Opening Round Victory over Galbally

County Senior Football Championship Rd 1
Ballysteen….1-12
Galbally…1-07

Our Senior Championship campaign got off to the perfect start in blustery conditions last friday evening against Galbally as we registered a well deserved win in Feenagh. With a strong wind blowing and not favouring either side at times Ballysteen started the stronger and raced into an early 3 points to one lead with scores coming from the boots of Guerin,Collins and Mike Neville before Galbally responded with the opening goal of the game and two quick points to race into 4 point lead after 20 minutes of play. Ballysteen responded superbly however and dominated proceedings for the final ten minutes of the first half scoring 5 unanswered points to lead by 1 point at half time on a scoreline of 1-3 to 0-7.

The second half continued to Ballysteen dominate proceedings. Our backs defended brilliantly when required, while our forwards always looked dangerous on the attack. With Ballysteen 5 points up mid way through the second half, Danny Neville was denied by the woodwork to put the game beyond Galballys reach but only moments later Declan Nash made sure the back of the Galbally net was rattled when he took a well deserved goal following some good work by Mike Neville,Danny Neville and John Collins.

Galbally rallied in the dying minutes of the game but it was too late to deny Ballysteen a fine victory. Some fine displays on the night with Kevin Mcmahon,Rob Whelan and James O’Meara excelling in the backs. Matthew O’Meara and Paudi Vaughan marshalled the midfield well while up front John Collins kicked several fine frees with some fine displays from Mike Neville, Dec Nash and Pa Ranahan also. A great start to the championship and hopefully the fine momentum can be taken in to our next game with neighbours St.Kierans in a few weeks time.

Team: D.Fitzgerald, R.Somers, S.Gallagher, R.Whelan, M.Ranahan,K.McMahon (0-1), J.O’Meara (0-1), P.Vaughan (0-1), M.O’Meara, D.Neville (0-2), P.Ranahan, J.Collins (0-5, 3f), D.Guerin (0-1), M.Neville (0-1), D.Nash (1-0)

Subs: S.Whelan,P.Moran,A.Kehoe,B.Cassidy,E.Whelan,S.Carrig,C.Enright