Aided by a strong breeze in the all-important last thirty minutes, Ballyskenach came back from the brink of defeat at the interval to completely dominate the second half which saw them chalk up a total of ten points to earn them victory over an enthusiastic St. Sarans side in Birr on Sunday and to take home with them the Junior “a” hurling cup after a lapse of sixteen years.
The game itself was unspectacular. St. Sarans (Belmont) played in the first half with the stout assistance of a strong wind and by half time they were ahead by 1-6 to 0-3. However, the tide of fortune changed hands on the resumption as Ballyskenach pulled out all the stops in a last ditch attempt to gain victory, It is noteworthy that in this last half Ballyskenach added 1-7 to their meagre halftime lead while St. Sarans seemed to lose all powers of penetration and depth as they failed to even complete the hour with a score.
In the end, Ballyskenach were deserving winners and the victory margin, 1-10 1-6, couldn't have been much fairer.
Missed Chances
The hour was full of missed chances from both teams. Shots that should have
been goals or points were driven wide of their intended mark and this fact,
coupled with a few others, served in no small measure to contribute to St. Sarans
failure.
The turn about came in the fourth minute of the second half after Ballyskenach's Pat McLoughlin was fouled inside the penalty area. Stalwart and veteran Monty Franks came up to take the penalty but his shot was deflected out and saved momentarily from the net. On the rebound, Colm Lalor was quick to avail of his chance and he hammered home Ballyskenach's first and only goal with accuracy and calculated determination. Now there was only a three point margin dividing the teams but in the eight minutes which followed this precarious lead was negatived and the path made clear for Ballyskenach's grand finale. Two minutes after taking the penalty, Monty Franks again came up to take a free which won the side a point. Pat Kirwan, playing a consistently good game, broke through four minutes later to bring the sides that much closer with a lovely point while Franks was, appropriately, given the final honor and glory of equalising in the 12th minute with a point from a free.
St. Saran’s, at this stage, realized they had it all to do and decided to make an all-out effort to come back in to the game. Their efforts were unsuccessful as by now Ballyskenach could see the cup glittering teasingly at them and nothing was going to stand in their way between it and them after sixteen years, when the defeated Blackwood Rovers (Blueball) in the final.
Forged Ahead
Ballyskenach forged ahead before the turn of the last quarter with a point from
play from Martin Kirwan which seemed destined for the back of the net. Now the
hearts of the only two surviving members of the ’61 ‘Skenach side,
Ned Delaney and Pat McLoughlin, pulsated more rapidly as the side lifted its
game to a higher pitch for the finish. There was a lapse of eleven minutes then
before 'Skenach scored again a lapse which featured many missed chances by both
sides, but particularly by St. Sarans,
Martin Kirwan put the seal on the game in the 24th minute and broke the no-scoring
pattern when he pointed from play. Then, in the last six minutes, Monty Franks
rounded off his side's scoring with two points from frees to give them their
four point victory.
For Ballyskenach, this victory was sweet and wholesome. Last year they lost the Cup by a meagre 0-1 to neighbouring Shinrone, but this time around, things were much different.
In the first half, as already stated, St. Saran’s made most, if not all, of the running. Jim Egan opened their account with two consecutive points from frees while in the 18th minute, and after two more points, Declan Ryan, in his characteristic beard, broke through to score their only goal of the hour. There was an irony attached to this score as it came about after a ‘Skenach player had questioned the referee, Tom Kelly (Banagher), about a decision. The free was taken and Ryan gained possession and made good his efforts.
No Numbers!
Unfortunately, this reporter cannot name the player(s) who scored St. Sarans
last two points in the first half because of an identification difficulty. Neither
side wore numbers and this made identification well-nigh impossible. Certainly,
some very serious thought should be given to numbering jerseys in future, if
not for earlier rounds then certainly for semi-finals and finals. It would make
everyone's job that little bit easier.
For the winners, Jim Bolger, in goals. was impressive. At different stages he pulled off majestic saves to save his side form downfall. The 'Skenach backs were good and reliable. Ger McAullife, John McLoughlin and Ned Delaney formed the bulwark while at the half backline Oliver Douglas, the side's captain, Ger Kirwan and Ned Franks provided ample cover and prepared the way for many a counter-attack. Jim Middleton was outstanding during the hour. Particularly impressive in exchanges, he was noticed for his skill and courage and attitude. Next to him were Pat Kirwan and Colm Lalor up front were P.J. McAullife, Pat McLoughlin and Matt Douglas.
For the losers, Jim Egan. Sean Egan and Declan Ryan were impressive while in defence, Frank Coleman stood out for his close-quarter marking,
Ballyskenach: Jim Bolger, Ger McAullife, John McLoughlin, Ned Delaney, Oliver
Douglas (Captain), Ger Kirwan, Ned Franks, Jim Middleton, Pat Kirwan, Colm Lalor,
Martin Kirwan, Monty Franks, P.J. McAullife, Pat Mc Loughlin, Matt Douglas.
Sub: Joe Cleary for Pat McLoughlin
St. Sarans: Aiden Kelly, Cam Finerty, Frank Coleman, Michael Heavin, Michael
Kenny, Kieran Claffey, Ger Hevin, Sean Egan, Michael Greham, Jim Egan, Declan
Ryan, Eddie Connaughton, Michael Connaughton, Seamus Kearns and Jim Cox.
Referee: Tom Kelly (Banagher)
Presentation
After the game, Offaly County Board Secretary, John Dowling, presented the Cup
to Oliver Douglas (Captain) and complimented the 'Skenach players on their great
win. He also congratulated the losers and paid tribute to them for their sportsmanship
and determination.
(Midland Tribune, September 3rd, 1977)
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