Bright start by Ballivor away to Castletown

Corn Na Boinne

Ballivor1-12

Castletown1-7

Thomas Macleod

Ballivor got their 2024 campaign off to a great start with a win in the Corn na Boinne away to Castletown.

The five-point margin might not look huge, but it was a dominant display from Ballivor who were, 10 points up at half time and took the foot off the gas in the second half.

Spirits were high and the group were full of optimism as the Ballivor men made the long journey North on Tuesday evening with a strong panel and victory on the mind. In the past, Ballivor have been called a summer football team and accused of not taking it seriously at this time of the season.

That may have been true in seasons gone by, but not anymore. This was a Ballivor team with a mix of experience, youth, size, pace and the added bonus of lads opting to take a year out from inter-county hurling. Meath’s loss is certainly Ballivor’s gain.

There was also change in the Ballivor management team during the off-season. Sean Corrigan was awarded the county u-20 hurling manager’s job which left a hole to be filled. The hot seat was filled by Joe O’Donoghue from Johnstown Bridge, Co. Kildare. Joe has kept Robbie McCarthy on as coach, and we wish the new management team all the best for the coming year.

Referee Peter O’Halloran threw the ball in just after 8pm and for both teams the 2024 season was up and running. Castletown won the early battle for possession and began to attack.

They held possession well as they tried to find a way through the defence, but Ballivor held strong and kept the home side outside the 45 and a long way from goal, eventually forcing a panicked shot which dropped short into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Tosh Raleigh.

After soaking up the pressure, Ballivor broke quickly. Two long accurate kick passes left the ball in the full forward line with Kevin McKeon in a matter of seconds. Kevin off-loaded the ball to Adam Gannon who burst off his shoulder before letting of a powerful left-footed shot, hitting the inside of the post and nestling into the Castletown net.

The rest of the first half continued in much the same fashion. While Castletown were wasteful with possession and with their shot-selection, Ballivor were composed and clinical. Points from Kevin Mckeon, Jamie Smyth and David Raleigh put Ballivor well in the driver’s seat after the first 15 minutes.

Castletown scored their first and only point of the half in the 18th minute. Ballivor would reply with five points on the bounce before the interval. The scores coming from Brendan Mckeon, Shay Diggins, Mark Hand and two more for Kevin McKeon. Tosh Raleigh also made an incredible double save to deny Castletown a certain goal.

At half-time the scoreline stood was - Castletown 0-1, Ballivor 1-8.

The second half started with more of the same. Kevin McKeon pointed a free and the Adam Gannon claimed and converted a mark to stretch the gap to 12 points.

Whether it was due to the fact that Ballivor had eased up and started making changes, Castletown had finally woken up and decided to play, or a combination of both, the hosts hit their purple patch and over the next 20 minutes and scored 1-4 without reply. It might have been a nervy finish for Ballivor, but Kevin McKeon kicked two more points to keep Castletown at arm’s length.

The final whistle blew amid a shemozzle on the dugout side of the pitch. Both teams venting their frustrations, Castletown with how the game had gone for them and Ballivor frustrated with the barrage of late hits going unpunished.

It was a good day for the future of Ballivor who gave senior debuts to five players. Mark Hand, Shay Diggins, Elliot Ryan, Conor McNally and Darragh Ryan.

Darragh Ryan originally from Tipperary and having played club football in Dublin for the past few years is a new transfer into the club. Hand, Diggins, Ryan and McNally have all made the jump from last years minor team. All five played very well for their first outings and are great additions to the panel.

We wish all the best to Ronan Comey who came off injured in the second half. It was Ronan’s first game back after a long spell out with a knee injury and we hope this one isn’t as serious and he can get back on the pitch soon.

Thanks to Castletown for their hospitality and brilliant facilities and to referee Peter O’Halloran.