Tullamore Court Hotel Senior B Football Championship Final.

Bracknagh 1—13  Ballycumber 2---6.

The loss of Club Captain John Egan, who was denied by the Competitions Control Committee the rare honour of leading out his team on County Final Day was further compounded by the dismissal of influential midfielder Jack Quinn after only seven minutes for an innocuous incident. Bracknagh started better and kicked five points from play and added another from a 45 in the first quarter of the game. Ballycumber had only rare attacks on the opposition goal and were guilty of wayward shooting. Eventually Joe Lowry got on the end of a passing move and shot for a goal but was denied by a great save at the expense of Ballycumber’s opening point. Soon afterwards Joe was pulled down for a penalty. Surprisingly, no card was issued. Joe, after receiving treatment, took on the responsibility of taking the penalty and his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Joe reacted quickest and managed to kick the ball towards the empty net. The in rushing Nigel Grennan made sure the ball crossed the line for a badly needed lifeline for Ballycumber. Bracknagh regrouped and scored the following two points to lead at the break by 0—8 to 1—1.

Joe Lowry opened the scoring in the second half with a point from a free and Sean Hackett added a point from play.  Bracknagh replied with a point from play before Ballycumber hit a purple patch. Joe Lowry pointed a free after a foul on Clive Keena and he left one point between the sides when he scored a point from a free after a foul on Adrian Kelly. Joe won the ball on the Hospital side of O’Connor Park and made his way towards goal, he sent a perfect pass to Nigel Grennan and Nigel quickly passed the ball to Gary Larkin who drove over the equalising point. A line ball which should have gone Ballycumber’s way was inexplicably given to Bracknagh and later they were awarded a free from which they regained the lead. They got two further points from frees to stretch the lead to three points. Once again Ballycumber responded and Adrian Kelly was in the right place to drive a loose ball to the back of the net. As the game entered the final minutes Bracknagh got a point from play and in injury time were awarded a penalty which was scored to leave four points between the sided at the end.

Both teams deserve great credit for the effort and commitment they showed on the pitch.

Ballycumber GAA Club wish to congratulate Bracknagh on their victory and wish them well in the Leinster Championship.

Team. Ritchie Dunne, Alan Flanagan, Ethan Keena, Donal Lynam, Clive Keena, Karl Daly, Emmet Kelly, Jack Quinn, Shaun Creevy, Luke Gavin Mangan,  Cormac Quinn, Gary Larkin, Sean Hackett, Joe Lowry, Adrian Kelly, Nigel Grennan, Fergal Daly, Marcus Keena.

Sponsors.

Ballycumber GAA Club wish to thank Vinny Cassidy and Country Tool Hire and Hardware, Moate for their generous sponsorship of a set of jerseys. Thanks also to Guy Clothing, High St. Tullamore for their generosity.

Grateful thanks to all other contributors of financial assistance to the Club at this expensive time and to everyone who bought hats and displayed flags and signs.

Many thanks to the parents, mentors and all our under 9 footballers who provided a colourful and noisy Guard of Honour for the senior players as they entered the pitch. They also provided fantastic entertainment during the half time break in their two matches. This is great idea by Offaly County Board.

The players returned to Ballycumber Community Centre after the game and were met by friends and family and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. The Club wish to thank BLC for the use of the Centre and especially Regina and Aidan for their help. Thanks also to Club members who  arranged the homecoming and cleaned up afterwards.

The Club are indebted to the management team of Colm Quinn, Ciaran Grennan, Paul Gavin and Cathal Daly for their total commitment and determination in guiding the team to the County Final. They received valuable assistance from Daniel Boland and Andrew Minnock.

The players and management wish to thank Ann Creevy and Kathryn Quinn for providing food after training.

Minor B Football Competition Semi Final.

Congratulations to St Manchan Gaels who defeated Shamrocks in Durrow on Sunday morning. The sides were level at half time at 6 points each and were still level at 8 each with ten minutes left. Eoin Murphy scored two points and Corey Buckley added one before Corey got through for the all important goal and open up a six points lead. Shamrocks replied with two points but St Manchan Gaels ran out deserving winners.

Under 15 Football. Well done to St Manchan Gaels under 15 team who have qualified for the A Shield Final after overcoming Ballinamere Durrow in the semi final on a score of 4—5 to 2—8.

Under 13 Football.

St Manchan Gaels under 13 footballers have also qualified for the final of the B Championship after gaining victory on a score of 5—7 to 2--11 over Shamrocks in the replay in O’Brien Park in a exciting contest. Unfortunately the second under 13 team lost to St Vincents on a score of 8—6 to 3—8 in the C semi final.

Garrycastle Tournament.

St Manchan Gaels under12 team have qualified for the Division 1 semi final of this well organised tournament run by Westmeath County Champions Garrycastle.

County Finals.

Congratulations to Ferbane on winning the Offaly Senior Football Final on Sunday and best of luck in the Leinster Championship.

Best of luck to Shannonbridge in the Intermediate Final on Saturday. Bring more “ silver” to West Offaly.

Grand Canal Walk.

The Club was well represented at this walk last year and we hope the same numbers and more will walk to raise funds for Offaly GAA and the Oncology Unit in Tullamore Hospital on Saturday 26th October.

Lotto.

The numbers drawn this week were 1,25,28,30.  No jackpot winner, one match three winner. Next week’s draw will be held in The Gav Inn on Monday night at 10 o’clock for a jackpot of 20,000 euros.                                                                                                                                                        Play lotto on line at https://www.locallotto.ie/localhome.asp?LL_ID=415 until 8pm on Monday or buy tickets from local shops, pubs and from usual lotto sellers.

Ballycumber Dance Classses

Learn how to Jive, Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Line dance. Dance Classes every Monday night from 8pm in Ballycumber Community Centre.  Beginners class 8 - 9, Improvers from 9 - 10 and dancing for all from 10 - 11pm.  Great exercise and good fun, no partners required. Slow Waltz classes from 7pm, contact Christopher on 0868474744 for more information.

History.

Ballycumber History Group are continuing to research the 80 men and women from the Ballycumber area who fought in World War 1. The group would appreciate any information on any of the men and women who answered the call and would love to meet family members.

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