Glory Glory Ballinacourty

Saturday 21st August is a day that will be etched in the history of our club for ever more, as for the 1st time we travelled East to win a Senior title. Having lost out to our opponents Rathgormack in the 2019 decider we knew we were in for a battle. And thus, it proved to be as we were made battle to the very end before finally shaking off a very determined challenge from excellent challengers.

Having waited 9 months for the opportunity to avenge the previous final’s defeat, it would have been reasonable to expect a few cobwebs that needed to be blown out of the system. But from the outset the lads applied themselves magnificently, launching themselves into every tackle as if their life depended on it. The intensity certainly had the desired effect as we proceeded to take control all over the field. We got the scoreboard ticking over when Furry landed a point from play which was followed up by a free from Aaron. Rathgormack rallied and levelled before the water break before taking the lead for the only time shortly thereafter.

Faced with a deficit the lads really knuckled down and reeled off the next 4 points, with Podge rolling back the years, scoring 3 and a superb score from Seanie up from wing back. 2 points up a half time we were in a decent position but certainly expected a ferocious effort from Rathgormack at the beginning of the 2nd half as they strived to keep a hold of the title. This proved to be the case as they hit the next 2 points to level affairs again.

Now was the time to stand up and be counted and you could see the effort levels rise all over the field as “veterans” Furry and Podge stepped up to rattle off 2 great scores to give us a 2-point cushion again. Captain Michael chipped in a with score either side of 2 Rathgormack frees. Next up was the score of the game as a sublime diagonal ball from Furry found Podge who duly obliged with another minor.

Shortly after Stenners pulled of an amazing point blank save to keep us in the lead. Frees were exchanged before John took off on a solo sojourn into enemy territory winning a vital free which Podge made no mistake dispatching. 2 points up with the clock ticking down we withstood a sustained final assault before lifting the siege as Podge kicked his eight point. We were now over the 4 minutes injury time indicated and Rathgormack launched one last free into the kitchen where Conor rose like a colossus to take possession and with that Tom Mansfield blew the final whistle and Courty had annexed our 7th Senior title.

There were great scenes of excitement in an outpouring of emotion that can only come with winning a county title. Players, mentors and supporters celebrated as one with Podge accepting the Man of the Match award to great applause and then the roar went up as Michael climbed the steps to accept the Conway Cup on behalf of this great team. Having thanked all involved 3 cheers were raised for our gallant opponents and then it was down to the serious job of getting the celebrations going. There is something special in the immediate aftermath, where you get the sense of just what it means to be a part of this great club. Happy, smiling faces everywhere and real sense of togetherness as a community. As the great Tony Mansfield often said, “One Parish, One Club”.

Not being of the vintage to remember the side of the 70’s this was the best Ballinacourty performance this writer has had the pleasure to be witness to. The effort and application was top class all over the field and it’s a credit to Lar and management team of Gary, Mattie and Conor that they devised the perfect game plan which the players executed to great effect. This was a victory that was long in the planning with every detail and eventuality planned for.

Each and every player made a significant contribution. Stenners was he usual assured self, whilst Daragh, John and David snuffed out any danger that came their way in a solid full back line. Seanie, Brian and Tom were well on top in their defensive duties and caused difficulties with their constant attacking runs. At midfield we had the 2 powerhouses Conor and Neil who put in two massive performances combining unreal energy and no little skill. Furry and the 2 Michaels worked tirelessly in the half forward line hassling and harrying and cutting out the Rathgormack running game at source whilst also chipping in with some invaluable scores. At full forward Podge played like a young fella with 8 points and then we had the 2 bundles of energy Aaron and Dean who were a constant threat and were always available to take possession. Of course, this was more than a 15 man effort and everyone of the panel contributed, with the lads coming on Conor, James, David and Mark putting in great performances.

To win a county title requires the help and support of a great many people and thankfully in Abbeyside / Ballinacourty we are blessed with the people involved. The backroom team of JD, Emer, Kevin and Ravis have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and then there is our sponsors who we owe a huge debt of gratitude to. Jack O Hare and Adesco have been our main sponsor for a number of years and we are eternally grateful for their continued support. Also, we need to make mention of John Shanahan who sponsored the gear for the final all the way from the USA. Thanks to you all.

Panel – Stephen Enright, John Elstead, Darragh McGrath, David Montgomery, Sean Whelan Barret, Brian Looby, Tom Looby, Conor Prunty, Neil Montgomery, Michael Kiely, Mark Ferncombe, Michael O Halloran, Dean Beresford, Patrick Hurney, Aaron Beresford, Brian Enright, Conor McCarthy, James O Mahony, David Collins, Mark Twomey, James Beresford, Daithi Brennock, Colin Foley, DJ Kiely, Shane Briggs, David Looby, Stephen Cliffe and Cian Fagan.

Championship 2021

As we finally closed off the 2020 championship the 2021 edition kicked off this week with the Minor and Junior A in action.

The Minors recorded 2 fine victories versus St Carthages and Clonea respectively whilst the Juniors drew with The Brickies. This game doubled up as the Division 5 County League Final and so a penalty shoot out was needed to decide the destination of the cup. Sean Daly, Eoin Kiely and Maurice Power all scored while Lar Power saved two penalties before stepping up and scoring the decisive one himself to secure our 1st silverware of 2021. Well done lads.

The action continues to come thick and fast as the Junior B team also begin their championship campaign.

Minor Hurling Championship Div 1

Abbeyside v Portlaw / Ballyduff – Wednesday 25th August @ 18.45 in Abbeyside

Abbeyside v Ballygunner – Sunday 29th August @ 11.00 in Abbeyside

Junior A Western Championship

Abbeyside v Geraldines – Friday 27th August @ 19.00 in Fraher Field

Junior B Western Championship

Abbeyside v Ballyduff – Sunday 29th August @ 16.00 in Cappoquin

Deise Super Draw 2021

The next draw will take place on 26th August.

Jack The Joker

The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Ray Moloney was drawn and picked number 24. When turned this was not the Joker, but he did win €50. Fiona Flynn and Paul Lennon won €25 each. The jackpot next week will be €1,600.

Congratulations

Along with the County Final celebrations there were plenty of other revelries around the Village over the weekend with 2 weddings taking place. Congratulations to Riche Foley and Aoibhean Geary and Kenneth Kelleher and Richael Boland on their nuptials. We wish them long and happy lives together.

Sympathy

All in the club were saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Paddy Coyne last week. Paddy was a member of the committee for many years and was a mainstay of fundraising activities for a long time. We offer our condolences to his family at this difficult time.