IT WAS evident from an early juncture of last Thursday evening’s encounter in Charlestown that the odds were deservedly short on Ballaghaderreen becoming the first team in the 23 year history of the East U-14B competition to complete a three-in-a-row of title wins. However, with four of their last five scores each being goals, and not arriving until the last eight minutes of play, the final score-line inflated the true nature of Ballagh’s dominance over a hard-working Moy Davitts outfit. The Moysiders exchanged ends nine points in arrears, 0-2 to 2-5, but were the more purposeful team during the third quarter, however, a third Ballaghaderreen goal knocked the wind out of their sails somewhat and from then on damage limitation was their sole ambition.

The winners made the dream start with Leon Sinnott’s quick free allowing Aaron Lynch to goal in the first minute. Moy Davitts captain Padraig Ruane soon opened his side’s account with a point, but three Thomas Carmody singles, including one free, were augmented by a flick to the net by Kasif Abbas as Ballaghaderreen stormed 2-3 to 0-1 in front by the 22nd minute. In fact, the green trimmed whites could have been further ahead had Lynch, from the penalty spot, and Carmody not dragged goal attempts to the left and wide.

Ruane doubled the Moy Davitts tally only for Ballagh’ to finish the half strongly with further points by Sean McHugh and Kasif Abbas.

With Conor Byrne a lively presence in attack following his half-time introduction, Moy Davitts took the game to their opponents right from the off and, thanks to Lionel Jordan and Eamon Regan, had two points on the board within a minute of the restart. That good work was undone though when Keith O’Donnell raced on to a break off Abbas to drive the ball to the roof of Jonathan McGowan’s net. Moy Davitts, however, continued to play with great abandon and were rewarded with a further three points by the 16th minute of the half, courtesy of Eamon Regan, Alan Burke and the excellent Padraig Ruane, a free - Ballagh’s solitary response during that period kicked over by Keith O’Donnell.

Leading 3-6 to 0-7, Ballaghaderreen had kept their best football in reserve and though the game’s final score was reserved for Moy Davitts by way of a Ronan Murphy point, the winners, in truth, blitzed the opposition over the remaining time. The ever-dangerous Thomas Carmody bagged a brace of goals, in between which wingback Ryan Lynch and Kasif Abbas also raised green with Keith O’Donnell adding another point to his haul.

Apart from their chief scorers, Ballaghaderreen were particular-ly well served by Daffren O’Brien in defence, and up until his late retirement through injury, by midfielder Josh Gallagher. For Moy Davitts, the efforts of Paul Langan, Tony McDermott, John Gilmore, Padraig Ruane, Lionel Jordan, Dara Ruane and Eamon Regan deserved more than what materialised as their lot. SCORERS - Ballaghaderreen:

Thomas Carmody 2-3 (1f), Kasif Abbas 2-1, Keith O’Donnell 1-2, Ryan Lynch and Aaron Lynch 1-0 each, Sean McHugh 0-1.

Moy Davitts: Padraig Ruane 0-3 (1f), Eamon Regan 0-2, Lionel Jordan, Alan Burke and Ronan Murphy 0-1 each.

BALLAGHADERREEN: Dayle Clarke; Jason Ganley, Daffren O’Brien; Stephen Moriarty, David Caldwell, Ryan Lynch; Josh Gallagher, Kasif Abbas; Keith O’Donnell, Aaron Lynch, Leon Sinnott; Thomas Carmody, Sean McHugh.

Subs used: James Regan, Kyle Lowry, Seamus Cunniffe, Kevin McDonagh, Niall Gallagher.

MOY DAVITTS: Jonathan McGowan; Gary Gilmartin, Paul Langan; Oisin McHugh, Tony McDermott, John Gilmore; Padraig Ruane, Lionel Jordan; Dara Ruane, Eamon Regan, Shane Doherty; Brian Reape, Alan Burke.

Subs used: Conor Byrne, William Conlon, Ronan Murphy.

Referee: Jon Glavey (Aghamore)

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