" The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better "

The above quote aptly sums up our season in division 1 as we battled manfully in the early stages of the league but shorn of the services of our 3 Kerry U20s, namely Ben Hanafin, Darragh O'Connor and Tomás Kennedy we naturally struggled. The absence of seasoned performers like David, Tommy and Con, who not alone would bring their skill and knowledge to the field but would provide the necessary leadership, meant we faced many turbulent times.

All of the above was forgotten however today as we turned on the style in Ballymac playing with a cohesion and mental resilience that defied all odds and saw us retain our division 1 status with Dingle's defeat by Spa.

The return of all the above for the final stages of the league provided a much needed boost to the team in terms of scoring, defensive nous and playmaking abilities.

We started brightly and had 1-03 on the board without reply in the opening 7 minutes - the goal came when Darragh O'Connor evaded his marker, and though his goal bound shot was thwarted, Tomás Kennedy following up,  made no mistake in finding the back of the net. The aforementioned duo, accounted for 3-10 of our 4-13 total - their impact was huge and their play seemed to lift all those around them.

Defensively we were solid with Jake manning the middle, Ben raiding forward regularly plus Daniel Bowler continuing his good form notching a trademark point for the first score of the game.

We were to add an additional 1-01 shortly afterwards with Shane McElligott finding his range and Tommy palming in at the far post for another green flag - Ballymac had their first score in the 12th minute from Dónal Daly which was quickly followed by another from Adam Sheehy; however Darragh and Tomás replied in kind and we were comfortably in control as we approached half time - we had, however, lost Tommy to injury with Padraig Griffin coming on in his place and in the reshuffle, Tomás lined up at full forward.
We approached half time, 2-06 to 0-05 ahead but Ballymac caught us napping with a quickly taken free which saw midfielder Micheál Reidy fire past Shane Foley for a fine goal - this was to be the final act of the first half.

The second period was more of the same but there was concern in the first 10 minutes with David having to retire injured - this saw the introduction of Con, who went to half forward with Tomás going to midfield.

Prior to this we were treated to the catch and score of the game as Tomás soared high, gathered and made ground before planting the ball beautifully between the posts; after that, it was a case of seeing the game out with Darragh forging two green flags in what was an emphatic win.
All ears were tuned into Radio Kerry as the news filtered through that Spa had defeated Dingle to ensure our tenure in Division 1 was maintained. 

Our survival was a true test of character and determination allied to no little skill - we have grown and developed as a team, the fusion of youth and experience ensuring success and igniting a winning mentality.

Well done to team and mentors.

Final Score:

KO'R: 4-13
Ballymac 1-10

Team: Shane Foley, Darragh McElligott, Ross O'Callaghan, TJ Heaphy, Ben Hanafin, Jake Foley, Daniel Bowler, David Moran, Tom Hoare, Gearóid Savage, BJ Keane, Shane McElligott, Darragh O'Connor, Tommy Walsh, Tomás Kennedy.

Subs: Padraig Griffin, Con Barrett, Sam Pituch, Ryan Carroll, Gearóid Dillane.