GENERAL SPORT
Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 13 May, 2016
Ballinroad FC
Stradbally FC RESULTS Youths League: Stradbally 4; Bohemians 6. Under 12 League: Stradbally 4; Dungarvan 3. JUNIOR There was no league game at the weekend as our opponents Red Star were unable to field a team. It's Infirmary Cup action next, versus Villa in an away tie on Tuesday, kick-off 6.45 p.m. YOUTHS Leading 4-2 at the break against Bohemians, things were looking good for Stradbally. However, losing a player to a dismissal didn't help the cause and the city side capitalised to run out comfortable winners. SCHOOLBOYS The Under 12s had another ding-dong battle, this time against Dungarvan. Trailing 2-0 at the break, and but for keeper Tommy Fennell it would have been worse, it looked ominous. However, two quick goals from Jack Quinlan after the break, evened proceedings. Two more scores put Stradbally ahead, and despite a late goal from the visitors, they held out to win. DISCO Once more the Soccer Club are joining forces with the Barron Hall to host a fundraising Disco in the Hall. It's on Saturday, May 28th, from 9 p.m. onwards, with admission €10 per head. This is an Over 18 only event and, whilst finger food will be provided, people can bring their own refreshments . In keeping with the current
Centenary Celebrations, it's being titled a '1916 Disco" (in the widest and loosest sense). Participants are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and come in representative garb of the time. VALUABLE PRIZES will be awarded to those deemed the most worthy of such honour. Of course, if you just want a bop, burger, beer and a shift in the dark, you're also more than welcome. See you in 1916 on the 28th. ASTROTURF AstroTurf Pitch for hire. For time slot availability contact Tadhg at 087 2306841. CLUB KITS There are some club kits for children still available. Ideal birthday presents. Contact Aine at 087 7618127. ACADEMY & LITTLE DRIBBLERS No Academy & Little Dribblers on Saturday, as its First Holy Communion Day in The Church of the Holy Cross. We send best wishes to all the communicants on their big day. LOTTO A hefty €4,100 Jackpot Prize is on offer on Sunday night in the Club Lotto in Whelans. Tickets available from local pubs and shops, as well as regular promoters. Thanks to all who continue to support our Lotto. COMMITTEE MEETING A Club Committee meeting takes place Upstairs on Thursday night, May 12th, at 8 pm. LEICESTER CITY One could not be but
enamoured with the fairytale story that is Leicester’s capture of the English Premier League title. Widely perceived as being the preserve of the chosen few, the addition of a 24th club’s name to the Honours List, and the first new one for almost 40 years, brought out the childhood fan in us all. 'An rud is annamh is iontach', or in the Béarla 'what's seldom is wonderful', was certainly to be seen in the outpouring of joy in the East Midlands city. From the record breaking goal scoring run of Jamie Vardy, to Riyad Mahrez being chosen as the first African to win the Footballer of the Year Award, and the 'cute' management style of Claudia Raineiri, it was a season, the like we may not see in our lifetimes again. Well done The Foxes. SYMPATHY We extend sympathy to the O'Brien and Casey families on the death of Kitty recently. Sympathy is also extended to Mickey Donnelly, on the death of his uncle Nicky Roche recently. May they rest in peace. FIXTURES Saturday, May 14th Under 13 Joe Delaney Cup Ballinroad v Stradbally 12.30 pm. Sunday, May 15th Youths League: Ferrybank v Stradbally 2 pm Tuesday, 17th May Division Two Infirmary Cup Villa v Stradbally 6.45 pm Youths League: Stradbally v Abbeyside 6.45 pm
Clashmore Ramblers FC Ramblers 1; Inch Utd 2 Josh Fitzgerald Our U-13’s suffered a very disappointing defeat in last Monday nights League Final against Inch Utd. Eagles. Played in terrible conditions in Kinsalebeg's fine pitch where the rain feel for the entirety of the game making it hard on both players and supporters. The game was only three minutes old when we took the lead through scorer in-chief Josh Fitzgerald who raced clear and finished brilliantly for the perfect start. In fact the crowd were still coming in and some missed the goal. Inch equalized on five minutes when a free kick was well saved by Will Walsh in goal but the rebound was sent back in and slipped through the keepers grasp into the net for 1-1 and it was game on after a whirlwind start. Playing against the breeze we were creating the better chances and from a Nadine Seward cross Captain Kian Carey almost scored an overhead kick which missed the post by inches but at the halftime whistle it was 1-1. The second half started with the Ramblers in the
ascendancy and with the breeze at our backs pushed forward looking for the lead goal. A great through ball by James Moloney sent Josh away but his effort grazed the outside of the post and wide. Minutes later Josh again broke through and with the angle against him hit a powerful effort crashing of the crossbar as the Inch goal led a charmed life. To win any game when your on top you must take your chances, Inch created a few of there own but good defending by the back three of Lee Fitzpatrick, Taylor and Jack Lombard saw the score stay as it was. With 10 minutes remaining a chance was created by James Moloney as he skipped past a tackle in the box and as he looked to have scored the keepers leg turned it the wrong side of the post for a corner and when this was cleared Inch struck for the winning goal. Again from a set piece the ball was swung in high and the ball ended up in the net as Will couldn't keep it out despite getting a good hand to it and Inch led 2-1. I
t was now into the closing stages as we searched for the equalizer and try as we did Inch defended deep and with plenty behind the ball making it very hard to score and as the final whistle blew Inch celebrated and our brave players were left heartbroken after a wonderful season. While disappointed we are playing again on Wednesday night in Lismore in the Cup semi-final and we hope to be back in another final very fast to wipe this disappointment away. Hard Look to all the players and coaches J. P. and Chalky who put in great work all season, but it's not over yet! The squad looked very impressive in there newly sponsored Kit thanks to Moloney Concrete Design. WWEC/TSSDL U-16 CUP SEMI-FINAL Ramblers 2; Cahir Park 4 Kyle Roche Cian Ryan Our boys welcomed Cahir to Pablo Park last Monday the bank Holiday for a 3 pm ko and the mode was good among the players as they
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ALL WEATHER ASTROTURF PITCH NOW COMPLETED Hard to believe that it was as far back as March 2014 when the wheels were put in motion for the dream of an Astroturf facility at Ballinroad F.C to become a reality. Following an announcement that the Government was to make €40 million available in Sports Capital Funding, Club members came together and felt that the time was now or never to push forward with such plans. With such ambitions once being viewed a luxury for the Club, rapid expansion in the local population in recent years with the obvious knock on of increased playing numbers within the Club meant this facility had now become a necessity to the future development of the Club. The application process in itself left us believing such funding was perhaps out of reach, but thankfully we persevered and ultimately the hard work paid off, when on July 9th 2014 it was confirmed that €46,000 of Sports Capital Funding had been awarded to Ballinroad F.C for the development of an All Weather Astroturf Facility. A twelve strong fundraising committee was formed and only then was the enormity of the task that lay ahead fully realised. Whilst years of tight management of the Club’s financial affairs by our Club Treasurer Ann left us in a favourable position to proceed with the development, there was inevitably a shortfall which would need a huge fundraising push to make the dream a reality. To be able to look back now and think that an idea from
Club Chairman Vincent Tobin, Pat Flynn and Club President Michael Fraher looking quite content with the latest addition to the Club's training facilities. Jason to guess the time a cow would do its ‘business’ in a field would become our primary fundraiser, whilst unwanted Clothing Collections and the ongoing support of the Club’s fortnightly Lotto kept a steady flow of income coming in. By January 2016 the Committee felt confident that the approval of a small bank loan was enough to see the development through, and on February 29th, 2016 PST Sport arrived on site at St. Laurence’s Hall to begin work on the project. A mention must be made here for the endless hours of work (and haggling) that Pat and Maurice put into ensuring that quality was not compromised for price, and also ensuring local contractors such as Moroney Brothers Masonary and Kiely Technical Services were involved in stages of the build also. The news that PST had laid Astroturf pitches at the likes of Chelsea F.C had began to spread around and with it generated much excitement around the community. Over
the following weeks many both young and old would call over to St. Laurence’s Hall to witness first hand the construction of Ballinroad’s Astroturf Pitch. And now in it’s 45th year in existence, Ballinroad F.C can proudly boast a 30m x 55m All Weather Astroturf Pitch with 4G surface on its grounds to the rear of St. Laurence’s Hall. Although endless hours have been sacrificed by Club members and the fundraising committee over the last two years to see the project through to completion, it has been a pleasure to witness the local Community come together for a common cause. The Club is indebted to the local residents and the local business community for the endless support in helping us get to this stage, and we are delighted to have such a facility now available to the wider community in return. The Astroturf is available to hire on an hourly basis, with the price being set competitively at just €50 an hour after 6 p.m. or €30 an hour before 6 p.m. With
a responsibility to give back to the local community that have helped us get to this stage, the committee have set special rates for educational or voluntary organisations who wish to use the facility also. And so with Dixie continuing to develop the kids’ skills at Academy level, our Adult team competing in the 1A League this year, along with our Youths team and two of our Schoolboy teams now competing at the top level in their respective leagues there is no doubt that this will be the start of a very bright future for the Club, and one can now look forward to what the next 45 years will bring. As for our fundraising committee, we doubt they will remain idle for too long… they’ve been bitten by the bug and the desire to continue to develop the Club grounds for the better of Ballinroad F.C and the wider Community is now greater than ever. So to finish… to everyone who has supported along the way….THANK YOU!
EAST CORK OIL AGLISH BRANCH U-13 DIVISION A LEAGUE FINAL
Under 13’s come up just short in epic final looked to reach the final where Blackwater Utd were lying in wait. Cahir came as underdogs but didn’t lie down and took the game to us right from the off. That was until Kyle Roche scored on 7 minutes to give us the perfect start, but after that things went from downwards. Cahir equalized and took the lead before the break for 2-1 at half-time. A good reshuffle saw a better Ramblers in the opening minutes of the new half and Cian Ryan equalized which we richly deserved at that stage but Cahir found another gear helped by some gapping holes in the our defence as we pushed for the winner and scored two goals from breakaways to kill the game and seal a cup final spot at our expense. The season has concluded for this group now and while at times we struggled for a team it was a good experience to play against teams fro the Tipp League and one that could be valuable as the years go on. Enjoy the summer break lads. DEVELOPMENT SQUADS Well Done to Bobby, Ben
and Kyle who played in the WWEC Tournament in Cappoquin Last Sunday with the Under 11 side with the WWEC Development Squad against Wexford SL, West Cork SL and South Dublin FL. The three boys done the club proud and the WWEC League reached two of the four finals on the day, unfortunately both lost out to the Dubs 2-1 and 1-0 but a great experience for these boys. RESULTS Under 16 Cup Semi Final: Ramblers 2; Cahir Park 4. Junior Barry Cup: Pinewood Rangers 7; Ramblers 1. FIXTURES Wednesday, 11th May Under 13 Cup Semi-Final v Lismore AFC 7.00pm – AWAY. Sunday, 15th May U-15 Girls – TBC Tuesday, 17th May Juniors v Brideview Utd A 7.00 pm – HOME Monday, 6th June Under 11 Cup Final v Lismore AFC DATE FOR FAI SUMMER CAMP Monday 4th to Friday, 8th July are the dates for our FAI Summer Soccer School
Camp this year for Boys and Girls aged 6-14 yrs at Pablo Park. Bookings are NOW open online and with record numbers taking part in 2015 and demand for places on camps extremely high, we strongly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Bookings can be made online at www.summersoccerschools.ie How much does it cost? The price remains at just €65 for five fun-filled days of coaching with all participants receiving an exclusive kit, football and backpack Discounts! Extra-time – Book a sec-
ond camp for just €50. Use your kit and backpack from your first camp and you will receive a new football. Family discount – book an additional sibling and get €10 off. See www.summersoccerschools.ie for more details on these great offers! LOTTO RESULTS Letters Drawn: P, A, Y, E. Winner: None. €20 Lucky Dips to: Axel Foley, Paula Kelly Carey, Katie Salmon. Next Week’s Jackpot: €850. Tickets €2 Each or 3 for €5.00. Available from all committee members and usual outlets.
PLAYER PROFILE Name: Jack O’Driscoll Age: 11 School: Kinsalebeg NS Team: Under 12’s Position: Defender Favourite Team: FC Barcelona Favourite Player: Messi Favourite Food/Meal: Pizza When I Finish School I would like to: be a Mechanic Best Moment in Soccer: winning Len Rodgers