The curtain came down on the 2012 Central District league last Monday night when Ballymac entertained Annascaul/Lispole in the final round of the competition. As both teams were not in a position to qualify for the knock-out stages, only pride was at stake for the respective teams. Ballymac used the game as preparation for their upcoming Castleisland District U-16 League Final which is due to take place in the near future. As there were a few injuries to certain players, some U-14s were called up and all impressed with their play. Players such as Micheál Reidy and Tomás O Connor really stepped up to the mark and contributed to a fine home win over the West Kerry outfit. Stephen Bermingham, Jonathan Brick, Sean Doyle and Sean Savage were in brilliant form with Ballymac winning out in the end on a scoreline of 7-07 to 4-05. Details about upcoming fixtures will be posted in due course and our County League campaign will commence on June 20th after the Junior Certificate exams.
Faoi 14
County League Rd 5 Result ; Ballyheigue 0-01 Ballymac 3-15. Played on a very windy and wet Wednesday evening last, our U-14s outplayed a weakened Balllyheigue side in the seaside town and consequently qualified for the County League Final on Wednesday next May 9th against either Castlegregory or Ballyheigue. Ballymac were able to utilise its entire bench as players such as Gary Horan, Paddy O Donnell, Jerdie O Shea and Darragh Regan all getting on the scoresheet. We also welcomed back Ciarán and David Nolan to the fold as they return to the panel for the first time this season. This Wednesday, May 2nd we play Knock/Brosna in a challenge match in preparation for our upcoming County Final. Details of this game from either Tony or Gene.
Faoi 12
Last Sunday evening we hosted Na Gaeil in Rd 3 of the County League at Ballymac with both our Gold and Blue teams involved. On a very blustery evening for football the standard of football in both games was very high. Our Blue team had impressive displays from Liam O Brien, Tadhg Brick, Kieran Coggin and Daniel Goggin on their way to a four point victory while our Gold team also were victorious with a five point cushion over Na Gaeil. Rachel Godley was star of the match with a three goal salvo with outstanding displays from James McDonnell, Ciarán and David Nolan, Joshua O Keeffe and David McCarthy in attack. Rd 4 of the County League will take place on Bank Holiday Monday next May 7th when we play John Mitchels in Ballymac with throw-in time of 7pm. {Note change of date}
Faoi 10
We travelled to Na Gaeil last Sunday morning to take on the home side in two very competitive games. Both our teams played very well indeed and there was very little to separate the teams at the end. Players such as Jonathan Lowe, James Bailey, Adam Joy and Aidan O Brien played exceptionally well as did the Cassidy brothers, Daire and Brian. Dylan Dunne Moriarty and Cian Godley were to the fore in their game as was Adam Sheehy and Padraig O Sullivan. It was a well-worth exercise as the footballing skills are improving with every game the youngsters play. Its back to training next Sunday morning in the Senior Pitch, beginning at 11 am sharp.
Faoi 10
The Castleisland District U-10 Blitz will take place in Ballymac next Thursday May 10th starting at 7pm. All players are asked to be in attendance at Ballymac GAA grounds at 6 30pm. See ye all there !
Faoi 8
Ballymac U-8s also took on our friends in Na Gaeil and in an action-packed encounter and there was nothing to separate the teams at the final whistle. The boys made little of the very windy conditions as players such as Donal Daly, Sean Rice, Adam Wharton, Darren Breen performed very well indeed. Mark O Connor, Niall Collins, Diarmuid Galvin and Andy Rogers also impressed and their footballing skills thrilled the very large gallery present. All the mentors were very pleased with the display and hopefully further improvement will follow in the coming weeks. Training next Sunday May 6th at 11am.
Cailíní
The U12 girls played Kerins O Rahillys on Sunday in Ballyrickard. The girls put up a great display against much more experienced opposition.
Final score Kerins O Rahillys 3-06 Ballymac 1-03
Training continued as normal for the U-8 girls last Sunday and great effort and endeavour was shown by all present. Ciara Palmer, Emily O Brien and Ciara Landers all stood out and they can be very proud of their efforts made at training. Remember, girls, to continue practising those skills at home.
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.
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.