Ballymacelligott 3-09
Castlegregory 2 -09
Last Wednesday evening, May 9th saw the Division 6 decider being played on a pristine pitch at Caherslee, Tralee between West Kerry side, Castlegregory and Ballymacelligott. Having topped the League table with maximum points, Ballymac were hot favourites to win out the competition but Castlegregory had other ideas in what turned out to be a pulsating encounter between two very committed sides.
Played on a damp evening for football, both sides made little of the greasy conditions as some fine passages of football were played over the hour. Ballymac began in explosive fashion as the ball was moved swiftly forward from the throw-in and when it reached full-forward Tomás O Connor, he had only one thing on his mind as he unleashed a powerful shot only to see his effort canon off the post. However, Balllymac got some return as Jerdie O Shea converted the resulting free. Immediately after, Tomás O Connor evaded the defence once again and this time his effort was superbly saved by Castle’ keeper David O Dowd. This only spurred on Castlegregory as points from Michael Scanlon and Dylan Hoare put them in front. The West Kerry side had two stunning efforts rebound off the crossbar as Ballymac’s full-backline came under tremendous pressure. Wing forward Dylan Hoare then stole in for a goal to extend Castle’s lead to four points. Ballymac response was immediate when O Connor goaled from an acute angle to reduce the deficit once again. However, the play swung to the other side of the field and centre-forward from Castlegregory, Nathan Quirke, scored a wonder goal soccerstyle from all of 30 yards which gave Ballymac keeper Brian Lonergan absolutely no chance. The same player pointed from distance to give Castle’ a commanding lead of five points with only 15 minutes on the clock. Ballymac midfielder Micheál Hoare, grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck to score two points and bring the Blue ‘n Gold back into the game. The game ebbed and flowed at this stage and Castle’ replied with points from jimmy O Grady and Nathan Griffin. However just prior to half-time Ballymac yielded 1 -01 with two attacks as Paddy O Donnell latched onto a through ball to bring the game back to parity at 2-05 each at half-time.
The second half was not as open as the first period as both defences tightened up. Ballymac introduced Tadhg Brick into defence and converted Gary Horan from wing-forward to corner back and these moves proved masterful as both shut up shop in the Ballymac rearguard. Castle’ midfielder Patrick O Neill was, at this stage, in fine form and urged his team forward. But Ballymac hit a purple patch midway through the second period with sub Daniel Goggin and two points from mid-fielder Robert Dowd brought them three ahead. Immediately afterwards another sub, Daire Keane careered through on goal and cooly placed the ball beyond the despairing hands of the Castle’ keeper. This extended Ballymac’s lead to six and with 10 minutes remaining Castlegregory piled forward trying to redeem the lead. However, Ballymac were content on sitting back and defending in numbers as Castle could only point from frees from the boot of Lee Courtney. With only moments left on the clock and only three points down, Castle’ launched one final onslaught when James Kelliher floated in a high lobbing ball into the square but fullback Keelan Brosnan pulled the ball into the clutches of his safe hands from under the crossbar to deny Castle’ a last minute equaliser. The ball was cleared and Ballymacelligott held on for a close but deserving win in the end.
A remarkable finale to a remarkable game with both teams no doubt pleased and proud of their efforts on the night. The game was also officiated well by referee, John Ross. Captain, Robert Dowd was proud recipient of the trophy and he heaped praise on all involved on a wonderful occasion. Well done to all concerned. Foireann : Brian Lonergan, Liam O Malley, Keelan Brosnan, Kevin O Connor, Eoin O Malley, Max O Brien, David Long, Micheál Reidy, Robert Dowd, Michael Hoare, Jerdie O Shea, Gary Horan, Darragh Regan, Tomás O Connor, Paddy O Donnell, Daire Keane, Eddie Rogers, Daniel Goggin, Tadhg Brick, Brian O Connor, Cathal Dunne, Josh O Keeffe, Barry Lyons, David Nolan, Ciaran Nolan, Ross Mansfield, Kieran Coggins, David Rogers. Roghnóirí : Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe, Roland Rogers
Faoi 16
Unfortunately our U-16 side were defeated by Desmonds in the Castleisland District U-16 Div 1 League Final on Sunday morning last. The game was moved from Ballymac GAA grounds to Currow’s pitch and credit to Currow for having the field in great condition for this eagerly awaited game. Ballymac have been waiting some considerable time for the final to be played which did not help with their preparations. We were also missing three first team regulars due to injury which did not help the cause. Playing against a very strong wind in the first half, Ballymac played some fine possession football with brilliant ball carrying from the likes of Jack O Shea, Morgan Quirke and Sean Doyle. Despite going behind to an early Desmonds goal, Ballymac rallied with a superb goal from Stephen Bermingham and Cian Lonergan was unlucky to see his effort go just narrowly wide immediately afterwards. Vincent Horan then smashed home a wonder strike midway through the half to level matters 1-03 to 2 goals. However with the aid of the breeze, Desmonds finished the half much stronger with two further goals of their own in quick succession to leave them 6 points to the good at half-time. The second half revival from Ballymac did not materialise however as Desmonds took a stronghold at mid-field and eventually saw out the game to win comfortably in the end. It was a great effort from our lads who stuck to their guns and battled to the very end. Eoin Lyons was a colossus at full-back as Jonathan Brick and Neil Sullivan tried very hard. However, it was not to be this time round as team mentors, Paul Horan, Liam Goggin and John Bermingham were very proud of their charges with their impressive displays right through the springtime. Final Score : Desmonds 6-09 Ballymac 2-03. Foireann : Garry Sheehy, Sean Savage, Eoin Lyons, Micheál Reidy, Morgan Quirke, Jack O Shea, Neil Sullivan, Sean Doyle, Jonathan Brick, Chris Leen, Aaron Dunne, Vincent Horan, Joseph Cassidy, Stephen Bermingham, Cian Lonergan, Chris Rogers, Gary Horan, David Long, Graham Breen : Note :The U-16 County League commences on Wed June 20th.
Ballymac Academy :
Our U-6s travelled to Caherslee last Sunday morning to take on Austin Stacks in our first game of the season. Report has it that all enjoyed the experience and that great displays were shown against the Rockies.
Our U-8s continued with their training programme at the field last Sunday with the sun again adorning the morning as players such as Mossie Brennan, Jack O Connor, Jack Flaherty, Diarmuid O Shea, Jiared O Briain and Raymond Lowe all displaying their footballing skills once more. Mentors Eddie O Connell, Fintan Kelly, Liam Brennan and Ger Collins are well impressed with the progress being made to date. Training continues next Sunday morning May 20th at 11am sharp in the Senior field.
Faoi 12
Having accounted for John Mitchels in Rd 4 of the County League on Bank Holiday Monday last, both our U-12 squads travelled with high hopes to Spa, Killarney last Sunday evening. Both teams have represented the club with distinction thus far this season with admirable displays from all involved with the Gold and Blue teams. Our Blue team emerged as winners over a gallant Spa side with goals coming from Barry Lyons, David McCarthy, David Rogers, Daniel Goggin and Daire Keane. James Mc Donnell was outstanding in defence along with Tadhg Brick and Cillian Gallagher. It was a commanding performance from all and mentors Aidan Dunne and Fiona Goggin were impressed by the level of commitment from all players. The result means that Ballymac Blue Team finished the League phase on 8 points, just two behind tabletoppers Churchill. Well done ! Foireann : Brian Lonergan, Tadhg Brick, James McDonnell, Cillian Gallagher, Liam O Brien, David Rogers, Daniel Goggin, Cathal Dunne, Barry Lyons, Daire Keane, David McCarthy. The Gold team were also in action against the East Kerry side and could regard themselves unlucky as they went down by five points to Spa. Mí-ádh !! The County League phase one is now complete and we await confirmation from Coiste na nÓg Chiarraí to see whether phase two will commence in the near future. The Club will keep players informed.
Club Merchandise
Club gear which includes Jerseys, shorts, socks, kit-bags, hoodies etc can be obtained at the Club shop every Sunday morning from 11am to 12 15pm. One can also avail of a Club voucher which can be given as the ideal gift. This voucher can then be used to purchase club gear at any time. We encourage all players to wear the club colours at the academy but this is not essential. However, when representing the club in any game we hope that all players will wear the appropriate gear.
Kellogs Cúl Camps 2012
The GAA Cúl Camps will run again at Ballymac GAA club this coming summer from Monday July 30th to Fri Aug 3rd and we are encouraging all juveniles aged between 6 and 14 years of age to sign up to the Cúl Camps. After very successful football camps over the past three years, we are hoping that as many youngsters as possible will attend again this year. You can register on line at www.gaa.ie/kellogsculcamps or you can complete an application form and send it with the appropriate fee to County Co-ordinator, Dónal Daly at Austin Stacks Park, Tralee. Cost for first child is €55. It is €45 for second child of same family and €40 for third child of the same family.