Mayo Minor Football Semi Final (1996)

Ballagh’ stun Lahardane with last minute goal

Ballaghaderreen................................2-9
Lahardane........................................1-10

In a famous answer to Brian Farrell some years ago on the night of an election count, Roscommon politician, Sean Doherty, replied to the question "How did you lose?" with "I didn’t get enough votes, Brian". In Lahardane’s case, it was because they did not register enough scores during a second half which they owned for long periods and always looked the better team. But a goal from a penalty midway through the second half and another in the final minute of the game gave Ballaghaderreen a victory that very few thought possible ... with the exception of themselves who manfully battled away, kept in touch, and then carried the day.

Gilmartin Park, Kiltimagh, was the venue for this game which attracted a good attendance with Lahardane support well to the fore. Both teams played some attractive football in the opening half with little between the sides.

After a close opening quarter, the teams were level at 0-4 each. The target men for Ballaghaderreen were Kevin Keegan, Barry McKenzie, Maurice O’Gara and Anthony Rushe. The Lahardane points came from Cormac Rowland, Damien Kelly, Tomas Jordan and Damien “Red” Kelly.

The East Mayo side led by 0-7 to 0-6 at the interval following two further points from McKenzie and a lovely effort from Richard Conway. The Lahardane scores came from Declan Leonard and an excellent point from Cormac Rowland.

Lahardane took almost complete control during the third quarter and played some fabulous and exciting football. When Declan Leonard was fouled in the square three minutes after the resumption, Shane Blake drove the resultant penalty to the Ballaghaderreen net. Tomas Jordan added a point before the very talented Declan Leonard fired over a terrific point to leave Lahardane ahead by 1-8 to 0-7.

The Lahardane side were rampant at this stage but failed to secure the necessary scores to put them out of range of Ballaghaderreen. In one of their few attacks in the third quarter, Ian Towey kicked a fine long range point. Fourteen minutes from the end, Barry McKenzie was pushed in the small square and the same player duly dispatched the ball to the Lahardane net to bring his side to level terms.

Brian Tansey brought off what was to be the crucial save of the game when he blocked a pile-driver from Declan Leonard who had taken possession from a midfield drive by Damien Kelly. The Lahardane team were under the impression that they had been awarded a penalty nine minutes from time after Damien Kelly had flicked a lovely pass into the path of Ross Nolan. However, after some consultation the ball was thrown in among the players.

Still, it looked as if it was going to be Lahardane’s day as they strung together some flamboyant moves. Declan Leonard restored their lead with another cracking point out on the sideline. Two minutes from the end, Declan Garrett fisted a neat pass to Tomas Jordan who again shot a fine point. Even when Adrian Regan came forward to land a well-taken point for Ballaghaderreen with about a minute to go, Lahardane scarcely looked in danger of losing the game. Then came that last gasp attack by Ballaghaderreen when McKenzie slotted a neat pass in front of James Quinn who shot low and hard for the net only to see Daire Nolan effect a fine save but the rebound favoured Quinn who made no mistake second time around. There was no time for Lahardane to regroup as the final whistle brought jubilation to Ballaghaderreen and utter despair to Lahardane.

There is no doubt but Lahardane players and officials will wonder how they failed to win this game. They played some lovely attractive football, especially in the second half when they showed great flair and skill. Simon Rowan, Adrian Marley, Mervyn Marley and Anthony McDermott were excellent in defence with Anthony Irwin and John McDonnell also doing well. Damien Kelly and Shane Blake played some lovely football at midfield with high fielding and good delivery being a feature of their game. Declan Leonard is a class player with immense potential. Tomas Jordan and Cormac Rowland also did well, while young Damien Kelly in the No. 15 jersey played some inspirational stuff all through. Vinnie Cawley also did well when introduced as a sub.

Lahardane: Daire Nolan, Simon Rowan, Adrian Marley, Anthony Irwin, Mervyn Marley, Anthony McDermott, John McDonnell, Damien Kelly (0-1); Shane Blake (1-0); Brian Rowland, Tomas Jordan (0-3); Declan Garrett, Cormac Rowland (0-2); Declan Leonard (0-3); Damien "Red" Kelly (0-1). Subs.: Vinnie Cawley (for B. Rowland); Ross Nolan (for C. Rowland).

Referee: Frank Molloy (Claremorris).