Ballyporeen claimed this year’s intermediate South Tipperary final with a remarkable second half fight. We turned a nine point deficit into a three point win against Clonmel Commercials on Newcastle on Sunday week last.

The first fifteen minutes of the game was very ordinary with two points from Conor Sweeney and one from Commercials was all we had on board as we struggled to get any rhythm going. These turned out to be our only scores of the half as Commercials took over and racked up points, three points in as many minutes as their midfield began to dictate things aided by a nice breeze.

With this wind advantage Commercials forwards were giving Ballyporeen’s defence a hard time and goals looked to be on the cards. One duly happened on the 26th minute from their forward Richie Gunne. As it was, were it not for a Bally goal things got a lot worse for us as we went to half-time 6 points down. Half-time: Ballyporeen 0-02 Commercials 1-05.

We introduced Eoin Kearney to the full forward line at half-time to try and shake things up a bit, but the second half began where the first ended with a Commercials point. Although this was cancelled out by an excellent Darragh Lyons point another goal from Commercials saw us go nine points behind and the fat lady was getting the microphone ready. We were being dominated in almost all areas of the field and were trying desperately to gain some foothold in the game before things got even worse.

Eoin Kearney was moved to midfield and the effect was immediate as he began to disrupt the dominance of the opposition. The breaking ball was now being picked up by Shane Molan, John Martin, Darragh Lyons and the excellent Eoin Morrissey as we began the long road back. Points from Conor Sweeney (2), Fionán O’Sullivan and Eoin Kearney reduced the gap to five points and by the third quarter Commercials began to lose their way and Ballyporeen shifted up a gear.

Commercials added a point in the 22nd minute of the half in what proved to be their final score to reopen a 6-point gap. Dino pointed frees from Conor Sweeney and one from Darragh followed and the deficit was now three with 3 minutes remaining.

The place was now rocking as the village supporters was ringing in our ears. A goal was needed and when Darragh Lyons was put in to space in the final minute of normal time he buried it past the Commercials keeper from 15 yards out and the place erupted. The gander was up, support ringing in our ears. Ballyporeen went for the kill.

Eoin Kearney put us ahead with an excellent point from the wing, Danny Barrett punished a poor Commercial clearance, and man of the match Darragh Lyons finished off the scoring with a point just before the final whistle to bring the title back to Ballyporeen. The fat lady went for chips as this reporter went for a lie down. Final score Ballyporeen 1-13 to Commercials 2-07.

Panel: Mikey Sweeney, Seamus O’Callaghan, David Russell, Riain O’Callaghan, Shane Molan, William English, Eoin Morrissey, John Martin, John O’Callaghan, Paidi Fitzgerald, Conor Sweeney (6pts), Darragh Lyons (1-3), Francis Martin, Tommy Sweeney (0-1), Davy Hyland, Fionán O’Sullivan (0-1), Eoin Kearney (0-1) and Danny Barrett (0-1).

FIXTURES

Tuesday, 8th October in Littleton at 8pm, County IFC quarter final, Ballyporeen v Kildangan. This may change due to Kildangan’s involvement in senior hurling.

No date for county minor B semi-final.

We would like to wish David Hyland a speedy recovery from the injury he sustained in the first half of the game.

LOTTO RESULTS

Congratulations to Patrick ‘Pakie’ Morrissey, Ballylooby, who won the €10k lotto jackpot held in The Doolis Inn on September 16th. Pakie retires from the county council shortly and we wish him well on both his win and retirement.

The next draw was held on Monday last in Meaney’s Bar for the new jackpot of €3,000 and there was no winner. The numbers drawn were 4, 6, 7, 12 and Sarah O’Donoghue was the only match three winner. Next draw is in O’Casey’s in two weeks for €3,200.

blog comments powered by Disqus