CHAMPIONS !!!! It was confirmed officially this week that we are county league champions again this year. Along the way we had wins over Fossa, Gneeveguilla, Kenmare, Milltown/Castlemaine, Ballyduff and Fossa again in the semi final,The final against Ballyduff did not take place and we have now been awarded this game. Well done to all our boys who put in a huge effort in training and in all the games. Well done and thanks also to mentors, Tony Silles, Gene o Keeffe, Martin Lowe, and Michael Dreelan for all their hard work.
BALLYMAC 6-16 KILCUMMIN 3-8
WE had a useful challenge game against Kilcummin on Friday evening,. Even though we won easily it gave us a chance to try out players in different positions. Keelan and Liam o Malley showed off their goalkeeping skills, Dara Reagan switched between midfield and full back, Jack o Connor got two goals, Tadhg Brick kicked points for fun and Daragh Clifford, James Carmody, and Davy Rodgers performed well up front.
U12 B Central Region:
Ballymac 5-12. Ardfert 1-03.
Played on Monday evening last in ideal conditions ballymac took the game to ardfert from the throwin . A few early goals from John Lowe and Bryan Cassidy lay the foundation for a good win. A number of our u 10s put in a solid display with Ryan mc Hugh Adam o Keeffe and James bailey catching the eye
U11 BLITZ:
On last Saturday morning last we made the short trip to Farranfore to play in the annual U11 blitz.
Conditions were good for football with rain staying away up until the final.
Ballymac were grouped with Castleisland Desmonds , Dr. Crokes and Glenflesk with the top two teams progessing to the semi finals.
First up for Ballymac were our near neighbours and rivals Desmonds. The blue and white had the upper hand in our recent game with them on Wednesday night last and so our boys were out to make ammends. From the throw in our lads got stuck in . Bryan Cassidy and Darragh Broderick were pulling the strings at midfieldand gave some great ball to our forwards who duly obliged with some well taken scores. Our defense were well on top and held Desmonds to two points for the game . Final score Ballymac 1-7 Desmonds 0-2.
Next up Dr. Crokes, knowing that a win for either side would ensure a semi final place both teams went for it. Dr. Crokes commanded the first half and lead 3-3 to 1-1 at the short whistle. A strong breeze was a factor and in the second half the boys gave there all and came right back into it. Dylan Dunne Moriarty Cian Godley and Darragh Leen came well into the game up front and kicked some beautiful scores. Our backs were marking tightly and gave Crokes very littlle to cheer about. with time running out we were 4-3 to 3-3 behind the boys gave there all but alas could not find a path through to score a goal which would have tied the game.
Onto our final group game Glenflesk , we were not out of the running yet for a semi final place, boyed by a superb showing against Crokes our boys were spurred on .Johnathan Lowe Bryan Godley and Adam Joy tore through the Glenflesk defense and the East Kerry side had no answer. Brilliant team play and growing confidence ensured the boys were not going to be beaten in this game. The maintained the pressure right to to end and ran out worthy winners on a scoreline of 5-5 to 1-1.
It was a tense wait to find out if the boys had done enough to secure a semifinal spot Crokes, Desmonds and Ballymac all finished on the same points each having won 2 games , however Ballymacs higher aggregate scores ensured we took top spot in our group and now played Firies in the semis.
Semi Final Ballymac v Firies
An enthralling game ensued between the teams and both sides gave their all. Indeed Ballymac had much the better amount of possession but were unable to convert that to scores. Many Firies attacks were were twarted by a superb defensive display from Adam Kelly Ciaran Brosnan Eoghan Kenny Aidan O Brien and our goalie Jack Tobin.
Half time Ballymac lead 1-3 to 1-1 .
The second half followed the pattern of the first with some good scores. Firies were keeping in touch by scoring a goal to our points. Leading in to the final minute all was level Ballymac 1-6 Firies 2-3.. A 45 for Firies was fired into the air and the deftest of touches around the square saw the ball land in the back of our net. The final whistle blew, our boys were devastated, they had outplayed, outscored 7 scores to 6 ,and outthought their opponents but alas victory and passage to the final eluded them on this occasion.
This group of young lads can be well pleased with their performaces on the day , the topped their group and but for a bit of luck would have made the final. The future is bright for each of these young lads and better days will follow.
Team Jack Tobin Ciaran Brosnan Adam Kelly Adam Joy Eoghan Kenny Dylan Dunne Moriarty Bryan Cassidy Cian Godley Darragh Broderick(capt) Darragh Leen Jonathan Lowe Bryan Godley Aidan o Brien
Mentors Jer Lynch Mike Brosnan Mike Broderick
Our u10 & U8 boys were in Keel on Thursday evening last where we took on the locals in very competitive games. Well done to Keel for taking care of us. On Sunday last we welcomed Milltown/Castlemaine to Ballymac to play all our Academy boys. Great football was played by all and we thank Milltown for coming to our club and we await the return fixture.
Quote of the week; If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate problems and find you are ready for greater challenges.
Ted O’Keeffe Family fun Day: On Sunday 15th September we welcome back Ted O’Keeffe family fun day. This has always been a wonderful day for people of the parish. If anyone would like to get involved in organising this day they can come along to our next meeting at 8pm in Club meeting room this Thursday night.
Kerry v Dublin All Ireland semi final; Coiste na nÓg are organising a bus to travel to Croke park for the All Ireland semi final. Anyone wishing to travel can contact Jer Lynch on 087 2025402