The GAA Cúl Camps will run again at Ballymac GAA club this coming summer from Monday Aug 1st to Fri Aug 5th and we are encouraging all juveniles aged between 7 and 14 years of age to sign up to the Cúl Camps. After very successful football camps over the past two years, we are hoping that as many youngsters as possible will attend again this year. You can register on line at www.gaa.ie 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.
Faoi 16: Central Board Div. 3 Semi-Final Result: Ballymac 1-10 Annascaul 3-09. Our West Kerry rivals proved too strong for us on Monday evening last in the Regional semi-final as a five point defeat left us all shattered at the final whistle. In truth, Annascaul were physically the stronger side and they used this to their adavantage, particularly nearing the conclusion as they were able to break through for two decisive goals within the last ten minutes. Ballymac to their credit put in a sterling performance on the night with admirable displays from the likes of Aaron Dunne, Vincent Horan and Seán Doyle but ultimately came up just short on a night perfect for football. It was a clean, sporting but tough contest with little quarter being asked or given and despite the early concession of a goal and point, Ballymac rallied and responded with some fine point taking from Moss Leen and Dylan Goggin at wing forward. Stephen Bermingham was trying very hard at top of the right as was Cian Lonergan in the other corner. Jack Scanlon put in trojan work at full-forward and assisted in a lot of score taking. Chris Leen played a very intelligent game in the first half but was not quite as effective in the second period. Our defence led by Jack O Shea, Patrick O Connor and Jonathan Brick held firm until the final ten minutes and they were well supported by Gerard Browne and Scott O Brien in mid-field. Eoin Lyons pulled off some fine saves in goals despite the concession of three goals. Graham Breen and Chris Rogers entered the fray in the second half and added different options to our gameplan. However, fate would have it that Annascaul would hold sway in the end and we can only wish them the very best of luck in the Final. The U-16 panel are now afforded a well earned break for a short while before our preparation for the County League which begins in late June.
Faoi 14: Our County League Final against Milltown/Castlemaine takes place this Wednesday night, May 18th in Austin Stacks Park, Tralee with throw-in at 6 15 pm. Best to Luck to all involved and bring home the spoils boys ! Report in next weeks notes.
Faoi 12: On Sunday evening last our U-12s made the long trip to North Kerry to take on the hosts Moyvane in Round 5 of the County League. We were determined to get back to winning ways after our reversal to Fossa last week and our “Blue” team duly obliged with a stirring performance against the home side. Playing against a very stiff breeze in the first half we brought the game to Moyvane with Keelan Brosnan, Brian Lonergan, Daire Keane and Darragh Regan all impressing. Tadgh Brick was a colossus at full back with Barry Lyons sound in goals with one fine point blank save. Both Liam and Eoin O Malley have made impressive starts to their Ballymac careers with Eoin scoring three fine points in the second half and Liam chipping in with one. Joshua O Keeffe excelled in the back-line with great back up from Cathal Dunne. So a return to winning ways for the U-12s but unfortunately Moyvane failed to field a team to play our “Gold” team which was a huge disappointment to both our youngsters who were looking forward in great expectation to a football match and to the parents who had travelled to Moyvane. However, we look forward to training on Thursday evening and our next match in Round 6 of the County League against Asdee/Ballylongford which will be played next Monday evening May 23rd (Note change of date)
Faoi 8 Go-Games: Currow CLG again hosted the second night of our Go-Games Blitzes on Monday night last and despite the heavy rain showers, all present acquitted themselves very well. On this occasion, our U-8 girls travelled to take on the hosts Currow and everybody showed tremendous effort and skill while playing. Those to impress during the games were Cathy Palmer, Cora Savage, Áine Rice and Theresa Keane. Others to the fore were Heather Jones, Millie Luck and Lisa Curran while Claire Kenny, Eve Creedon and Niamh Rahilly displayed their footballing skills to those present. Sincere thanks to the management of the Ladies team and it is hoped that further games will be arranged in the near future. The lads also featured prominently on the night under the guidance of Fintan Kelly, Don Brosnan, Martin Lowe and Liam Joy. Some players who stood out during the games included James Kenny, Dónal Daly and Adam Sheehy. Others to impress were Mark O Connor, James Baily, Eoin Creedon and Cathal Culloty. Progress is certainly being made as these go-games have brought a different aspect to the development of the footballing skills of the child. It continues this coming Mon night May 23rd at 6 30 pm in Currow.
Ballymac Academy: Great numbers in attendance last Sunday morning for U-10, U-8, U-6 and Girls training and everybody is endeavouring to improve on their footballing skills with help from all the Team coaches and mentors. The girls including Saoirse Glavin Murphy, Gráinne Galvin, Rachel Griffin, Niamh Lynch and Alyssa Leen are all “ ag déanamh tréan-iarracht ” as are Mille and Laura Dunne and Áine Rice and great strides are being made by all concerned. Keep up the great work everybody. Many thanks to coaches Anthony Curran, Dónal Rahilly, John Rice and Anthony Griffin for all their help on Sunday mornings. Huge numbers of boys were present also and all were out through their paces by coaches Don Brosnan, Eddie O Connell, Martin Lowe, Fintan Kelly , Ger Collins and Liam Joy. Again, progress is evident with the likes of Dónal Daly, Seán and Tim Pollman Daaman, Jared O Briain and Mossie Brennan all showing the way. The U-10s can also boast of progress under the guidance of Jer Lynch, Mossie Leen and Edmund Lynch and the likes of Eoin O Culloty, Darragh Lynch, Michael Moynihan and Liam O Brien all learning their trade. Keep up the good work lads. Incidentally, our U-10s take on our counterparts Na Gaeil this Thursday May 19th in Na Gaeils pitch. Players are asked to be in attendance for 6 15 pm.
No Training: Due to Kerrys involvement in the Munster Championship this Sunday May 22nd, training for the U-10s, U-8s, U-6s and Girls has been cancelled. Training will resume on Sunday May 29th at 11am sharp.
Kerry v Tipperary: The club intends to bring our U-12s and U-10s to Killarney this Sunday May 22nd to watch the Kingdom take on the Premier County in the Munster Quarter Final. Final details of the trip will be forwarded via text to parents later this week. Lets look forward to an enjoyable day out for all !
Club Merchandise: Helen and Katie are available each Sunday morning at the Juvenile pitch from 11 am to 12 noon with club jerseys, shorts, socks, kit-bags etc for sale. Thanks again to both !
Club Shop: Teas, drinks and snacks are served in the shop every Sunday morning during Juvenile training at the Academy. Many thanks to Joanne, David and Tom for looking after the thirsty and hungry masses !