Goal-happy Ballyfin make the return to the senior hurling ranks

Laois Shopping Centre Premier IHC Final 

Ballyfin 3-14 

Rathdowney/Errill 1-11 

LAST time Ballyfin contested the final of this competition they lost out narrowly to Portlaoise, and after battling hard to reach last Saturday’s final they were determined to make changes and they did from the throw in.

This was a good day for Ballyfin. When the sides met in the group stages, Ballyfin trailed for most of the game but produced a storming finish to ensure a place in the knockout.

Ballyfin went ahead with a Gareth Dunphy point, followed by a like score from Alan Connolly. A strong breeze, favouring Rathdowney/Errill was blowing into the scoreboard end but it did not bother the men in green.

Rathdowney/Errill added two good points from Paddy Hassett and long serving Jimmy Corrigan. Ballyfin hit back and hit three good points and seemed pleased playing into the wind.

After 20 odd minutes Ronan Carroll capitalised on a high curling ball and again Carroll was involved and soon the Rathdowney/Errill net minder was plucking the ball from the net.

Paddy Hassett next sent over an excellent point from a free. Just as Rathdowney/Errill were steadying their defence, Ballyfin struck another blow when a high dropping ball from Gareth Dunphy landed between the goalie and the well positioned Shane Connolly who pushed the ball across the line from close range.

However, Rathdowney/Errill stormed back. The hard working Shane Dollard knocked the ball to the ground and slammed it beyond the Ballyfin keeper. Paddy Hassett added a point from a free and at the interval Rathdowney/Errill trailed 1-5 to 3-6.

The men in green had the elements in their favour on the resumption and Rathdowney/Errill knew they had work to do. In an earlier round they had to play twice before reaching the semi-final and they began the new half with a converted free by Paddy Hassett.

Ballyfin hit a wide before Shane Connolly added a point from play.

Rathdowney/Errill now hit a purple patch. Points from Aaron Costigan and Paddy Hassett reduced the deficit to four points and more than a quarter still remaining.

Ballyfin replied when half forward Jack Heffernan caught two balls in midfield and split the posts. Ballyfin followed with two wides and they introduced Dylan Kelly for Max Connolly.

Ten minutes remained when Paddy Hassett converted another free but Ballyfin were now in total control. Despite the best efforts of Rathdowney/Errill, who brought on experienced players like Alan Delaney, Jordie Kavanagh and Harry Wynne, try as they might they could never recover from those early Ballyfin goals.

They still have experience on their side and no doubt Paddy Bergin will try again next year.

The man of the match award went to Ballyfin centre-back David Connolly, and the County Chairman PJ Kelly complimented both teams on a very sporting contest. He then presented Ballyfin captain, duel player James Finn to receive the John Grace Memorial Trophy. Eleven years ago James became the first Ballyfin winning captain to lift the Intermediate football trophy.

Ballyfin are back in senior hurling, they were relegated in football but they will still have plenty of practice next year.

SCORERS:

Ballyfin: Shane Connolly and Ronan Carroll 1-1 each, Gareth Dunphy 0-4 (fs), Jack Heffernan and Eanna Lyons (0-1 sideline) 0-2 each, Darragh Lyons, Dylan Kelly and George Lanham 0-1 each.

Rathdowney/Errill: Paddy Hassett 0-8 (0-4fs), Shane Dollard 1-0, Aaron Costigan 0-2, Jimmy Corrigan 0-1.

BALLYFIN: Eoin Connolly; Conal Rowney, Sean O’Neill, Sean O’Neill; James Finn, David Connolly, Max Connolly; Eanna Lyons, Darragh Connolly; Jack Heffernan, Gareth Dunphy, Eamon Duff; Shane Connolly, Allan Connolly, Ronan Carroll.

Subs: Ciaran Culleton for Lyons (52m), Dylan Kelly for M Connolly (52m), Gary Hoffmeister for Carroll (54m), George Lanham for Heffernan (55m), Darragh Lyons for Duff (53m).

RATHDOWNEY/ERRILL: Ben Campion; Killian Carroll, Dan Bowe, Brian Campion; Oisin Moore, Joe Fitzpatrick, Marc Treacy; James Keegan, Jimmy Corrigan; Michael Cleary, Shane Dollard, Ben Galvin; Jack Dowling, Paddy Hassett, Aaron Costigan.

Subs: Peter Meagher for Keegan (36m), Jordie Kavanagh for Galvin (28m), Vinnie Cleere for Dowling (53m), Harry Wynne for Bowe (55m), Alan Delaney for Dollard (55m).

Referee: John Lalor (Shanahoe)