Ballyer bag first c’ship title
AN ACTION packed Junior ‘E’ Football Championship final saw Ballyfermot De La Salle junior footballers claim their first title at this level and complete a double after securing the Duffy Cup earlier in the summer.
The Ballyfermot boys had to fight tooth and nail for this title after they came from five points down to beat Rosmini Gaels 1-14 to 1-11 in extra time in Parnell Park on Saturday.
Ballyer showed great heart and determination in this contest, with their substitutes proving the difference between the sides, particularly in extra time.
The first half of this contest was level pegging with the sides going in all square 0-5 to 1-2, Jackie Gire, James Murphy and the hard-working Mark Smith among the scorers.
However Rosmini hit a purple patch in the second half and sent over five points on the bounce as Ballyfermot looked in real danger.
However the Ballyfermot management made a number of switches with Shane Doyle, Adam Kane and Dylan Nolan coming off the bench and making a big difference.
With 10 minutes on the clock, Rosmini were five clear, but a James Murphy goal and a point from substitute Adam Kane left the match in the balance.
Then in injury-time Ballyfermot went on one final attack and were rewarded with Mark Smith kicking the equaliser.
In extra time, Ballyfer-mot kept up the moment with Nolan finding the range with two points while Kane also got in on the act to see their side over the finish line.
In defence, Brian Chubb along with Fintan McConnell broke down many of Rosmini attacks while Jordan Wilson was solid throughout.
Ballyer are now on course for the treble as they are also in the running for the Division 10 prize with three matches remaining.
It is the club’s first championship title since the old Ballyfermot Gaels and De La Salle amalgamated back in 1994.
“We are absolutely delighted. It’s a great achievement for the team and club,” said Ballyfermot mentor Paul O’Brien.
“We have struggled over the years, but rebuilt the side last year and all the hard work has certainly paid off. It’s great for the club – we had loads of supporters at the match and a lot of juvenile players which was great.
“The substitutes that came in made a big difference” he added.
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