Ballyskenagh participated in the Offaly Sevens for the first time on Sunday 2nd June in Rath and emerged as champions.
Drumcullen were the opposition in the first match and Skenagh won on a scoreline of 5-7 to 3-4. Our next opponents were Lusmagh and again victory came our way on a scoreline of 6-4 to 3-2. As Cooldery had withdrawn from the competition due to a bereavement, we were now through to the semi-final, where our opponents were once again Drumcullen. Ballyskenagh again emerged on top, with a final score of 6-10 to 4-7.
Killavilla meanwhile disposed of the reigning champions Kilcormac/Killoughey, after their game went to extra time, and so the final was a local derby between Killavilla and Ballyskenagh.
It was a hard fought contest and in the end just two points separated the sides - 6-11 to 7-6.
Panel
Mark Kirwan, Aidan Franks, Vinny Franks, Brendan Franks, David Franks, Eoghan
Franks, Kenny Franks, Alan Franks, Derek Middleton, Eoin Maher.
Well done to the lads and also to Drumcullen on organising the competition.
Indeed their win could be described as ‘Frankly’ great as no fewer than seven of the Franks family - six brothers and their cousin Alan - made up the panel of ten players.
Drumcullen G.A.A. Club’s fourth annual ‘Offaly Hurling Sevens’ , sponsored by Kavanaghs of Killyon was again an outstanding success. Fans were treated to a feast of hurling from morning until the curtain came down on a near perfect day at 5.00 p.m. following a thrilling final in which Ballyskenach defeated near neighbours Killavilla, who were appearing in their second successive final, on a scoreline of 6-11 to 7-6.
Eight teams accepted the invitation to participate. Unfortunately Coolderry were forced to withdraw due to bereavement while St Rynagh’s were unable to muster sufficient numbers to meet the appointed starting time.
At Kilcormac, the local Kilcormac /Killoughey team emerged top of their group to advance directly to the semi- final while Killavilla and Kinnitty took the quarter final places in second and third place respectively.
Meanwhile in Rath, Ballyskenach, who were making their first appearance in the tournament, were sending out strong signals of their intent with comfortable wins over Drumcullen and Lusmagh. Drumcullen shook off the challenge from brave Kinnitty in the first quarter final while Killavilla came from behind to pip a gallant Lusmagh outfit who looked destined for semi-finals for most of the game.
The first semi-final between Drumcullen and Ballyskenach was close for a long time before the latter’s stronger finish gave them the necessary cushion to advance to the final.
The second semi-final was a repeat of last year’s final but Killavilla turned the tables this time with the narrowest margin after extra time. This was a real heart-stopper with the lead changing hand regularly. The teams were level at 7-6 to 8-3 at the end of normal time. Five minutes each half of extra time saw K/K add seven points while Killavilla added 2-2 to edge home by a solitary point. At this stage Killavilla were playing from a panel of nine players having suffered an unfortunate injury in the qualifying stages.
Ballyskenach were off to a flying start with two early goals in the final but Killavilla refused to buckle and from there to the end they contributed to a marvellous final in keeping with what we have come to expect in this competition. Having to play an extra game in the quarter final and extra time in the semi-final probably sapped Killavilla’s energy but there was no denying the worth of the eventual winners who richly deserved their success.
Coincidentally,the winning margin of two points was the same as that separating the sides in the final since the tournament began.
Referees, Martin Walsh and Noel Flynn both of whom did an excellent job, were presented with special mementos by Drumcullen Club Secretary Peadar Nugent who put in so much time and effort into organising this tournament.
P.J. Kavanagh, presented winners and runners-up trophies to both teams on behalf of the sponsors. The special Player of the Tournament award was presented to Killavilla’s Niall Maher who performed heroically both in goals and attack throughout the day.
During the day refreshments of tea and sandwiches were served and the club is indebted to the ladies who worked so hard both in Rath and Kilcormac in providing such an excellent service. They are also very grateful to the many club members who assisted throughout the day, to Kilcormac / Killoughey Club for their co-operation, to Kavanaghs, Killyon for their generosity and to all those who have thanked and complimented the club on the success of this tournament.
They look forward to the continued co-operation and support of all in the future in organising what is becoming an important event in the sporting calendar.