BALLYMAC 0-13 ARDFERT 1-04
We’ve won another trophy !! Our third of the year. Our final game of the season was at home to Ardfert in the final of Coiste Tra-li div 2.When these teams met before only two points separated the sides so a tight game was expected. Ardfert pointed from a free inside the first minute, our first score coming from Keelan shortly after. Both defences were now on top with Liam O’Brien, David Nolan, and the impressive Ross Mansfield was in fine form. Further points from D Keane, D Nolan, and Keelan left us leading 4 points to 2 ahead after 20 minutes. Michael Hoare and D Keane added a point each to leave the half time score 6 points to 3 in our favour. As has happened all year we played our best football in the second half. An early goal chance went wide, but points followed from C Nolan and D Reagan. Our defence was completely on top now, Eddie Rodgers and Josh winning their battles, while Tadhg Brick covered alot of ground all over the pitch. D Regan and Michael Hoare had us twelve to three ahead after 20minutes with Ardfert yet to score in this half. A spectacular Darragh Regan point finished our scoring while Ardfert scored a consolation goal with a minute to go. A great second half performance with Keelan Brosnan and Liam O’Malley working their socks off while Davy Rodgers, Cathal Dunne and Cillian Gallagher, won early possession and supplied ball to our scoring forwards. We might have won by more hitting the goal frame on no fewer than five occasions.
Presenting the trophy Johnny Breen (Coiste Tra-li) praised both teams, and thanked referee Paddy White and the Ballymac club for having the pitch in superb order. Accepting the trophy on behalf of Ballymac injured captain Eoghan O’Malley thanked the referee and also Ballymac mentors Tony, Gene, Willie, Martin and Mike.
TEAM AND SCORES B Lonergan, L O’Brien, E Rodgers, R Mansfield, D Nolan(0-1), J O’Keeffe, T Brick, K Brosnan (0-2) L O’Malley, C Dunne, D Regan (0-5) C Nolan(0-1) D Keane(0-2) Ml Hoare (0-2) D Rodgers. Subs C Gallagher, J O’ Connor, J Carmody, D Clifford, K Coggins, B Lyons and captain E O’Malley.The above game was the perfect ending to a fantastic year for this group. Playing in four competitions, winning three and losing a semi final in the fourth, in a game where we did not perform to our potential has to be a record for this age group in Ballymac. Great credit must go to players for their dedication, attendance and work ethic that they brought to every training session and on match days. Many thanks to management team of Tony Silles, Gene O Keeffe, Willie Costello, Martin Lowe and Mike Dreelan for their time, energy and commitment throughout the year. The Parents of each player deserves a huge thank you for their loyal support, getting players to matches and training on time no matter what distance to travel. On the day of Tralee Town League Final refreshments were served for both players and parents in Ballymac Clubrooms. Many thanks to Paula Silles,Dee O Keeffe, Patricia Lowe, Siobhan Leen and everyone else that contributed to the occasion. A total of twenty nine players were used during the year, congratulations to all on their achievements. 2013 County league, Castleisland District and Coiste Trá lí winning panel; Keelan Brosnan, Ross Mansfield, Eddie Rodgers, Michael Hoare, Darragh Regan, Darragh Clifford, Eoin O Malley, Liam O Malley, Jack O Connor, James Carmody, Barry Lyons, Brian Lonergan, David Nolan, Ciaran Nolan, Cathal Dunne, Daire Keane, Cillian Gallagher, Joshua O Keeffe, Alusin Jah, Tadgh Brick, Kevin Lenihan, Kieran Coggins, Diarmuid Lynch, David Rodgers, Liam O Brien, Eoin Culloty, Darragh Leen, Dylan Dunne Moriarty, Darragh Broderick.
U14 GIRLS:
The girls went down to a very strong and physical Dingle team in Dingle on Sunday evening despite putting in a great performance. A big thank you to all the parents who brought the girls to the game. Also many thanks to the Dingle ladies club who provided us with lovely food after the match – it was very much appreciated and certainly shortened the long journey home!!
ACADEMY: Our u7/8/9’s & u10 boys will play in Annual Churchill blitz next weekend.
Tom Long, Jack Slattery, Sean Rice, Jack O’Connor and Luke Horgan showed some very impressive skill on the pitch away to Keel last Friday night. The U10 boys also travelled to Keel to play the locals. An enjoyable evening was had by mentors and supporters alike, we thank Keel for the invitation. We had two teams on the night. Players to impress were Adam Wharton, Luke O’Connell, Kieran Slattery and Darragh Sweeney. In the second game James Bailey, Adam Joy, Thomas O’Connor and twins Tim and Sean Pollman Daemann. Well Done to all.
BREITHLAETHANTA: Happy Birthday to Sam Slattery, James Bailey, Darragh Lynch, Brian Cassidy, Darragh Brosnan, Joshua O’Keeffe, Rachel O’Shea, Alyssa Leen O’Shea, Ciara Shap, and Cait Rice. Enjoy your special day.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game”