Balla end senior group stage hoodoo
James Jennings of Mayo Gaels goes highest for this ball against Balla duo Shaun Dempsey (2) and Ger Flanagan (3). Picture: Michael Donnelly
Balla finally ended their drought, securing their first senior group stage win on their 12th attempt with a commanding victory over local rivals Mayo Gaels.
This vital win not only marked Balla’s first success at this level but also guaranteed their senior status for the next season. In contrast, Mayo Gaels now face the challenge of a relegation semi-final as they try to avoid dropping to intermediate football.
Gary McHale was key to Balla’s triumph, netting two goals, while Conor Walsh added a well-taken finish. Both McHale and Walsh were pivotal, with strong contributions from Oisin Cronin, Ger Flanagan, Brian O’Donovan and Jude Clarke. However, this win was a true collective effort, with every Balla player making a significant impact.
Both sides came into the game needing a win to secure their senior status. Although Balla could have stayed up with a draw, they were eager to claim victory, especially after suffering a heavy defeat to Mayo Gaels in last year’s opening championship round. That loss motivated Balla to seek revenge in this match.
Mayo Gaels started strongly, quickly establishing a three-point lead through two points from John Gallagher and another from Sean Keane. It looked like they might dominate as they did last year, but Balla soon found their form and stifled Mayo Gaels’ attack for the next 15 minutes.
During this stretch, Balla took control of the game. Points from Mayo U20 player Oisin Cronin, Luke Flatley and Gary McHale brought them back into the contest. The first pivotal moment came when a Cillian Golding goal attempt fell short, allowing McHale to pounce and finish clinically, giving Balla the lead.
Mayo Gaels responded with quick points from John Gallagher and Ruairi Keane, cutting the deficit to two. However, Balla remained composed, continuing to extend their lead with scores from Ryan Fadden, Conor Walsh, and a free from McHale. By halftime, Balla led 1-7 to 0-5, putting Mayo Gaels under significant pressure to respond in the second half.
Most in the crowd at Breaffy Park expected a strong reaction from Paul McGarry’s Mayo Gaels after the break but the anticipated comeback never fully materialised. The second half opened with both teams trading points, with Cronin adding two more for Balla and Fadden also finding the target. Mayo Gaels managed to stay within five points thanks to long-range efforts from Adam Gallagher and two from Jack Fallon.
The defining moment of the second half came 15 minutes in when Conor Walsh followed a Colm Murphy free with a brilliant goal past Mayo Gaels goalkeeper Paul Mannion. This extended Balla’s lead to eight points, giving them a comfortable margin as the game entered its final stages.
Mayo Gaels’ hopes of a comeback were further damaged when corner-back Kevin Lynch received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Brian O’Donovan. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mayo Gaels fought on, reducing the gap to six points with two late scores from John Gallagher. However, time was running out, and Balla remained firmly in control.
As the game approached the 60-minute mark, Jude Clarke orchestrated a clever move that left Oisin Cronin through on goal. Showing great awareness, Cronin unselfishly passed the ball to McHale, who slotted it into the net for his second goal of the game. McHale then added a point shortly afterward, sealing an impressive individual and team performance.
In the end, Balla earned a deserved victory, securing their senior status for next season. Mayo Gaels, meanwhile, face an uncertain future as they now head into a difficult relegation playoff involving Charlestown, Belmullet, and Kilmeena. While Balla celebrated an important milestone in their senior football journey, Mayo Gaels will need to regroup quickly to avoid relegation.
