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Seniors:
” The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better”
The above quote aptly sums up our season in division 1 as we battled manfully in the early stages of the league but shorn of the services of our 3 Kerry U20s, namely Ben Hanafin, Darragh O’Connor and Tomás Kennedy we naturally struggled.
The absence of seasoned performers like David, Tommy and Con, who not alone would bring their skill and knowledge to the field but would provide the necessary leadership, meant we faced many turbulent times.
All of the above was forgotten however today as we turned on the style in Ballymac playing with a cohesion and mental resilience that defied all odds and saw us retain our division 1 status with Dingle’s defeat by Spa.
The return of all the above for the final stages of the league provided a much needed boost to the team in terms of scoring, defensive nous and playmaking abilities.
We started brightly and had 1-03 on the board without reply in the opening 7 minutes – the goal came when Darragh O’Connor evaded his marker, and though his goal bound shot was thwarted, Tomás Kennedy following up, made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
The aforementioned duo accounted for 3-10 of our 4-13 total ( Darragh with 2-07, Tomás 1-03) – their impact was huge and their play seemed to lift all those around them.
Defensively we were solid with Jake manning the middle, Ben raiding forward regularly plus Daniel Bowler continuing his good form notching a trademark point for the first score of the game.
We were to add an additional 1-01 shortly afterwards with Shane McElligott finding his range and Tommy palming in at the far post for another green flag – Ballymac had their first score in the 12th minute from Dónal Daly which was quickly followed by another from Adam Sheehy; however Darragh and Tomás replied in kind and we were comfortably in control as we approached half time – we had, however, lost Tommy to injury with Padraig Griffin coming on in his place and in the reshuffle, Tomás lined up at full forward.
We approached half time, 2-06 to 0-05 ahead but Ballymac caught us napping with a quickly taken free which saw midfielder Micheál Reidy fire past Shane Foley for a fine goal – this was to be the final act of the first half.
The second period was more of the same but there was concern in the first 10 minutes with David having to retire injured – this saw the introduction of Con, who went to half forward with Tomás going to midfield.
Prior to this we were treated to the catch and score of the game as Tomás soared high, gathered and made ground before planting the ball beautifully between the posts; after that, it was a case of seeing the game out with Darragh forging two green flags in what was an emphatic win.
All ears were tuned into Radio Kerry as the news filtered through that Spa had defeated Dingle to ensure our tenure in Division 1 was maintained.
Our survival was a true test of character and determination allied to no little skill – we have grown and developed as a team, the fusion of youth and experience ensuring success and igniting a winning mentality.
Well done to the team and mentors.
Final Score:
KO’R: 4-13
Ballymac 1-10
Team: Shane Foley, Darragh McElligott, Ross O’Callaghan, TJ Heaphy, Ben Hanafin, Jake Foley, Daniel Bowler, David Moran, Tom Hoare, Gearóid Savage, BJ Keane, Shane McElligott, Darragh O’Connor, Tommy Walsh, Tomás Kennedy.
Subs: Padraig Griffin, Con Barrett, Sam Pituch, Ryan Carroll, Gearóid Dillane.
We take a break now with the conclusion of the league and look forward to the championship – we are grouped with Kilcummin, Laune Rangers and Listowel – it is a difficult group with only two to advance. The commencement of this competition will depend on Kerry’s progress in the All Ireland series.
Academy:
U7 Boys
U7 Boys
The Under 7 Boys hosted Churchill GAA in Healy Park Sunday morning. There were some great skills on display throughout the field. The boys are improving every week and their coaches are delighted with their progress to date, keeping up the good work everyone and well done all on a super performance. Thank you to Churchill for coming in to play us.
U8 Girls
U8 Girls –
Our U8s played away to Churchill Sunday morning under the heat of the sun. We played 7 aside and we saw a lovely display of our girls’ skills. We were very strong on the ball, some wonderful scores by our forwards, plenty of running by our midfield and some great defending by our backs. Very strong performance by our U8s.Thanks to Churchill for hosting us.
U9 Boys –
The U9 Boys made the short journey to play Firies Tuesday evening. Our boys put in a great shift and showed some impressive teamwork. Kudos to Firies for having everything so well organised and we wish them best of luck to them for the rest of the season.
U10 Girls
U10 Girls-
Our U10s also travelled to Churchill Sunday morning. We had two teams of 8 aside and they played 3 games. Great skills on display by both teams throughout the field. Thank you to Churchill for hosting us.
minors
Minors:
We welcomed the minors from Colt Shanahoe GAA from Raheen, Laois to Strand Road Saturday morning for a challenge game with our lads – thanks to the mentors & team for travelling. Best of luck for the rest of the season.
Juvenile academy takes place every Sunday Morning in Pat Healy Park, Ballyrickard from 10am to 11am new members are always welcome to join our fantastic club and community.
Summer camp –
Our summer camp is taking place from the 6th to 9th August. Keep an eye on our social media pages for details on how to book. Don’t miss out, it’s always a fun week while learning key skills.
Ladies Notes:
U12 Girls
U12 Girls
It was a lovely evening in Currow for our U12 KOR girls team on Tuesday. Not only was the sun shining but so were our girls. They put in an excellent performance against a very tall and physical Currow side to claim victory.
We had to be very tight with our marking as Currow were very strong when attacking but Ina, Aoife and Rhona gave as good as they got and kept them at bay.
The girls had to dig deep in the last quarter but managed to grind out the victory. Well done girls. Thank you to Currow for hosting us.
U16 Girls
Great numbers for training this week as our U16 had a mixed game with U14’s on Tuesday credit to everyone playing very well.
On Thursday we were delighted to have Donna back from injury after missing all of the north Kerry league with a knee problem. Overall a great week’s work done well done girls keep up the good work.
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KOR Mothers and Others –
A Huge thank you to everyone who came out to Support our Mothers and Others Quiz Night last Wednesday night in The Klub.
There was a massive turn out on the night with over 30 tables taking part. Congrats to the winning team on the night, Brenda O’Regan Jenna-Louise O Regan and Maureen Guerin. Thank you to Danny and all the staff in @theklubgastrobar , Club Chairman Oliver Molloy who was Quiz Master on the night, to the fabulous Mothers and Others Committee for organising the entire night, Linda and Kathy who assisted in correcting the answers and totting the scores and to our fabulous Mother and Others players and their families for coming out in their numbers. We must also thank all our spot prize givers, we are very grateful for the support that was received:
Made by Laima
Inception PerformancePerformance
Value Centre Cash & Carry
The Lakeside Café at Tralee Bay WetlandsThe
Dowlings Tralee
Archway Balloons
The Taste Buds
Home store
Siamsa Tire
Shaws
Benners Hotel Tralee
George Bastible
The Beauty Room Tralee Tina O’ Sullivan
The Klub
Ryles menswear
Blasket Tralee
Declan Quill& Kerry ladies – Signed Football
Dunnes StoresHoran Centre
Ballyroe Heights Hotel
cassie_leens_school_of_dance
beauty buys by ash
Unislim With Mags Savage Bell
QuirkeSecurity
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