Monday April 16th

U12 Boys Division 1 – Ballingarry A 2 (McMahon, Walsh) Abbeyfeale Utd A 3
On a very wet & windy evening both teams served up a great spectacle for those who braved the harsh weather conditions. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half Ballingarry should have been one up after some great passing which resulted in Jack McMahon hitting the crossbar. While Ballingarry enjoyed the lions share of possession they couldn’t convert. Shortly before the break Abbeyfeale took the lead. Another fine team passing movement resulted in Jamie Forde coming close and only for a fine save would have equalised. This was the last action of the first half.
With conditions worsening credit to both teams who continued to play football. In the second half, a goalmouth scramble resulted in Abbeyfeale getting a second. Ballingarry found themselves 2 down which didn’t reflect the game. The home side boys didn’t drop the heads and were rewarded with Jack McMahon pulling one back. The pressure game paid off again with Declan Walsh getting a deserved equaliser. Both teams had chances in the closing stages but it was Abbeyfeale who got a third late on. Ballingarry continued to press the Abbeyfeale goal and a Jamie Forde strike came off the bar with another effort cleared off the line. The game finished 3-2 to the visitors. A draw would have been a fair result but huge credit must go to both teams who despite the poor conditions continued to play football throughout.

U12 Girls Division 1 – Shannonside A 0 Ballingarry A 4

Tuesday April 17th

U12 Girls Division 2 – Ballingarry B 0 Askeaton 0
U13 Boys League – Rathkeale 4 Ballingarry 2

Wednesday April 18th

U14 Girls – Ballingarry 1 (McNamara) Abbeyfeale Utd 1
Ballingarry will be disappointed not to have taken all three points from a game in which they dominated during the second half. The wind was a major factor but even so Ballingarry coped much better against it in the opening half than the visitors in the second. United went ahead in the first and possibly could have had a second but Ballingarry had chances too.
Once Nicole McNamara got Ballingarry back on terms early in the second half it looks as if the home side would win but a combination of bad luck and good defending ensured that the game ended in a draw.

Thursday April 19th

U12 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry A v Newcastle West Town A (Walkover to Ballingarry)
The points collected from this walkover ensures that Ballingarry cannot be caught at the top of the table and that they are crowned Division 1 champions.

Friday April 20th

Premier Division – Granagh Utd 3 Ballingarry 3 (Forde 3)
Not for the first time this season have Granagh United seen a two goal cushion slip. As they did in the first meeting of these two sides at the start of the season Ballingarry came storming back to deny United victory. The home side took the lead in the second minute when the ball took a wicked deflection to deceive Kelly in goal. Their second came from the spot to see them well ahead at the break.
Kevin Fordes first of three came early in the second half but Granagh restored their 2 goal lead from a corner. Fordes second came from a scramble as the ball was delivered from a free while his third came from the spot after Clancy was fouled by the keeper.
Team: Kelly, Fitzgerald, O’Grady, Hartnett, Browne, Kiely, Clancy, Forde, Moore, Walsh, Ryan.
Used subs: O’Hanlon.

Saturday April 21st

U10 Boys – AK Utd A 4 Ballingarry 5
U12 Girls Cup – Abbeyfeale Utd 0 Ballingarry A 3 (O’Connor 2, Kenny)
The under 12 girls moved towards an unprecedented double as the booked their place in the cup final with this impressive semi final win in Abbeyfeale.

U16 Girls 4/5 Playoff – Ballingarry 2 (O’Connor 2) Askeaton 1
Youths Division 2 League Cup Semi Final – Ballingarry 4 Granagh Utd 0
Ballingarry are in line to complete the Division 2 double as the secured a final place with this easy win against Granagh United. All Ballingarry goals were scored in the first half.

Sunday April 22nd

Division 3 – Ballingarry B v Athea Utd B (Walkover to Ballingarry)
Ladies Premier – Ballingarry 1 (Coughlan) Charleville 0

Wednesday April 11th

U16 Girls – AK Utd A 7 Ballingarry 1

Thursday April 12th

U14 Boys Division 1  – Ballingarry 0 Newcastle West Town A 4

Saturday April 14th

U10 Girls – Kildimo Utd 5 Ballingarry 6 (Carey 4, Morrissey, Quille)

Sunday April 15th

Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 (Forde) Rathkeale 2
Rathkeale were the better team but Ballingarry will still be disappointed not to have reaped a point from the game. Both visitors goals could have been avoided, the second an own goal, while Ballingarry had the best chance of the game when Kiely headed wide from six yards just after Forde had headed home from a corner to draw Ballingarry level at the break.

Rathkeale were already 2-1 up when Ballingarry were reduced to 10 men and even then Ballingarry could have nicked a point in the last minute when Keith O’Kelly surged forward only to see his cross saved on the line after Quaid had shot. Quaid was unlucky to see an earlier snap shot gathered by the keeper.
Team: Kelly, Ahern, Cahill, Fitzgerald, O’Grady, Clancy, Kiely, Smith, Forde, Hayes, Quaid.
Used subs: O’Kelly, O’Connor, Hartnett.

Division 3 League Cup Round 1 – Broadford Utd B 2 Ballingarry B 0
Ladies Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 (F Hickey) Rathkeale 1

Ballingarry FC second annual Fun Run was held on a beautiful Spring day on April 8th 2018.

96 people registered with Marie O’Grady, Kathleen O’Hanlon and Fiona Murphy chief organisers plus a host of others who helped on the day. First runner home was Shane Quille.

More photos available in gallery page.

Monday April 2nd

U13 Boys League – Ballingarry 3 (McMahon 3) Newcastle West Town 2
A Cathal McMahon hat-trick, one from the spot, sealed a fine victory for Ballingarry in Woodfield. In what was a very competitive game with both teams willing to play open constructive football Ballingarry just had that little extra to win the game.

Tuesday April 3rd

U16 Boys Division 2 – Ballingarry 6 (Southgate 3, Casey, Quille, Leahy) Athea Utd 0

Wednesday April 4th

U12 Girls Division 1 – AK Utd 0 Ballingarry A 4 (Kenny 2, Geary, O’Connor)
Ballingarry consolidated their place at the top of the division with this comprehensive victory in this top of the table clash.

Thursday April 5th

U12 Girls Division 2 – Ballingarry B v Kildimo Utd @ 6.30pm P O’Connor
U12 Boys Division 1 – AK Utd A 1 Ballingarry A 0
Ballingarry with an understrength team were undone by a superb half volleyed goal with Jack McMahon outstanding for Ballingarry in a holding role.

Saturday April 7th 

U8 Girls – Shannonside 1 Ballingarry 3
U10 Boys – Ballingarry A 6 Abbeyfeale Utd A 3
U12 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry A 4 (O’Connor 2, Kenny 2) Broadford Utd A 0
U12 Girls Division 2 – Newcastle West Town B 2 Ballingarry B 6 (Frawley 4, Storin, Hanley)
U16 Girls – Ballingarry 1 (Mullane) Newcastle West Town 7

The underage fundraising draw was held in the Clubhouse on Thursday April 5th 2018.
The results are:

1. Tickets to Ireland v : USA – Donie O’Grady.
2. Tickets to Ireland v : Denmark – Louise Kelly.
3. Tickets to Ireland v : Wales – James Alymer.
4. Tickets to Ireland v : Northern Ireland – Luke Hayes.
5. Tickets to FAI Cup Final : – Mike O’Connor.

Promoters Prize: Brian McMahon.

Congratulations to all our winners. The club would like to thank our managers, promoters and our patrons for their help and support in promoting our draw.

Monday March 26th

U12 Boys Division 1 – Broadford Utd A 6 Ballingarry A 0
A much under strength Ballingarry gave a good account of themselves and even dominated the early stages before being finally beaten at Broadford.

Tuesday March 27th

U12 Girls Division 1 – Ballingarry A 1 Abbeyfeale Utd A 0
Ballingarry moved to the top of the table with this 1-0 win against visiting Abbeyfeale United. Lucy Fitzgibbon with the only goal of the game early in the first half secured pole position for the squad with five games remaining.

U13 Boys League Cup – Kildimo Utd 6 Ballingarry 2
U16 Boys Division 2 – Granagh Utd 2 Ballingarry 2
Ballingarry saw a two goal lead slip in controversial fashion as the league title was taken out of their hands at neighbours Granagh United.

Wednesday March 28th

U12 Girls Division 2 – Broadford Utd B 1 Ballingarry B 3 (Frawley 2, Storin)
A brilliant game of football saw Ballingarry pick up all three points.

Thursday March 29th

U14 Boys Division 1 – Ballingarry 0 Kildimo Utd A 2

Friday March 30th

U16 Boys Division 2 – Ballingarry 6 (Leahy 2, Quill 2, Casey, Southgate) Newcastle West Town 2

Saturday March 31st

Youth Division 2 – Pallaskenry 0 Ballingarry 1 (O’Kelly)

Ballingarrys decision to re-enter the youths league has proved to be a successful one with the youths team lifting the youths division 2 league trophy last Saturday in Pallaskenry defeating the home side 1-0 in an eagerly contested game. The permutations where simple – it was must win for Pallas to keep alive their hopes of winning the league, the visitors however could afford a slip up and still hold the upper hand. It’s been 7 years since Ballingarry last entered a youth team. That team of course went on to win the Division 1 and Desmond youth cup double. This youth team is managed by Dean Clancy and assisted by John Clancy and Gary Shanahan. Dean himself was top scorer for that double winning team  scoring many crucial goals that including the cup final winner 5 minutes from time. The young manager had a selection dilemma to deal with before kick-off with the unavailability of 3 starters, keeper Jack Molloy and Josh O’Connor unavailable and Seanie O’Connor ruled out with an ankle injury.

But such is the depth and strength of the squad he was able to call on Keith Kelly former LDSL Kennedy cup keeper to step in for the day. Kelly who had been mostly operating as a centre forward for the team all season and with 13 goals to his credit coming into the game would be an obvious loss out field, but the scoring potential of the team would still be a serious one with Hayes and Gallagher up front who themselves have 25 goals between so far this season. Pallas showed their intentions and started very brightly with a high tempo and intensity to their game, but Ballingarry stuck to their game plan of keeping things tight at the back a defensive display lead by captain Long who was impeccable throughout as were  all the other 4 defenders used on the day. All though the surface was difficult it didn’t deter Shanagher and Quille in middle of the park from keeping the ball on the ground and constantly providing  probing balls through the Pallas defence for Gallagher and Hayes to latch onto. On the 24th minute it was from one of these probing through balls that Ballingarry won a corner their 5th of the half that provided the visitors best chance when Gallagher’s header came back off the post from Meads delivery with the ball being cleared off the line by a Pallas defender. Pallas’s best chance came when Kelly misjudged a cross and he was relieved to see the ball clip the cross bar and go over for a corner.

Ballingarry were happy to start the 2nd half still on level terms and with a formation change with included switching keeper Kelly to centre forward proved to be a master stroke as Kelly went on to hit the winner on 73 minutes when he latched onto Meads  back post cross after the winger had made a brilliant run down the left wing beating 3 Pallas players in the process. Pallas threw everything at the visitors in the last 15 minutes causing one moment of concern when replacement keeper Tagney needed two attempts to deal with a good strike from the Pallas forward. With the league title now in the bag the team and management can focus on a possible league and cup double as they await the winners of Kilcolman Rovers and Granagh United in the league cup semi final.

Team: K Kelly C Tagney A Long C Fitzgerald L Flynn A Shanagher J Quille M Southgate A Meade M Hayes P Gallagher. Subs used: B Mulqueen and K Storin.
Manager Dean Clancy assisted by John Clancy and Gary Shanahan.

U12 Boys Division 1 – Abbeyfeale Utd A 2 Ballingarry A 1
Ballingarry were unlucky to return home empty handed as a string of fine saves by the homew keeper denied the visitors form turning over ahead. Ami Yadav kept United at bay as they started the second half strongly. Ballingarry conceded form a corner mid way through the second. Ballingarry got a deserved equaliser through Jack McMahon and came close to going ahead as they pushed forward. However with just two minutes remaining Abbeyfeale got what proved to be the winning goal.

U12 Boys Division 6 – Ballingarry B 0 Feenagh 0
This was Ballingarry football at its best as the young boys played all the football but just could not find the net.

U15 Boys Cup – Broadford Utd 3 Ballingarry 0
Ballingarry bowed out of the cup at the first hurdle.

Sunday April 1st

Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 (Ahern) Abbeyfeale Utd 0
With seven games remaining Ballingarry find themselves right back in the title race following this fantastic if unlikely win against table toppers Abbeyfeale United. A very under strength Ballingarry weathered the storm that the visitors blew up almost from the off and when the opportunity presented itself they took it gleefully.
For all their effort United hardly created a clear cup chance until five minutes from time. Then when it seemed they must score up popped veteran Mike Ahern with an impossible clearance from under the crossbar after keeper Shanaghan had been lobbed. By then Ballingarry were a goal to the good and what a strike it was. Ballingarry were a awarded a free twenty five yards out, down the right. Ahern stepped up to send a sensational effort to the far corner of the net. The strike was worthy of the 11 man celebration that it triggered.
United had been warned. Dean Clancy had already brought a fine save from Quirke while Mark Hayes should really have scored from the spill. Ahern went close when his corner was a foot away from the net while Hayes had threatened in the first half. All this before the Ballingarry winner.
Ballingarry are the first club to inflict defeat on Abbeyfeale this season and with seven games to go and just four points behind surely if there is a will in the Ballingarry management and players they will find a way.
Team: Shanaghan, Ahern, Fitz, Cahill, O’Grady, Clancy, Moore, Kiely, Hayes, P Ryan, Browne.
Sub Used: Hartnett.

Division 3 – Carrig Celtic B 0 Ballingarry B 2 (Walsh 2)
Ladies Desmond Cup – Ballingarry 1 (Condron) Rathkeale 0

Saturday March 24th

U12 Girls Cup – Askeaton 0 Ballingarry A 4; Ballingarry B 0 Abbeyfeale Utd 5
Youth Division 2 – Ferry Rangers 0 Ballingarry 6 (Hayes 2, Gallagher 2, O’Kelly, Meade)
Ballingarry took another giant step towards the division 2 title with this comprehensive win in Tarbert. Ballingarry now need four points form their two remaining games to be crowned champions.
Team: Molloy, Flynn, O’Connor, Long, Tagney, Shanagher, Meade, Mulqueen, Hayes, Gallagher, O’Kelly.
Used Subs: Leahy, Fitzgerald.

Sunday March 25th

Premier Division – Ballingarry 4 (Quaid 2, Forde, S O’Connor) Athea Utd 1
The scoreline probably flattered Ballingarry a little however they were the better side and were never really in danger of dropping points once Tony Quaid put them a goal up. Kevin Forde added a second when he headed home from a corner. United reduced the deficit from the spot early in the second half when Kelly pushed the striker in the box. But Quaid restored their two goal cushion before Sean O’Connor tapped into an empty net on the stroke of full time after Quaid had forced a save form the keeper.
Team: O Kelly, Ahern, Cahill, Fitzgerald, Clancy, Quaid, Ryan, Forde, S O’Connor, Hayes, Moore.
Used Subs: Kiely, Long, Browne, O’Grady.

Division 3 – Creeves Celtic 4 Ballingarry B 1 (O’Callaghan)
Ladies Premier Division – Ballingarry 1 Abbeyfeale Utd 0

Sunday March 18th 2018

Premier Division League Cup Round 2 – Ballingarry 3 (Quaid, Kiely, O’Kelly) Glin Rvs 4
This was probably the last chance the team had of winning a major trophy but unfortunately it disappeared in the snow with the visit of Glin Rovers. Even though Ballingarry started the stronger it was the Rovers that opened the scoring when a free into the box was finished to the net. Ballingarry equalised with a beautiful finish from Tony Quaid following a fine move. Francis Kiely gave Ballingarry a deserved lead when he drove to the net from outside the box after Trojan work from Mark Hayes caused havoc in the visitor’s area. Glin drew level but again Ballingarry fought back when a fine strike from substitute Keith O’Kelly found the corner of the net. A fine save from Kenrick denied Glin an equaliser before the break.

The second half was just as even as the first with both sides committed to attack in what was dreadful conditions with snow falling throughout. Clear cut chances were few but when one presented itself to the visitors they gleefully accepted when a deft flick put their winger in to sent a powerful strike to the net. This was late in the game but Ballingarry did have one last chance to send the game to extra time when Mark Hayes effort from inside the area hit the post and was cleared with the keeper beaten.
Team: Kenrick; Ahern; Fitzgerald; Cahill; Moore; Clancy; Kiely; Quaid; Forde; Hayes; S O’Connor.
Sub used: O’Kelly

U16 Boys Division 2 – Ferry Rangers 2 Ballingarry 9 (Leahy 5, Casey, Storan, Quille)
Limerick Desmond Ladies Cup – Ballingarry v Rathkeale (Off due to snow on pitch)

Monday March 19th 2018

U12 Boys Division 6 – AK Utd C 2 Ballingarry B 2 (Lynch, Bridgeman)
Ballingarry came from 2 down to secure a point at Kilcornan. Eoin Lynch and Ciaran Bridgeman were Ballingarrys scorers.

U14 Girls Cup Semi Final – Newcastle West Town 0 Ballingarry 4 (McNamara 3, O’Dwyer)
Ballingarrys U14 girls became the first team from the club to reach a cup final this season as they easily brushed aside NCW Town on Monday. Ballingarry were slow to start finding it difficult to break down the home defence but once Nicole O’Dwyer opened the scoring the result was never in doubt. Nicole McNamara got the first of her hat trick following a neat one two with Sarah Hayes to give Ballingarry a two goal cushion at the break.
The second half saw Nicole Mac power the ball home as NCW delayed in clearing while her third was the icing on this semi-final cake.

Desmond Youth Cup Round 2 – Ballingarry 3 (Hayes 2, Casey) Broadford Utd 3 AET. (Broadford win on pens)
Ballingarrys efforts to make a first Desmond youth cup semi-final appearance in seven years ended from the spot on Monday last as division 1 leaders Broadford went through on penalties following a 3-3 draw. Ballingarry had Mark Hayes to thank for restoring parity before the break as Broadford took the lead early in the first half. The eventual winners raced into a 3-1 lead with just 10 minutes remaining but a grand stand finish from Ballingarry saw Hayes again and Darragh Casey send the tie to extra time.
Ballingarry dominated both periods of extra time but could not find the net leaving the game to be decided on penalties with United prevailing.

Saturday March 10th

U12 Girls Division 1 – Broadford Utd A 0 Ballingarry A 5 (O’Connor 2, Geary, Kenny, McNamara)
U12 Division 2 – Kilcolman Rovers 5 Ballingarry B 1 (Storan)
U14 Boys Division 1 – Ballingarry 2 (Foley, Hanley) Broadford Utd A 1
U16 Girls – AK Utd B 3 Ballingarry 8
Youth Division 2 – Ballingarry 6 (J O’Connor 2, S O’Connor 2, O’Kelly, Gallagher) Granagh Utd 0
Ballingarry went three points clear at the top of division 2 with this 6 goal defeat of neighbours Granagh United. Ballingarry are well in line to win the division with just three games remaining.

Sunday March 11th

Desmond Cup Round 2 – Ballingarry 2 AK Utd 3
Ballingarrys Desmond cup ambitions ended with the visit of division 1 side AK United in what was surely the shock of the round. A goal either side of the break had AK 2 up before Ahern pulled one back for the home side. United soon restored their two goal advantage before Mark Hayes set up a grand stand finish from the bench. It wasn’t to be however as AK held out for a famous victory.
Team: Browne, Ahern, Ryan, Fitzgerald, N Cahill, Clancy, Shanagher, P Ryan, Quaid, Smith, Kiely.
Used Sub: Hayes.

Division 3 – Ballingarry B v Glantine Rvs B (Walkover to Ballingarry B)

The disruption experienced so far this season is unprecedented with yet another blanket call off due to the extraordinary snow fall from Thursday last. However the good news is that from 2019 football will be moving to the calendar year which basically means that the season will start and finish between February and November in the same year.

The format has yet to be decided but what is certain is that kids will no longer be expected to play and train during the winter months. This can only be a positive innovation, one that will insure that the children will have a positive experience of playing football and that playing on better surfaces in better conditions will make for better more skilful players. This only applies to underage football ie under 16 down. After what we have experienced so far this season Calendar Year soccer can’t come fast enough.