It was sweet revenge for Ballingarry on Saturday last (February 26th 2006) when they lifted the first ever Desmond Cup in the most dramatic of fashions in a penalty shoot-out and so denying St. Itas the honour of league and cup double.

Ballingarry went closest early on in what was a tremendous game when Theresa Mulcair beat the Itas defence but saw her effort come back off the post. It was an identical situation at the other end when the post saved Ballingarry from Majella Hunt after 35 minutes. Before either incident a bad bounce almost deceived Valerie Cremin in the Itas goal but she recovered well to gather.

The second half continued as the first ended with the high tempo maintained with Hunt again going closest for Itas. However for all their effort neither side could break the deadlock as the game entered extra time.

The first period of extra time almost got off to a sensational start as Elaine Foley almost put through her own and St. Itas goal while at the other end Fiona Hickey and Marie O’ Grady combined to deny Marion O’ Connell. With no goals after extra time, penalties were applied to decide the destination of the cup with Ballingarry keeper Fiona Hickey proving the hero as the saved two penalties and scored one.

Team: Fiona Hickey, Emma O’ Grady, Rachel Hickey (capt), Orla Keating, Marie O’ Grady, Emer Hickey, Carol Hickey, Amy McCarthy, Marian Neville, Olivia O’ Keeffe, Theresa Mulcair.

Referee: Colm Dalton.
Pictures of the day can be seen in the Ladies section of the gallery.