On Sunday last the Club took a bus to the ladies All Ireland final at Croke Park. Despite the result all 54 on board had a fantastic day out. The girls and boys were a credit to their club and were a pleasure to take on the trip. Many thanks to the parents who came along and to the girls team mentors, Ger, Donal and Anthony. Thanks also to Joanne Long for putting together the “goodie” bags for the trip. A special word of thanks to Kieran Savage who arranged the trip and made sure everything went so well on the day. A word of thanks also to Club President Jerome Mac who made the journey, despite suffering from a knee injury.
Faoi 12
Last Saturday saw the finals of the Castleisland District U-12 Finals take place at a sun-drenched Currow where both our Blue and Gold teams came face to face with Castleisland Desmonds in both deciders. With little or nothing between the sides when they met in the League phase earlier on this year, both finals were highly anticipated as the four teams vied for honours.
Div 1 Result: Desmonds 4-12 Ballymac 3-04.
In truth the final scoreline does not accurately reflect the nature of this game as Ballymac Blue team put on a brave display against Desmonds and some wayward shooting from our lads early in the game proved our downfall. Ballymac dominated the early exchanges with Tadhg Brick and Brian Lonergan holding sway but inexplicably Ballymac kicked some terrible wides as they took the game to Desmonds. With Joshua O Keeffe excelling and the diminutive Daire Keane in flying form, it seemed only a matter of time before Ballymac would make their dominance count but Desmonds were always able to put scores on the board with every attack. David McCarthy and Barry Lyons carried the game to the opposition but Desmonds held firm and led 2-06 to 3 points at half-time. Ballymac put in a huge effort from the re- start with Ciarán and David Nolan Tighe bringing the game to Desmonds. Cillian Gallagher and Cathal Dunne were also in imperious form as Ballymac rallied and scored three quick goals to reduce the deficit to three points mid-way through the second period. However, Desmonds responded with late points and a goal at the death to put the gloss on the scoreline from their point of view. It was a titanic struggle with James McDonnell and Alusin Jah also contributing to fine display. Keeper, Eoghan Kenny also played his part. It was a cruel way to end the footballing season, but this team made themselves, their families and their club proud all year long with their total dedication, fighting spirit and exemplary behaviour throughout. Mentors Aidan Dunne and Jer Lynch are extremely proud of their charges. Mí-ádh arís !
Bowl Final Result: Ballymac 3-10 Desmonds 3-02.
Our Gold team made up for the disappointment of our Blue Teams defeat when they eventually overcame a spirited Desmonds team in the Bowl Final. However, there were long spells during this game when the eventual outcome was in doubt as Desmonds pushed our boys all the way in a frenetic encounter. Despite early dominance, Ballymac were again guilty of poor shooting as Desmonds raced into an early two goal lead. Ballymac gradually assumed control with Kieran Coggins and capt. David Rogers beginning to dominate. Frees from the boot of Brian Cassidy and Darragh Broderick kept our Gold them within touching distance as Dara Leen, Cian Godley and Jack Sugrue all began to show some improved form. Liam O Brien was his usual dependable self with Eoin Culloty, Tomás Lynch and Rachel Godley helping the cause. At half-time keeper Aidan O Brien was switched to the forward line with Eoghan Leahy going into goals and Aidan made an immediate impact when he netted two goals to give Ballymac the lead. A succession of points from Ballymac extended the lead as Darragh Lynch, Dean Lenihan, Darragh Brosnan and Oscar Reidy Gilroy assisted in the win. Brian Cassidy also raised the green flag with a long range effort and Ballymac held on for a well deserved victory in the end Unfortunately, Dylan Dunne Moriarty missed out due to a wrist injury but should be ready for football next season. The Club would also like to wish Rachel Godley who was part of the team all season long the very best in her future footballing career as this was her final game with the boys. Rachel has been playing with the lads ever since she started at U-8 level and she has contributed so much to the club. Go n-éirí go geal leat as seo amach ! So well done to the Gold team for achieving so much throughout the year. Comhghairdeas !
2012 Juvenile Medal Presentation
The annual Coiste na nÓg Medal presentation will once again take place at Ballygarry House Hotel on Bank Holiday Monday Oct 29th, commencing at 3pm. Entry fee is €5 per person with a maximum charge of €20 per family. It has always been a most enjoyable evening and we hope that as many people as possible will attend. We hope to have a special guest on hand to present the medals to the various winning teams of 2012.
Coiste Thrá Lí U-14 Result: Ballymac 2-21 Austin Stacks 1-02.
A whole hearted display from our U-14 players ensured that the Coiste Thrá Lí Div 2 title went to Ballymac in what was, in truth a very one-sided game. Played at Ballymac on Sunday morning last our lads went about their business in a no-nonsense manner and some excellent point-taking from the likes of Jerdie O Shea, Robert Dowd, Darragh Regan and Kealan Brosnan ensured that Ballymac took the initiative from the outset. Stacks could only manage two pointed frees in the opening half due to the ferocious tackling and defending from the likes of David Long, Gary Horan, Max O Brien, Eoin O Malley and Kevin O Connor. Ballymac netted their first goal on 25 minutes when Darragh Regan pounced to steer the ball home. It was one way traffic at this stage with Stacks, to their credit trying to salvage the game. The second half continued in the same fashion with Michael Hoare, Liam O Malley and Brian O Connor all contributing in a meaningful way to the victory. Sub, Micheál Reidy scored our second goal with a high speculative shot mid-way through the second half. Eddie Rogers played exceptionally well at wing back as did team captain Paddy O Donnell at full-forward. Brian Lonergan in goals pulled off two fine safes and despite Stacks registering their only score from play with a fine goal, Ballymac saw the game out with all replacements getting game time, including Ross Mansfield, Cillian Gallagher, Joshua O Keeffe, Daire Keane, Kieran Coggins and Liam O Brien. Tomás O Connor was unable to play as he is still recovering from ‘flu. Team management of Gene O Keeffe, Tony Silles and Willie Costello were well pleased with the final outing of the year. So, well done to all involved with the U-14 squad throughout the year.
Siobhán Cotter Memorial Blitz:
Our U-7, U-8, U-9 and U-10 teams participated in the Churchill Blitz last Sunday and after playing a total of 12 games throughout the day, Ballymac club finished in second place behind the hosts, Churchill thereby winning the Siobhán Cotter Shield. Club captain for the day, Brian Cassidy accepted the shield on behalf of all the players With Firies, Mitchels and Stacks also taking part it was a tremendous performance by all the players who gave it their all on a cold but dry day. Sean Rice, Jack O Connor, Luke Horgan, Niall Collins and Raymond Lowe were some of the U-7s who impressed throughout the day as did Maurice O Connell, Andy Rogers, Mossie Brennan and Garry Lynch for the U-8s. With the U-9s both Tim and Sean Pollman Daaman, Adam Joy and Adam Kelly produced some fine performances against the opposition, winning one game, drawing their second and unlucky to lose their final game . Our U-10s beat Mitchels and were a little unfortunate to go down to a strong Firies team. Dara Leen, Jack Tobin and Ciaran Brosnan all featured prominently with the U-10s. Great credit must go to all players who did their very best against some fine opposition. Many Thanks to all the mentors who were present on the day and who guided and encouraged their charges throughout. Míle Buíochas to all parents who were there to urge on the players during the games.
Keep Fit Classes:
Take place every Monday night at Kielduff Community Centre at 8pm. All welcome. Enquiries to Joanne Long 087 6744334