Positive start to league

Ballyporeen footballers had a very positive start to the county senior league last Sunday in Ardfinnan against the home side. This was a very entertaining game played in ideal conditions and the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle.

Our lads are only just back training under new manager and coach Mossy Barrett and selectors Robbie Quinn and Michael Hanrahan. The game was close throughout with never more than two points separating the sides. Ballyporeen would lead at the break 0- 5 to 0-4, our scores coming from Fionan O’Sullivan (2) Darragh Lyons, (2) and Christy English.

The second half saw Ardfinnan get off to a good start with a goal after three minutes . Ballyporeen responded straight away however when Anthony Crotty’s effort found its way to the net. It was nip and tuck after that. We had a further goal from the left boot of Tommy Sweeney and points followed from Christy English, Adrian English, Eoin Morrissey, Evan Hickey and Riain Hennessy. We held out for a one win on a scoreline of 2-10 to 1-12.

There is plenty to work on but this was a good start to the league campaign. Jack English in goal pulled off a few great saves and John O’Callaghan and John Carey did well in the full back line. Up front Anthony Crotty and Christy English were causing problems for the Ardfinnan defence and Riain Hennessy did well when introduced, as did young Evan Hickey who was making his debut at senior level. We are down to play Grangemockler in our next game on Sunday week.

Team - J English, S O’Callaghan, J O’Callaghan, J Carey, Eoin Morrissey, N Vaughan, Aidan Donovan, T Sweeney, R O’Callaghan, C English, F O’Sullivan, T Vaughan, A English, D Lyons, A Crotty. Subs used - E Hickey, T Martin, R Hennessy.

WELL DONE

Well done to Conor Sweeney and the Tipperary senior football team on securing promotion to division three for next year. Tipp had a good win over a useful London side last Saturday in Thurles. Conor scored two points. Tipp will now play Cavan in the division four final this Saturday in Croke Park at 2.30. Best of luck from our club.

LOTTO RESULTS

Numbers drawn were 1, 5, 27 and 28. No winner, 1 match 3, congratulations to Mary Jackson Ballyporeen. Next draw is Sunday, 10th April in Meaney’s Bar, jackpot is €5,700.

CONDOLENCES

Our club would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Fitzgerald family Ballyporeen. Eileen passed away peacefully in her home last Friday after fighting her illness with great dignity. To her loving husband John, her two sons John and Dessie and daughter Emer we send our thoughts and prayers. Eileen was a true lady and her presence around the village will be dearly missed. May her kind soul rest in peace.

Also we send our sympathy to the O’Brien family on the passing of Peg. Peg had reached the ripe age of 100 years recently. May she rest in peace.