Mayo U-21 ‘A’ semi-final
Ballinrobe advance for derby showdown with Kilmaine
Ballinrobe 2-11
Ballintubber 0-7
By Michael Commins
A confident Ballinrobe team surged past Ballintubber in the U-21 semi-final
at Tourmakeady yesterday (Monday) and will now meet neighbours Kilmaine in
the county final at Hollymount on Sunday (3 p.m.). Already, the build-up to
this major local derby showdown is underway and the biggest crowd to attend
a Mayo U-21 decider for some years is confidently predicted for Hollymount
this coming weekend.
This semi-final, originally fixed for Hollymount, was transferred to
Tourmakeady where a fine crowd gathered in Riveria-style weather conditions
for the big game. The pitch was in excellent condition and the Tourmakeady
club spared no effort in rising to the occasion.
Ballinrobe opened with a pep in their step with Micheal Keane raising the
first white flag in the opening minute. This was no false dawn was Keane
was to prove the most influential player on the field. Fate smiled sweetly
on Ballinrobe a short time later when Sean Grimes lofted in a high ball
that the Ballintubber goalie failed to control and suddenly Ballinrobe had
opened up a four point gap.
Gary Dillon and Mark Walkin exchanged points from frees and Dillon added
another to reduce the margin. Ballintubber were dealt a severe blow minutes
later when Gary Dillon received a head injury in an accidental clash and he
was removed to
Despite this setback, Ballintubber appeared to raise their game for a time
and launched several attacks but also squandered numerous scoring chances
as the wides tally began to mount. Two points from frees by Mark Walkin and
one from play by Micheal Keane were responded to by Shane McDonagh and Colm
the interval with Ballinrobe ahead by a rather flattering 1-5 to 0-4.
Ballinrobe really wrapped it all up in the early minutes of the second
half. Micheal Keane shot another fine point after a good delivery from Sean
Grimes. And when Mark Walkin lobbed the ball from the left wing towards the
Ballintubber square, Keith McTigue was well placed to finish it to the net.
They nearly had another goal a minute later but Declan Dillon pulled off a
fine save from Aiden Golden.
Ballintubber tried to rally again and it took two good saves by Ballinrobe
goalie, Paul Tiernan, to deny them the scores which may have lifted their
challenge. Shane McDonagh reduced the deficit with two points from frees
but Ballinrobe finished in style with points from Mark Walkin, Kevin
Feerick, Keith McTigue and Walkin again to ease out comfortable winners.
Micheal Keane gave an outstanding display for Ballinrobe. Mark Walkin’s
contribution from placed balls and general play was also top class. Rory
Keane, Paul Finnerty, David Colleran, Sean Grimes, Harry Murphy, Paul
Tiernan and Anthony O’Toole were others to excel on the day.
Niall Munroe gave a whole-hearted display in the halfback line for
Ballintubber. Kieran Lally, Shane McDonagh, Joseph Nestor, Gary Dillon
(until injured), Alan Dillon, Colm Staunton, Brian Feeney and sub Con Lydon
also looked impressive during spells of the match.
Ballinrobe: P. Tiernan, P. Finnerty, P. Costello, A. O’Toole, C. Killeen,
R. Keane, D. Colleran, S. Grimes (1-0), H. Murphy, R. Macken, A. Golden, M.
Walkin (0-6), K. Feerick (0-1), M. Keane (0-3) L. Butler. Subs: J. O’Malley
for C. Killeen, K. McTigue (1-1) for R. Macken, A. Murphy for K. Feerick.
Ballintubber: D. Dillon, C. Feeney, P. Earley, J. Nestor, N. Munroe, T.
Earley, J. Kelly, B. Feeney, P. Coonan, K. J.C. Lally, A. Dillon, K. Lally,
for G. Dillon, C. Lydon for K. J.C. Lally.
Referee: Michael Daly (Ballyhaunis).
