County League Results : Rd 5. Fossa 1-03 Ballymac 4-18. Despite missing 8 regulars from the team, Ballymac put in a very creditable performance against Fossa last Tuesday and recorded a comfortable win with Paddy O Donnell stealing the show with a personal return of 2-02. Each and every one of the players was in great form on the night with Jerdie O Shea back to his best scoring points at will throughout. Darragh Regan also was to the fore as was goalscorer David Long. Both Robert Dowd and Tomas O Connor excelled as did Gary Horan in midfield. Joshua O Keeffe and Eddie Rogers held sway in defence and Daire Keane and Micheál Hoare both played their part. Brian Lonergan in goals was as sound as ever and Micheál Reidy dictated the play throughout. Young Seán Horan and Adam O Keeffe both made an appearance at the start of the second half and their presence on the field certainly paid dividends. All in all a comprehensive victory and well done to all. Both Tony Silles and Gene O Keeffe will be very happy with the level of performance. And then on Sunday evening we played tabletoppers Currow at home in Ballymac with only a victory ensuring that we stay in the race for top spot in the League. And on Sunday evening last we played tabletoppers Currow in the penultimate round of the League. It was a must win game for Ballymac and victory over Currow would ensure that we would have a chance of catching them in the League. However, three goals in the opening 15 minutes by Currow meant that Ballymac were chasing the game all throughout and despite a brave effort in the second half with Ballymac outscoring Currow 8 points to 3, the gap proved just too big for a gallant Ballymac side. Jerdie O Shea excelled for the hosts as did Max O Brien, sub Barry Lyons and ever-dependable Tomás O Connor. It was a fascinating game with outstanding scores from both sides but honours lay with Currow on this occasion.
Faoi 6
Our U-6 team travelled to Currow last Saturday morning to take on the hosts in our first competitive game of the season. Under the guidance of Ger Collins and David Long our academicals put in a stirring performance against Currow and all proved well capable of performing the footballing skills which they have learned over the summer months. Players such as Shane Gilroy, Niall Collins, Evan O Brien and Conor Breen exhibited the skills and matched their opponents in every aspect of the game. Twins Luke and Aidan Horgan, Jack O Connor, Cormac Costello and Seán Rice also stood out during the game as did Mossie Brennan. It was a very worthwhile outing for the youngsters and the most important thing is that all enjoyed the experience and all got an opportunity to show off their wonderful football skills. Well done to all who participated last Saturday. Training continues this coming Sunday at 11 am.
Faoi 8 agus 10
Both our U-8s and U-10s also travelled to Currow last Saturday morning and both sides put in very respectable performances against strong opposition. It is patently clear that great work is in progress in both age groups and all seem to be benefitting from match practice. Some players to impress on the day were Adam Joy, Garry Lynch, Eoin Creedon and Jack Dowd for the U-8s with Dara Leen, David Rogers, Ciarán Brosnan and Kyle O Connor in impressive form for the U-10s. Much done, a lot more to do but we are all heading in the right direction ! It is hoped that Austin Stacks U-8s and U-10s will visit us this coming Sunday Sept 4th at 11 am. If not, training will take place anyhow. Many thanks to team mentors, Don Brosnan, Fintan Kelly, Liam Joy, Jer Lynch, Micheal Brosnan for helping out last Sunday.
Faoi 11
Last Thursday we brought two U-11 teams to Na Gaeil in Rd 2 of the Coiste Thrá Lí and both sides did themselves proud with admirable displays from all. David Nolan Tighe, Brian Lonergan, Dáire Keane and Kieran Coggin all played to their full potential as did David McCarthy, Alusin Jah, Darragh Broderick and two goal hero Tommy Brosnan. Eoin Culloty is proving to be a versatile player with outstanding performances both in goals and in defence and David Daly played remarkably well also. Last Monday evening we hosted Austin Stacks in Rd 3 with the result late for publication. Report in next weeks notes. This coming Monday evening Sept 5 we play Kerins O Rahillys in Ballymac with throw-in at 7pm. All U-11 players are requested to be present at 6 30pm.
Faoi 16
The County League Div. 4 Final takes place this Wednesday evening Aug 31st with Ballymac taking on Annascaul in Austin Stacks park. Throw-in time is 6pm and we ask that as many as possible can come out and support our team in the final. It has been a long and arduous season and the lads deserve as much support and encouragement on the night. See ye all there !! Report of game in next week’s notes.
Ballymac Academy
We hope that Austin Stacks will be able to visit us this coming Sunday morning, Sept 4th with U-6, U-8 and U-10 games planned. All juveniles are to be present at 11 am sharp in Ballymac. Training will take place at 11 am in the event that Stacks are unable to make it.