Boyle GAA Blog ...by Tony Conboy

Tansey Cup Win:
Boyle 1.11 Ballinameen 1.10Boyle ended the 2008 playing season on a high with one point win over a spirited Ballinameen side in a nail biting Tansey Cup Final on Sunday in difficult conditions at Ballinameen. Boyle won the cup with an excellent point from play by ‘man of the match’ Damien Keenehan, in the dying minutes.

This was a good game of football played with championship fervour. There were some fine points scored, from play and from frees, throughout. Boyle got off to a great start with a Cian Smith goal after three minutes. However this was quickly answered by a similar score by Aidan Cunningham who had stolen inside the Boyle full back line to finish easily. This set the tempo of the game with great commitment by both sides. Boyle were on top in the first half despite some fine frees from Gary Hanley and at half time the score stood at Boyle 1.8 Ballinameen 1.4.

For whatever reason, the Boyle performance dipped in the second half. Ballinameen chipped away at the Boyle lead with points from Cunningham, Carlos and Hanley and levelled after seventeen minutes and went ahead on 25 minutes. Boyle responded with two points on 26 and on 27 minutes by substitute Darren O’Connor, making his debut on the Boyle first team. These were the first Boyle scores of the second half. The strong Jason Neary, at full forward for Ballinameen, put the sides level again in the exciting finale and extra time seemed probable. However Damien Keenehan finished with aplomb with a confident lead point to give Boyle victory in injury time.

Great credit is due to both sides on a fine and spirited game of good football at this stage of the year.

In terms of Boyle; McGarty did well in goals but will have to get more vocal in making sure his full back line mark the most forward attacker, Kieran Supple had an armful with Jason Neary, While the backs were well tested by the pace and skill of Ballinameen they did better in the first half than the second. Midfield was another contentious area. Ballinameen seemed to do much better in mopping up the breaking ball. The Boyle forwards did very well in the first half with Mark O’Connor, Cian Smith and Liam Conroy doing very well. Perhaps they should have been further ahead at the break. However they struggled in the second half and it was only the driving play of Damien Keenehan which eventually got them over the line. Substitutes Cian Beirne and Darren O’Connor also did well when introduced.

For Ballinameen they had numerous excellent performances. Declan Dwyer in goals was solid and his kick outs excellent, The back line got more to grips with Boyle in the second half. Aidan Cunningham, at midfield, had an excellent game throughout and contributed 1.3 to their score. Gary Hanley was very impressive with his free-taking. Neary was a great target man at full forward while Keane, Carlos, Keaveney and Casey did well.

Boyle captain Tadhg Egan, in accepting the cup, from County Treasurer Joe Gilligan, in a wide

ranging address, thanked his fellow panel members, management, sponsors and loyal supporters for collectively contributing to this success and their advance this year. Thanks and congratulations to all concerned on well deserved success and we look forward to playing O'Gara Cup football next year.

Teams.

Boyle: T. McGarty, T. Egan, K. Supple, B. Supple, S. Purcell, D. Casey, J. Lyons, S. Tonra, C. Cox, L. Conroy, D. Keenehan, R. O’Donohoe, C. Smith, M. O’Connor, D. Kelly with C. Beirne, L. Conboy and D. O’Connor.

Ballinameen: D. Dwyer, D. Wynne, P. Kelly, B. McGarry, M. Warde, P. Casey, P. Cryan, A. Cunningham, J. McDermott, D. Carlos, O. Keaveney, S. Casey, G. Hanley, J. Neary, P. Keane

Club Lotto:

The Club Lotto draw took place recently in Clarkes. There was no jackpot winner. The following were €20 winners;-Pat Brogan, Paddy Daly, Gus Gannon, Eugene Cregg, Peggy Feely, John Murray, Tiernan McGrath, Peter McLoughlin, Carmel Lavin and Frances Keville.The house prize was won by Eileen Toolan.This week’s draw will be held on Saturday night the 20th in The Patrick's Well.The jackpot will be €1,200.

Minor AGM:

The Minor Club A.G.M. was held on Wednesday night the 10th in the Royal Hotel.There was a large and enthusiastic attendance. A successful year was reported with success achieved especially in the younger age categories. There was minimal change at officership level. The following are the officers for 2009;-Chairperson:-Pat Goldrick, Secretary-Jan Flanagan, Treasurer-Mary Halligan, Asst Treasurer-Brian Nerney, Registrar-Mary Clifford.The senior board A.G.M will be held in January.

Abbey College Final:
The Abbey College second year's Connacht Final which was due to have been played on Friday last had to be postponed because of the unavailability of a playable pitch. This game has been re-fixed for this Wednesday 17th December at 11.30 am in Loughglynn. The Club extends good wishes this team which has strong Boyle representation.