The Kerry Petroleum Junior Premier Championship Semi Final
Ballymacelligott 1-21
Firies 1-21
Firies 4 g Ballymac 2 G after penalties .
Losing a Championship semi-final is hard, and losing on penalties makes it even more difficult. Ballymac and Firies played a thrilling game of open football in Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. The match was a roller-coaster of emotions, with both teams giving their all. Sadly, Ballymac lost on penalties, adding to the drama of the game.
Despite the loss, Ballymac’s resilience and determination were evident throughout the game. Ballymac led by two points, 1-10 to 0-8, at halftime, playing against the wind. Both teams were level at full-time 1-16 each at full time. It was 1-19 each at half time in extra time and 1-21 each at full time after extra time.
This game had everything open football: two great goals and two saves by both keepers, which kept their teams in the game. Ballymac hit the crossbar twice… it was tit for tat right to the end. Ballymac were down to 14 for ten minutes at the end of the second half of full time. They showed great grit and determination to stay in the game. Both veterans Aidan Breen and Daniel O’Shea were colossal for Ballymac. They led by example and never let off. The teams were separated by penalties when Firies scored four goals and Ballymac 2 goals. It was a heartbreaking loss for Ballymac, but their performance was commendable.
(Full report to follow)
We are deeply appreciative of all the squad players, the management team, and their commitment to Ballymac GAA. This includes training on cold, wet nights, training on other pitches, and travelling to training and games. The personal sacrifices made by the players – nights away from home, missed social events, and the physical toll of tough games and injuries, you have shown remarkable resilience and commitment. We are also inspired by the dedication of the personnel behind the scenes for their sacrifices all year. We are grateful to each and every one of you.
We are also grateful to our supporters for all their support throughout the year. Your support has been marvellous in numerous ways, and it was particularly heartening to hear such vocal support from both the young and old fans at Fitzgerald Stadium on Sunday. Your passionate cheering added an extra layer of excitement to the game
Ballymac team and scorers: Christy Leen; Josh O’Keeffe, Daniel O’Shea, Eoin Creedon; Micheál Reidy (0-1) Tadhg Brick (0-1) Daragh Sweeney; Aidan Breen (0-4 -3f), Brian Lonergan (0-1) Adam Sheehy, Vinny Horan (0-4- 1F 1 45), Daire Keane (0-4) Donal Daly ( 1-2, ) Niall Collins (0-3,) Daragh Regan (0-10)
Substitutes used: Cian Counihan, Sean Rice, Cathal Dunne, James Kenny, Daragh Broderick ;
Full panel for Championship 2024. Mike Herlihy Andy Rogers, Maurice O’Connell, Cathal White , Brian
Cassidy, Tomás O’Connor, Cathal Dunne, Shane Gilroy , Gene O’Keeffe, Dylan Dunne Barry Lyons Conor Brick Jamie Burke Shane McGillycuddy, Jonathan Brick. Skye Lynch, Ciarán Brosnan Diarmuid Lynch Micheál Savage
Manager: Ian Blake
Selectors: Tony Silles, Gene O’Keeffe, Mike Broderick, Pádraig Laide
Physical Trainer: Anthony O’Leary
Physio: Mark Thompson
Stats/Logistics: Aidan Savage and Bridget Leen.