Congratulations and good fortune in equal measure to Ballingarrys Nicole McNamara who had been invited on trial with the Ireland U15 girls. A group of thirty girls, of which Nicole is one, will assemble in Abbotstown on Saturday December 1st next for assessment from which a squad of 20 will be selected for competition.

It a great honour not to mention an extremely difficult task to be selected for National team trials not just for the player and her family but for the club as well. Ballingarry AFC take immense pride form seeing the clubs players getting this form of recognition and we wish Nicole every success with her trial.

It was a winless weekend for the club as they tasted defeat in three of the four games they were involved in.

Saturday November 17th – Final defeat for 12s

U/12 Boys Div 6 League Final – Ballingarry B 0 AK Utd C 3

Ballingarrys under 12 boys season ended in Woodfield with the league title going to AKs third team following an entertaining encounter. Ballingarry conceded after ten minutes, before that keeper Sean Faughnan had made two good saves. Ballingarry almost equalised after fifteen minutes when Thomas Roche saw his effort saved. Ten minutes before the break Ballingarry had a good chance to draw level when Bernie was fouled and Daly saw his free go just over the bar.

However Ballingarry were given a mountain to climb in the second half when AK got a second goal just before the break. Two minutes into the second half United got a third that clinched the game. Ballingarry did threaten during a much improved second half showing. The introduction of Long and Molloy made a difference with both threatening. This was a fine effort form Ballingarry with many fine performances throughout and no doubt the experience of playing in a final will stand to come in the seasons ahead.

Youths bow out – Munster Youth Cup Rd. 3 – Ballingarry 0 Broadford Utd 1
Following from the heroics of the previous week Ballingarry were left bitterly disappointed to be knocked out of the provincial tournament by Broadford. An under strength Ballingarry never got going creating few chances, the best of which fell to Mark Hayes when he saw his effort saved near the end of the second half.

Sunday November 18th – Ballingarry denied at the death.

Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 (Laffan) Kildimo Utd 1
A draw was probably a fair result although Ballingarry will be disappointed at the manner at which they conceded. A mix up between O’Grady and Fitzgerald presented the visiting forward with the easiest of chances with just five minutes remaining. Before that Ballingarry had taken a first half lead through Kevin Laffan. Mark Hayes saw his penalty saved before Aaron O Connor drove over from six yards. The second half saw a much improved Kildimo go close on several occasions before they eventually accepted the late gift.
Team: OGrady, Hartnett, Flynn, Fitzgerald, Cahill, Hanley, Smith, O’Connor, Hayes, Long, Laffan.
Used subs: J O’Connor, Moore, O’Kelly, Mulqueen.

Reidy Cup Quarter Final – AK Utd 6 Ballingarry B 0

Overall a disappointing weekend that saw several of the clubs teams season end in disappointment, the beacon being the youths progress in the FAI Youth cup.

Saturday Nov 10th 2018 – 12 As season ends

U12 Boys Div 2 Shield Semi Finals – Kildimo Utd 2 Ballingarry A 0
Ballingarrys season ended here with this 2-0 defeat. They were very much the dominant force throughout but unfortunately could not transfer their superiority into goals.

Ballingarry left disappointed – U/14 Girls Div 1 League Final (Rathkeale) – Ballingarry 1 (McNamara) Abbeyfeale Utd 3

Ballingarry went under in the U14 Girls division 1 league final when they found old rivals Abbeyfeale United just too good for them on the day. Ballingarry got off to the perfect start when after just two minutes Nicole McNamara gave them the lead. The ball was fed down the right where Donna Kenny took control, her square pass was collected by Nessa Markham and she put Nicole McNamara in on goal where her first effort was stopped by the keeper however she failed to hold the ball and Nicole made certain from close in.

Sarah Hayes was just wide with a chip after eight minutes with United drawing level four minutes later when their mid fielder drove the ball high over Ciara Houlihan to the roof of the net. The winners keeper made a fine save to deny McNamara after Markham had created the opening, while a long range effort from Walsh was easily held.
The second half was difficult for Ballingarry with Abbeyfeale the better side.

Two set piece goals proved to be Ballingarrys undoing the first from a corner from the right after fifty minutes and the second five minutes later this too from a corner from the left. Both awards were questionable as it appeared that an Abbeyfeale played got the final touch. They found the Blues keeper in fine form who never put a foot wrong through the second half.
Ballingarry will be disappointed not to have restored their lead just after the break when McNamara was put through but was pulled for offside, however as the ball and come off a defenders head it surely was not offside. A poor call indeed.

U14 Boys Div. 2 Playoff – Ballingarry must settle for shield – Killeaney 4 Ballingarry 2
A win here would have put Ballingarry in the league final however they must now settle for a shield semi-final.

Youths in last 32 – FAI Youth Cup Rd. 2 – Ballingarry 3 (Quille 2, Sparling) Tralee Dynamos 0

A truly superb by a fine Ballingarry youth side saw them into the last 16 of the FAI youth cup at the expense of visiting Tralee Dynamos last Saturday. Ballingarry were the dominant team throughout with their first half display simply marvellous.

Ballingarry could have been three up before they opened the scoring in the eighteenth minute. Hayes was denied after two minutes by the keeper after six minutes the same player headed wide from a corner. Andrew Meade cross from the left was met by right full Kirwan but the shot was off target. The deserved lead goal arrived following fine work from Hayes and O Kelly who laid the ball to Quille who stroked home form the edge of the box.

Meade and Hayes were again involved with the latter seeing his effort blocked and just before the break Jack Molloy in goal was called into action when he dropped a free kick but luckily the danger was cleared. The half time whistle sounded without the opposition having a serious incursion into the Ballingarry half. Ballingarry started the second period where they left off with Mark Hayes just shooting over following inspirational work from Quille in midfield.

A fine tackle from Flynn led to a corner when the outcome could have been much worse just before O Kelly’s powerful effort was just off target. Tangney’s quick restart from a throw put Hayes into the box only for the keeper to make a good save at the expense of a corner. Ballingarry doubled their lead on 76 minutes with a second from Josh Quill. It was a beautiful finish from a great pass form Mark Hayes.

Ballingarry s third two minutes later was the icing on the cake. The Dynamos were awarded a free down the right, the ball was delivered into the box, cleared just outside the box where Mark Hayes took control and took the ball to the edge of the box before putting it on a plate for Sparling to score. It was the pace of the counter and the desire to get another that impressed. The last chance of the game fell to the visitors but a firm header found the side netting.

Sunday November 11th – 16s In playoff

U16 Div 1 League Playoff – Broadford Utd 2 Ballingarry 0
A win here would have put Ballingarry straight into the league final, as it is now Ballingarry will have to meet Broadford in the semi-final.

Ballingarry in League final – U/16 Girls Div 1 – Newcastle West Town 1 Ballingarry 1 (Dalton)
A game of little significance saw NCW snatch a draw after Ballingarry had taken the lead. Ballingarry were already in the league final.

Ballingarry bow out of National cup – U14 Gls Nat Cup Rd. 2 – Ashling-Annacotty 3 Ballingarry 2 (Clancy 2)
A fabulous game saw Ballngarry lose out by the odd goal in five. Two evenly matched teams offered up a fine game with all that is good about football on display. The home side went ahead midway through the half. In truth the goal should not have stood as when the player received the ball she was well offside, however the ref on the day way too far behind play to see.

Kelsy Quinn in goals made two quiet magnificent saves to keep Ballingarry in the game while both Emma McNamara and Abbie Clancy had chances to restore parity before the break but both girls were off target.

The second half was as exciting as the first however the wind was somewhat taken from Ballingarry with a second Ashling goal. A scrambled effort from Abbie Clancy gave Ballingarry great hope before a long range effort from the home sides midfielder found the net. Abbie Clancy’s second on the stroke of time was a consolation. This was a fine display from all the girls and one both managers and players can feel proud of.

Points shared in Granagh – Premier Divsion – Granagh Utd 2 Ballingarry 2 (Laffan, O’Kelly)
The scenes at the end told their own story, wild celebrations from the home side, Ballingarry heads bowed. It was a game Ballingarry should have wrapped up long before the end. Pa Healy headed over in the first half to leave the sides level. Kevin Laffan put Ballingarry a goal to the good early in the second half before substitute Keith O’Kelly headed home a corner with twenty to go. Granagh pulled a goal back with a well struck free kick fifteen minutes from time before Keith O’Kelly saw David Condron saw a one v one that would surely have given Ballingarry all three points. With the last kick of the ball Granagh equalised from a scramble after the ball was delivered from a free. Cue unbridled celebrations for the home side.
Team: O’Grady, Cahill; Fitzgerald; Flynn; Laffan; Meade; A O’Connor; Healy; Long; Hanley; Hartnett.
Used subs: Danvers; O’Kelly.

Now that the underage “short season” is coming to an end the club can review their progress and look forward to several league finals. The U12 boys A team will compete in the Division 1 shield while the clubs B team will feature in the division 6 league final against AK United C. This after the B team have won all their games, form that should see the approach the final with confidence.

The same applies to the U12 girls teams. The B team will compete in the Division 2 shield while the A team will play in the Division 1 final where they will put their 100% record on the line against either Broadford or Rathkeale. Both U14 girls and U16 girls teams have secured their Division 1 league finals where both will face Abbeyfeale United.

Neither of the U14 boys have secured a final spot with the A team in a three way playoff to see who faces Broadford United in the division 1 final. The B team will play in the division 3 shield competition. The under 16 boys are not in the league final yet but their destiny is in their own hands as their final game against Broadford will decide, where a draw will be enough.

Saturday, November 3rd

U/12 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry A 9 (K O’Connor 4, R O’Connor, Kenny 2, Geary, Quinn) Shannonside A 0
U/12 Girls Division 2 – Ballingarry B 0 Kildimo Utd 1

U/12 Boys Division 2 – Ballingarry A 1 (Forde) AK Utd B 6
Ballingarry started brightly and went close only to find themselves a goal down after 10 minutes totally against the run of play. Credit to Ballingarry who kept the pressure up and were back on terms through Jamie Forde shortly after conceding. The home side had the lion’s share of possession for the remainder of the half and should have went in at half time ahead. Ballingarry found themselves under pressure early in the second half and during a difficult five minute period conceded 3 goals. Ballingarry never allowed their heads to drop but found the AK keeper in fine form. AK added another two goals near the end.

U14 Boys Division 3 – Ballingarry B 0 Newcastle West Town B 3

U/16 Girls National Cup (et & pens) – Newcastle West Town 1 Ballingarry 5 (McNamara 3, O’Keeffe, Walsh).
The foundations for Ballingarrys progress to the second round were set in the first half where Nicole McNamara scored three of the four to set Ballingarry on their way. Another either side of the break from Aimee O’Keeffe and s free kick from Saoifre Walsh had Ballingarry coasting before NCW got their consolation.

Munster Youth Cup Rd. 2 – NCW Town 2 Ballingarry 6 (Hayes 4, Sparling, Flynn)
Although the score line may suggest otherwise this was not an easy passage in NCW. The opening goal didn’t arrive until 20 minutes in and even then it was against the run of play. From there Balllingarry settled with Mark Hayes getting four and both Luke Flynn and young Sparling getting the other two.

All football games nationwide were off Sunday November 4th on an FAI directive to allow players enjoy the WFAI ad FAI Senior cup finals.

Saturday October 27th 2018.

With FAI CEO John Delaney in attendance Ballingarry AFC enjoyed another memorable occasion in their history. Delaney was at the Paddocks to unveil a plaque presented to the club by the FAI on their notable achievement of being awarded the FAI Club Mark.

As always Ballingarry AFC are showing leadership when it comes to promoting and fostering football in the proper manner within the Limerick Desmond area. They are the first club within the Limerick Desmond area to be awarded this quality mark and indeed just the twelfth club in Ireland to achieve this mark. When considering there are 2000 clubs in the country then it strikes home where Ballingarry AFC are in this respect.
Also in attendance were Joan Croke LDLL, John Roche Referees Society, Joe Hogan LDFL and Charlie Boyle LDS/GL.
A special mention to Shane Markham, Mickey McNamara and Jason Quinn who dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to achieving this recognition for the club.

Sunday October 28th – Juniors get first win.

Munster Junior Cup Round 2 – Shauntrade 0 Ballingarry 2 (K Laffan, Moore)
Having played well enough to have won the previous Sunday, Ballingarry will be relieved to have played well and win to progress to the third round in Munster in their most recent outing. Kevin Laffans first goal for the club, a superbly placed effort from outside the box, sent Ballingarry on their way in the first half. Marcus Moore’s powerful shot mid way through the second sealed Ballingarrys first win of the season.
Team: O’Grady; Cahill; Flynn; Hanley; C Laffan; K Laffan; Danvers; Long; O’Kelly; A O’Connor; Healy.
Used Subs: Moore; Mulqueen.

Monday October 29th – Four teams qualify for league finals

Ballingarrys under 12 boys B team and their U16 and U14 girls teams joined their U12 girls A team in their respective league finals after winning their last league games over the weekend.

U/12 Boys Div 6 – Pallaskenry 1 Ballingarry B 2 (Long, Daly)
On this bank holiday Monday Ballingarry boys under 12 B team made the away trip to Pallaskenry for an early 10am start. Needing a win or draw to make the league final they knew it was in their own hands. Starting very brightly they took control for large periods of the first half. While dominating in possession they had a few moments when their back line was called into action and they duly answered.

With 2 minutes to half time it was 0-0 but after some nice work down the right touchline Pallaskenry broke the deadlock to leave it 1-0 to the home side. The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Ballingarry picking up the pace.

Playing out from the back, through midfield Kieran Long got on the end of a pass from Ben Daly. Long still had a bit of work to do but made no mistake in getting Ballingarry back on level terms. With confidence high they pushed for a winner. The Pallaskenry keeper made some fine saves to keep it level until a cracker from Ben Daly got the roof of the net with 10 minutes remaining. The final score was 1-2 to Ballingarry.

Huge thank you to all who came out to support is today. Great to see so many there.

U/14 Boys Div 2 – Broadford Utd A 3 Ballingarry A 1 (Moran)
U/14 Girls Div 1 – Shannonside 1 Ballingarry 7 (McNamara 5, Clancy, C O’Keeffe)
Another high scoring win for Ballingarry sees them in the Division 1 league final against Abbeyfeale United. Nicole McNamara with 5 goals was the star of the show with Abbie Clancy and Chloe O’Keeffe getting the other 2.

The club would like to congratulate Nicole McNamara on being selected on the Munster U15 Schools squad again this season and also on the selection as team captain. This is indeed a great honour for the club, her parents, her managers and coaches and of course for the player herself. It had been a fine year for the player as she had already captained her clubs U14 team to league success and the LDS/GL Gaynor squad to success in the Bowl final where she received Player of the Match award from Ireland women’s International player Claire O’Riordan.

Nicole will be hoping to captain the Munster side to success in the Interprovencials which will begin on Friday November 16th at the AUL complex Clonshaugh. The Interprovincial series will be the first step in the process of selecting the FAI Schools International Development squad of 18 players who will compete in the Bob Docherty Cup. The 2018/19 campaign will see the Republic of Ireland Schools select travel to Spain for this season’s Home Nations event. The International series will take place during the Easter break. Best of luck to all involved in particular Ballingarrys Nicole, great achievement for all the players.

Saturday October 20th 2018

U12 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry A 2 (O’Connor 2) Broadford Utd A 1
Ballingarry came from behind to win 2-1 with both goals coming from Kate O’Connor in the second half.

U12 Girls Division 2 – Glantine 1 Ballingarry B 1 (Frawley)
A superb game saw honours even with Sarah Frawley giving Ballingarry the lead and Glantine getting their goal in the second half.

U14 Boys Division 2 – Kilcolman Rvs 3 Ballingarry A 4 (Lynch, Sheehy, Hanley, McGoey)
U14 Boys Division 3 – Ballingarry B 2 Ferry Rangers 1

Sunday October 21st

FAI Junior Cup Round 3 – Castleisland 1 Ballingarry 0
The first ever meeting of these two clubs produced a decent game which Ballingarry will be disappointed to have lost. The home side probably had the better team but it was Ballingarry that created the chances and had the referee been better positioned he would have awarded Ballingarry a lead goal when Aaron O’Connors shot was parried by the keeper with the ball crossing the line before he recovered.

The home side opened well with O’Grady making a fine save to deny them from a corner. Kevin Laffan cleared off the line as well but the best chance of the game fell to Fitzgerald when he shot straight at the keeper from ten yards. Conor Laffan just lost the control that would have seen through before the break. The second half was even and entertaining with the certainty that one goal would settle the game. It came ten minutes from time. O’Gradys roll to Hanley failed to reach its target, the ball was intercepted and from there the danger increased and ended with the ball in the net.
Team: O’Grady, Hanley; Fitzgerald; Cahill; Kiely; O’Connor; K Laffan; C Laffan; Mulqueen; Flynn; O’Kelly.
Used subs: J O’Connor; Hayes

Saturday, October 13th

FAI Youth Cup Round 1 – Kilorglin 1 Ballingarry 6 (Hayes 2, Sparling, Southgate, O’Kelly, Casey)
Ballingarry totally outplayed their opponents to progress to the second round of the National cup.

U/14 Girls National Cup – Holycross 0 Ballingarry 2 (Kenny 2)
In very wet Saturday conditions the clubs current under 13 girls took part in the under 14 National Cup. Making the journey away to Holycross Tipperary. They started well and were in control for long periods of the first half without creating too many scoring chances in front of goal. Holycross had chances too but were kept out with some fine saves from Kelsey Quinn in goals.

In the second half Ballingarry played the ball around with confidence and knew they would eventually break the deadlock. They were rewarded with a goal 5 minutes into the second half with a Donna Kenny strike. This boosted the girls who then took control. A second Donna Kenny goal followed mid-way through the second half after a great team build up starting at the back and working through midfield. Holycross were kept out late in the game with some great saves from substitute keeper Caoimhe Cunningham. Credit to all the players who played superbly throughout. Many thanks to all who braved the elements and made the trip to support the girls. A special mention to Holycross for a very sporting game and also to thank them for their hospitality. Tea, coffee, a selection of cakes, sandwiches and treats were very welcome.

Sunday, October 14th

Reidy Cup Round 2 – Ballingarry B 4 (Kiely 2, O’Kelly, Smith) KB Utd B 4 aet (5-4 pens)

Tuesday October 2nd

U16 Division 1 – Abbeyfeale Utd 0 Ballingarry 2 (Kelly, Geary)

Saturday, October 6th

U12 Girls Blitz National Finals
The girls did the club proud in finishing 7th from sixteen in the National final on Saturday in Clonshaugh. They finished second in their group to eventual finalists Killarney Celtic who they lost 1-0 against, the only goal they conceded from play during the tournament. A semi final meeting with Mulroy of Donegal in the shield was the reward where they lost out 4-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
Results: Group D
Ballingarry 1 (Fitzgibbon) St Josephs (Dublin) 0
Ballingarry 2 (O’Connor, Kenny) Buncranna Hearts (Donegal) 0
Ballingarry 0 Killarney Celtic (Kerry) 1
Shield Semi Final – Ballingarry 0 Mulroy (Donegal) 0 (3-4 pens)

U/14 Boys Div 3 – Ballingarry B 0 Rathkeale 7
U/16 Girls Div 1 – Askeaton 0 Ballingarry 5 (McNamara 3, Hayes, A O’Keeffe)
Youths Div. 1 – Ballingarry 6 (Kerwin 3, Hayes 2, Meade) Abbeyfeale Utd

Sunday, Oct 7th

Premier Division – Carrig Celtic 4 Ballingarry 2 (C Laffan, Connolly)
A debut goal from both Conor Laffan and Dave Connolly wasn’t enough as Ballingarry lost on their travels to Carrigkerry. The home side took the lead early against the run of play only for Conor Laffan to equalise but two goals in the final two minutes of the half gave Ballingarry a mountain to climb in the second half. In fairness to the visitors they did rally but were again suckered when Celtic scored a fourth against the run of play. The best goal of the game from debutant Dave Connolly proved no more than a consolation.
Team: O’Grady, J O’Connor, Quille, Fitzgerald, Long, Moore, K Laffan, C Laffan, Hanley, Hayes, Southgate.
Used subs: Healy, Connolly, Flynn.

Junior Div 2 – Ballingarry 4 (O’Hanlon 2, K O’Kelly, F Kiely) Knockaderry 5

Saturday, September 29th – U12 Girls National Blitz Regional Finals (Sixmilebridge)

In what has now become almost the norm for Ballingarry they will represent the LDS/GL in the National finals in Dublin after they made it through their regional group finals in Sixmilebridge last Saturday. Ballingarry collected seven points to secure top spot in their group following a draw against Shannon Town, a 2-0 win against Ashling Annacotty and a 1-0 win over Killavilla. All three Ballingarry goals were scored by Donna Kenny.

Ballingarry 0 Shannon Town (CDSL) 0
Ballingarry 2 (Kenny 2) Ashling Annacotty (LDSL)0
Ballingarry 1 (Kenny) Killavilla (NTSL) 0

U/12 Boys Div 2 – Athea Utd 1 Ballingarry A 1 (Forde)
U/12 Boys Div 6 – Ballingarry B 5 (Meehan 2, Moloney, Daly, O’Connor) GB Rvs C 0

MY Cup Rd. 1 – Ballingarry 0 Breska Rovers 0 aet (Ballingarry win 3-0 pens)
Ballingarry dominated for large periods of this game but were unable to find the net, penalties decided Ballingarrys fortune in the finish. They will now travel to Newcastlewest in round two.

Sunday, September 30th

Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 (Moore) Killeaney/Bally Rovers 2
Team: O’Grady, Fitzgerald, Cahill, Long, Hartnett, Quille, Hayes, Meade, Moore, Smith, Healy.
Used subs: O’Kelly, Danvers, Mulqueen.

Reidy Cup – Knockaderry 2 Ballingarry B 3 (O’Kelly 2, Southgate)
Ladies Premier – Charleville 0 Ballingarry 2 (Mulcaire-Shire, Shire)

Saturday, September 22nd

U/12 Girls Division 1 – Rathkeale 1 Ballingarry A 4 (Kenny 2, O’Connor, Fitzgibbon)
Unbelievably this was the first goal conceded by this team in a season and a half (17 ½ games). Still the girls continue on their way to the division 1 title playoff.

U/14 Boys Division 2 – Ballingarry 1 (Moran) Killeaney 2
U/16 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry 3 (McNamara 3) Askeaton 1
A Nicole McNamara hat-trick was the difference between these two teams.

Sunday September 23rd 2018
Ladies Premier – Ballingarry 4 (O’Gorman 2, Shire 2) Abbeyfeale United 2