Academy Photos
Some photos from the future of our club for your perusal
Vincie receives due recognition
It becomes clear from talking to Vincie Drumm that his life has been marked by a contribution to the sport of soccer. His involvement comprises so many roles with so many different clubs and leagues that it’s impossible to list them all here. The fact he had to ring back twice to tell his interviewer about things he had forgotten to mention speaks to the life of service that characterises this fine man.
Originally from Dublin, Vincie joined the army and spent time in different parts of the country, notably Cavan, before finally settling in Cork in 1985. Upon arriving in the real capital Vincie was introduced to Ballincollig Soccer Club by the late Paddy Byrne and he has made his home here ever since.
Never a man for the spotlight Vincie has been happy to be in the background doing the essential jobs that no-one else likes to do. Whether it’s kitman for teams of all ages in all leagues or to his current job of maintaining the pitches in the Regional Park there is no doubting how much easier he makes life for those around him – although a phonecall early on a Saturday morning sometimes gives a different impression.
This award is recognition for the true servant of the game that Vincent Drumm is. It is right and proper that we take this opportunity to award him for all his hard work and dedication. We should also use it as a reminder of all the men like Vincie who for their own clubs put in the work so that others can enjoy the game.
You can see view the Distinguished Service Citation by clicking here and scrolling down. You can also view the letter offering Vincie the position of Vice-President by clicking here and turning your head upside down.
Academy going strong
Last weekend, our eager under 8s travelled down the Model Farm Road to play Wilton on their fantastic all weather facility. First blood went to the away team when Ryan Forde went on a superb solo run to slam home his first of four goals. Both teams were very evenly matched, but Ballincollig had outstanding goal keepers. Brian Smith in goals for the first two periods was brilliant. Kara Lacey showed she’s just as tough and brave as any boy with some great stops to her credit in the second two periods. Wilton found it very difficult to get the ball past the Ballincollig team. Our other starlet Ciara Healy, who only recently joined, really enjoyed her first taste of what it’s like to play for Ballincollig AFC – well done Ciara.
Eoin O’Callaghan was our box-to-box player on the day and ran his heart out for his team. Jonathon McLean and David O’Keeffe again showed their true mettle with some sterling defending and last ditch tackling. Callum Kearney put in a great days work closing down Wilton at every opportunity. Matthew Bourke’s clever play and clinical pass let in Ryan Forde for his last goal. After all the drama the game went to penalties and the deciding penalty was scored by Jack Doyle, who rifled his shot home to the bottom left corner. Kara showed us why she’s the boss by bravely pulling off some excellent saves.
For the second match Ballincollig settled much better. James McArdle made some good attempts at goal in the first half. Ronan Hennessy made some good saves and Ryan Crowley and Aaron Meade-O’Hanlon did some terrific work in defence. Despite the best efforts of the team Ballincollig were down a goal at half time. Sean O’Hanlon-Lane put Wilton under pressure putting in some great tackles in midfield, along with Jason O’Connor. At the beginning of the second half Ballincollig introduced their ‘impact subs’ Evan Cooke and Paul Cooney. With Stephen Wills dominating midfield the ‘impact subs’ gave Wilton a torrid time with Evan Cooke slotting home a nice pass from Paul Cooney. In the last gasp of the match Paul Cooney managed to curl in a ball from the far right hand side of the pitch to give a well deserved victory to Ballincollig
Fixtures w/e 29th Nov
Seniors at home to Ringmahon Rangers in the league, The Farm, Saturday 28th November, 2.00 p.m.
Juniors at home to Greenmount Rangers in the league, Regional Park, Saturday 28th November, 2.00 p.m.
U18 Women’s at home to Passage in the league, Regional Park, Sunday 29th November, 2.00 p.m.
U17s at home to Tramore Athletic in the league, Regional Park, Sunday 29th November, 2.00 p.m.
U14 Schoolgirls at home to Kinsale in the league, Rehional Park, Saturday 28th November, 2.00 p.m.
Karl in the squad against the Czechs
Congratulations to Karl Tiofack who once again has been selected to play for the Irish U16 squad in two games against the Czech Republic on the 24th and the 26th of November. Everyone at Ballincollig is very proud of him. John Morling, the U16 Irish Manager, had this to say about the upcoming games and recent performances:
“These will be our most demanding tests so far this season. We drew the first game of the season away to Wales and then beat Malta twice. Our most recent matches, also away, against Denmark ended in defeats but it taught our players how important finishing is to the outcome of games at international level. The Danes were clinical in front of goal whereas we passed up chances at crucial stages of both matches. I’d be more concerned if we weren’t getting into those scoring positions but I’m sure the goals will start to come.”
Automania sponsor U12A Schoolboys
We are very thankful to Automania who have sponsored the new away strip for our U12A Schoolboys. Make sure to give them a look for your car needs.
Fixtures w/e 15th Nov
Fixtures (not incl. Schoolboys):
Seniors at home to Mallow United in the FAI Cup, The Farm, Saturday 14th November, 2.30 p.m.
Juniors at home to Greenmount Rangers in the league, Regional Park, Saturday 14th November, 3.00 p.m.
Youths away to Castleview in Munster Cup, O’Sullivan Park, Saturday 14th November, 3.00 p.m.
U18 Women’s away to Lakewood Athletic in the league, Lakewood Park, Saturday 14th November, 2.00 p.m.
U17s at home to Tramore Athletic in the league, Regional Park, Sunday 15th November, 3.00 p.m.
U14 Schoolgirls away to Innishvilla in the league, Knocknacurra, Saturday 14th November, 2.00 p.m.
O35s against Mayfield United in the league, The Mardyke, Friday 13th November, 9.00 p.m.
Win keeps ‘Collig top
U12 Premier Schoolboys
Umbro U12 Leagues CSL Premier Division
Ballea, Sunday 8th November 2009, 10.30 a.m.
Carrigaline 0 – 2 Ballincollig
Ballincollig under 12 premier team visited Carrigaline last Sunday morning. The game went ahead due to Carrigaline’s fantastic all-weather pitch which is part of their new development at Ballea Park.
From the kick-off Ballincollig knew they were in for a hard match. Carrigaline have proved very difficult to break down in the league this season and so it proved again. Despite going at their opponents from the start, last ditch tackles and good saves from the Carrigaline goalkeeper stopped Ballincollig taking the lead early on. Ruairi Cotter and Jamie Manahan raided down the flanks with Brian O Callaghan and Japhet Mata worked tirelessly up front making it difficult for the defence to get the ball clear.
There was some great passing from the away team and it looked only a matter of time before the goal came. When it did it was as a result of a great midfield passing move. When the ball arrived at Japhet’s feet he took on the defender and made his pace count. He closed in on goal and from 10 yards out he made no mistake giving the goalkeeper no chance. Ballincollig went in at the break one goal to the good.
The home team came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half and Ballincollig were under pressure for some time. Sean Lucey broke up play in midfield which prevented Carrigaline mounting many attacks. Ballincollig hearts were in their mouths when Kevin Browne put in a fantastic tackle in the box and the Carrigaline attacker went over. All eyes were on the referee who seemed to point to the penalty spot but relief all round when he clarified the decision and awarded a goal kick. A correct decision, but when you’re away from home you don’t always get those ones.
From this point on Ballincollig got back in control and the defence held strong all through with great tackles being made when needed. In fact, the confidence of the team showed through when sweeper, Shane O Mahony, took the ball and ran the length of the pitch with only ten minutes left. Japhet was to make the game safe with five minutes to go when a great move finished with Jamie laying the ball off to him. Japhet feigned to play a one-two with Jamie and when the defender was wrong-footed he took off in the opposite direction again making no mistake with the finish. A great result away for Ballincollig at a ground where other teams will struggle to come away with anything.
Youghal score two but still lose
U17s Team
D.I.S.C.-Viking U17 League 1
Ardrath Park, Sunday 8th November 2009, 3.00 p.m
Youghal United 1 – 2 Ballincollig
In one of the few games to survive the weekend weather a depleted Ballincollig came away with a thoroughly deserved victory although a few players will be asking themselves how they didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet.
Ballincollig completely dominated the game from start to finish but couldn’t seem to find the net. It was the home team who took the lead against the run of play in their only real chance of the game. Both teams went into the break knowing that the scoreline wasn’t as it should be.
The second half started and try as they might Youghal just couldn’t get into the game. The Ballincollig back-line featuring a make shift centre-half coped comfortably with the Youghal attack. One striker will probably be hoping it doesn’t become a permanent change.
It was an own goal that finally got Ballincollig back on level terms but there was no mistake with the second. A corner swung in and finsihed well by Ben Lacey meant Ballincollig finally had the lead their play deserved. There were at least two more occasions when Ballincollig players were through with only the keeper to beat but failed to find the net. Youghal pushed hard in the final moments for an equaliser but Ballincollig stood form.
The best way to sum up this game is one wet and windy day, two Youghal goals and three points for Ballincollig.
