In a fine flowing game of football, played at Moynihan park, Ballynacargy defeated a gallant and sporting Mullingar Shamrocks side by three points, in a game that yielded 29 scores over the hour. It was a game full of incidents, with both sides committed to total football, attacking at pace, interlaced with some excellent fielding by both sides, all of which was facilitated by a most competent referee, Paul McCaughey.

Playing against the strong wind Mullingar Shamrocks started impressively and had 1-3 on the scoreboard before Ballynacargy registered a score. Bal hit back with a goal from the super fit Tony Doran, a point apiece from Philip Price (a free) and Jason McKeon, and another major from the wily Mark Murphy, left the score Bal 2-2, Shamrocks 1-5 at the first water break.

After play resumed, play swung from end to end with no quarter given, as Shamrocks led by the excellent Seanie Daly secured another goal, but points by Jack Doran, Mark Murphy and a beautifully executed goal by the mercurial Tony Doran, left Bal with their noses in front at the half time break; Bal 3-4 to Shamrocks 2-6.

Shamrocks aided by the wind in the second half set about their task with great gusto upon the resumption and looked to have grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, as they quickly added a goal and four points to their half time total, whilst Bal just added a single point from Ted Price, following a majestic catch by Tony Doran, and at the second water break Shamrocks were well in command and enjoyed a five point lead (Bal 3-5, Shamrocks 3-10).

Whatever team manager Frank Lynam said to his charges at this break, certainly worked wonders, as Bal resumed with a renewed spirit, and after a series of interlocking passes, Wayne Kelly struck a beauty to the back of the net, followed by two quick fire frees from the impressive Jack Doran.

Thomas Nally, Tom Gavin and the other backs were ever vigilant and kept a tight eye on the Shamrock attackers, and curtailed them to just two points with great tight tackling and good interceptions.

Tony Doran and Jason McKeon regained the upper hand at midfield and this ensured the forwards got a plentiful supply of the ball and were denied goals by a couple of brilliant reflex saves from the Shamrocks netminder, but there was nothing he could do as Philip Price went on a scoring spree and netted a brilliantly worked goal, and added a point for good measure.

The game finished in a flurry of excitement as Shamrocks fought valiantly to work a goal but the Bal defence held firm and a neat point by Lee Keena ensured Bal were victorious on the score of 5-9 to 3-12, in what was an exhilarating tie.

Great credit must be given to both teams for providing such a wonderful sporting occasion. For Bal it was an important victory, and it was a pleasure to watch a game of such quality, with both teams totally committed, and with the outcome in doubt right up until the final whistle.

Training continues on each Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings and full turnout of all players is requested.

Team: Thomas Nally, Ben Wilson, Tom Gavin, Conor Keena, Wayne Kelly (1-0), John Keena, Lee Keena (0-1), Tony Doran (2-0), Jason McKeon (0-1), Philip Price (1-3), Mark Murphy (1-1), Edward Nally, Daniel Maguire, Jack Doran (0-3), Barry Leavy. Subs Darragh Keena for B Leavy, David Doran for D Maguire.

Mullingar Shamrocks: Sean Hynes; Eamonn Breslin (Daithí Martin), Mathew Siode, Peter Dale; Jack Kelly, Ryan Blundell (0-1), Thomas Turks (0-1); Seanie Daly (1-3) [Adam McCormack, 0-1), Dillon Matthews (0-1); Cormac Hynes (0-1) (Eamonn Breslin), Zach Aherne (1-1), Andrew Shaw; Ronan McHugh (1-0) [Mark Shaw], Gary Corroon (Matthew Maslin, 0-3), Trevor Keena.