The sunshine and fine weather greeted our budding young stars last Sunday as our Academy got up and running with close on 80 kids attending our first session of the year. With glorious fine weather on the morning, it was a joy to behold all enjoying the fun and sport and hopefully this positive start to the year can carry through for the remainder of the season. From U-10s down to the U-6s, including the girls, everybody seemed to have enjoyed the occasion. Those to impress on the morning were U-10s Darragh Leen, Ryan McHugh, Adam Walker and Kyle O Connor. The U-8s were best served by Donal Daly, Mark O Connor, Diarmaid Galvin, Kieran Slattery and Darren Breen.Eimear Curran, Alyssa Leen and Grainne Galvin shone for the U-8 girls. Jamie Burke, Jack Slattery, Cathal White and Jack Joy were some of those U-6 debutants who impressed. Well Done to all ! Great credit must be given to all mentors who helped out on the day, giving direction and advice to the children. Training for these age groups continues this coming Sunday April 1st at 11 am sharp.
Sunday Morning As parking space is at a premium at the senior field on a Sunday morning, we respectfully ask all parents to park cars in a safe and responsible manner. We also would like to point out that young children need to be supervised at all times due to traffic movement and congestion. The safety of all is paramount !
Faoi 12
Both our U-12 teams participated in Rd 1 of the Castleisland District Blitz League on Sunday last and reports have it that all did themselves proud. Cian Godley, Barry Lyons, James Carmody and Darragh Broderick all played their part on a morning when we won two from four games which is a fantastic return. This Wed night March 28th, Ballymac host Rd 2 of the competition with throw-in time for the games at 6 15pm. We wish U-12 player Daniel Goggin the very best with his recovery from a nasty leg injury picked up during last weekend.
Faoi 14
We played Firies U-14s in a challenge match last Thursday and despite having to field a depleted side, we more than matched our opponents in all aspects of play. Coaches Tony and Gene were very pleased with the display with Brian Lonergan, Michael Hoare and Joshua O Keeffe all to the fore and having played 3 challenge games in the last number of weeks the side seems to be settling down and are almost ready for our opening game of the county league which takes place this coming Wed April 4th away to Ballyduff with a 6 45pm throw-in. Further information re. training and games schedule, please contact either Tony or Gene.
U12 Girls
The girls played their second game in the North Kerry Ladies League on Sunday. Ballymac had a fantastic turnout of 22 girls for the game. Duagh provided the opposition. The Duagh girls were much more experienced than our girls and always had a little in hand over the Ballymac girls. However the girls put up a great performance and their nevey say die attitude kept them in the game for a long time.
Final Score: Ballymac 1-02 Duagh 4-06
The next game is on Sunday 1st April V. Moyvane in Moyvane at 5pm
Faoi 16
Last Mon March 26th saw our U-16 side play their opening game of the Central League with a home fixture against Desmonds . Result and report of the game will be posted in next week’s notes. And this Friday March 30th, we play Knock/Brosna in the semi-final of the Castleisland District League in Scartaglin, beginning at 6 30pm. Next Monday evening April 2 we play away to Miltown/Castlemaine in Rd 2 of the Central Region with throw-in at 7pm. So it’s all action at the moment for this talented U-16 side.
Church-Gate Collection
Ballymac GAA Coiste na nÓg Church gate collection takes place this coming week-end March 31/April 1st at all masses in the parish. We welcome any help and assistance at the various masses. Míle Buíochas !
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.