With the nights closing in fast so too is the end of 2017 GAA season. And so with this it was the finals weekend for our under 10 footballers. Going on our previous positive results and winning run we were grouped with some very good footballing clubs which included the host Canovee, Banter and Aghabullogue.

Our first game was against a very good Aghabullogue team who started the game better with the first four scores of the game. Credit to our players who responded with the next four scores to leave it level at half time. Aghabullogue to their credit came out very strong after half time and really put it up to our players. However, with a bit more luck in front of goals we could have been much closer on the scoreboard. Whatever luck we were missing in the first game we had it in the second game against host club Canovee. Like the first game our players played well and had some brilliant team scores. Every time Canvoee got a score our boys and girls worked the ball up field to answer on the scoreboard. In the second half, we took over as our hand-passing and kick passing really shone through. In the third and final game against a strong Banter side this match was the most entertaining and nail biting performance of the day. In the first half Banter got some brilliant individual and team scores leaving an uphill battle for our boys and girls in the second half. Knowing that this was going to be last time they played under 10 for Shanballymore our players responded to this challenge with probably our best half of football all year. Every single player tried their heart out and helped each other at every opportunity. With the last kick of the game we pointed a great team score, leaving us winning two out of the three games played in this very strong group. Thanks to Canvoee, Aghabullogue and Banter for the sporting games.

On the day, Jack Twomey and Lorcan Murray pulled of some brilliant saves, in front of them Peter O Keeffe and Daniel McGuckian were solid as a rock through-out the three games. Aine Burke was again at her best never giving our maker a inch. Cian Looney who is getting better with every game he plays was once again on top around the middle of the park. Dean Fitzharris who undoubtedly had his best outing in an Shanballymore jersey was up and down the field all day. Micheal Hanley Casey who suffered a serious injury earlier in the season is back to where he had been before the injury. Nathan Murray at every opportunity ran at the various defenses drawing numerous frees and creating scoring opportunities for other team members. Luke Twomey first year under 10 is also growing with each game and next year will be stronger again. Morgan who with a bit more luck could have added to our scoring tally. Niall Murray was again his lively self, turning on a 6 pence whenever he got the ball. Will Ladd Finn when introduced carried on the fine form of those he replaced.

That wraps up the football for the year. We have our hurling finals weekend coming up on the 14th of October.

Under 6’s and under 8’s

After going to Castletownroche the previous week it was our turn to hold a mini blitz last Friday night. On the night, we fielded two teams our Shanballymore cubs (under 6’s) and our under 8’s. The blitz consisted of both teams playing three games each against Ballyhooley, Kildorrery and Glanworth. These were all great games to watch with all kids getting game time. During the course of the three games different players showed some brilliant skills that they have been learning on the training ground. The kids put on a great show for all the parents and supporters at the game

A sincere thanks to all teams that travelled to make this an enjoyable event.

Well done to St Dominic’s under 14 footballers who are into the championship final. Final due to be played this coming Saturday. Best of luck to all involved.

Fixtures: Under 6 and 8 Blitz in Mallow this Saturday the 7th @ 10:00

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