14th April 2010
By Joe Kennefick
Ballymartle caused the first major shock in this year’s South East Junior A Football Championship, when they came from behind and defeated favourites and reigning champions Ballygarvan.
Played last night in Minane Bridge, a goal from wing back Michael Tobin in the 41st minute was the defining score in a result that looked so unlikely after 20 minutes.
At this stage Ballygarvan led by 0-7 to 0-1, and it looked only a matter of how much they would win by. However Ballymartle steadied the ship and outscored their opponents 1-7 to 0-3 in the remaining 40 minutes.
Ballymartle had the opening score of the match in the third minute when Kieran Hallissey fisted a delivery from Darren McCarthy over the bar. Ballygarvan totally dominated the next 15 minutes, and points from Gary White(3), Donal Sweeney(3) and Mark Kennefick left them ahead 0-7 to 0-1 after 19 Minutes.
With Cork Senior Star Ger Spillane and Shane O’Leary dominant at midfield, and John Spillane and Ciarán O’Sullivan dominating at the back, Ballygarvan looked to be heading for an easy win.
Gradually though Ballymartle steadied themselves. At midfield, the Corry’s, Brian and Seamus came into the game, while Michael Tobin, Darren McCarthy and Grant O’Brien started playing with confidence and power.
Points from Darren McCarthy, Seamus Corry and John Coleman left the half time score 0-07 to 0-4 to Ballygarvan.
Donal Sweeney pointed after the resumption to increase Ballygarvans’ advantage, but it was Ballymartle who upped the tempo. They played at a much faster pace, and forced Ballygarvan into a series of errors.
Darren McCarthy pointed for the winners in the 40th minute. Tobin’s goal came a minute later after good work from Grant O’Brien. Further points from McCarthy (2) had Ballymartle 1-7 to 0-8 ahead by the 49th minute.
Ballygarvan rallied in the final 10 minutes, and a point apiece from White and Sweeney left the sides level by the 54th minute. However, just when it seemed that a replay was needed, Darren McCarthy, who had a great game, was fouled by the sideline. Up stepped John Coleman to kick the winner from a most difficult angle to give Ballymartle a surprise, but well deserved victory.
Ballymartle are through to the quarter final, while Ballygarvan will meet the loser’s of Ballinhassig/Belgooly replay on the weekend of the 1st/2nd May.
Scorers for Ballymartle: D McCarthy 0-4, M Tobin 1-0, J Coleman 0-2, K Hallissey 0-1, S Corry 0-1.
Ballygarvan: G White 0-5,(5f), D Sweeney 0-4(2f), M Kennefick 0-1.
BALLYMARTLE: J O’Mahony; G Webb, C O’Connell, Dara McCarthy; M Tobin, S O’Connell, D Edmonds; B Corry, S Corry; Darren McCarthy, G O’Brien, D O’Leary; J Coleman, K Hallissey, E Kelly. Subs: B Coleman for D O’Leary (35), M Tupper for E Kelly (58).
BALLYGARVAN: J Murphy; D Bouse, J Spillane, P Murphy; A Murphy, C O’Sullivan, J Barron; S O’Leary, G Spillane; G White, M Kennefick, K Ashman; J Browne, J Spillane, D Sweeney. Subs: S White for P Murphy (27), M O’Riordan for K Ashman (inj, 31), D O’Sullivan for J Browne (47).
Referee: Brian Coniry (Crosshaven).
