The game had been pulled in by 30 minutes which meant that we had little time to get organised and to the home of Meath football – Pairc Tailteann. But the team were eager and we arrived with time for a short warm up before getting onto the pitch for 6:15. It was one of thos ‘games of 2 halves’. The first half bopth teams were a little nervy – with Carnaross seeming to settle first. An early goal seemed reward for their efforts but Ballivor countered with some well taken scores and at half time the difference was just 2 points – Ballivor 4 points, Carnaross 1-3. The mentors pulled the team together for a quick break and just told the team to focus on the game and do what they had done through-out the campaign – play as a team. The second half got underway with the same tenacity of the first, but slowly the collective Ballivor began to emerge and the lead was reduced only to be extended again. A change to the full forward line was necessary to try to take advantage and within minutes we had the reward with awell taken goal – The sides were level. Now Ballivor heads were up, a couple of points followed and Ballivor sought to keep the ball in the Carnaross half. Some heroic defending and goalkeeping repelled any Carnaross attacks that broke through and, while the teams traded points, Ballivor emerged victors by 3 points. Final score Ballivor 1-8, Carnaross 1-5. Great credit must go to both teams for an excellent and exciting game of football – a great advertisement for football in Meath. From a Ballivor GFC perspective, this was a great example of how the partnership with Kildalkey club can reap huge dividends in terms of football development within the club and parishes.
A final word of Thanks and congratulations to all the team and everyone who supported them throughout the last few months.
Team: O. Smyth; J. Kelly; K. Byrne; M. Gallagher; J. Smyth; M. Callaghan (Capt); S. Murray; O. Henry; B. Conneely; B. McKeon; J. McNally; A. Byas; J. Ryan; O. Rickard; C. Prouse (Subs: M. Shelly; D. McClair)
