VHI Cúl Camps
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
County League Rd 1 Result: Ballymac 2-12 Fossa 3-06. Our U-16s began the county League campaign on a positive note with a well-earned victory over a strong Fossa side. Played on a pristine pitch in Ballymac on Wednesday last, the lads, after a sluggish opening 25 minutes put in a wonderful display of football for the remainder of the game with Cian Lonergan playing his best football of the season thusfar. Missing team regulars Jonathan Brick, Gerard Browne and Sean Doyle, the entire team stood up to the mark and played a very attractive style of football. Sean Savage was a revelation at wing-back as was Patrick O Connor on the opposite wing. It is interesting to note that our entire full-back line consisted of three U-14 players but Aaron Dunne, Eoin Lyons and Jack O Shea were all in imperious form and kept the Fossa attack in check, despite a poor start. Ballymac conceded three first half goals and with five minutes to half-time, were nine points down, but they rallied well and Neil Sullivan and Chris Leen both netted to leave just two between the sides at the short whistle. The second half belonged to the home side with Vincent Horan, Jack Scanlon and Danny Pierce all adding points to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Dylan Goggin was ever effective at centre back and Stephen Bermingham played his part in goals. Our mid-field pairing of Moss Leen and Scott O Brien covered every blade of grass and helped in no small way to Ballymac’s win. A very pleasing beginning to the County League and lets hope we can carry this momentum into Rd 2 when we play Annascaul at home this Friday evening July 8th with throw-in time of 7 30pm. Thanks also to our back-up of subs including Morgan Quirke, Chris Rogers, Robert Dowd and Jerdie O Shea.
Faoi 14
The opening round of the Central Board League began last Friday evening last in Churchill when we took on the home side in a 13-a-side game. It was very important to commence with a win which the lads duly did with a competent display against Churchill. Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half Ballymac raced into a big lead with some accurate long range shooting from the likes of Cillian Brosnan, Micheál Reidy, Jerdie O Shea and Chris Leen. Churchill responded with a goal and point but this only fuelled Ballymacs desire to see the game out as early as possible and Chris Rogers score 1-01 inside 30 seconds to effectively put the game beyond Churchill. The second half saw Churchill take the game to Ballymac but their persistence in going for goals proved fruitless as Robert Dowd, Gary Horan and Eoin Lyons defended very well. Garry Sheehy in goals played superbly as did David Long and Tomás O Connor in the half-back line. Brian O Connor appeared in the second half to score a well taken goal and Barry Lyons also played a starring role. Paddy O Donnell was also introduced as was Eddie Rogers and Daniel Goggin. So a positive start to the competition and Rd 2 of the League takes place this coming Sunday morning July 10th with a home tie against Laune Rangers. Throw-in time is 12 noon. All players are to contact Gene O Keeffe re. training times and venues. Foireann; Garry Sheehy, Robert Dowd, Eoin Lyons, Max O Brien, David Long, Tomás O connor, Jack O Shea, Morgan Quirke, Chris Rogers, Micheál Reidy, Jerdie O Shea, Cillian Brosnan, Chris Leen, Aaron Dunne, Paddy O Donnell, Eddie Rogers, Brian O Connor, Daniel Goggin, Barry Lyons, Gary Horan, Kevin O Connor.
Faoi 12
Ballymac U-12s had a comprehensive win over Milltown/Castlemaine in Rd 2 of the Central Board League on Tuesday evening with a tremendous display from all throughout the game. Despite conceding a goal inside the first 20 seconds Ballymac responded with goals of their own from Darragh Regan, Daire Keane, Liam O Malley and Daniel Goggin to seal a vital win. Great performances from Brian Lonergan in goals and Tadhg Brick and Eddie Rogers in defence. Keelan Brosnan partnering Eoin O Malley in mid-field showed what a power-house they are, controlling matters for long periods. David Nolan Tighe also put in a stirring performance. Barry Lyons was an able deputy in goals in the second half and Cathal dunne in attack gave a competent display. Two wins out of two and we now face Castleisland Desmonds in Rd 3 this week. Date to be confirmed. Unfortunately, for the second time this year our “Gold” team was left disappointed when Milltown/Castlemaine failed to field a team as everybody was looking forward to another game. It isn’t a satisfactory situation when 13 or 14 players are left with no game to play and something must be done to prevent such a thing happening again. However, we look forward and now face Desmonds at home in Ballymac next Thursday July 14th.Time to be confirmed. Report on these games in next week’s notes.
Diarmuid O Brien U-12 Tournament 2011
Ballymac u-12s have again been invited to participate in the annual U-12 football blitz in Newmarket, Co. Cork. It will take place this coming Saturday July 9th and as title holders from last year aim to make a huge effort to try to retain the trophy once again in 2011. It is a 11-a-side competition with three subs allowed. Fiona, Aidan, Liam and Tony will be overseeing the team in Newmarket and details of departure time and cost will be given at training during the week. It will be a wonderful day out and we hope that all will enjoy the experience and let’s hope for favourable weather on the day. Beir bua !!
Peil na gCailíní
Wednesday last saw our girls host Austin Stacks in the Juvenile field with an U-8 and U-10 game going ahead. We were delighted that the Rockies were able to travel to us and it was a perfect evening for football. Our U-8s showed a marked improvement on their previous display with the likes of Cathy and Ciara Palmer and Shonagh Griffin playing particularly well. Róisín Rahilly demonstrated her footballing skills to all as did Millie and Laura Dunne. Our U-10s, despite missing a few regulars put in a decent performance against the Black n Amber with Cora Savage and Millie Luck leading the way. Niamh Rahilly was also to the fore, bringing the game to the Stacks. Caroline Hurley did herself proud with a competent display and team mentors Siobhán Griffin, Kieran Savage, Anthony Curran and Donal Rahilly were all so proud of all the girls who played so well against the Stacks. A mile buíochas to the Rockies for their co-operation. Training resumes this coming Sunday July 10th at 11 am sharp.
Faoi 10
Our U-10s will travel to Ballyheigue this Saturday July 9th for the Annual Ballyheigue festival football blitz. We ask that all U-10s be present at the Ballyheigue GAA grounds at 10 45 am with the competition due to commence at 11 am sharp. Details of opposition etc will be given closer to the day. We also ask all players to bring a change of clothing, packed lunch and healthy drink with them. Bring on the games !!! AND then on Sunday we host Castlegregory in a return game at 12 noon in Ballymac juvenile pitch. Players to be there about 11 45 am. So a very busy week-end ahead for our U-10s. Finally, on Saturday week, July 16th we participate in the John Mitchels blitz in Tralee, along with our U-8s with games beginning at 10am. Further details to follow.
Juvenile Training
U-6, U-8 and Girls training will take place as usual this coming Sunday July 10th in the Juvenile pitch starting at 11am. After a week’s break last week we need to return to training and perfect those newly acquired footballing skills. See ye all there.
Turas go Cill Áirne
Our U-8s and U-10s travelled to Killarney last Sunday to see the Kingdom overcome the Rebels in the Munster Football final. In glorious sunshine, we witnessed a fine Kerry performance, particularly in the first half but we were all on the edge of our seats towards the end with Corks fightback. Everybody’s behaviour was exemplary and we all enjoyed the great day out. The customary visit to the “siopa” was on the itinerary also agus ba léir gur bhain gach uile duine spraoi agus spórt as an turas go Cill Áirne an Domhnach seo caite. Croke Park here we come ! Sincere thanks to Joanne, Betty, Kathleen, Liam J, Don, Fintan, Eddie and Liam G. for accompanying the youngsters to the match. Míle Buíochas
Annual U-13 Rose Cup
It is envisaged that Ballymac U-13s will participate once again in the Rose of Tralee Annual Rose Cup during the Festival of Kerry in August. The competition is expected to be expanded this year with further teams from different counties in Ireland taking part and the organisers are hoping that each local team in and about Tralee would become a “host” club for one of the visiting clubs. Each host club would welcome and host a visiting team and provide hospitality and accommodation for one player each from that club on the Saturday night of the Rose of Tralee festival. As planning and arrangements are in their infancy, Ballymac Club are making initial enquiries to all families within the club to see if they would be willing to host a visiting player on that Saturday night. There is no obligation on any family whatsoever but Ballymac GAA club would appreciate any help or advice in relation to the matter. We do understand that this is a new departure and we hope to make it possible and achievable. Thus, it is hoped that a new friendship would be established and nurtured with another club in the country and who knows what possibilities would lie ahead. If you are willing to help, please contact either Club secretary, Kieran Savage or Liam Goggin. Let’s make a go of this !!