Ballingarry AFC would like to congratulate former player and now league of Ireland player with Treaty United U17 Nicole McNamara who is invited to the U17 National Assessment day in the AUL on 4th October. Ireland U17 team is managed by James Scott who also attended Treaty United v DLR Waves yesterday in Ballingarry where Treaty came away with all 3 points on a winning score line of 2 nil, with Nicole scoring the second with a 40yrd screamer, wishing you all the best Nicole from all in Ballingarry AFC

A cracking Munster youth final that provided all the thrills and spills of a big cup decider was played out on an afternoon where the four seasons all made an appearance in the sunny south east at Ozier Park.

Ballingarry and Villa were both looking for that elusive, historic win that would propel them to best youths team in munster, and despite all the pre match nerves the players delivered a hard fought, but fair and very competitive 110 minutes of football.

Villa settled better and Owen Oseri proved a live threat and when he and Salim Ahmed combined Villa threated the opener, but Oseri shot wide and was also denied by a brilliant Tangney block. The suirsiders continued their attacking start and perhaps should have led when Walsh’s cross was met by Jake o Connor who flashed an effort over.

Ballingarry settled and composed themselves and started to threaten, the industrious Lee Madigan was yellow carded when he tried to force a foul inside the box and Molloy and Reidy were starting to find gaps , Molloy in particular when he fired wide on 37 minutes, just before Conor Walsh’s free kick edged over the bar.

Half time 0-0 and this game was in the melting pot.

The second half was just as tense, two sides, full blooded and not conceding an inch but there were chances. The tricky Oseri waltzed past two players before teeing up Ahmed who was brilliantly denied by Jack Molloy who was commanding his goalmouth brilliantly with his back 4 very resolute in defence.

Ballingarry were playing on the counter, Molloy’s quick kick outs were causing problems and from one the Limerick side could have broken the deadlock as Molloy turned his man inside the area only for Searson to save well with his feet.

Ciaran Tangney headed wide from a corner and David Geary had an effort saved by Searson while Madigan shot straight at the Villa netminder from 18 yards.

Full time 0-0 and both sides didn’t deserve anything less

Extra time was frenetic, the first period saw Villa force 5 corners, all defended superbly by Ballingarry who’s pre match planning proved to be spot on on the day.

The game exploded into life in the 2nd period of extra time, 2 goals, 2 red cards but the same outcome, the sides couldn’t be separated.

Ballingarry drew first blood, a corner swept in from the left was met by sub Michael Southgate who connected and bundled the ball over the line, there was epic scenes in the stand and in the dugout as Ballingarry dared to dream.

Villa set about an equaliser and threatened immediately, they were rewarded when sub Bassit Ishola brilliantly turned and shot from 10 yards to level the game.

Power and Madigan saw red for two yellows as the game reached boiling point with Viall coming within a whisker of scoring at the death.

Nobody wanted this game tio end but penalties were to decide this one, Molloy and Geary put Ballingarry 2-1 up but successive misses gave Villa the upper hand. Mark Ruddle superbly slotted home under pressure but agony awaited as Jake o Connor scored the winning penalty to end Villa’s 61 year wait for the cup.

It was heartbreak for Ballingarry, their support was vocal and passionate throughout the afternoon, their players gave everything physically and emotionally, the squad were together and perhaps the biggest appreciation should go to the management team – their preparations and game plan were outstanding and they made Ballingarry stand tall on a memorable day that will be forever etched in the club’s history.

Before the game a minute’s silence was observed impeccably for James Clancy, the weight of the week was there to witness as Villa celebrated in the background but James would have had the widest smile at what he looked down on, the Ballingarry boys had played their hearts out, the outcome not what was desired but despite the result Ballingarry gained many new friends and supporters as they showed they belonged in the big time.

Well done to players, management, backroom team, supporters and club committee – this is only the beginning

Ballingarry: Molloy, Tierney, Kelly, Tangney ©️, Storin, Quille, Casey, Hickey, Geary, Molloy, Madigan, McGoey, Southgate, Leahy, Ruddle, McMahon, Lawlor, Sheehy

It is with a heavy heart and with the deepest of sadness that we regret to announce the untimely passing of our cherished friend James Clancy, Club Secretary for over 30 years and founding member of Ballingarry AFC. James worked passionately for the club and was instrumental in building it into one of the finest sports clubs and soccer grounds in the country. James’s role as secretary was impeccable, his record keeping and attention to detail was one to behold, he kept stats on every player that ever played for the club down through the years , what they scored and who it was against. He liaised with League delegates from all over and did his job seamlessly in order for the club to run as smooth as possible all while working away quietly in the background, never one to look for praise or recognition for the mammoth work he did. He was the back bone of the club the vein that constantly pumped new energy and enthusiasm for it to flourish and grow . James was a quintessential clubman and was held in very high esteem by all that had the privilege of knowing him, he was always there for everyone in the club , there wasn’t a question that James could not answer and if he couldn’t he would always be there to help find out. He gave an absolute life time of service to the club and will be truly missed .
Aside from the club nothing equalled James’ devout love for his family, his loving wife Maria, his adoring children Megan, Nathan and Abbie who have lost their husband and Dad and to his Mam, Dad, brother John, sisters and extended family our sincerest of sympathy and deepest condolences go out to you during this heartbreaking and difficult time.
James we salute you , May your soul rest in peace , fly high above us and we have no doubt you will be looking down over us wishing us nothing but the best !
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Munster Youth Cup final Ballingarry AFC v Villa FC will be played in Ozier Park Waterford on Saturday August 15th next, kick off 3pm. Ticket information to follow.

Ballingarry (1) 1 (M Molloy 4 min) Bridge United (0) 0

A glorious Summer’s day at The Paddocks brought a glorious result for Ballingarry as the Green and Gold Munster youth cup dream lives on with the final now awaiting Ballingarry.
It was the Desmond Leagues very own Super Sunday with three clubs involved in colossal Munster collisions but it was Ballingarry alone who came through to carry the leagues standard to the next stage and what an occasion it promises to be when they face Villa FC of Waterford for the opportunity to become the first Desmond District Leagues Munster youth cup winners.
Saturday August 15th is a date for your diary when no doubt the final venue will be awash with Green and Gold.
It really was a fine game of football between two very evenly matched sides and while the scoreline rightly suggests a tight fought game Ballingarry were deserving winners as they forged the better chances with trojan performances in all departments. The only goal of the game was scored within the opening five minutes, Bridge could have went ahead when Leon Daly, the smallest but one on the best players on show, with brilliant trickery beat Tierney on the wing to cross where Maxwell forced a fine save from Molloy from a diving header, Molloy’s quick thinking put Reece Kelly away down the left to find Mike Molloy thirty five yards out form goal, spotting the keeper off his line he sent a truly magnificent effort sailing over the stranded Fitzpatrick’s head for a wonder goal. He was 35 yards from goal just four minutes had gone on the click. The battle evolved from here and a real game resulted.
Twelve minutes in United had an opportunity when Tagney, who was a Herculean captain throughout, fouled Kirkland but the free from Maxwell was well wide .A glorious chance fell United’s way though after fifteen minutes when Dube’s neat cross from the right found Evan O Callaghan unmarked sixteen yards out but he volleyed just over. It was a lucky escape for Ballingarry.
Ballyingarry had forced a number of early corners before the visitors got their first on 22 minutes but is proved an easy save from Molloy in goal who it must be said had an easy game throughout not being forced into any serious save although there was one scary moment in the final minute of the game when he tried to find Geary with a quick clearance only for the ball to strike his own player to rebound back into the box, he recovered well and a lesson no doubt learned.
The game was at this point a fast flowing even affair and while Bridge did have slightly more possession Ballingarry were always comfortable with their defence of Tierney, Tagney, Storin and Kelly giving a masterclass in defending, with the two full backs dynamic when attacking. Ballingarry went close to doubling their lead fifteen minutes form the break when following a foul on Madigan, Quill delivered for Molloy to head over. Just before that a lightening break through Casey saw the mid fielder cross from right to left for tireless Geary to shoot wide.
United saw O Callaghan send a long-range effort well over just before the centre half, Storm Devanney, made a tremendous run form his own half but shadowed by Quill all the way ran the ball out, typical marvelous work for Quill. The half ended with the winners on the attack when Geary’s corner came to nothing.
The second half was barely in progress when United s Dube, following a deft turn, worked Molloy in goal with the resultant corner fruitless.
Five minutes into the half came one of the highlights of the game. Molloy’s magic down left channel left Bridge captain Kelly stranded Molloy’s cross had the keeper all at sea and when Casey turned the ball back across the box it seemed the inrushing Adam Hickey must score but somehow left back Luke Shea threw himself at the ball for a an unbelievable block. It was the type of moment that could and probably should have inspired those around him.
Three corners in quick succession in the 60th minute should have yielded Ballingarry their insurance with the ball skimming the post from both Casey and Tagney.
Casey was again in the thick of things with a brave block nineteen minutes from time before Geary shot wide when well placed. Casey again could have done better when Madigan’s driven cross from the left found him arriving but again Shea was there to deny Ballingarry. United unloaded the bench as the game neared its end but to no avail and when the final whistle sounded it signaled scenes of real celebration for the Green and Gold.
Another tremendous performance from this Ballingarry side following on from the heroics in Cork in the quarter final. Well drilled, well prepared with a desire to win a competition and a belief that some in our league believe can be done. Credit to Dean and John Clancy for the professional approach and Shane Markhan and Mike Boyle for the help over the past few weeks.
The final beckons for Ballingarry, has there ever been a bigger sporting occasion for a club from The Garden Town, 36 years the Club has been waiting for a day like this, it has finally arrived.
Come on You Boys in Green and Gold. (COYBIG&G.)
Ballingarry AFC: Jack Molloy; TJ Tierney; Kieran Tagney (capt); Reece Kelly; Kieran Storin; Josh Quill; Darragh Cassey; Adam Hickey; David Geary; Mike Molloy; Lee Madigan.
Unused subs: Mick Lawlor; Mark Ruddle; Brian Sheehy; Cathal McMahon; Nessan Leahy; Cian McGoey.
Bridge United: Will Fitzpartrick; Leon Kelly (capt); Luke Shea; Liam Buckley; Storm Devanney; Kyle Walker (Adam O Sullivan 65 mins); Tharbsio Dube (Eli O Sullivan 88 mins); Scott Kirkland; Conor Maxwell; Leon Daly; Evan O Callaghan (O Lionain 53 mins).
Unused subs: Michael Carey; James Egan; Coby McDonald; Conor Morey.
Referee: John McNamara.

Munster Youth Cup Semi-final: 
Ballingarry v Bridge United,
Sunday August 2nd 2020,
The Paddocks, Ballingarry

Should Ballingarry claim a spot in the Munster Youth Cup final they will be carrying the Limerick Desmond League flag that was only ever before carried into the final once when Glin Rovers did so in 1984. But to do so they will first have to overcome a formidable opponent in visiting Bridge United from Sixmilebridge in Clare.

Several Desmond clubs have progressed to the penultimate stage in the past including Ballingarry in 2002 but none other than the afore mentioned Glin have graced the final, this Ballingarry side will be desperate to go one step further than that 2002 side and reach the final and face either College Corinthians or Villa who face off in the other semi.

Ballingarry have travelled a difficult path to get to this stage and had to win on the road on four of the five rounds to date to secure this home fixture with the Banner men.

Granagh United provided the first test with the added ingredient of a local derby adding spice to a game that Ballingarry won 3-1 with goals from Mike Molloy 2 and Mike Southgate.

Next up were Broadford United who Ballingarry found to be such a difficult opponent at this age group over the past number of seasons. The 4-1 victory at the very least dispensed with the hex that United held over them during those seasons when they pipped Ballingarry in most competitions. On the mark for the winners that day were Mike Molloy with another brace, David Geary and Darragh Casey.

St Itas predictably provided a stern test in the 3rd round with Ballingarry’s Mile Molloy and David Geary helping Ballingarry to pass that particular exam on a 2-0 scoreline,a victory that saw them in the open draw.

On to Waterford where their easier that the 2-1 AET scoreline victory would suggest with goals again form Molloy and Kieran Storin setting them up for an epic encounter in Cork against the holders Carrigaline United.

This game will stand to Ballingarry as they face into this semi-final plus it will have provided an invaluable education to team managers Dean and John Clancy as to the character lurking within this squad.

Finding themselves 2 goals in arrears early in the second half could and in many cases would have seen many a side crumple but not this Ballingarry outfit. They fought back with Storin again on the mark and a first in the competition from Josh Quill with an own goal completing the scoring to level and indeed sent Ballingarry ahead only for the home side to send the game to extra time in the dying moments and when eventually the game needed penalties to decide the boys in Green and Gold displayed courage and character and no little skill in converting their four spot kicks.

Managers Dean and John Clancy will have left nothing to chance in preparing the squad for this game having enrolled experienced coaches Shane Markham and Mike Boyle to assist with the final preparations.

Sunday’s game will be an epic historic occasion for the club, unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions only 200 people in total will be allowed into the ground with entry by ticket only.

Prediction: This crop of boys in Green and Gold to upstage the class of 2002.