Gaeil Colmcille and Ballinlough unite for Tom's Walking Wish

A large crowd tuned up last night in Pairc Colmcille to witness a very unique event, the clash of Gaeil Colmcille and Ballinlough in an Over 40's football challenge all in aid of Tom's Walking Wish.

Both teams featured players from surrounding clubs, St Michaels, Cortown, Kilmainham and Oldcastle to mention but a few.

Gaeil Colmcille played with the advantage of the wind and dominated the opening half. Current Ballinlough manager Tom Shine was giving the Lough rearguard numerous problems. The Ballinlough management pulled a master stoke and detailed John McCartan to curb Shine's influence. 

The ever green Barry Lynch, Benny Reddy and Conor Ferguson made sure of a constant supply to their forwards as they extended their scoring advantage. When Noel Kane hit the butt of the Kells post the visitors knew that their luck was not in. They were handed a life line on the stroke of half time when referee Barney O'Rourke award them a penalty. Fair play to Barney as he resisted the use of the 'Black Card' on this occasion despite the protest from the crowd. Up stepped the ever reliable Jody Devine to convert the spot kick and give The Lough some hope.

Tiredness crept in fairly quick in the second half. Defences began to wilt and the goals began to flow. Seamus Magee and Tommy Smith were having a nightmare in the Ballinlough goals while Timmy Reddy faired a little better at the far end of the field. The introduction of Ian Callaghan to attack and Mickey Rennicks to their defence had the desired effect for Kells. Callaghan proved a real play makers for his short stint on the field while Rennicks cleared time and again from his defence. 

Michael Reilly, Tommy Moriarty, Seamus Byrne, Seamus Fagan and Daithi Regan were beginning to shine for Ballinlough but once again it was up to the Ballinlough management to try an pull the game out of the fire. They called upon the old reliables and introduced Johnny Reilly, Fergal McCabe, Vinny Ryan, Stevie Kane and Hugh McDonnell to the fray. This along with packing out their attack with a few extra bodies had the desired effect as they clawed their way back in to the game.

Stevie Kane was like a man inspired and kicked the score of the game, catching a high ball he should never have caught and turing on a sixpence to fire over. When Barney O'Rouke blew the final whistle to the relief of a lot of tired bodies he announced that the game ended in a draw. The replay will be fixed in the next few weeks.

A special mention to Enda Rooney. The Ballinlough Juvenile Secretary played his first ever game of football. On this performance alone one wonders how his talents went unnoticed for so long.

When all was done and dusted it was back to the Gaeil Colmcille Clubhouse for some light refreshments. Aching limbs will not be the only problem faced by the players this morning.

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