Played last Sunday in John Mitchels GAA grounds our boys finished off the season with a great win. In a tight first half we went in at the break all square at 0-4 a piece. Things were tight again in the start of the second half but our boys started to dominate midfield and put scores on the board and with a minute to go we were three points up when John Mitchels were awarded a penalty which was brilliantly saved by Brian Lonergan and we saw out the game to win by three. Colm Managan on behalf of Coiste Tra Li presented the trophy to Ballymac Captain Micháel Reidy who thanked John Mitchels for a great game, referee Eddie Barrett his team mates and also the management team of John Creagh, Gerard Regan & Liam Mc Elligott. Our lads finished the season as Castleisland District winners and Coiste Tra Li winners. Well done lads.
FAOI 14 : JOHN MITCHELS 6-9 BALLYMAC 3-6
Under lights in Ballyseedy was the venue for our last game of the season the Coiste Tra-li final against John Mitchels. Several positional changes were made and we were hoping for an improved performance from last week. Dara Broderick got our first point but Mitchels replied with a goal. Barry drove in along the endline and finished to the net adding a point shortly after to give us a real boost. We were going well now making block downs and winning turnovers , Dara Leen was buzzing as usual, Josh and James were in control at midfield, while up front Dara Keane ,Darragh Broderick and the tireless and energetic Barry Lyons were making steady progress, Three points from Daire Keane and one from Darragh Broderick had us 1-6 to 1-2 ahead after twenty five minutes. Mitchel’s finished the half with a goal and a point to leave the sides level at half time Ballymac 1-6 Mitchels 2-3 after a fine all round performance from our boys.. The only downside to the first half was injuries to Josh and David Nolan, with David Rodgers already out this was to have a telling effect. Mitchels started the half in whirlwind fashion scoring 2-2 inside the first ten minutes.They scored 2-3 in the next quarter while we could not get our passing game going like in the first half..Ballymac did not give up though with Barry and Daire Keane getting two late goals .Best for us were Barry Lyons, James McDonnell, Josh O’Keeffe, Dara Leen, Dara Keane and Darragh Broderick while James Carmody , Diarmiud Lynch, and Dara Lynch impressed when introduced. Again we had plenty vocal support on the night as we had the previous Sunday despite the inclement weather and this was greately appreciated by players and mentors. TEAM B Lonergan, D Nolan, T Brick, C Godley, D Leen,C Dunne (capt) L O’Brien, J O’Keeffe, J Mc Donnell, D Keane (1-3) B Lyons(2-1) D Broderick
(0-2) D McHugh, C Gallagher, C Nolan, Subs D Dunne, D Lynch, J Carmody, Dmd Lynch, J Sugrue, D Chawke, E Leahy.
FAOI 12: U12A Castleisland District League Final. Ballymac 2-12. Currow 2-10
Played at Desmonds pitch in Castleisland this game had it all. Great play, tough tackling and good score taking. The game was played with great intensity right from the throw in. Ballymac dominated early passages and went 3 up with some well taken points. However Currow started to dominate around the middle and came right back into it. They took the lead through a fortunate goal which eluded our keeper Eoghan Kenny. Eoghan however was to put in a sterling performance out field in the second half and indeed made a fine diving save from full back to thwart Currow Down by 5 points at half time the boys knew they needed to up their game. It was point for point early in the second half. Dylan Dunne Moriarty was moved to full forward with Cian Godley going to midfield, these changes turned the game for us Dylan struck a great goal and point soon after to level the game. The boys were right back in it. Their confidence was up and they began to run at Currow. Ten minutes to go and Aidan O Brien finished a swift move to the back of the net we were in the home straight but Currow refused to lie down they pulled it back to 2 points and went in search of a goal to steal the win. Our lads stood firm and Eoghan made the save of the night to keep us in front. The final minute was tense but we held it together to hold onto the win. Captain Ciaran Brosnan collected the trophy on behalf of the team and this performance capped a great year for the boys winning co league div 4, co league div 3 and Castleisland district. Team. Jack Tobin. Brian Cassidy Cian Godley Ciaran Brosnan Sean Polman Daamen, Dara Broderick, Dylan Dunne Moriarty, Dara Leen, Jon Lowe, Kyle
O Connor, Aidan O Brien, Eoghan Kenny. Sean Horan A word of thanks to all involved. Mike Broderick, Tom Leen. Jer Lynch Jack Culloty, Mike Brosnan Fintan Kelly and Liam Joy.
SIOBHAN COTTER BLITZ
Brilliant Autumnal sunshine greeted the four participating teams (Austin Stacks, Ballymac, Churchill and John Mitchels) for the annual Siobhan Cotter Blitz hosted by Churchill GAA Club.
Our U10’s led by example with quite comprehensive wins with their three games. Eoin Creedon, Adam Wharton, Maurice O Connell and Andy Rogers were amongst the outstanding performers in what were essentially excellent team performances in all games.
The U9’s had three very competitive games which included wins over Austin Stacks and John Mithcels and a draw with Churchill after an epic battle. Those who impressed for this team included Diarmuid Galvin, Jack O Connor, Micheal Cullotty and Luke Horgan.
U8’s were in the most competitive grouping and were unlucky to lose to Austin Stacks and Churchill but had an excellent win over John Mithcels. Jamie Bourke, Alex Riordan, Shane Gilroy and Thomas Leen showed up well for this group. Our U7 boys emulated the U10’s by winning all three of their games proving there is great up and coming talent amongst the younger age groups. Amongst those who impressed were Jack Joy, Conal Savage, Shane Crossan and Maurice Harrington. With 9 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses this saw up win the competition and Sinead Cotter presented the Siobhan Cotter to proud Ballymac Captain Mark O Connor amidst scenes of great jubilations. Many thanks to the Churchill for the organisation of the blitz and for their hospitality on the day.
ACADEMY: Our U6 boys had a great morning with Jack Collins, Mattie O’Connor, Aidan Brennan, Darragh McMahon, Gearoid O’Connor and Ryan Harper impressing their coaches. Many Thanks to Austin Stacks for hosting our U6 boys this morning. They had a great day. The U10 and U8’s girls were in action against Na Gaeil on Sunday. Thanks to all who travelled from Tralee to Ballymac for the game. Well done to all the girls involved.
NOTE: Sunday 19th October will be our last Sunday morning academy for 2014. Our Awards day will take place on Bank Holiday Monday in Ballygarry House Hotel, more details to follow next week.