We played the semi final of U16 County League last Wednesday evening at home to Cordal/Scart, in wonderful conditions but after a titanic struggle we just came up short. Great credit must be given to the players on the night who put in a huge effort. We like to wish Cordal/Scart the best of luck in the final.
FAOI 14 : BALLYMAC 2-7 ARDFERT 0-6
We won our first trophy of the season in the Central Region Division 3 final played at home on bank holiday Monday against Ardfert. A low scoring game, with our first points coming from Josh and Daire Keane. Brian Lonergan and Tadhg Brick were doing well at midfield, Tadhg passing to Josh who soloed through for a super goal. Further points were scored by Daire Keane(2) and Liam O’Brien while at the other end good defending and poor shooting kept Ardfert’s score down. A Daire Keane free was misjudged by the goalie and Dara Chawke was on hand to finish to the net. Dylan McHugh, Diarmuid Lynch and James Carmody all helped us to lead at half time 2-6 to 0-1 Daire Keane getting another point.
It was all Ardfert in the second half as they piled on the pressure. Tremendous defensive work was done by Barry Lyons , Josh and Dara Leen who were ably assisted by Cathal Dunne, Eoin Culloty, Liam O’Brien, Kevin Lenihan and Davy Rodgers who was on man marking duties. Ardfert came forward in droves yielding four points and luckily for us at least as many wides. Chances were scarce for us our only score a Daire Keane point mid way through the half. Ardfert got another point but could got not get the goal they needed and credit for this must go to our defensive set up . A comfortable winning margin though it might have been closer had Ardfert not had so many wides. Damien McCarthy secretary of the central region thanked sponsors Kellihers garage and also Jer Lynch and Ballymac club for use of the pitch. He then presented the man of the match award to a deserving Josh O’Keeffe. A delighted captain Daire Keane accepted the winning trophy and thanked mentors Tony, Gene, Willie, Martin and Mike. Thanks to Paula, Deirdre, Siobhan, and Trish who provided refreshments afterwards and also to Orla Keane who sang the national anthem. TEAM B Lyons, K Lenihan, C Dunne,E Culloty,L O’Brien, J O’Keeffe, D Leen, T Brick, B Lonergan, D McHugh, D Rodgers, J Carmody, D Chawke, D Keane (capt) D Lynch..Subs D Broderick, J Mc Donnell, D Dunne, E Leahy, C Nolan, D Nolan, J Sugrue, D Lenihan, J Lowe D Lynch, A Jah.
FAOI 11: On Saturday our under elevens travelled to Firies to play in the local blitz. We played three games against Fr Caseys ,Dr Crokes and Glenflesk. We were unlucky in the first game against a big physical Fr Caseys team, going under by a couple of points in the end. Our team gave it their all and players to impress in this game were Cathal Culloty, Gary Lynch, Mark O’ Connor and Darragh Sweeney. Against Dr Crokes we played very well in the first half and led by 2 points at half time having conceded a late goal before the break. Our lads continued to play brilliantly in the second half and looked to have the game won only for Crokes to snatch a goal on the stroke of full time to win by the narrowest of margins. Players to impress in this game were Ryan Mc Hugh, Thomas O’Connor, James Kenny, Adam Kelly and Padraig O’Sullivan.
In our third game against Glenflesk ,we again displayed some great skill. Two superb goals from Denis Brosnan and Donal Daly had us in a great position, but Glenflesk hit us on the break with two goals in two minutes, to win by two points in a cracking game of football. Players to impress in this game were James Bailey, Adam O’Keeffe and Maurice O Connell. Well done to everyone involved , many thanks to Firies GAA for making it a wonderful day and to all the parents who travelled to Firies bringing with them wonderful support for the boys.
Last Tuesday evening we welcomed St. Pats to Ballymac in Round 5 of Coiste Trá Lí league. In sunny conditions the crowd were treated to a wonderful game of football & great credit must be given to both sets of players on the evening. We have Austin Stacks left to play in this competition, which has been put back to a later date.
ACADEMY: Many Thanks to Na Gaeil for inviting our U8’s & U6’s in to Tralee on Sunday morning for a mini blitz. The U6 boys fully participated for the duration of Blitz and in particular Cian Gilroy, Micheal Quirke, John Leen, Eoghan Joy, Aaron Crean and Ryan Burke were very impressive on the day. Mile Buiochas also to St. Pats for inviting in U10 boys. Those who impressed on the day were Diarmuid Galvin, Eoin Creedon, Niall Collins, Sean Rice and Aidan Horgan. Well Done to all age groups that attended Academy on Sunday morning despite the wet conditions. A great effort was also put in by the U10 girls. Keep up the great work.
SYMPATHY
The Club wishes to offer its sympathy to the family of Sean Geaney, Reamore who died recently. Also condolonces to the Cooper family Killarney on the death of Mrs Maureen Cooper. Her son Colm was to attend the Opel Sponsored U10 Blitz due to be played in Castleisland last Saturday. As a mark of respect this was cancelled and it is hoped this will be played at a future date.