Weekly News Spetember 11th 2011
Post date: Sep 12, 2011 8:41:26 AM
John Joe Nevin Champions 2011 !
Congratulations to the victorious Ballina team who won the John Joe Nevin trophy after a battle against reigning champions Clonlara. Due to the big numbers at this age group, Ballina entered two teams this year, with the red team drawn in a tough group v Clonlara and Silvermines and the Blue team facing Newport & Smith O’Briens. Ballina Blue emerged from their group after a great start v local Killaloe rivals Smith O’Briens. Next up it was Newport, who provided a serious examination of the home side. Ballina had to dig deep in this one to see off Newport and book a place in the final v East Clare kingpins and reigning champions, Clonlara, who had got the better of Ballina Red and Silvermines.
Ballina Red - John Joe Nevin U10 2011
Ballina Blue - John Joe Nevin U10 2011
It was a rip-roaring final with Clonlara winning the toss and electing to play with the strong breeze. The Ballina boys worked their blue and white socks off in the first half and even went ahead on the scoreboard, thanks to two points – one a line ball from Ballina number eight Sam Loughran and the other a pointed free by Matthew Power. In the second half, Corey Ryan’s steady hands and long deliveries from the goal ensured a regular flow of opportunities and the forwards were quick to capitalise, with 2 goals and 2 further points in the second half. Matthew Power continued to mop up at centre back and Sam Loughran underlined his credentials with an eye-catching display at midfield. Captain Robbie Breen, whose pre-match team talk belied his tender years was a tower of strength at full forward and he was ably flanked by poachers supreme James Power and the irrepressible Dara King. Conor Rowley capped a fine day with a goal and the work rate of Cian Neill and Conor Power was unrelenting. I would hate to be marking Joeseph McEvoy – such is his work rate ! Thankfully he was on our team today. Josh Egan gave his all and Daniel O’Meara’s tigerish instincts ensured any Clonlara possession was hard won. David Grace and Michael McMahon were rock solid at the back with the sensible hurling of Tadhg Maguire a real example of doing the simple things well. Leon Kerin Galvin, Glenn Ryan and Tom Kelly all played their parts from the bench in a thrilling victory. Congratulations also to Mark Lyons who had a fine display in goals for the Red team and was honoured with a Fair Play award by the judges. The red team - captained by Evan Coleman - was made up of younger players and their battling performances were a credit to them. Full Ballina Red Panel: Mark Lyons, Louis Storan, Regan Garry, Jack McEvoy, Ivor Larkin, Patrick McCormack, Cian Commins, Tadgh O’Shaughnessey, Thomas Bigot, Kian Donnelly, Cameron MacAuley, Ben Wallace, Evan Coleman, Conor Meagher, Cathal O’Donnell, Cian Oakley, Ronan Neill & Callum Nolan.
Captain Robbie Breen lifts the trophy high into the grey skies - 2011 Champions
Minor Football All-Ireland
Best of Luck to Stephen O Brien and the Tipperary Minor Football team as the bid to bring back the Minor title to the premier county, starting time 1-15pm.
Intermediate Hurlers
Play Newport in Nenagh Saturday @ 2.30pm as part of a double header, in the semi- final of the North Tipperary Intermediate championship. Last Thursday evening they played Holycross in the County League Final,minus 5 of their 1st choice team. They came up against a bang in form Hollycross team, and were 3 points down at the interval. Despite the return of 3 of the 1st string, at the start of the 2nd half, Ballina continued to struggle, and were eventually defeated on a scoreline of 3-15 to 2-9. Big improvement will be required for Saturday's contest, your continued support is vital for this game.