Beale GAA   20/08/2019

It may have been the traditional Pattern Day in Ballybunion, but this 15jh of August was even a more memorable occasion! Beale minors celebrated a superb victory in Division 1 of the North Kerry League on Thursday evening when they overcame the challenges of the combination side of Asdee/Ballylongford/Ballydonoghue/Clounmacon.

The previous week’s final had ended all-square. Supporters looked forward to another great game in the replay and they sure were not disappointed. 


Both teams were well up for the game and spectators were treated to an enthralling game of football, played in ideal conditions in Mountcoal. The game had it all - hard tackling, well-taken scores, near misses and scrambling for possession as each player played his part. We opened the scoring and the teams exchanged points with little separating them on the field of play in the first half, as players battled hard. However, we seemed to have the slight edge on our opponents, been first to the ball with 

good support play and lads working hard for each other. As the short whistle beckoned, we were a point to the good. We hit a purple patch and stretched our lead to three points at the interval, 0-8 to 0-5. Then on the changeover, we kicked over a further three points to lead by six. 


The combination side struck back, raised the green flag and went on to add a further three points, without reply, to erode our lead and draw level in the tenth minute. Our lads composed themselves, rattled the net and pointed a free to give us a four-point cushion. Our opponents exerted pressure and pulled us back to two points with five minutes left on the clock. They threw everything at us but our defense stood firm and a great goalmouth save in injury time held the tide at bay in a nail-biting finish. Our young squad displayed some valiant teamwork throughout and were worthy victors on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-11. 


There was no hiding the delight of Beale supporters as they trailed onto the pitch at the final whistle. It was a proud moment for the club when captain, Diarmuid O’Mahony, was presented with the winning trophy by Johnny Stack, chairman of the North Kerry Board. In keeping with tradition, the victorious team did a lap of honour around the town that night as they brought another North Kerry title back to the seaside. 


The Beale team lined out as Aaron Buckley, Andrew O’Connor, Eamon Lawlor, Conor Hennessy, Conor Toomey (0-1), Diarmuid O’Mahony, Cathal Farrell, Bernard O’Callaghan, Jack O’Sullivan, Darragh Hanrahan, Eric Daly (1-7), Liam Bryant, Barry O’Neill (0-4(3f)), Luke O’Donovan (0-1) and Paddy O’Rourke. Substitutes: Philip Byrnes for Luke O’Donovan, Conor Breen, Darragh Kissane and Daithí Toomey. 


Beale juniors contest round 1 of the County Junior Cups on Friday evening when we host Na Gaeil at 6.45pm in Páirc de Staic. Winners here will

qualify for Barrett Cup competition, while the defeated team will qualify for Cahill Cup competition. The next round game is scheduled for August 30th.                                         


Its nearing that time of year again when the much anticipated North Kerry Championship is on the minds of footballing enthusiasts. The quarter final of the North Kerry Intermediate Cup against Moyvane was postponed last week. It has been provisionally scheduled for Saturday, August 31st, at 7 o’clock. Venue to be confirmed. The winners will meet Ballydonoghue in the semi-final. Byes have been awarded to Ballydonoghue, Emmets

and Castleisland Desmonds. 


The North Kerry Senior Championship draw will take place on Friday, 6th September, with live streaming, at 8.30pm in McMunn”s Bar and Restaurant, Ballybunion. First round games begin on October 6th. The draws for the Under-21 and Minor Championships also take place on that evening. 


We will contest Division 1 of the Minor Championship. Other teams include Asdee/Ballydonoghue/Ballylongford, Desmonds and Duagh/Brosna/Knocknagoshel. Teams contesting the Under-21 Championship include Beale, St Senans, Tarbert/Moyvane, Finuge, Asdee/Ballylongford, Emmets, Desmonds, Duagh/Brosna/Knocknagoshel and Ballydonoghue.


Tickets for the All-Ireland final will be on sale in next week or so. Ticket prices are as follows: Stand, €90; Terrace, €45. Tickets for the fundraising initiative for the Kerry team will be included with All-Ireland tickets. These car raffle tickets cost €10. All money from this draw goes to the Kerry players’ holiday fund.


Club members who wish to apply for tickets are asked to contact club chairman, John Dee, on 087 7534393 by Wednesday evening. Only fully paid-up members will be considered for any All-Ireland match tickets which the club may acquire. 





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