19/05/2026
U12 John Murphy Trophy Final
Ballyhar Dynamos 1 - Inter Kenmare 0
Following a heavy defeat to this Kenmare outfit earlier in the season the Ballyhar team were expecting a tough game today however, they were prepared for battle in Woodlawn. The warrior spirit shone through and the battle was won by determination, grit and a never give up attitude. Each and every player stepped up today and gave 100% digging deep and doing the hard work needed to grind out a victory.
The early exchanges went Ballyhar’s way and some good chances went a begging. Up front Tadhg Fitzgerald led the line and used his pace and power to keep the Kenmare defenders on their toes and only for a super save by the Kenmare keeper could have opened the scoring early on.
Just behind him was Darren Foley whose skills and running were immense today and it was Darren who scored the game’s winning goal today. He pushed forward at every chance to support the lone striker Tadhg and tracked back to help with the defensive duties too. He combined well with those around him and caused a headache for Kenmare all game long.
On the right wing Conor Ryan brought pace and skill as well as hard work, tracking back non stop as he had to cover huge ground both defending and attacking. He gave everything until a knee Injury forced him off at half time.
Rian Flynn came in for Conor and gave an outstanding performance. His shadowing and defending was exceptional and at every opportunity he drove forward on the wing creating chances for the forward players. A real contender for man of the match.
On the left flank Jack O Callaghan worked tirelessly and put in some great tackles and interceptions and well as creating chances with his clever passing. Jack took two heavy knocks while bravely defending just before half time and had to be replaced by Noah McCarthy.
Noah slotted in and helped to shore up the defence as well as clearing the ball forward and setting up several attacks. His last minute brave and perfectly timed sliding tackle to block a near certain goal was without doubt a huge factor in the win today.
The central midfield position was filled by Diarmuid Sheehy. Diarmuid put in a massive shift and broke up so many attacks by stepping across the oncoming Kenmare attackers. He pushed forward with some lovely dribbling and also anchored the midfield.
It was perhaps the back four of Matthew Hickey , Eoghan Clifford , Jamie O Connor and keeper and man of the match Padraig Allen that secured the victory for Ballyhar.
Matthew Hickey was a giant at centre back today blocking , clearing , intercepting and heading so many balls that Kenmare could simply not get past him.
Eoghan Clifford gave a near perfect performance at full back , shadowing his forward and protecting his box like his life depended on it. He read every attack and found a way to prevent danger every time.
The other full back Jamie O Connor also gave an exemplar display of how to defend against a tricky winger. Showing him the line, blocking crosses , clearing corners and setting up attacks all game long. Jamie was exceptional today.
Finally the referee chose the Ballyhar keeper as player of the game. Padraig Allen made several saves , distributed the ball well and played through the pain barrier today, putting his body on the line.
Late in the game when the pressure came on he stood strong and repelled every shot that came his way.
The goal came on the 44th minute when a long ball up to Tadhg Fitzgerald found the striker who turned his defender and pushed forward on the right side of the box. This pulled the second defender out of position as he had come across to prevent a shot on target but Fitzgerald seeing the space pulled a delicate ball back into the box that found Darren Foley , who had timed his run to perfection, arriving unmarked into the box and he made no mistake and slotted home with a great finish.
Kenmare piled on the pressure but Ballyhar stood strong and defended like AC Milan from the early 90s to hold on for a famous win.
The boys deserved the win and proved hard work and determination can bring great results.
