JFC v Ballynacargy

We opened our Junior 1 Football Championship Section A campaign with a 4-10 to 3-7 victory over Ballynacargy in Ballymore last Friday evening.

Goals from Padraig Carton (two), Joey O’Neill and Cillian Rochford proved decisive in a game where we could never relax, despite leading by nine points early in the second half. Inspired by corner forward Ryan Maher, Ballynacargy battled back to within three points before missing a penalty which would have brought them level. It was a huge turning point as we were able to wrestle back control and seal victory through Carton’s second major in the closing stages.

With a number of regulars missing through injury and overseas travel, we fielded a relatively young side and opened up an early 0-5 to 0-1 lead thanks to points from Conor Delaney (two), Nigel Scally, Cillian Rochford and Joey O’Neill.

However, Maher’s first goal brought Bal’ back into it and they quickly added a point to regain parity before Jack Molloy restored our lead. One of two championship debutants (John Victor was the other), Molloy then turned provider for Carton to raise his first green flag from Scally’s long ball in. Carton followed up with a point before Bal’ got two back to trail by 1-4 to 1-7 at the interval.

Quickfire goals from Cillian Rochford (at the second attempt) and Joey O’Neill propelled us into a 3-7 to 1-4 lead at the start of the second half, but a pair of Bal’ goals either side of a Rochford point reduced the gap to four, 3-4 to 3-8. Carton then kicked his second point, but the momentum remained with the Moynihan Park outfit who narrowed the gap to 3-6 to 3-9 before Conor Mullins came to our rescue by saving a penalty and the crossbar denied Bal’ from the rebound.

Following that let-off, Nigel Scally settled us with a point, only for Ballynacargy to reply with a similar score. It remained in the melting point until substitute Dean Fitzgerald made a great catch in the middle and sent Padraig Carton galloping through for the insurance goal, which he finished emphatically.

All in all, it was a positive start to the championship as thoughts now turn to our next outing against Mullingar Shamrocks on the weekend after next.

Team: Conor Mullins; Martin Ward, John Victor, Arthur O’Rourke; Jacob Browne, Shaun Pidgeon, Mark Wrafter; Ray Kennedy, Darragh Coffey; Joey O’Neill, Nigel Scally, Cillian Rochford; Jack Molloy, Padraig Carton, Conor Delaney. Subs used: Dean Fitzgerald and David Fennell.

Support our club and promote your business

We’re inviting local businesses to become valued club sponsors through our pitch-side advertising programme.

For only €600, you get an 8ft x 2ft advertising sign displayed at St James’ Park for three years. Your support helps us develop youth and adult teams, improve club facilities and provide equipment and training resources for our players.

For more information, contact Alan Fennell on 086 171 5923 or Martina Rochford on 087 637 0336.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 8, 10, 19 and 27. There was no jackpot winner. The Match 3 winners were Ann Dixon, Shauna Ryan, Elaine Brady, Aimee & Mary Spollen, Rose Smith and Mick Alford.

This week’s jackpot is €9,650, with the draw taking place on Wednesday, July 29. Make sure to buy your tickets online or at Centra, Mee's Costcutter and Whelan’s. Tickets are also on sale outside Centra every Saturday and Sunday. Thank you for your continued support.