Saturday, October 5th

U/12 Girls Div 1 – Shannonside A 1 Ballingarry A 4 (Frawley 2, O Dwyer, Hanley)
Division 1 champions Ballingarry saw off Shannonside in this their penultimate league fixture on Saturday last. Ballingarry had to come from a goal down to secure all three points with goals from Sarah Frawley 2, and 1 each from Kayley O Dwyer and Lorna Hanley keeps Ballingarrys unbeaten run intact. Under strength Ballingarry had to call on the services of U10 players Orla Frawley and Rebecca Carey who played a major part in this latest success.

Sunday, October 6th

U/14 Girls Cup Final – Ballingarry 6 (Clancy 2, Madden 2, Kenny, Lawlee) Broadford Utd 1
Ballingarry recorded an emphatic win against a good Broadford United side to lift the U14 girl’s cup for the first time. United opened the better putting the winners under some early pressure but it was Ballingarry who went the closest when Kenny was just wide after Fitzgibbon crossed from the right. Once Ballingarry went one up after five minutes they took control. Amy Madden made a powerful run from midfield, a feature of her game throughout and one reason why she was awarded player of the game, before driving the ball into the box where Abbie Clancy finished from close in. Ballingarry dominance was rewarded after 14 minutes when Donna Kenny sent a beautiful effort to the top corner from just inside the box. This ended a fine passing move involving O Keeffe, Markham and Kenny herself. Ballingarry were now in control but United responded and a well struck effort from 20 yards deceived Quinn in goal to give Broadford hope. It was the only setback on another fine performance from the Ballingarry keeper.

Broadford hope was to be short lived however as a two goal burst from the winners in the final five minutes of the half all but secured the cup for Ballingarry. First Amy Madden scored a fine goal following neat passing from Madigan, Rebecca Fitzgibbon and Markham, whose linkup play at midfield through control and pass was central to most Ballingarry moves. Abbie Clancy’s second on the stroke of half time gave Ballingarry a comfortable cushion. Again it was the product of a marvellous passing move which started at the back with Sarah Lynch, O Keeffe, Markham and finally Lucy Fitzgibbon whose perfect cross was met at the far post by Clancy.

The second half saw Ballingarry come into their own with some really impressive passing moves. Madden was just wide with two efforts before she finally got her second. Ballingarry had broke at pace from Madigan’s early out ball, Lucy Fitzgibbon latched on and her stinging effort drew a fine fingertip save from the keeper. The resultant corner from the left was partially cleared to land perfectly for Madden to strike a glorious fifth on the half volley from 18 yards. Ballingarry could have had more but it was left to Katie Lawlee, who had a fine game throughout, to have the final saw against her former team mates when she rounded off a move involving Emma McNamara and Donna Kenny with time almost up.

The score line was somewhat unfair on Broadford who in spite of the score line gave Ballingarry a real test, but this Ballingarry team are a special outfit who never fail to impress. They play a passing game in all parts of the pitch from back to from with the emphases always on forward play some of which is spellbinding. There is no visible weakness with all the girls comfortable on the ball and familiar with their roles, this also applies to the subs used on the day, Cunningham, O Sullivan, Hartigan and McNamara all played their part when required. This does not happen by accident and credit must go the coaches Shane Markham and Micky Mac for the philosophy employed and clearly visible.

Team: Quinn, Madigan, O Keeffe, R Fitzgibbon, Lynch. Markham, Madden, Kenny, Lawlee, L Fitzgibbon, Clancy.
Used Subs: O Sullivan, Hartigan, McNamara, Cunningham.

Munster Junior Cup Round 1 – Ballingarry 1 (J O Connor) Adare Utd 2
Ballingarry left a half time lead, given to them by Josh O’Connor, to lose 2.1 to visiting Adare United to see their interest in the Munster junior cup end at the first hurdle.

Ladies Premier Division – Ballingarry 2 (Shire, Kelly) Breska Rovers 0