Venue: Summerhill GAA (Neutral Venue)
Opposition: Blackhall Gaels
Competition: League Final
Half Time: Ballivor 1–9 Blackhall Gaels 1-2
Full Time Score: Ballivor 2-14 St. Cuthberts 4-3
Ballivor Team: O. Holton; D. Prouse; S. McEvoy; P. Farrell; D. O’Sullivan; A. Collins; K. McKeon (0–2); D. Sherrock (0–1); S. Kelly (0–6); C. Fitzgerald (0-3); C. Leonard; D Lynch; M. Grundy (1–1)
Subs: C. Prouse (On for D. Lynch) (1-1); A. Troy (On for P. Farrell); B. McKeon; J. King; M. Wolfe
Report:
This was a very exciting game that Ballivor led from start to finish. Ballivor started freshly and scored a number of points with Stefan Kelly and Kevin McKeon showing great accuracy in front of goal as well as a telling contribution of a couple of points from Craig Fitzgerald. However, Blackhall often looked dangerous and scored a goal to peg the lead back to just 2 points at one stage. Ballivor finished the first half strongly replying with a goal of their own from Martin Grundy to lead at half time by 7. Early in the second half, Blackhall scored a goal that lifted their side and began a period of intense pressure., the accurate shooting of Ballivor that was there in the first half seemed to desert them but they did manage to turn a few chances into points. Blackhall were certainly in the ascendancy and it looked that Ballivor’s strong first half may have taken a little too much out of the players. Then Blackhall were awarded a penalty and, with the gap only 3 points it took a magnificent save by Eoin Holton to maintain the gap. This certainly lifted the Ballivor team and they once again began to dominate. A magnificent goal by the substitute Conor Prouse following one of many strong runs through the middle by Dylan Sherrock was just reward for the pressure. However, Blackhall were not out of it yet and continued to exert pressure and the solidity of the backs with Damien Prouse and Stephen McEvoy proving a very difficult barrier to break down. In the end, Ballivor knocked over a couple of late points and when the final whistle blew, they had emerged victorious by 5 points. It was an excellent match, played in the true sporting spirit that all onlookers commented on. Everyone who participated made their contribution to an enjoyable afternoon of sport the way it should be played – well done Ballivor, a great victory! You did your mentors, your families and the village very proud.
