Ballingarry dropped two vital points when they could only draw 1-1 with Glin Rovers on Sunday last (March 5th 2006). Darren Clifford struck the post while Aidan Barrett failed to hit the target when well placed before the visitors went ahead on the half hour. It could have been two early in the second half had not referee John Roche disallowed a perfect “goal” when unsighted. Ballingarry finally got what they deserved in the final minute when Mike Clancy scored direct from a free for his first goal of the season.
The game will be remembered most for the fact that Colm Kiely became only the tenth player in the clubs history to make 200 competitive appearances for the club.

Team: J. O’ Grady; M. Condron; A. O’ Sullivan; A. Barrett; C. Kiely; J. Scanlon; D. Clifford; N. Condron; M. Clancy; Darragh O’ Grady; F. Kiely.

Subs: D. Alymer for O’ Sullivan; P. Lane for M. Condron.

Referee: John Roche.

The under 13 side coasted into the last eight of their cup on Saturday last (March 4th 2006) with a 5-0 win against Pallaskenry. All the goals came in the second half with Dean Clancy 2; Anthony Forde 2; Kevin Moynihan 1 and John O’ Gorman 1, getting the goals.

Limerick Desmond Under 12s recorded their second win in succesion in Clonmel when they defeated the South Tipperary under 12s on a 2-1 scoreline. Ballingarry boys Anthony Forde, Pa Healy and Damien O’ Donoghue all started while John O’ Gorman was introduced as a second half substitute. This latest victory sees them top thieir five team group that also includes Clare, Limerick County and Limerick City.

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.

The under 10 side made light work of Pallaskenry in Pallas on Saturday last (February 25th) as they won 5-1 to qualify for the quarter finals of their cup. Goals from Denis Hayes (2), Ryan O’ Shea, James Kelly and an own goal completed the rout.

The youths last chance to gain anything from a largely forgettable season ended last Saturday (February 25th) when they went out of the cup beaten 2-1 in Foynes. 2-nil down at the break, they never looked like winning with John O’ Gradys’ second half strike proving to be nothing more than a consolation.

Having finished level on 23 points each after ten Division 1 League games, Ballingarry and St. Ita’s played off for the title on Sunday 19th February at Newcastlewest. It was heartbreak for the Ballingarry girls as they went under 0-1 with the goal coming in the very last minute of the game.

Team: Fiona Hickey; Emma O’ Grady; Orla Keating; Marie O’ Grady; Rachel Hickey; Eimer Hickey; Carol Hickey; Aimee McCarthy; Marion Neville; Olivia O’ Keeffe; Theresa Mulcair.

Subs: Fiona Hennessey for Olivia O’ Keeffe; Lisa Kelly for Aimee McCarthy.

The clubs’ under 11 side, and holders, are through to the semi-final of the under 11 cup without having to kick a ball in the quarter final. Opponents Old Mill failed to appear for last Saturdays game and so Ballingarry were awarded a walkover.

Ballingarry trio of Tommy Hannon, Anthony Forde and Pa Healy played a big part in the Desmond Schoolboys under 12 win against the Limerick County Schoolboys on Sunday last (February 12th).The Desmond boys were 1 up at the break and went on to win 3-1. John O’ Gorman was introduced in the second half to give Ballingarry a very impressive representation of four players.

Division 1 side Ballysteen made it difficult for Ballingarry but at the finish Ballingarry deserved to go through to the last 16 of the Desmond Cup. Denis Kelly gave them a tenth minute lead but the visitors fought back to level before half time. Second half substitutes Bart Hanley and Philip Corrigan proved inspired additions to the team as both scored in the final ten minutes to see the 2002 winners safely through.

Team: J. O’ Grady; M. Condron; M. Clancy; Darragh O’ Grady; C. Kiely; N. Condron; R. Alymer; D. Clifford; A. Barrett; F. Kiely; D. Kelly. Subs: Bart Hanley; Blaine Cagney; Philip Corrigan all used.