SFC Section c
Ballinrobe 0-9
Burrishoole 0-9
Edwin McGreal
Flanagan Park
TIME will tell whom this result suits best but at the moment it is Burrishoole who look set for a quarter-final place. The Newport side lie on three points and all that will prevent them from qualifying is for them to lose the last group game to Crossmolina, for Ballinrobe to beat Moy Davitts and for a swing of 15 points in the scoring difference.
Not impossible but improbable.
A draw a fair result? Perhaps. This was good championship fare. Little separated the sides throughout - only twice did either side lead by more than a point - as both sides fought manfully for every scrap.
It was the quintessential tit-for-tat encounter. No sooner would one side steal a march than they would be pegged back. We should have anticipated the draw from a long way out.
James Moran opened the scoring for Burrishoole on three minutes but Ballinrobe were soon level, Mark Walkin fisting over after he managed to beat Liam O’Malley to a long ball from Sean Grimes.
Walkin proved a handful for O’Malley early doors and Burrishoole sought to remedy this after 12 minutes, switching Sean McManamon onto the full-forward. It had the desired effect, McManamon was superb and he, combined with O’Malley and Davy Keane in the corners, managed to restrict the full-forward line to just two more points.
At the other end Burris’ retook the lead. The otherwise impressive David Killeen gave the ball away and Micheál Moran pointed superbly.
Ballinrobe again bounced back. Sean Grimes and Ronan Macken were giving them the platform at midfield and Harry Murphy converted a free after Kenneth O’Malley was fouled by Conor Moran.
Pat Mulchrone pointed twice for Martin Connolly’s side to push them back in front only for Ballinrobe to reply each time, Adrian Flannery and Grimes both on target.
The introduction of Enda McManamon played a large part in Burrishoole’s good start to the second half. He pointed superbly from the left wing and a Colm McManamon point, after his side had held possession for over a minute, left two in it for the first time.
Ballinrobe began to turn the screw at this stage. Grimes was superb and O’Malley’s striking was top-class. He was presented with a free 50 metres out, just in from the left sideline, which he confidently pointed and followed this up with another of the closer-in variety.
They were well on top now and had the chance to break for home. They failed however. O’Malley did put them in front with a ‘45 but four wides in four minutes midway through the half told a tale.
Burrishoole came storming back. The superb Conor Moran led the charge from centre-half back, seeing a colossal amount of ball. He was fouled for Enda McManamon to convert and subsequent points from Jason Doherty and Alan Moran showed Burrishoole to be effective, three points kicked in as many minutes.
But Ballinrobe weren’t going to roll over. Mark Walkin pointed superbly, a Tony Walkin flick from a long delivery from O’Malley then hit the bar, before the Mayo goalkeeper struck a stunning equaliser. Standing 50 metres out and hugging the right touchline, the centre-forward unleashed a rocket which sailed over the bar.
The drama wasn’t over though. Burrishoole ‘keeper Padraig Holmes was presented with a ‘45 to win it in injury-time. His kick fell short though and the eventual effort from Conor Moran went wide. They won’t be terribly disappointed with a draw though.
Ballinrobe
P Walkin; P Finnerty, D Killeen, C Jennings; D Vaughan, J O’Malley, S Biggins; R Macken, S Grimes (0-1); K Murphy, K O’Malley (0-4, 3fs, 1’45), H Murphy (0-1, f); A Flannery (0-1), M Walkin (0-2), S Burke. Subs used: C Keane for Biggins (48mins); T Walkin for K Murphy (53mins); R Keane for Flannery (55mins).
Burrishoole
P Holmes; Davy Keane, L O’Malley, S McManamon; David Keane, C Moran, M Joyce; A McManamon, J Moran (0-1); P Mulchrone (0-2), A Moran (0-1), B Keane; M Moran (0-1), C McManamon (0-1), J Doherty (0-1). Sub used: E McManamon (0-2, 1f) for B Keane (h/t).
Referee: R Gurren (Aghamore).
