Minor Co. Championship 2026

Minor Co. Championship Group B Quarter Final Result : Ballymac 2-20 Na Gaeil 5-12. AET.
In what was a humdinger of a game, played in Ballymacelligott today, Sunday, our Minor team just came up short against a very talented Na Gaeil side on a day that was not very conducive for good football. Despite the poor weather, the underfoot conditions held firm and both sides proceeded to play a very entertaining game with some free flowing football on display by both sides.
But the old adage of goals wins games certainly rang true last Sunday with Na Gaeil being ultra clinical in front of goals, netting five over the course of the 80 minutes. In truth, most of these concessions of goals stemmed from some sloppy Ballymac play but credit to the visitors, they took advantage of these mistakes and made the home team dearly pay.
There was some outrageous point taking by both teams with the likes of Michael Quirke, Eoghan Joy, Seadhna Ó Briain, Graham West and Sean Martin kicking crucial scores for Ballymac.
Some resolute defending from Ballymac led to crucial turnovers with Fionn Enright, Jackson Brosnan, Gearòid Joy and Ray Horgan effecting these turnovers. Keeper Kyran Boyle was very effective with his kick outs throughout the encounter
Na Gaeil opened up good leads on no fewer than three different occasions throughout the course of the game but credit to Ballymac, they fought back each time with tremendous desire, led by Padraig Reidy, Cian Gilroy Darragh McMahon, Ryan Burke and Liam Rahilly.
Na Gaeil led by two points going into injury time and with Ballymac attacking, up popped Michael Quirke to kick a massive 2 pointer to draw the teams level.
Extra time beckoned, but Na Gaeil came flying out of the blocks to kick 1-04 in the first period of extra time to move six ahead. Ballymac rallied and with the introduction of Jack Collins, Eric Quirke and Gearóid O Connor, they came roaring back into the game to reduce the deficit to the minimum but tried as they did, the Ballymac lads were unable to muster an equalsing score. So, an opening defeat for the lads but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. Great credit to all involved in what was an outstanding game of football. Onwards and upwards for this talented group of young footballers. Well done to all. Many thanks to Referee, Maurice Murphy and his team of officials for a job well done !