Minor Central Region – Final – Div 2
May 22nd 2023
Ballymacelligott GAA 2-07 (13) Austin Stacks 0-12
Our Minor team played in the final of the Central Region Division 2 competition in glorious early summer conditions in Strand Road on Monday Evening, May 22nd.
In the first half, it was a nip and tuck affair with Ballymac going into an early 3-point lead with some fine score taking by Micheal Savage. Subsequently, it was Jamie Burke who found the back of the net to help drive us on. However, it was Austin Stacks who controlled the ball in the latter period of the first half and brought us back level at the interval on a scoreline of 1-3 to 0-6.
The second half started in a similar cagey fashion with both teams testing each other’s defence at various periods. The ever-industrious Jack Joy found the back of the net to help boost our chances. However, Stacks, nearing the end of the game took the lead for the first time but our fellas never gave up with some fantastic fielding from our captain Cathal White & Eoin Moriarty. Second Half substitute, Luke Silles, on his return from injury, popped over a bullet of a leveller to ensure all in attendance was in for a grand stand finish.
In as dramatic of a finish to a game as you will see, Jack Joy, got fouled near 45 yards out and placed the ball on the surface and took on the responsibility of taking on the kick which turned out to be the last kick of the game. With nerves of steel, Jack popped the ball over the black spot ensuring victory in heart stopping fashion. The scenes that followed will live long in the memory for any Ballymac person in attendance.
Congratulations to the boys on an outstanding, hard-fought victory. The club is immensely proud of you and your campaign! Ballymac ABU!!
Scorers: Jack Joy (1-03), Micheal Savage (0-3) Jamie Burke (1-00), Luke Silles (0-01)
Team on the night; 1. Cian Harris, 2. Maurice Harrington, 3. Thomas Leen, 4. Sam Slattery, 5. Conal Savage, 6. Cathal White (C), 7. Micheal O’Connor, 8. Shane Gilroy, 9. Eoin Moriarty, 10. Ciaran O’Connell, 11. Mairtin Mc Kivergan, 12. Gearoid Healy, 13. Micheal Savage, 14. Jamie Burke, 15. Jack Joy 17. Luke Griffin, 18. Alex Riordan, 19. Evan O’Brien, 20. Luke Silles 21. Eoghan Joy
