We had our first win in the central region at home to Gaeltacht on bank holiday Monday evening. Both sides were tied at 3 points each after ten minutes, Ml Hoare (2) and Keelan our scorers. Dara Reagan and Ml. Hoare pointed from frees and a goal bound shot by Brian Lonergan was deflected over the bar. A fine effort by Gaeltacht came down off the crossbar but somehow stayed out, and at the other end Keelan was on hand to flick a Liam O’ Malley cross to the net. Three Ml. Hoare points (including 2 frees) completed our first half scoring, while Barry Lyons was called on to make two fine saves. Gaeltacht got two more points and found the net just before half time. Half time score Ballymac 1-9 Gaeltacht 1-5.Gaeltacht started the second half well and got 3 points inside the first ten minutes but they didn’t score again for the remainder of the half. D. Reagan kept us ahead with two points. He was through again after 20 mins bringing a fine save from the An Gaeltacht goalkeeper. From the resultant 45 by Josh, Dara keane got possession and pointed. Another D. Reagan point was followed by a missed goal chance. Two more D Reagan points finished our scoring. Barry Lyons had a busy evening, Tadhg Brick had a fine game, ML Hoare and Dara Reagan kicked some great points (6 each) and Keelan was busy as ever. We are away to Kerins O’ Rahillys next Monday evening the 13th of April.FAOI 14
Ardfert 2 – 07 Ballymac 1- 14
We travelled to Ardfert on a beautiful spring evening with conditions excellent for good football play and we weren’t disappointed. Having suffered defeat in our last outing the boys were not in the mood for a repeat The return of Liam O’ Brien at centre back was felt and his presence was immense. It took us the first half to get to grips with the Ardfert players. They bossed things in that half and their physicality against our younger lads was telling. Our defence stood up to attack after attack and held Ardfert to 2-5 to 5 at the short whistle. Eoin Aidan, David, Ciaran, Sean, Liam, and Tim can be very proud of their efforts in defence. The second half was the turn of our forwards to show their true skills they drove at Ardfert time and again and picked off their points well. Level with 10 minutes to go it was all to play for.
Our midfield of Bryan Cassidy and David Rogers set up many attacks with the clock running down. Dara Leen was a whizz and the introduction of Darragh Lynch and Dylan McHugh brought new impetus to our attack. We kicked the last 4 scores of the game to pull clear after some scintillating team play which saw our lads move the ball into space and pick off the points. It was great to watch the lads play the way we know they can. It was most certainly a great team effort and we look for the lads to bring this self belief into their next game.
Team: Eoin Culloty, Aidan o Brien, David Rogers, Ciaran Brosnan, Sean Polman Daamen, Liam O Brien, Tim Polman Daamen, Cian Godley, Bryan Cassidy, Dara Leen, Jon Lowe, Darragh Broderick, Eoghan Kenny, Eoghan Leahy, Dylan Dunne Moriarty, Dylan Mc Hugh, Darragh Lynch, Adam Kelly, Jack Tobin, Kyle O’ Connor, Cathal Culloty, Diarmuid Lynch, Darragh Sweeney
FAOI 12
Ballymac Blue (A) Team 4-08 v Ardfert 3-08
We played the first round of our County League campaign last Sunday evening against Ardfert at home and what a game of football we had. This was certainly a game of two halves with Ardfert coming out of the blocks all guns blazing and by half time had raced into a ten point lead. We made a few switches at halftime and the boys came out with fire in their bellies and within fifteen minutes they had the ten point deflect turned into a one by lead. The lads really got stuck in now and with some great defending and attacking play we went into a four point lead. In fairness to Ardfert they through everything at us in the closing minutes, and they pulled one point back, but the boys held out for a great win. The boys can feel really proud of themselves after this fine performance. Next Sunday evening we travel to Spa to take on the locals in round 2 of the County League.
BALLYMAC GOLD TEAM Vs ARDFERT
The first half was nip and tuck with 1-2 each from both Gary Lynch and James Kenny overcoming an early goal from the visitors. A last minute goal from Mark Ö Connor gave Ballymac a slender 2 point lead at half time. Ardfert had the best of the chances in the second half with great saves from Kieran Slattery and the crossbar keeping Ballymac slightly ahead. A goal from Alfonso Marquez extended Ballymacs lead to 5pts going into the final 10 minutes. Ardfert however struck with two quick goals to put them a point ahead. Luke McGill was unlucky to hit the upright before Ballymac were awarded a free kick in the final kick of the game. Donal Daly converted the point with great coolness to leave the final score Ballymac 4-7 Ardfert 5-4. All in all a fair result and a good start to the campaign.
FAOI 10
Our U10 boys travelled to Keel to play the local boys in 2 very well contested games. Those to impress on the day were Diarmuid Galvin, Conor Martin, Jack O Connor, Jack Slattery, Ben Sharpe and Aidan Horgan. Many thanks to the Keel Club for their hospitality shown to us after the game.
FAOI 8
The academy took place on Sunday morning after the Easter break with the turnout down due to the inclement morning weather. However the U6’s and U8’s completed their training sessions with Maurice Harrington, Stephen Turner, Donnacha Enright, and Conal Savage performing well on the day. The academy continues next Sunday at 11.00.