The Third Staging of this Invitational Tournament in memory of Ballymacelligott Juvenile player, Eric Mason who passed away over three years ago took place at the Ballymacelligott GAA grounds on Saturday last, June 14th.
Blessed with fine sunny weather on the day, it was a well-run and exciting competition with clubs from Milltown/ Castlemaine, Ballydonoghue, Kenmare, Castleisland Desmonds, Kilcummin as well as Ballymac partaking in this 11 aside U-15 Blitz. We were very fortunate with the fine dry weather on the day as this six team tournament took centre stage. After a series of round-robin games Ballymacelligott emerged as Group 1 Winners with Ballydonoghue finishing Runners –Up and in Group 2, Kenmare were table-toppers with Miltown/Castlemaine in second place. There was some fine attacking and flowing football in evidence on the day and it was very entertaining for the large crowd in attendance. In the semi-finals, Ballymac overcame the Mid-Kerry side with a hard fought victory with possession football to the fore by the hosts and Ballydonoghue proved too strong and too physical for a very slick Kenmare side in the second semi-final. It was a showdown between too evenly matched teams in the final with play swinging from end to end, but eventually Ballymacelligott possessed too many ace players and ultimately emerged as winners of the Eric Mason Memorial Cup at the third time of asking with great footballing flair. Players such as Josh O Keeffe, Tadhg Brick, Liam O Brien, Cathal Dunne and Eddie Rogers in defence stood out as did Liam O Malley, Darragh Regan, Cillian Gallagher and Daire Keane in attack. ‘Keeper Brian Lonergan was sound throughout all four games, with a spectacular penalty save at one stage; and David Rogers and captain fantastic Keelan Brosnan contributing to some outstanding football last Saturday. There was also a Player of the Tournament and this honour went to Eoin O Malley from Ballymac with some scintillating performances right throughout the day and his never say die attitude was so admirable for all to see. Others on the squad were Darragh Clifford, Barry Lyons and Kieran Coggins but all three were unable to play due to long-term injury. Coaches Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe and Roland Rogers were well impressed with all four displays in the competition and are so proud of their charges. Understandably, it was an emotional day for the Mason Family and all involved in the organisation of the event were very proud of how the day went. The club would like to offer their appreciation to the Mason Family for allowing the competition to take place in memory of Eric and all would agree that it was a huge success. It is hoped that this blitz will continue from year to year and grow from strength to strength in the forthcoming years. Ballymacelligott GAA Coiste na nÓg would like to extend their gratitude to all who made the event possible, including parents, catering staff, referees George O Donnell and Pádraig Laide, and we would like to thank all the participating teams in the blitz for such a wonderful day. Míle Buíochas do chách !
U12: Under 12 Co League Division 3A Kilcummin 1 – 7 Ballymac 5 – 8. A fine win for our lads played in very warm conditions at Kilcummin. The boys knew going into this game they had to win to retain their chance of winning the league. They didn’t disappoint and all played their part in ensuring we came away with the points. Dylan Dunne Moriarty showed for everything in the forward line, Jack Tobin in goals is developing with every game. Our final games sees us play Kerins O Rahillys at home on Wednesday 18th June 2014
Division 3 B : Kilcummin 0-10 Ballymac 1 – 1. Our younger squad had a tough game against a very well drilled Kilcummin outfit. Despite not conceding any goals, the lads were outdone by a slicker side. Daragh Sweeny and Cathal Culloty worked hard to bring Ballymac into the game however they had to settle for second best on the evening.
ACADEMY: It was clear skies and sunshine Sunday morning for our budding stars. Darragh McMahon, Conor Lynch, Daniel Creagh, Sean Martin and Cian Gilroy had a great training session for the U6 boys. The u8 boys were also in flying form with Con Sheehan, Tom Long, Matthew Rogers and Eoghan Joy and Luke Griffin impressing their mentors. U10 boys who shown included Javkaloav Orgonbagor, Diarmuid Galvin, Luke Horgan, Michael Prendergast, Andy Rogers and Oisin Shanahan. The u10 girls took part in a blitz in Abbeydorney. Well done to all the girls who played and showed great team spirit on the day.
U14 Girls: Congratulations to the U14 girls on reaching their first County final. They defeated Firies with a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-6. Well done to trainers Donal Rahilly and Ted Murphy.
FAMILY FUN DAY: A meeting to organise the Family Fun Day for 2014 is to be held at the Club Rooms on Thursday June 19th 2014 at 8.30pm. All welcome to attend.
CUL CAMPS: This year’s Cul Camps are due to commence on Monday 28th July and run until August 1st at Ballymac GAA grounds. These have been an unqualified success in the past number of years. Registration can be completed on the Club Website www.ballymacgaa.com