Late surge secures precious victory for battling Ballinagore

Ballinagore 1-15, Delvin 1-10

Ballinagore clinched the Westmeath Junior 2 Football Championship title after an impressive late burst saw them overcome a brave Delvin side by five points in an enthralling contest at TEG Cusack Park on Saturday afternoon.

With the sides level at 1-9 apiece midway through the second half, Ballinagore dug deep and produced a dominant finish, scoring six unanswered points to secure their title and promotion back to the Junior 1 Championship next season.

It was a fitting end to a hard-fought campaign for Michael Ennis’ team, who celebrated jubilantly at the final whistle, while Delvin were left to reflect on what might have been after a valiant effort. Despite the defeat, Delvin showed plenty of heart and resilience, but their inability to find scores in the final quarter proved costly as they went over 20 minutes without a point.

Ballinagore opened brightly, making full use of the wind at their backs. Early points from Cathal Kelly, Brandon Carey, and Paddy Ennis helped them into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead within seven minutes. Delvin, however, remained competitive, with free-taker Eoin Carolan keeping them in the contest. By the 21st minute, Ballinagore’s pressure paid off when Brandon Carey scrambled home a goal following a well-worked move involving Darragh Seery and Paddy Ennis, putting them 1-4 to 0-3 ahead.

Delvin, to their credit, responded well. Carolan’s reliable free-taking, coupled with a punched effort from Darragh Clinton, kept them within touching distance. As the first half came to a close, Ballinagore held a 1-6 to 0-6 advantage after a lively 30 minutes, but Delvin were still very much in the game, knowing they had the benefit of the wind in the second period.

Delvin’s response was swift after the break. Within minutes, Clinton punched a goal after rising highest to meet a delivery from a 45’ by Carolan, and they quickly followed up with a point to lead 1-8 to 1-7. The game was now on a knife-edge, and it appeared anyone’s for the taking.

However, Ballinagore showed immense character and experience in the final quarter, with key players stepping up when it mattered most. Darragh Seery was the standout performer, driving his team forward and contributing three points, including two crucial frees. His leadership, combined with points from Cody Finnane, David Keegan, and Enda Claffey, ensured that Ballinagore regained control just when it looked like the momentum had shifted towards Delvin.

Delvin’s efforts to mount a comeback were thwarted by a well-organised Ballinagore defence. They struggled to create scoring opportunities in the closing stages, and their challenge was further hindered when Seb McPherson was shown a red card late on, leaving them down to 14 men for the final minutes. Clinton managed a late consolation point, but by then, the game had slipped away.

For Ballinagore, the victory was a testament to their determination, and it was fitting that captain Robbie Keegan lifted the Junior 2 Cup amidst great scenes of celebration. The team’s blend of youth and experience, combined with the leadership of key players like Seery, Ennis, and Carey, proved decisive in the end.

As Ballinagore look ahead to next year’s Junior 1 Championship, Delvin will regroup, knowing they have plenty of potential to build on after a strong showing this season. The future looks bright for both clubs, but on this occasion, it was Ballinagore who emerged victorious, celebrating a well-earned triumph at the final whistle.

After the final, Ballinagore celebrated a deserved win, and captain Robbie Keegan proudly lifted the Junior 2 Cup following the presentation by County Committee Chairman Frank Mescall and Carole Clarke of Clarke's Bar, sponsors of the competition. The victory also secures their return to the Junior 1 Championship next season.

Scorers - Ballinagore: Brandon Carey 1-1, Paddy Ennis 0-3 (0-1f), David Keegan 0-3, Darragh Seery 0-3 (2f), Cody Finnane 0-2, Cathal Kelly 0-1, Colin Coleman 0-1, Enda Claffey 0-1.

Delvin: Eoin Carolan 0-6 (0-5f), Darragh Clinton 1-2, Sean Hoctor 0-1, Dean Ennis 0-1.

Ballinagore: Cathal Daly; David Pidgeon, Enda Claffey, Peter Deegan; Luke Seery, Conan Feery, Robbie Keegan; Darragh Seery, Cathal Kelly; Peter Reynolds, David Keegan, Brandon Carey; Colin Coleman, Cody Finnane, Paddy Ennis. Subs: Donal Barrett for Kelly (13), James Sheerin for L. Seery (44), Enda Kenny for D. Keegan (49), Byran Pidgeon for Carey (55).

Delvin: Aaron Murtagh; Oisin Kelly, Patrick Clune, Eddie O’Neill; Liam Carolan, Sean Hoctor, Seb McPherson; Adam Ennis, Alan Cox; Jack Forde, Dean Ennis, Kyle Bracken; Eoin Carolan, Darragh Clinton, Peter Fallon. Subs: Stephen Reilly for Bracken (HT), John Ivory for Forde (39), Aaron Fenlon for L. Carolan (44), Adam McCormack for D. Ennis (58).

Referee: Cathal Boland (St Joseph’s).