Ballyboden Triumph in AIB Leinster Club SFC Final to Secure Championship Title
Ballyboden St Enda’s secured the championship title in the AIB Leinster Club SFC Final by defeating Athy 2-18 to 1-14 at Croke Park. With this victory, Ballyboden claimed their third provincial title in the last decade, consolidating their dominance in the competition.
A Thrilling Contest at Croke Park
The match showcased a strong performance from Ballyboden, particularly in the second half. At halftime, Ballyboden led by just three points, thanks to Ryan Basquel’s goal. However, a dominant third quarter saw them extend their lead significantly, outscoring Athy 1-9 to 0-1.
Key Players Shine
Colm Basquel and Ross McGarry were instrumental in the win, contributing a total of 0-9 between them. Patrick Dunleavy also made a significant impact by scoring the team’s second goal during the crucial third quarter.
A Notable Comeback
Ballyboden’s performance in the second half was exceptional. They transformed a narrow lead into a commanding 14-point advantage. This surge was aided by the wind, allowing them to exploit weaknesses in Athy’s defense.
Athy’s Struggles
Athy faced difficulties throughout the match, especially in the second half. Key player James McGrath’s injury hampered their efforts, although they had strong contributions from Kevin Feely, who scored 0-7.
Scoring Summary
- Ballyboden St Enda’s Scorers:
- Ross McGarry: 0-5
- Daire Sweeney: 0-4 (0-3 from frees)
- Colm Basquel: 0-4 (1 from a two-pointer)
- Ryan Basquel: 1-0
- Patrick Dunleavy: 1-0
- Ryan O’Dwyer: 0-2
- Cein D’Arcy: 0-2
- Peter Healy: 0-1
- Athy Scorers:
- Kevin Feely: 0-7 (1 from a two-pointer, 0-3 from frees)
- Ben Purcell: 1-0
- Sean Moore: 0-4 (1 from a two-pointer, 0-1 from a free)
- Niall Kelly: 0-1 (0-1 from a free)
- Colm Moran: 0-1
- Ronan Kelly: 0-1
Next Steps for Ballyboden
With this victory, Ballyboden St Enda’s has secured a spot in the All-Ireland semi-final, scheduled for January 3/4. They will face the winner of the Munster final between Dingle and St Finbarr’s, marking another critical phase in their championship journey.
Coaching and Strategy
Under the guidance of coach Eamon O’Reilly, Ballyboden has maintained a strong record in Leinster, extending their winning streak to nine games. Their strategic approach and depth in talent have played a key role in their recent successes.
Conclusion
The AIB Leinster Club SFC Final not only highlighted Ballyboden St Enda’s capability but also set the stage for their pursuit of further glory in the upcoming All-Ireland series. Their impressive performance serves as a testament to their skill and teamwork.
