On Sunday 29th June the final of the Billy Ronan Memorial Tournament was contested by Graigue Ballycallan and Lisdowney. The game took off at lightening pace with Graigue Ballycallan scoring 1-1 in the first 5 minutes. The scores kept coming for the home side and after 10 minutes GBC held a 1-4 to 0-2 lead over Lisdowney.
However, the visitors quickly began to fight back, scoring a goal and 3 points without reply. An extra blow was dealt to GBC in this period as goalkeeper PJ Trant had to be substituted following an injury. Despite these setbacks, GBC rallied once again before half-time, scoring 6 points, the pick of the lot being Darragh Walton’s effort from behind his own 65 yard line. Half Time score: GBC 1-10 Lisdowney 1-6
The second half demonstrated the importance of the strong breeze as Lisdowney used it’s assistance to create attack after attack. A lot must be said for the GBC defense as they repeatedly fended off these persistant waves, holding the opposition to just 5 points in the entire half. It was a similar scenario up the other end as the home team only managed to put over 2 points before the ref blew the final whistle on a tense and physical game. Thankfully this was enough to see GBC over the line as the game finished 1-12 to 1-11 in favour of the locals. Team captain Niall Millea was presented with the trophy for only the 2nd time in it’s history.
Team and Scorers: PJ Trant, Eoin Corcoran, Bob Murphy, Dermot Ryall, Darragh Walton (0-1), James Ryall, Shane Butler, Adrian Bourke (0-2 1f), Jimmy Murphy (0-3), Willie O’Connor (0-1), Niall Millea (0-5 3f), Gearoid Murphy, Thomas Ryan (1-0), Jason Dermody, John Purcell.
Subs: PJ Pollard for PJ Trant, Gearoid Murphy for Jason Dermody, Conor Murphy for Thomas Ryan.
