Mighty Ballygiblin are heading to Croker
It’s hard to believe that on Saturday week we will be seeing the Ballygiblin jersey take to the field in Croke Park, it really is the stuff of dreams, it’s what we all dreamed about and played out in our gardens as little boys and girls, scoring a goal or a point in Croke Park. Well that dream comes true for the lads and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone. The team set down a marker in the first half against Fullen Gaels on Sunday in the semi-final and the result was never in doubt after that.
Ballygiblin 4-20 Fullen Gaels 0-12
On Sunday morning in Portlaoise we took on Fullen-Gaels of Manchester and the crowd justified the change of venue; it was a sea of red and white and the terrace was well occupied long in advance of the throw in. We didn’t know much about Fullen Gaels but knew they would want to get to the final as much as we did so we were well ready for the battle ahead.
We started the first half playing with the wind and had an early wide before Fullen-Gaels took the lead with a free on the 1st minute though it would end up being their only score of the half. They had a wide a minute later before we levelled from the stick of Colin English, who would be a thorn in their side throughout, after a great catch and clearance by Mark Keane. Both sides exchanged wides before Dean Barry scored our second from play after Sean O’Sullivan got on the end of a long ball into the corner and he looked up and played the ball back to Dean in the middle to slot over. Joseph O’Sullivan put over a free inside the ‘65 on the 7th minute and then we struck for our first goal, Colin winning a great ball before legging it towards goal, he passed off to Sean but his initial shot was saved - but Colin had followed through and flicked the ball to the net.
Fullen got a free from the puckout but it went short and was cleared well by Barry Coffey and ended up as a side-line for Ballygiblin. Joseph stood over it and expertly slotted it over the bar to the delight of the huge Ballygiblin following. It left us 1-04 to 0-01 at the water break. We continued where we left off and with Sean a great target man inside, he was causing all sorts of problems, he won a great ball before passing to Colin to slot over. Michael Walsh then getting on the score sheet again after a great pass from Sean. We slotted over another free after Barry burst from defence and was fouled. We weren’t giving Fullen-Gaels a minute on the ball and they found it hard to make any headway. Dean then got his second on the 20th minute and Kieran Duggan could have had our second goal a minute later but his shot was saved but Sean managed to still get a point out of the attack and he would add another a minute later after another fine clearance by Barry. We had 3 quick wides to their one before we finished the half with
Dillion Sheehan supplying Michael for a point after winning a throwin ball after the Fullen keeper was deemed to be pucking outside the square. Barry Coffey finished our scoring of the half with a fine point after winning the ball back from his man. Leaving Ballygiblin 1-12 to 0-01 ahead. Though there was another half to play it was hard to see how Fullen-Gaels could get back into it.
In fairness they did up the intensity in the second half and both teams exchange frees in the opening minute and Fullen got their first from play on the 6th minute with a fine point under pressure. Again, we exchanged frees before Colin got another point from play. Ryan Donegan then took over the free taking after Joseph was replaced on the 10th minute and the young man didn’t disappoint, pointing 3 frees in the last 20 minutes as well as putting in a fine display throughout. We lead at the second water break 1-17 to 0-04. Both teams exchanged points but then we got our second goal after Colin’s shot was initially stopped but Aidan Donegan was on hand to flick in the rebound. Two minutes later we struck our third with Seanie Goals blasting to the net, he did well to flick the ball back into play to Dillion out on the sideline and Dillion wisely then fed him the ball back before he took on his man and headed for goals, there was no stopping him from there. Fullen continued to keep their scoreboard ticking over but the game was long dead as a contest. Colin sealing a great performance and our place in the All-Ireland final with our 4th goal in injury time, managing to bat the ball to the net with 4 Fullen men on his tail. Overall a fine, intense performance in the first half sealed the deal and the red and white army march on to the final in what has been an unbelievable year for the club - and it’s still not over! There were great performances throughout the field with everyone playing their part in the win.
Team - C Noonan, B O’Gorman, F Herlihy, M Lewis, J Mullins, M Keane, B Coffey (0-01), R Donegan (4 3F), J O’Sullivan (0-07 5F 1 side-line), M Walsh (0-02), C English (2-03), D Sheehan, D Barry (0-02), S O’Sullivan (1-01), K Duggan. Subs - A Donegan (1-0) for D Barry, C O’Sullivan for J O’Sullivan, C O’Brien for B O’Gorman, J O’Donoghue for B Coffey.
ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR HURLING FINAL
We will take on Mooncoin of Kilkenny in the final and we all know how tough and skilful Kilkenny teams are. Mooncoin also have experience at this level, making the final in 2017 where they were narrowly beaten by Mayfield by 1 point. I’m sure they will be out to right that loss, so we are going to be in for one hell of a battle. The game will also be shown live on the TG4 online portal for anyone that won’t be able to make the journey to Dublin, though judging by the crowds in Portlaoise there won’t be a soul left in Ballygiblin or Mitchelstown. Saturday, 5th February – Croke Park – 15.00 Ballygiblin v Mooncoin.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
We would ask everyone to show their support for the team and get out those red and white flags, bunting, posters whatever you have, hang them at home, in your business, on your car. We have thoroughly enjoyed all the excitement the last few weeks with great pictures and videos from everyone and would love to see and share even more. Message me through social media – Ballygiblin Hurling Club or text/WhatsApp 0863892261.
REBELS’ BOUNTY
Thanks to everyone for all their support the last few weeks, it has been amazing. We would now really appreciate if people would sign up to the Rebels’ Bounty and select Ballygiblin as your club, this is one of our main fundraising opportunities and remember we have big development plans coming up as well as a busy year competing at Intermediate. Remember you’re supporting both club and county. Sign up online by going to the Cork GAA website and selecting Ballygiblin.