Minor A footballers set up home QF place

Minor A Football Championship. 06/10/2019. Vs. Na Fianna. Venue: Pairc Úi Murchu.

 Result: Ballyboden St. Endas 2.08  Na Fianna 1.07

 The Minor A Football Championship campaign continued on Sunday morning with the visit of  Na Fianna to Pairc Úi Murchu for the final group game. Conditions were perfect for football with the pitch in immaculate condition despite the downpour on Saturday. An early point from Luke Byrne was quickly countered by a well taken goal from Na Fianna as both sides settled into the match with every ball closely contested in true championship style. Another point from Luke was followed by a superb finish from Pearce Christie to raise a green flag for the home team. Jake Turley made a great save to deny Na Fianna before a pointed free narrowed the gap.

The home defence was working hard with Harry Donaghy, Eoghan Gannon and Cian Maher covering large areas of the pitch while Harry Colclough and Robert Cullen were winning their fair share of possession in midfield with Dean Ralph battling hard on the right wing of the attack. Sean O’Donnell and Conor Hanrahan emerged from defence to score two well taken points to add to Luke’s free before Ryan O’Dwyer finished a very good forward move to the net for the second goal. A further point from Ryan left the score 2.06 to 1.03 in favour of Ballyboden as referee, Paul Faughnan, sounded the half time whistle.

Na Fianna had the advantage of the breeze in the second half but Luke opened the scoring with another point before two points from Na Fianna signalled their intention to battle hard to stay in the championship.The Ballyboden defence stood firm with Jack Lambert leading by example while Jake’s kick outs were constantly finding their targets. Enda Cashman and Malachy Codd worked hard when introduced from the bench with Conor Cullen announcing his arrival with a well taken point. Na Fianna were applying further pressure resulting in two well taken points to leave four points between the teams.

Joe Maguire and Joey Donohoe added greatly to the defensive effort with David Keane bringing fresh legs to the attack as Na Fianna sought to maximise their extra man. As the clock entered injury time, the visitors were awarded a penalty which resulted in a brilliant save from Jake who then also saved the follow up effort. A further attack was repelled by the home defence before the final whistle sounded with the score at 2.08 to 1.07 in favour of  Ballyboden.

Well done to both teams for the spirit in which the match was played. The result means a home quarter final for the team on Sunday 20^th October as the championship enters the knock-out stage.

Thanks to the parents and the large Boden support who gave great encouragement to the team throughout the match with special thanks to the senior players for their support. Good luck to all the Adult teams in the football championship and to the Minor A hurlers in the championship semi-final next weekend.

We wish our injured squad members a speedy return to fitness.

A special mention to the club members responsible for the maintenance of the pitch which was in superb condition.

Minor A squad: Eoin Behan, Luke Byrne, Enda Cashman, Pearce Christie, Malachy Codd, Harry Colclough, Conor Cullen, Robert Cullen, Harry Donaghy, Joey Donohoe, Patrick Dunleavy, Eoghan Gannon, Conor Hanrahan, David Keane, Adam Kelleher, Jack Lambert, Conor Lowe, Cian Maher, Joe Maguire, John McGuire, Sean O’Donnell, Ryan O’Dwyer, Hugh O’Sullivan, Dean Ralph, Jake Turley.