Ballinagh are Division One Champions

Ballinagh 2-8
Gowna 0-8

Ballinagh put consolation to there Intermediate Final defeat when they battled there way to the club's first ever Division 1 title, last Saturday in St. Felim's Park, Drumalee by surprising a fancied Gowna side on a scoreline of 2-08 to 0-08.

Ballinagh took to the field without the services of key men including, team-captain Adrian Maguire, Colin Gumley and Allen Durkin, and things looked even bleaker when Gowna opened the scoring in the first minute. However Ballinagh quickly responded and opened there account when an impressive break from the full-back line soon found Anthony Gaynor bearing down on the goals. Gaynor showed his composure and coolly slotted home past the hapless keeper.

Frees from Gerald Pierson and Dermot McCabe brought Gowna back into the game as Ballinagh struggled to find there rhythm. A Declan Beard free put end to this and Impressive scores from Paul and Kevin Galligan and a long range effort from Anthony Gaynor saw Ballinagh close out the half on top with the score standing at 1-04 to 0-05.

Again Gowna proved the most eager at the start of the second half with Ciaran Fitzpatrick leaving the minimum between the two sides. Ballinagh showed composure responding once again with a well taken goal from Kevin Galligan. The saffrons continued to dominate and soon took a six point lead with Declan Beard again showing his marksmanship.

As the game entered its final minutes Gowna searched desperately for a goal. The determined Ballinagh defence tightened up and smothered their opponents’ efforts to seal the victory.

Jubilant scenes followed the final whistle as the Ballinagh's stand-in captain Damien McInerney hoisted the Division One cup for the first time in the club’s history.

The win brings end to a bittersweet year for the club which has seen the club suffer Championship disappointment before League triumph. The side will take heart from the character they showed to lift themselves and capture this coveted title, and seek further success in the coming year.

Ballinagh – Daragh McCarthy; Anthony Duffy, Conor Brady, Killian McBride, Niall O'Reilly, Padraic O'Reilly, Damien McInerney, Paraic Maguire, Cian McDermott, Enda Brady, David Finnegan, Declan Beard (0-5, frees), Paul Galligan (0-1), Anthony Gaynor (1-1), Kevin Galligan (1-1).
Subs – Terry Smith for Enda Brady (62 minutes), Ciaran Brady for Paul Galligan (67 minutes).

Gowna – Raymond Keogh, Cathaldus Hartin, Eamonn Madden, Bernard Sorohan; Fergal Hartin, Ciaran Brady, Colin Briody, Niall Madden (0-1), Paddy Brady; Ciaran Brady, junior (0-1), Mark McKeever, Ciaran Fitzpatrick (0-1); Shane Briody, Dermot McCabe (0-2, one free), Gerald Pierson (0-3, frees).
Sub – Paraic Brady for Paddy Brady (40 minutes).

Referee - Packie Smith (Killygarry).