Féile
Following months of preparation last weekend was held in Kerry, North Cork and West Limerick. Ballymac hosted Dunshauglin (Meath), Boston (USA) and Fethard (Tipperary). Players from these Clubs stayed in houses in the Parish and many thanks to families for keeping these childrens. Many new friends were made over the weekend and hopefully all our visitors will have happy memories from their time spent in their Parish.
Great credit is also due to our Club Feile Committee who left no stone unturned to ensure all activities held in the Club over the weekend ran smoothly.
Many thanks to all Club members who volunteered their time to ensure GAA people from US, England, Belfast, Carlow, Westmeath, Clare and Limerick whose teams played games in Ballymac had an enjoyable experience. Probably the highlight of the weekend was the visit to our Club by Uachtarain CLG Aogan O Fearghail who spent time meeting Club members and posing for photographs with them. Photographs of the weekend can be viewed on our website www.ballymacgaa.com
FEILE U14 CAILINI
The much anticipated Feile finally arrived on Friday the 24th Last and the Ballymac Ladies U14 team and Mentors embraced its arrival.
Spirits were high as we made our way to Abbeydorney on the Friday evening to begin our division 2 games. Our first opposition was Abbeydorney and ultimately the Kerry Division 1 side proved too strong on the night although we battled hard to the end.
Our second Game was a much closer affair against Thomastown but a couple of goals late on in the second half saw the Kilkenny Side prevail.
Despite losing both of our opening matches we had a feel good factor running through the team, We were playing teams that would arguably not look out of place in a higher division, Next up was our now good friends Fethard, Despite friendships being formed neither team gave an inch in the game and it was a keenly clean contested affair. The teams lined out in front of a large Crowd and the club put its best foot forward in showing off what Ballymac had to offer not only in facilities but also in Hospitality, It was hands down the best Venue of the tournament.
The match was a thriller with the ball going from end to end, Ballymac took an early lead but Fethard with their two County players ran at the Ballymac defence. There was nothing to separate the teams at full time 1:05 a piece and the Mentors and crowd alike were left scratching their heads as to who finished third and who finished fourth. It transpired Ballymac’s superior score difference on the previous night saw them through in third Place and Fethard in Fourth.
Both teams made the journey to Kiskeam to play their Quarter finals. Ballymac were up first and played Banteer, The girls had been gaining a bit of momentum and this shone through against Banteer, Within the first fifteen minutes Ballymac had amassed a lead of 4:02 to no score. The opportunity to empty the bench was presented and all 24 panel members got game time each making a positive impact on the game, Final score 5:05 to no score.
If we acquitted ourselves well then so did Fethard who beat Mallow 6:4 to no score. It was time to get out of Cork after dishing out those two heavy defeats.
It was soon realised Ballymac & Fethard paths were going to cross in the Semi final which came as a disappointment to both teams as everyone had hoped we would meet again in the final should we be so lucky.Both teams congregated in Austin Stack Park for the parade on Saturday evening where the atmosphere was electric and the banter between the two counties was rampant. Sunday morning could not come soon enough for either team and inevitably it arrived.
Conditions in Na Gaeil pitch were perfect, There was little to no wind and the sun was shining. The game threw in and Ballymac were hit with a sucker punch from the start a goal conceded within 30 seconds, Playing with the above mentioned momentum and confidence Ballymac dug in and went right back at Fethard and notched up a goal and 3 points, Things were looking good!. More pressure from Fethard produced a second goal and the teams went in at half time with nothing between them 1:3 TO 2:0. In the second half Fethard introduced their Third County player who had fresh legs: She had just made the journey that morning from Tipperary and it was this extra input that got them over the line. There was but the narrowest of margins between them at any point, A late penalty saw Fethard win by four points 3:4 to 1:6 (Seven scores a piece but goals win matches). From the large Ballymac crowd in attendance Perspective up until this penalty the game was there for the winning by both teams.
Emotions ran high after the game reflecting how much the tournament ment to this bunch of girls & Mentors. There were some great scenes on the pitch with kids from both sides embracing to congratulate and console one another, In true Ballymac spirit a Large Ballymac support went on to the final to support their new found friends and it was bitter sweet to watch Fethard come from behind to defeat Laune Rangers another Kerry division 1 side to capture the Feile Division 2 Shield by a single point.
Overall the competition was a great success for the Ballymac Ladies and out of this a decision has been made to enter a second U14 Ladies team in the North Kerry League.
A minutes silence was observed Before the Semi Final in Na Gaeil as a mark of respect for the sudden death of (U14 Ladies Mentor John McKeown’s Brother) Pat who suddenly passed the previous day May he rest in Peace.
The team will now take a couple of weeks off and training will resume in mid July in preparation of the North Kerry League.
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