Under Age Soccer Players Fly The Flag

The Ballinasloe Towns A.F.C. Under 14s gave a tremendous display in the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland National Cup, with the team going blow for blow against Gorey in the thrilling last 16th match. Unfortunately falling short in their penalty shootout, the young football stars performed an excellent game.
 
Kicking off the game on March 5th, John Kelly shot a brilliant free kick towards the head of skipper Aaron Treacy who took the first goal of the match. Before half time, Gorey equalised the game with a score of their own. The young sportsmen regained their lead with a corner kick from Fionn Duffy leading to an excellent header from Matthew Blair. Just after the 60 minute mark, their opposition scored again, with both teams now equalised. The match was forced to go to penalties, and although they earned their first shot, the following two penalties were saved and the other hit the goalpost. Gorey despatched three penalties which send them through to the quarter finals.
 
Nonetheless the match was a spectacle to watch, with Club Development Co-Ordinator Johnny Walsh commending the “superb effort from every member of the under 14 squad and their brilliant ongoing development”. The Man of the Match was credited to James Connolly who played defence for the Ballinasloe team.
 
The Under 13s team also made a name for themselves reaching the final 16 of the SFAI National Cup, but were defeated by Champions Pike Rovers who scored 2-0 on February 25.
 
Ballinasloe started extremely well with Adam Lloyd and Paddy Ó Connell coming very close to breaking the initial deadlock. Ten minutes from the match’s end, their challengers opened the scoring with a well taken free kick. The Town players threw everything they had to secure an equaliser, but unfortunately were hit on the break when Pike scored their second goal during the final five minutes of the game.
 
It was not a complete loss for the Under 13s that week, as the following day Adam Lloyd and Éanna Colleran would both attend the National Assessment Session at the AUL Complex in Dublin, representing Ballinasloe in a display against the top juvenile soccer players in Ireland.
 
In other news, the development of replacement Astro-Turf pitches and floodlights on the club’s Curragh Grounds is nearing competition, and soon players and the public will be able to practice on the state-of-the-art sportsground. Johnny Walsh stated that the Club will shortly be organising an official launch, premiering the addition of the new facility to the Ballinasloe Community.
 
Meanwhile the Brown Underage squad confirmed their new Kit Sponsorship Deal with Kellers of Main St as the finalise preparations for their trip to Hartlepool , Liverpool over Easter break.
 
If you or your child is interested in joining Ballinasloe Town AFC, you can contact the club secretary by email at [email protected] or by phone at (087) 633 7093.

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