Cromane 2-03
Ballymac 1-01
On Sunday morning 15/7/12 the girls under 12 team travelled to Currow to take on Cromane in the clubs first ever competitive underage final. On a damp and overcast morning the girls gave a great account of themselves against a physically stronger Cromane team. In the first half defences were on top on both teams with Claire Kenny and Heather Jones in great form for Ballymac inspiring those around them. Cromane ended the first half 2 points to the good but unfortunately for the our own girls the referee never left them get into their rhythm with some baffling decisions in the first half. The second half commenced with Leah O Neill and Millie Luck upping their games at midfield giving our forwards more possession. With Cora Savage, Aisling O Connell and Aine Rice giving their all Ballymac got a goal from the boot of Cora Savage to bring them back into the game on a scoreline 1-2 to 1-0 with 15 minutes remaining. Again defences were on top with Tara Murphy and Eve Creedon playing well until the referee again took centre stage with two blatant missed fouls, one on the ball and one a defender in the Ballymac square, ending in a second goal for the Cromane girls. They followed this with a third point but this did not deter the Ballymac girls who played on till the final whistle getting a well taken point from Aisling O Connell to leave the final score 2-3 to 1-1. While the girls were bitterly disappointed at the final whistle the y can be very proud of their achievements for the year. A big thanks also to the team sponsors Lee Strand on supplying the halftime drinks with their Light Milk going down a treat! Well done also to the hard working mentors Donal Rahilly, Mary Slattery, Anthony Curran, Gerard Hurley and Kieran Savage on the huge work they have done the last couple of years. Also, a big thanks to the parents for their support throughout the year. The future is very bright for girls football in the parish.
Faoi 12
The U-12 Munster Activity Day blitz took place in Fitzgerald Studium last Wednesday. Ballymac showed a fantastic display of football, winning all three of their matches. Ballymac raced into an early lead with scores from Josh O’Keefe, Tadgh Brick and David Rogers. Little got past the defence of Liam O’Brien, Kieran Coggins and Cillian Gallagher, and they kept a strong Currow side from attack. Daire Keane scored some lovely points, after passes from hard-working Darragh Broderick and Brian Lonergan, giving Ballymac the lead with a final score of 2-5 to Currows 0-7. In the next round, Ballymac met Listry and the bad weather didn’t dampen any spirits as they charged ahead with a score of 1-4 to 0-1. A great performance was shown by all with Darragh Brosnan, Eoin Culloty and Cian Godley bringing the game to Listry. With Aidan O’Brian in goals, little got past him keeping the scoring margin at 6 points. Ballymac took on a strong and skillful Fr.Sheehy’s from Tipperary in their third game. Boths sides played fantastic football with Dylan Dunne Morriarty, Dylan McHugh and Oscar Reidy playing impressive, and were helped in no small measure by Eoin Leahy, Diarmuid Lynch and Eoin Leahy. Final score Ballymac 0-10 Fr.Sheehys 0-4.All teams got an opportunity of a tour Fitzgerald Stadium by Kerry’s Kieran O’Leary. A great day was had by all. Foireann: Tadgh Brick, Kieran Coggins, Eoin Culloty, Dylan Dunne Moriarty, Cillian Gallagher, Cian Godley, Darragh Lynch, Dara Brosnan, Darra Keane, Brian Lonergan, Diarmuid Lynch, Dylan McHugh, Liam O’Brien, Aidan O’Brien, David Rogers, Eoin Leahy, Josh O’Keefe, Oscar Reidy Gilroy and Darragh Broderick.
Faoi 14
Central Region Rd 4 Result : Austin Stacks 2-08 Ballymac 4-11
On last Monday night we travelled to Connolly Park, Tralee to play Austin Stacks in what was a must win game for us. We started well with Darragh Regan on target from frees. Midway through the half Robert Dowd took a pass from Brian O Connor and finished to the net. We were now 1–3 to 0–2 ahead and maintained that lead to halftime. Eoin O Malley, Keelan Brosnan, and Brian Lonergan were in fine form for us. Half time score 1–5 to 0–4 in our favour. Both sides exchanged points on the restart and after 5 minutes Stacks scored their first goal. There was now only a point between the sides. Straight from the kickout Ballymac got possession and a fine passing movement ended with Micheál Reidy’s long range shot finding the net. Stacks replied with 2 points but Daire Keane goaled for us and from then on it was all Ballymac and we ran out easy winners with all subs impressing on the night. Foireann—Brian Lonergan, Gary Horan, Keelan Brosnan, Kevin O Connor, Eoin O Malley, David Long, Eddie Rogers, Micheal Reidy ( 1-01), Tomás O Connor (0–1), Michael Hoare, (0–2), Paddy O Donnell (0–1), Darragh Regan (0–4), Brian O Connor, Robert Dowd (1–0), Daire Keane (1–1). Fir ionaid : David Nolan-Tighe, Josh O Keeffe (0-01), Ciarán Nolan Tighe (1-0), Kieran Coggins, David Rogers.: Ballymac have now qualified for the League semi-final and meet Annascaul/Lispole in that crunch decider next Monday July 30th in Annascaul with throw-in time at 7 30pm.
And, last Thursday evening July 19th we travelled to Knocknagoshel to play Knock/Brosna in Rd 2 of the Castleisland District League and came away with a comprehensive win on a score line of 6-12 to 3-03. We fielded a much changed team from our previous encounter with Austin Stacks. Knock/Brosna goaled with their first attack but almost immediately Tomás O Connor scored a goal for us. Great passing by Paddy O Donnell & scoring by Michael Reidy helped us get a grip on the game. However Knock/Brosnagoaled again but we led at half time 2=8 to 2=3 with in form Micheál Reidy having scored 1=5. Knock/brosna scored their third goal at the restart but we scored four goals in succession from Micheál Reidy, Tomás, Max O Brien & Michael Hoare. As a result the game was over early in the second half, with Knock/Brosna failing to add any further scores. Keelan Brosnan and Max got the final scoresfor us . We now have a win & a draw in this competition with games against Cordal/Scart and Desmonds to come. We play Cordal/Scart in Rd 3 of the Castleisland District League this Thursday evening July 26th in Ballymac. Players to be at grounds at 6 45pm.
Faoi 16
County League Rd 3 Result : Templenoe/Tuosist 3-15 Ballymac 7-12.
Knowing only a comprehensive victory against the home side would keep Ballymac in with a chance of qualifying for the League semi-finals, the team travelled south with great hope and expectation. After an indifferent beginning to the League campaign, Ballymac knew that a resolute and consistent performance was vital against the combination side and this they duly gave in a very impressive display by all the players. It was a very good team performance with the likes of Jonathan Brick, Eoin Lyons, Aaron Dunne, Vincent Horan, Christopher Leen and Jack O Shea playing the proverbial blinder. It was no easy task as the home side were a very formidable outfit but credit to all concerned with Ballymac as they pulled out all the stops to achieve victory. Both Vincent Horan and Christopher Leen scored a brace of goals, with Jack O Shea, Tomás O Connor and Micheál Reidy getting the others. This Wednesday July 25th we travel to Annascaul in the penultimate round of the County League with throw-in time there at 7 30 pm and finally, next Wednesday August 1st, we play host to Tarbert in Ballymac with a 7 30pm start once again.
Kellogs Cúl Camps 2012
The GAA Cúl Camps will run again at Ballymac GAA club this coming week 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. Registration can also be taken on the Monday morning at 10am. Cost for first child is €55. It is €45 for second child of same family and €40 for third child of the same family.
Faoi 13
County League Rd 3 Result : Ballymac 1-10 Firies 5-07.
This top of the table clash took place in Ballymac last Sunday evening with the winners knowing that they would be in a very strong position heading into the last series of games of the County League. Firies were a formidable outfit as they were scoring goals for fun in their previous League games so Ballymac knew that they were in for a really tough battle. Firies were much the more physical side and they used this to their advantage as they outmuscled our lads in a fractious encounter. To their credit, the Ballymac lads stood up to the challenge and never shirked responsibility having gone 2-03 to no score behind after 14 minutes. Then, Keelan Brosnan, Darragh Regan, Michael Hoare, Tadhg Brick and the impressive Eddie Rogers stood up to the mark to drive forward Ballymac on every occasion. Darragh Regan scored a goal 5 minutes before half-time to reduce the deficit to 4 points at the interval. Ballymac’s never say die attitude continued in the second half and points coming from Eoin O Malley, Michael Hoare and Darragh Regan kept them within striking distance. However, in the space of a minute, Firies netted two goals to put the issue beyond doubt and Ballymac never recovered from this. It was a lively affair with some hard-hitting challenges throughout. Best for Ballymac were Josh O Keeffe, Barry Lyons, Daire Keane and Liam O Brien. Foireann : Barry Lyons, Liam O Brien, Tadhg Brick, Cillian Gallagher, Liam O Malley, Eddie Rogers, Josh O Keeffe, Keelan Brosnan, Eoin O Malley, Daire Keane, Darragh Regan, Kieran Coggins, David Rogers, Michael Hoare, Cathal Dunne, David McCarthy, Alusin Jah. Next Sunday, we travel to Gneeveguilla to take on the local side in the final round of the County League. Throw-in time is 7 pm. Mentors will inform players of travel arrangements before the week-end.
Academy
After a break, the Academy resumed last Sunday morning with once again great numbers attending. All the coaches and mentors are working very enthusiastically with the juveniles to ensure the proper development of the footballing skills. The level of progress among all juveniles, both boys and girls, is remarkable and everybody is well pleased with the level of participation at all age groups. Hats off to all coaches who are doing a fantastic job every Sunday morning !
Ciarraí Abú Comhghairdeas d’fhoireann Chiarraí as an mbua iontach ar an Satharn seo caite. Well done to Jack, Colm and to all the Kerry panel for a wonderful display of football against Tyrone. Keep it going lads !