Mayo native helps club to provincial title

Mayo native Ryan Baynes enjoyed a memorable evening at Croke Park on Saturday as he played a pivotal part in Ballyboden St Enda’s hard-fought Leinster Club Championship triumph over a gritty Athy outfit. 

For the West Mayo man, who made the move to the Knocklyon based club after leaving home, the victory carried a mixture of pride, relief and a deep sense of belonging forged over recent seasons.

Speaking in the aftermath, Baynes acknowledged that despite Ballyboden’s long-established reputation, the provincial series brought its own particular strain. 

“Delighted to get over the line really in Leinster,” he reflected. “It’s really new territory after the Dublin Championship, and yeah, just relieved really. There’s a lot of pressure put on the Dublin clubs. They’ve a history of winning Leinster, but there are great teams in it who can trip you up along the way.” 

Athy’s spirited showing ensured that nothing came easy for the Dublin champions. Having impressed throughout their side of the draw, the Kildare men met Ballyboden head-on with physicality and confidence, forcing the favourites to dig deeper than they might have expected. Baynes wasn’t surprised. 

“We knew they were going to be strong—they went well on their side of the championship. But yeah, just delighted now to get over the line.” 

Securing silverware on the hallowed turf of Croke Park added an extra sweetness to the achievement. For Baynes, like countless young footballers who grow up dreaming of big championship days in the capital, winning a provincial title at GAA headquarters was a moment to savor. “Nice to win in Croker as well,” he said, the grin practically audible.

While the occasion and the setting were special, Baynes repeatedly steered the conversation back to the group around him. Transitioning to a new club in a new county can be challenging, but he credits the warmth and unity within the Ballyboden setup for making Dublin feel like home. 

“Winning the final with Boden was unreal really,” he explained. “We’re all such a close bunch. We see each other all the time, and the bonds we form mean as much as anything, to be honest. Because we’re so close… yeah, just delighted to finish it off.” 

For a Mayo man forging his path in Dublin colours, Saturday’s victory represents another significant stride in a blossoming club career - one built on commitment, connection and a Leinster medal now proudly earned.