Ballinderry Shamrocks

ON the day that it was, it did not need the seventh son of a seventh son to predict that the Shamrocks would beat the Rangers. So it proved, as Ballinderry denied Nemo their seventh title with a seven-point success of their own, a fantastic final display lifting the Derrymen and their sizeable travelling support into seventh heaven. ‘7 Up’ was not on drinks orders last night!

Although a doughty defensive display was a major factor, Ballinderry’s corner-forwards were the cornerstones of their triumph. Top scorer on the day, Gerard Cassidy’s 1-4 tally separated the sides and it was undoubtedly his 53rd minute goal that ended the Nemo fightback and secured the Shamrocks their first ever All-Ireland senior triumph.

Cassidy’s fellow corner-forward, Declan Bateson made a significant contribution too, scoring the opening goal after 20 minutes. It was the first goal conceded by Nemo in the Munster and All-Ireland championship this season and Ballinderry never trailed their opponents after that score.

Bateson was also involved in the crucial second goal. Ballinderry captain Adrian McGuckin was their only forward not to score but he played his part, especially when sending Cassidy in for the all-important goal that put the Derrymen 2-7 to 0-9 ahead. The Cork city club did not score again as Ballinderry pulled clear in style, Cassidy adding a free and a point either side of an excellent effort from Darren Conway.

Leading by the minimum at the interval, 1-3 to 0-5 by virtue of Bateson’s brave fisted goal, Ballinderry added four more points without reply inside the first six second half minutes. That double scores advantage seemed to be enough but Nemo showed their character, responding with four fine unanswered scores of their own to leave the game back in the balance.

Then came Cassidy’s goal, the score that meant Ballinderry were able to have a ball in Thurles all last night and into this morning. The manner of the victory would not have mattered to the delirious Shamrocks supporters but it was a bonus that they played so well after a shaky start, all but one of their points coming from play.

Once they found their feet, Ballinderry’s sharp, direct play proved too hot for Nemo to handle. The Shamrocks’ tactic of quick, long ball into their full-forward line paid the ultimate dividend, although it was somewhat surprising that Nemo did not employ this policy too, especially with their skipper Colin Corkery on the square. Having said that, Niall McCusker grew in stature as he man-marked the Nemo talisman, allowing him just one point from play. Indeed, the entire Ballinderry defence was vital to the victory, notably Ronan McGuckin, who produced a solid display at centre half-back, and right wing-back Paul Wilson, surging forward at every opportunity.

Ballinderry started with Enda Muldoon up on the square and he opened the scoring after five minutes before reverting to a midfield role. After that the quiet man had a quiet game by his standards but was quietly effective alongside Sean Donnelly. Although the Shamrocks scored first, Nemo had the slight wind advantage and soon went in front with two Corkery frees and a point from Derek Kavanagh capping a flowing move.

Then the sun came out and Ballinderry began to blossom, replying with a goal after a stunning sequence of their own, although Rangers goalkeeper Don Heaphy was partly at fault when they found his net. Muldoon played the ball long out of defence to Conleth Gilligan and the ball was quickly transferred via Adrian McGuckin to Conway. His cross-shot should have been gathered by the goalkeeper but Bateson rose highest to loop the ball in. Gilligan then sent over a splendid score but points from Corkery and Joe Kavanagh levelled, Ballinderry needing Conway to send them in ahead at the interval.

With the breeze at their backs Ballinderry appeared ready to race clear. Barry McCusker pointed within 40 seconds of the re-start, Bateson broke the ball for Cassidy to score, then capitalised on yet another forward foray by Wilson to score himself. When Gilligan charged forward to supply Cassidy for his second score the game seemed up. Nemo, though, had other ideas. Wing-back Garry Murphy took a good score then the otherwise ineffective John Paul O’Neill shot over on the turn when a goal chance was on. A free from Corkery and a wonderful score from the right sideline by O’Neill’s replacement Stephen Calman left the scoreline just 1-7 to 0-9 in Ballinderry’s favour.

Then, with that magic number of seven minutes remaining, came the decisive moment. Confusion between Stephen O’Brien and Murphy allowed Bateson to block and the ball broke to Adrian McGuckin. He drew the outnumbered keeper and passed to the unmarked Cassidy, who gleefully booted the ball to the net. The rest, as they say, is history.