs.
Lotto
On Monday 18th September, Oonagh O’Rahilly and Angela Lenihan conducted the Lotto draw online.
The Numbers drawn were: 2, 3, 14, 32
There was no winner of this week’s Jackpot of €4,500. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners this week:
€30.00 – Patricia McDonnell, Ballymac (Annual)
€20.00 – Doreen Turner, c/o Paula Silles
€20.00 – Anna Maria Griffin, Tralee (Q.P)
Next week’s Jackpot is €4,600 and the draw will take place on Monday 25th September. Play Ball Lotto Ticket sales close at 6 pm sharp.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here http://clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2258&pc=0&RP=#Anchor
or from our regular sellers Paula Silles and Maureen O Shea. Quick Pick Envelopes and €2 cards are available at The Half Way Shop, O Riadas Bar and C.A Galvin Ltd. The closing time for entries will be 4 pm on Mondays to facilitate the draw.
The club appreciates every ticket that is bought in support of our Lotto. The funds go straight back into our club to cover expenses from Academy up to Senior Level.