Doyle's fairytale journey continues

The fairytale journey continued for Ballivor at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday as they booked their place in the Leinster Club JFC final against Louth side St Fechin's with victory over Wexford champions Geraldine O'Hanrahan's. However, there was a sense of anti-climax at the final whistle as Ballivor had held on against a brave 13-man side that had pushed them all the way with a spirited second-half. That didn't look likely in the opening period as Ballivor played some majestic football to open up an eight-point interval advantage, but after the resumption Paddy Doyle's troops eased up on the gas and allowed O'Hanrahan's back into the game despite having two players sent-off. As the players trooped off the field the supporters were more ecstatic than they were and while the fans celebrated booking their place in the final, the manager was disappointed with the second-half fade out, but accepted that that was always likely considering the big lead they built up in the first-half. "Reaching the Leinster final is mission accomplished for us, but it wasn't a great second-half from our point of view. I suppose going in with an eight-point lead at half-time gave us a cushion and we eased up a bit," said Doyle. "We were hoping that half-time wouldn't come because we played some great football in that opening 30 minutes. We had our momentum flying and everything was working really well for us, so we didn't want to stop. "It was hard to pick it up again for the second-half and we always knew that they were going to get their periods of dominance. When they did get a run at us after the break we didn't let them in for too many scores, but then when they got their goal that shocked us. "Luckily we responded well and went down the field and won the penalty so that counteracted that goal and we were able to steady up after that and I supposed we just cruised home then," he said. Doyle revealed that he believes his side are in bonus territory at this time of the year. His targets have been reached and being involved in a Leinster final is the stuff of dreams for the Ballivor man. He remembers a time when the fortunes weren't so good for his club, so he is happy to be still playing football at this time of the year. "Once the players are enjoying playing then that is the main thing. This run in Leinster is a novelty to them and they want to keep it going now, but there is no pressure on them at all other than the pressure they put on themselves. "The final is in two weeks time and we will look forward to that now. We picked up injuries to Sean Heavey and Killian Canavan today, but we'll aim to get them right for the final and we'll prepare properly. "The lads have been involved in a lot this year with both the football and hurling, but they love playing, they get great enjoyment from it. We don't kill them in training, we try to keep things ticking over, but there is no pressure on this group of lads. "They are an experienced bunch and they are used to winning, that is a great habit to have. We are in bonus territory now and we are all enjoying this. "I remember five years ago we were talking about disbanding the club, but now we are in a Leinster final, it's great," concluded Doyle.