ACFL Div 1: Ballinagh v Ballyhaise

Ballinagh 2-6
Ballyhaise 1-5

Ballinagh continued their excellent run of form in division 1 with a comfortable victory over a disappointing ballyhaise side. While conditions on the day were ideal, dry with little wind, the over-hard ground was possibly a due cause, to injuries experienced by both teams.

With the intermediate championship due to commence in 2 weeks, both teams will be very disappointed. Ballyhaise’s former counter star Barry Mc Crudden was substituted early in the 1st half with a knee injury, while Ballinagh’s county star Padraic O’Reilly had to retire early in the 2nd half with what looks like a recurrence of a hamstring injury. Both men are key players to their clubs and will be a huge loss.

Ballinagh got off to a lively start and put together some great moves. They took a five-point lead. Declan Beard kicked 2 long-range frees in the 4th and 12th minutes, while Colin Gumley found the range from an acute angle on his favoured right side.

In what was the move of the game Ballinagh notched another fine point. Anthony Duffy collected a high ball on his own 14yard line; he fed to Damien Mc Inearney who quickly switched play to the ever-running Paul Galligan. Galligan converted much to the applause of the Ballinagh supporters. Ballyhaise responded to the immense pressure and Jarleth Moran pointed a free in the 20th minute. The loss of Barry Mc Crudden was evident, as Ballinagh seemed to dominate the middle of the park. Further points from David Finnegan and Terry Smith left the half time score Ballinagh 1:07, Ballyhaise 0:01.

To their credit Ballyhaise dug deep and started the 2nd half with a point from Eamonn Costelloe to reduce the deficit. However over the next 10 mins Ballyhaise squandered a number of chances, which proved costly. Declan Beard kicked a point for Ballinagh before the retirement of Padraic O’Reilly who was replaced by Kevin Smith. Allen Durkin was next on the score-sheet when fired over a point with his left foot. He followed this with a fine solo effort eventually rattling the ballyhaise net with a powerful drive. A high ball into the Ballinagh Goalmouth was excellently punched over the bar by James Brady, and the decision by referee Michael Brady to award a penalty 20 mins into the 2nd half gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. Barry Kelly stepped up and converted the spot kick to leave7 points in the difference. This proved to be the last score of the game.

In what was an entertaining game of football both sides demonstrated aspects of great football.

Ballinagh:
D Mc Carthy
K Mc Bride, C Brady, A Duffy
N O'Reilly, D Mc Inearney, P Galligan
P Maguire, P O'Reilly
D Finnegan, A Maguire, T Smith
C Gumley, A Durkin, D Beard
Subs Used: J Dunne, K Smith

Ballyhaise:
B Maguire
M Rooney, B Lyons, O Smith
F Slowey, S Smith, J Fay
B Mc Crudden, C Lyons
C Reilly, E Costelloe, J Moran
R Cullivan, J Brady, H Reilly

Referee: Micheal Brady (Mullahoran)