The Ballymacelligott GAA Club senior team, management and supporters are hoping to continue their recent run of good form when they travel to Valentia on Sunday next for a 2pm throw in. Best wishes to the team and management as they seek to keep themselves in the hunt for promotion.
By Gerard Collins
St. Kieran’s Cruelly Out of Championship
St. Kieran’s were knocked out of the Garvey’s SuperValu Senior Co. Football Championship on Sunday in the cruelest possible fashion following a one point defeat to Rathmore after extra time. Ballymac were well represented with Ruairi Rahilly as part of the backroom team and Aidan Breen, Vincent Horan, Padraig McCarthy, Luke Sweeney and Micheal Reidy on the panel.
Both U-21 and minor teams are in action during the coming week with the minor first up on Tuesday night against Feale Rangers and the U-21s playing Kenmare District on Thursday.
Lotto
The lotto was held in The Halfway Bar on Monday, July 4th for a jackpot of €3,500. Numbers drawn were 2,3,4,15. There was no jackpot winner.
Lucky Dips: 1. Patsy Dooley, c/o Christy Leen; 2. Jimmy Casey, c/o Tom Leen; 3. Kathleen O Connor, Scart; 4. Brendan Mannix, Ballymac PO; 5. Silles Family, c/o Paula Silles
Sellers Prize : Christy Leen. The lotto now stands at €3.600 and can be played at www.ballymacgaa.com
All Ireland Qualifier
One of the big stories on the national front last weekend was Longfords victory away to Monaghan in the All Ireland qualifiers. Right half back on the Longford team, Donal McElligott is a son of former Ballymac player Dan McElligott originally from Caher who played for Ballymac during the 1970’s and 80’s.
Faoi 14
Our u 14s A played two games last week in their Central Region league. First up a trip to Na Gaeil in Tralee we were fielding an under strength side due to absentees and we played both games with 13 players.
Our previous game this year against Na Gaeil was played on a terrible evening of constant rain by contrast Monday’s game was dry albeit with a stiff breeze. We started the game well and indeed we enjoyed plenty of position but found some scores hard to come by Brian Cassidy and Cian Godley worked hard in midfield and made some great running on the evening. The game was a tight affair throughout with neither side being able to pull away. Playing with 13 meant that there was a bit more space to work in and consequently goals came for both teams. Half time 3-2 a piece
Aidan O’Brien Denis Brosnan Sean Horan and the two Darraghs, Leen and Broderick working well in the forward line.
The second half followed the same pattern however we had the wind with us. Unfortunately we did not make best use of this advantage and, whilst in a period of dominance at the start of the second half, we could not convert into scores. This was to prove costly as Na Gaeil scored a goal from a sideline that we found hard to recover from. The boys did not give up and Eoghan Kenny, Ciaran Brosnan, James Bailey, Jonathan Lowe, Adam Kelly and Adam Joy played their part in limiting Na Gaeil. As time was closing we fought back to within a point but that is how it finished. A disappointment on the night but an improved performance none the less. Final score Na Gaeil 5-6 Ballymac 5-5.
Thursday evening saw Castlegregory visit us in Ballymac. We had played earlier in the county league at a windswept castle pitch where conditions were very difficult. No such problem in Ballymac on a great summers evening bright and dry. A fairly even contest we were playing well and popping over the points. Some defensive lapses allowed Castle stay in the game in the first half. Half time Ballymac 0-8. Castlegregory 2-1.
Both teams played strategically in the second half. Castle pulled there full forward off Cian Godley in an attempt to take Cian out of the full back but Cian stayed to ensure we were not going to cough up easy goals. And it worked. We ourselves were advising our forward line to keep the route to goal as open as possible. A switch of Aidan O’Brien to midfield and Brian Cassidy to full forward was to prove decisive
Both were more industrious after the change and Brian scored the goal we needed to put some daylight between the teams. We were playing with a fluency now and stretched the lead to five. Castle could not respond and by not conceding any more goals we were able to seal the victory. Final score Ballymac 1-17 Castlegregory 2-10
Faoi 13
Ballymac U13 boys played their first game of the Tralee Town Board last Sunday evening in Tralee against Austin Stacks in Connolly Park. A report on this game will be included in next weeks notes.
Faoi 12
Our U12 Blue team played Currow in the Castleisland District in Currow last Thursday night. We won the game on a score line of 3-08 to Ballymacelligott 5-28. Well done to the boys on a very good performance on the night.
The under 12 gold team were unfortunately beaten by John Mitchells on Saturday last in the first game of the Castleisland District League. An early goal by Raymond Lowe was against the run of play as Mitchels were well on top. They dominated throughout and Ballymac were always chasing the game. Cian Mc Carthy, Sean Rice, Niall Collins and Michael Culloty tried hard throughout but Mitchels were always dominant. Ballymac never played to their potential but tried hard over the hour. Well done to all players for their never say die approach to the game.
Faoi10
The academy for our U10 panel continued last Sunday morning the 10th of July at the usual time. We had a good turnout on the day on a very wet morning. We also had a training session on Wednesday on the training pitch which is helping the lads develop their skills. Academy continues next Sunday the 17th of July on the main pitch.
Faoi 8
On Wednesday evening last Scartaglin hosted the final round of U8 Go Games for the Castleisland District. Ballymac had two team on the night and both teams gave a great account of themselves. Also full marks to Scartaglin Club for their excellent organisation on the night.
Faoi 6
U6 Academy Boys & Girls had a good outing last Sunday and everyone had lots of fun learning their skills. Academy continues next Sunday the 17th of July on the main pitch so come along and bring your water and gum shield.
Senior Ladies Team
Ballymac Ladies Club are in the process of putting together a Senior (Junior) team for next year 2017. We are calling on all ladies in the Parish (age and ability is not an issue!) and beyond to come and be part of this historic event. If you are interested or may know of someone who might be please contact Donal Rahilly on 087 61 73 912 or Anthony Curran on 087 27 13 507.
Cailiní Faoi 10
Despite the inclement weather conditions we had a good turnout of girls for U 10 training on Sunday morning last. With Rachel Creedon, Anna Collins, Rose Brosnan and Rachel Griffin showing up well on the day. On Saturday morning next we travel to Duagh for what is always a very well organised Blitz.
Cúl Camp 2016
The Cul Camp in Ballymacelligott this year will take place between the 25th of July and the 29th of July from 10.00am – 2.30pm daily. Bookings can be made at the following URL. www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps. FREE JERSEY, TRAINING TOP & BACK PACK!!
Wedding Balls
Congratulations to former Club player Ger O Connor and Veronica Bonnar on their wedding last weekend. Best wishes to Veronica and Ger on their future together from all at the Club.
Sympathy
The Club extends its sympathy to the family of Patsy Flahive, Rathanny on the recent death of Patsy who was a former Club footballer.
Palliative Care Fund Raiser
Glenduff House are hosting a fundraising night in aid of Tralee Palliative Care Unit on the 30th July (Saturday) at 9.00pm. There will be a head/beard shave, BBQ,music by Noreen Ashe, spot prizes raffles etc. Anyone looking to sell lines/cards can get them at Glenduff by contacting 06671 37105.
Ballymacthomas NS 150 Years / Flemby NS 50 YEARS
We are celebrating these special anniversaries on November 26th, 2016. We are looking for copies of photos, your memories and old newspaper articles. Please drop into school in September or email us at flemby.ias@eircom.net. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (Flemby National School) and watch out for further details in September.