ACFL Division 3

Ballinagore 1-12  Tyrrellspass 2-07

Our first team played neighbours, Tyrrellspass, in sunny Ballinagore on Monday evening and came away with both league points following an entertaining game. A minutes silence was observed before the game in memory of former footballer, Eoin Miller (it was our first competitive game since Eoins sad passing) and also for Johnny Macken, father of former club secretary, Ollie Macken, who passed away on Friday. Ballinagore started brightly and had opened up a three point lead after ten minutes. Tyrrellspass had settled by then and they scored the next two but points by Niall Kelly and a long range effort from Declan Claffey left us 0-05 to 0-02 ahead at the break. We faced the breeze in the second half and Tyrrellspass were quick off the mark to reduce the deficit to two points. However we scored the next three points to extend our lead during a spell of dominance. In fact, we had three or four other great opportunities for points but March rustiness saw them drop short or wide! A fine move that started with a long pass from midfielder Niall Kelly into Darren Rigney, a quick pass into Michael Ennis and onto Brandon Carey saw Brandon taken down in the square for a penalty which he duly scored to extend our lead on a score of 1-08 to 0-04 at the midway point. At this stage, we looked comfortable but our opponents had other ideas. They had the next three points, two from frees which we will be disappointed to have conceded. Another free followed and the high ball that dropped into our square was spilt and knocked into our net. Within a minute, our opponents would remarkably take the lead for the first time as they scored their second major with just minutes remaining. With momentum swung against us, our lads showed great spirit to take the game to our visitors. A great move started out the field by David Keegan saw Paddy Ennis gain possession and he played a lovely pass to Brandon Carey in space and he duly levelled matters. On our next attack, Enda Kenny ran at pace towards goals before being fouled and Brandon Carey floated over the point to edge us back in front. With time almost up, David Keegan scored our last point to ensure a two point win, 1-12 to 2-07. This was a solid and battling performance but there is lots of room for improvement. The team will be disappointed to have given away a commanding lead but hats off to them for their response, they refused to panic and took the chances when they counted most. Team: Martin Linnane, Robert Gannon, Enda Claffey, Kieran Deegan, Robbie Keegan, Ciaran Carey, David Slevin, Niall Kelly, David Keegan, Declan Claffey, Brandon Carey, Darren Rigney, Paddy Ennis, Michael Ennis, Rory Tynan. Subs used: Enda Kenny, Ian Seery. Rest of panel: Michael Gannon, Tommy Kelly, Nathan Brudell.

 

Lilliput Gaels Juvenile Club News

For the second week in a row, our U16 team were disappointed not to play their scheduled game on Sunday morning which had to be postponed due to the blanket of snow that fell overnight on Saturday. With the backlog in fixtures, we can be sure of busy times ahead. Registration for juvenile players is now due. There is a registration evening this Friday, 23rd March between 19:00-20:00 in Castletown Geoghegan clubhouse and all parents are asked to attend and complete registrations.

 

Townland League

Our 8th Annual Townland League, which was postponed in January due to the inclement weather, takes place on Sunday 25th March, kicking off at midday with the juvenile games and followed at 2pm by the senior games. There will be refreshments and fun for all so please come along and support the day.

 

Club Lotto

Last weeks winning numbers were 1, 7, 22 & 25. There were two match three winners, unfortunately no one from Ballinagore GAA. Next weeks jackpot now stands at €3100. Please support our club lotto for just €2 a week and you can be in with the chance to win our jackpot!

 

Sympathy

The club extends its deepest sympathy to former club secretary Ollie Macken, Ballinagore and Margaret Daly, Tyrrellspass on the sad passing of their father, Johnny Macken, Mullingar. May he Rest in Peace.

 

Congratulations

The club extends congratulations to Garda James Durkan who passed out from Garda Training College in Templemore on Friday 16th March. Well done James and the very best of luck in your new career!

 

Wedding Bells

We want to send our best wishes to club footballer, James Sheerin, and his fiancee, Fionnuala Irwin in advance of their wedding that takes place this Friday, 23rd March.

 

Birthday Wishes

We send birthday wishes this week to club secretary, Mark King, who celebrated his 40th birthday among a large gathering of family and friends last Saturday night in Mahons.

 

Tidy Towns

An important meeting to elect a new Tidy Towns committee takes place on Wednesday, 21st March at 8pm in the GAA centre. There are important decisions to be made and everyone should have their say for the future of Ballinagore and its environs. Please make every effort to attend and help to spread the word.

 

Community Text Alert

A text alert service has been commenced for the Kilbeggan District in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and you are invited to join. Application forms are available at SWEETS Kilbeggan and at Castletown-Geoghegan Post Office. Registration fee €10. There is strength in numbers so please join the service and help spread the word.

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