We played Austin Stacks at home in the semi final of the Coiste Tra Li Championship last Sunday morning. In the damp and drizzly conditions both defences were on top early on. Stacks had edged 3 points to 1 ahead midway through the half Eoin O Malley on target for us while we also missed a few scoring chances. We were coming more into the game now, Keelan and Dara Reagan with a point each. An inspirational point by Barry Lyons and a free by Dara Reagan tied the scores at 5 points each. This was our best period of the half a great save by Brian Lonergan and a terrific blockdown by Josh kept the stacks at bay while at the other end a point each by D Reagan and Barry saw us lead at half time 7points to 5.
Both sides pointed early on in the second half Michael hoare our scorer. Keelan and the O Malleys were driving forward now at every opportunity while Barry, Josh and D Reagan scored points to put us 11 points to 6 ahead. Stacks were not giving up though and a well taken goal quickly followed by a point left us with a one point lead. Again Ballymac responded and points from Keelan and Ml Hoare gave us breathing space leading 0-13 to1-7 after 20 minutes. Both sides scored a point each in the final minutes but stacks could not get the goal they needed and so Ballymac held out for a famous win. We now play Na Gael in the final of this competition.
TEAM B Lonergan, T. Brick, J O Keeffe (0-1), D Nolan, L O Brien, K. Brosnan,(0-2) E. Rodgers, E O Malley (0-1) L O Malley, J. McDonnell, M. Hoare (0-2) C Dunne, D. Keane, D Reagan,(0-5) B. Lyons (0-3) Subs D Chawke, C Nolan, C Gallagher, J Carmody, D. Clifford.
CUMANN NA MBUNSCOIL: Congratulations to U10 Player Maurice O Connell on winning a Cumann Na Mbunscoil medal with his school Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn . In the final Maurice scored 4 points as he helped his side to victory.
AWARDS EVENING : On Bank Holiday Monday evening last we held our Awards evening in Ballygarry House. The evening was made extra special with the appearance of Kerry Players Aidan O Mahony (Senior) and Jack Morgan (Minor) who entered to rapturous cheering as they brought with them the Sam Maguire Cup and the Tom Markham Cup . Both players presented medals and awards to the boys and girls in the various age groups. Sam Maguire was a most popular guest and many young (and not so young) had their photo taken with him. Many thanks to Aidan and Jack for their giving up their Bank Holiday Monday to attend. There were many spot prizes on the day thanks to all who donated them. As usual Ballygarry pulled out all the stops to make it an enjoyable day for all. Many thanks to Padraig and his staff. Great credit must also go to Coiste Na Nog Chairman Jeremiah Lynch and Secretary Michael Brosnan and their hard working team for making the day such a great success. Congratulations to all the boys and girls who were presented with awards and medals on the night.
SYMPATHY: The Club would like to extend its sympathy to club players Aaron, Cathal, Millie & Laura Dunne on the death of their grandmother Mrs Maryann Moloney, Abbeyfeale. The Club also wishes also extends its sympathy to the McKivergan family on the death of Mrs Kitty McKivergan, Monalee.