Thursday May 11th
Under 12 Girls Division 1 Shield Final – Ballingarry 2 (O’Connor, Kenny) Askeaton 1 aet.
In the most dramatic finish possible Ballingarry lifted the Division 1 shield with a 2-1 extra time win. The game was even from the word go with Askeaton taking the lead early in the second half. Ballingarry had chances before they eventually drew level when Kate O’Connor’s effort was too powerful and the keeper left it through her hands. Both teams had chances before the end as the game went to extra time.
Here Ballingarry were the better with the Askeaton keeper the busier. Then with time almost up Donny Kenny made a surging run towards the Askeaton goal only to be fouled. She set the free up herself and with the last kick of the game scored a superb goal to secure the shield. Ballingarry have played some fabulous football through the season and this display was no different. Their approach and preparation over the season well merited a trophy and the scenes of joy at the end was well deserved. Congratulations to them and their managers Shane Markham, Micky McNamara and Leanne Forde.
Monday May 15th – Phoenix Stunner Wins Shield
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Under 16 Girls Division 1 Shield Final – Ballingarry 2 (Mulcaire-Shire 2) NCW 1A magnificent strike by Phoenix Mulcaire-Shire, her second of the game, saw Ballingarry retain the U16 girls shield at the expense of NCW at Rathkeale on Monday evening last. A truly enjoyable game was lit up by the wonder strike just two minutes after NCW had equalised, Mulcaire-Shires first half opener in which Ballingarry held the lead at the break. Both teams hit the woodwork with NCW the first to threaten in the opening five minutes. Ballingarrys first goal was all about brilliant work from Nicole McNamara as she powered her way through the NCW defence to set up cousin Phoenix who slotted home from ten yards.
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The second half opened with NCW pressing and their efforts were rewarded with an equaliser in the first five minutes. The lead lasted barely a couple of minutes when Anna Mullane made a brilliant run beating several defenders to cross for Phoenix to score. It would prove the winner although there were some scares at either end before the final whistle. This was yet another typical Ballingarry performance, full of fine passing play and imagination. Congratulations to the team and their management of Toby O’Doherty, Damien Shanaher and Martha O’Connor.