LOTTO
The Lotto draw was held in Ballygarry House on Monday 14th July for a jackpot of €2,400. The numbers drawn were 7,11,21,25. There was no winner. Lucky Dips 1. Rachel Prendergast, Ballyseedy 2. Tony Marshall, Ashe Hill 3. Peg O Leary, c/o Tony Marshall 4. Jean Pierre Philippe, Reamore (online) 5. Bridget Leen, Kilquaine Sellers Prize: Geoff Riordan. Lotto jackpot is now worth €2,500 and can be played at www.ballymacgaa.com
SENIORS
Following on their excellent win against Dromid in the previous round, our Senior team resume their Co. League campaign on Saturday next July 26th at 7.00pm when they travel to Scartaglin. Your support for the lads would be greatly appreciated.
COISTE NA NOG JOHN MITCHELS BLITZ
Pride of place this week goes to our U10 and U8 teams both of whom performed exceptionally well in the Annual John Mitchels Blitz held on Saturday last. Our U10’s qualified for the final with victories over Beale, Desmonds, Austin Stacks, Castlegregory and Keel. In the final they faced Ardfert in what turned out to be an epic encounter. Ardfert started the better and led at half time on a score of 0-3 to 0-2. An early second half goal by Ballymac saw them take the lead and with time almost up it was that goal that separated the sides. An Ardfert goal from a 13m free levelled the game and a draw looked likely.
However, our boys showed great heart and determination and worked the ball up the field and won a free from a scoreable position. This was duly pointed and great scenes of celebrations followed the final whistle. Final score Ballymac 1 – 6 Ardfert 1 – 5. Commiserations to a gallant Ardfert side who really pushed our lads all the way. Our U8 team also qualified for their final winning their group games against Beale, Desmonds, Beaufort and Austin Stacks, with just one loss to Keel.
The final against Miltown Castlemaine was another exciting affair with the Mid-Kerry boys coming out on top by 2 points. Our lads were disappointed in the end but it was a great achievement to reach the final. Many thanks to players, mentors, parents and supporters for making it such a memorable day. With such talented young players coming up the ranks, the future is bright for Ballymac football.
FAOI 16:
Our U16’s return to action this Wednesday night away to Castlegregory in Round 4 of County League. Our lads are unbeaten in Co. League and hope they can continue this form on the night. Best of Luck boys!
FAOI 14 : BALLYMAC 3-18 CURROW 2-9
Currow were visitors to Ballymac in this Castleisland District semi final last Friday evening. Ballymac were always in control here, James Carmody and Liam O’Brien with early points. Two points each from Daire Keane and Davy Rodgers extended our lead. Diarmuid and Dara Lynch were very busy each creating and scoring a goals.
Dylan McHugh also goaled and four more points from Daire Keane saw us lead at half time 3-10 to 0-4, Josh, Daire Leen, and Liam O’Brien being very effective supplying ball to the forwards. Cathal Dunne got the first point after the break but Currow were more determined in this half. Four points from, Daire Keane and Currow replied with four points.
A late surge by Currow got them two goals and a point, our final scores coming from Darragh Broderick, Tadhg Brick and Daire Keane who finished with a personal tally of eleven points. We are now into the final of this competition to be played at a later date.
FAOI 12
Killarney’s Fitzgerald Stadium opened its doors for all juvenile clubs in the province last week and Ballymac GAA Club were fortunate enough to be invited to participate in this mini-tournament. In what turned out to be a most pleasant and enjoyable day, Ballymac U-12s were pitted against Ballingeary of West Cork, Miltown/Castlemaine and Cordal.
It was an 11 aside game with space at a premium but our lads showed great endeavour and skill overcoming the challenges of Ballingeary and Cordal but just coming up short against a very impressive Miltown/Castlemaine side. All 18 squad members got valuable playing time on this pristine pitch and everybody enjoyed themselves to the full.
Team mentors, Tom Leen and Roland Rogers were very satisfied with the performances and conduct of the squad throughout the day.
Well done to all ! Foireann: Adam Joy, Adam Kelly, Darragh Leen, Jonathan Lowe, Ciarán Brosnan, Brian Cassidy, Cian Godley, Aidan O Brien, Andy Rogers, Garry Lynch, Kyle O Connor, Brian Godley, Ryan McHugh, Dylan O Connell, Cathal Culloty, Seán Horan, Thomas O Connor, Tim and Seán Pollman Damaan with Team Mascot Matthew Rogers.
FAOI 13
Our concluding game in the Coiste Thrá Lí U-13 League took place in Ballymac last Sunday evening against town rivals Austin Stacks. Knowing that victory would essentially guarantee us a place in the final, things didn’t work out the way we planned. Up against a massive and physical side, we struggled in many areas during the initial stages but gradually grew into the game with confidence growing.
Dylan Dunne Moriarty was a colossus for Ballymac with his selfless running and his perseverance ably assisted by brothers Aidan and Liam O Brien and David Rogers. Eoin Culloty in goals is improving with every outing and corner forward Diarmuid Lynch was a constant threat to the Stacks rearguard. Darragh Broderick picked off some good scores with Darragh Leen providing great support throughout. However, Stacks imposed their physicality and ran out easy winners in the end but not without a fight from all our lads.
Having already beaten Rahillys, Ballymac finished a creditable third in the top division which is no mean achievement. The boys will take great heart and confidence from the league campaign and with further training and know-how, this bunch of young lads can and will improve even further.
They all played with pride and distinction in the Ballymac colours and no doubt the team will feature in many more top division campaigns.
Squad : Eoin Culloty, Jack Tobin, Eoghan Leahy, Aidan O Brien, Cathal Culloty, Liam O Brien, Ciarán Brosnan, Dean Lenihan, Jack Sugrue, Cian Godley, Dylan Dunne Moriarty, Brian Cassidy, Darragh Lynch, David Rogers, Darragh Leen, Darragh Broderick, Diarmuid Lynch, Jonathan Lowe, Dylan McHugh, Eoghan Kenny. Team Management : Mike Broderick and Roland Rogers
BLITZ:
The Annual U10 Milltown/C’maine blitz will take place next Sunday 27th July. Ballymac U8 & U6 boys will play St. Pats next Sunday morning at 10.45 in Blennerville. Our U11’s play Ardfert this Thursday night at 6.30pm in Ardfert.
MILE BUIOCHAS:
Many Thanks to John Mitchells for inviting our U6 boys on Sunday morning to participate in their first match of the year. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their game.
CÚL CAMPS:
Kelloggs Cul Camp will return to Ballymac GAA grounds on Monday 28th July and will run until Friday 1st August. The past Cul Camps have been an enjoyable fun filled week for both boys and girls while improving their football skills at the same time.
The form can be downloaded from our websitewww.ballymacgaa.com or you can register on line at www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps. Please note: The Online Booking facility closes at noon on the Friday i.e Friday 25 July.
FR. PAT CREAN LYNCH
Clogher Church was packed to capacity on Friday evening last to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for Fr. Pat Crean Lynch to mark his 25 years in the Priesthood. A stained glass window depicting aspects of the Parish was presented to Fr. Pat as a momento of the occasion.
A buffet meal and an evening of song and dance was held in St. Brendan Community Centre afterwards. The large turn out was reflective of the high esteem Fr. Pat is held in and all in the Parish wish him many more years of health and happiness in his chosen vocation.
HANDBALL CLUB:
Juvenille training for young handballers takes place in the local handball court in Ballydwer on Monday evenings from 8.00 – 9.00pm. All welcome especially beginners.