Unfortunately our U-16 team suffered two successive defeats in the Central Region League over the past week or so. Despite brave and committed displays on both occasions, the lads were unable to secure valuable League points in a disappointing week for the squad. Ballymac travelled to Miltown on Mon April 2nd and produced a creditable display in the opening half with Aaron Dunne and Eoin Lyons to the fore. However, we were unable to sustain the same momentum in the second period and tired towards the end. Again, Ballymac were unable to field its strongest starting fifteen and this has disrupted the planning. However, Morgan Quirke and Cian Lonergan were not found wanting despite going under to Miltown/Castlemaine on a scoreline 4-08 to 2-06.
On Good Friday evening we played host to Ardfert in Rd 3 of the Central League and we began in explosive fashion with 1 –01 scored inside the opening minute, Stephen Bermingham raising the green flag. Ardfert found their feet somewhat and responded with 2 goals of their own as mid-fielder Gerard Browne sustained a shoulder injury which hampered his influence on the game. Vincent Horan scored from the penalty spot to put the bare minimum between the sides at the short whistle. The second half was a lively affair with play singing from end to end. Ardfert had raced into a 7 point lead early in the second half only for Ballymac to claw their way back to level matters with 3 minutes remaining as Vincent Horan saw his second penalty effort go over the bar. Ardfert had the last say in this keenly contested game with a stunning goal from their centre-forward and try as they did Ballymac were unable to level matters as Gerard Browne’s free was blocked on the line. Final Score; Ballymac 3-09 Ardfert 5 -06. Best on the night were Sean Doyle, Jack O Shea, Vincent Horan and Chris Leen. Foireann : Gary Sheehy, Eoin Lyons, Jonathan Brick, Sean Savage, Neil Sullivan, Sean Doyle, Chris Rogers, Gerard Browne, Jack O Shea, Morgan Quirke, Vincent Horan, Cian Lonergan, Chris Leen, Stephen Bermingham, Joseph Cassidy.
This coming Monday evening April 16th Ballymac play away to Laune Rangers in Rd 5 of the Central region with throw-in time in Killorglin at 7pm.
Faoi 14
County League Rd 2 Result : Ballyduff 3-03 Ballymac 4-14. A comprehensive maiden victory for the Blue n Gold over our North Kerry rivals on Wed last to begin the campaign on a positive note. Playing with the aid of a very strong and bitterly cold wind, we began the game with serious intent with three points from the boot of Jerdie O Shea inside the opening three minutes and Ballymac never looked back from that point onwards. Coming forward in droves, Ballymac added on points at will with Micheál Reidy and Robert Dowd both in imperious form. Goals from fullforward Tomás O Connor had Ballymac in the driving seat and led at half time on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1 goal. Max O Brien and the afore mentioned Tomás O Connor had to cry off injured in the second half but Ballymac kept applying the pressure on the home side despite Ballyduff’s mini revival on the restart. Further goals from Michael Hoare and Darragh Regan put Ballymac into an unassailable lead and competent displays from Keelen Brosnan at full-back, David Long on the half-back line and Paddy O Donnell in attack saw Ballymac cruise home in the end. Foireann: Brian Lonergan, Kevin O Connor ( capt ), Keelan Brosnan, Gary Horan, Eddie Rogers, Max O Brien, David Long, Robert Dowd, Micheál Reidy, Michael Hoare, Jerdie O Shea, Darragh Regan, Brian O Connor, Tomas O Connor, Paddy O Donnell.
This Wed evening April 11th sees the U-14s play Moyvane in Rd 3 of the County League in Ballymac beginning at 7pm.
Faoi 12
Both U-12 squads commence their County League campaign this coming Sunday April 15th when they travel to Rathmore for the opening round of games. Throw-in for both games is 7pm. Training had gone very well over the past number of weeks and mentors Fiona Goggin, Regina Mansfield, Aidan Dunne and Jer Lynch are very pleased with the commitment from the players thus far. Let’s hope for positive outcomes to the games.
Kellogs Cúl Camps 2012
The GAA Cúl Camps will run again at Ballymac GAA club this coming summer 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. Cost for first child is €55. It is €45 for second child of same family and €40 for third child of the same family.
Ballymac Academy
Our third training session of the season took place on Easter Saturday morning and once again, great numbers attended on a fine dry morning. It is apparent that all the youngsters are thoroughly enjoying their football practice and with the guidance given by all the mentors, progress is certainly being made at this early stage. Cian Harris, Ben Sharpe, Kealen Lynch, John Leen and Conor Daly all impressed for the U-6s and there is certainly work in progress at this age group ! At U-8 Girls, those to display their footballing skills were Aideen Lynch, Niamh Lynch and Shauna Griffen. The boys too at this age group, put in a tremendous amount of work over the hour with Gary Lynch, Luke and Aidan Horgan, Evan Boyle and Darragh Sweeney shining. The U-10 boys are quickly proving to be a very good squad as Jonathan Lowe, Darragh Leen, Dylan Dunne Moriarty and Brian Cassidy proving their worth. Training resumes this coming Sunday morning April 15th at 11 am sharp.
Míle Buíochas
Sincere thanks to the Club senior Footballers, Kevin and Mark O Shea, Padraig McCarthy and Cian Counihan for assisting with coaching at the academy last Saturday morning. Their coaching and expertise was invaluable to the youngsters and we acknowledge and appreciate their help.
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.