News

Ballivor U14s Take Division 4 Championship Title to Complete Historic Double

November 7, 2018

Team:

1. Marty Wolfe (Marty Wolfe)

2. Paul Farrell (Pol O Fearail)

4. Stephen McEvoy (Stiofan Mac Fiodhbhidhe)

5. Adam Collins (Adam Cuilleain)

6. Daniel O’Sullivan (Domhaill O’Shuilleabhan) 

7. Damien Prouse (Damien Prut)

8. Dylan Sherrock (Dylan Mac Shearraigh)

9. Kevin McKeon (Kevin Mac Eoghain)

10. Chris Leonard (Criostoir O’Leonard)

11. Stefan Kelly (Stefon O Cellaigh)  

12. Craig Fitzgerald (Craig Mac Gerald)

13. Martin Grundy (Martin Grundaigh)

15. Eoin Holton (Eoin O nHoltain)

 

Subs:

17. Daniel Lynch (Domhaill O’Loinsigh) on for Craig Fitzgerald

18. Conor Prouse (Conor Prut) on for Paul Farrell

19. Cameron Colgan (Cameron Mac Colghan)

20. Brendan McKeon (Brendan Mac Eoghan) on for Chris Leonard

21. Josh King (Josh Mac An Ri)

 

Report:

Ballivor U14’s completed the historic League and Championship double this Saturday by beating St. Michaels in a thrilling final in Pairc Tailteann, Navan. The sun beat down on a perfect day for the supporters as Ballivor lined up for this historic day. It was always going to be difficult for the players as the sun beat down from clear blue skies and a tricky wind blew down the pitch. Ballivor elected to play with the wind in the first half and immediately began to impose themselves on the game but some wayward shooting meant that the first score took time to be registered. However, they soon found their accuracy and registered a few good scores before St. Michaels got on the scoreboard. The wind was proving to be troublesome for St. Michaels and they were guilty of missing a few chances. However as the half progressed, they soon hit their stride and soon pegged the Ballivor team back, finally getting a goal – though the umpires had to think long and hard over whether it was a square ball. The green flag was raised and the difference between the teams was just 3 points at the break. Ballivor had to consider that they would be playing into that tricky wind in the second half and the mentors gave the team a rallying talk at half time and when the Ballivor team emerged for the second half, it was clear that they were focussed on building on their first half lead. Within a few minutes of the restart, they had registered a goal and a point and that set the tone for the second half. It was not all one-way as St. Michaels put together some sweet passing moves and only a top class save from Marty Wolfe in the Ballivor goal stopped a certain goal that could have turned the tide against Ballivor. Stephen McEvoy, Damien Prouse and Daniel O’ Sullivan were marshalling things well at the back and, try as they might, St. Michaels were just not able to make the breakthrough. Stefan Kelly and Kevin McKeon were dominant now at centre field and were cutting through the St. Michaels defence and picking their points. Martin Grungy and Eoin Holton , supported by the wing forward pair of Chris Leonard and Craig Fitzgerald gave Kevin and Stefan the options to spread the ball wide or take it through the centre. Ballivor built a solid lead of 7 points that was unsurmountable and kept building. In the end a jubilant Ballivor ran out winners by 9 points and the very vocal Ballivor Supporters had want they wanted – a second cup for this magnificent team. It was already a bank holiday week-end to remember and the victorious team came back to the village of Ballivor to a great reception as they, once again, paraded through the town holding the cup aloft – a great day for the White and the Maroon.