It was another tough end to the season for this great group of lads, as they took their 3rd Shield final defeat in a row to a strong Mastergeeha side.

With the hot afternoon sun shining on the pristine Astro surface at St Brendan's Park, Ballyhar started brightly, getting on the ball, linking up well and putting it up to their opposition. Things got even better on 7 mins, when the rampaging Jim O'Dowd, who caused problems for them all game down the wings, fired home the opening goal from a tight angle out left. Unfortunately, the lead didn't last long, as 5 mins later, Mastergeeha's first long-range shot at goal just squeezed under Eoin O'Mahony in the Ballyhar Goals from outside the box. O'Mahony recovered well though and made some good saves when called into action, as Mastergeeha tested him on a few occasions. At the other end, Ballyhar also threatened to regain the lead with good link up play between O'Dowd, Anthony Cremin, Conor Regan, and Davin Quilter, just failing to find that final pass needed to unlock theor defence again. The sides went in level at H/T 1-1

The 2nd half saw Mastergeeha change formation and this begun to swing the game a little, but O'Dowd failed to read the script, and went on another great run, down the right this time, turned 2 defenders and rifled a shot into the roof of the Mastergeeha net from another tight angle. Though back in front, Ballyhar were losing the battle in midfield, as the hard-working Ross Lally and Tom Costelloe found themselves outnumbered on too many occasions, with Mastergeeha subs making an impact. Then, on the hour mark, came 2 minutes that turned the whole game. Mastergeeha found an equaliser from a cross from the right that was tapped home from 6 yards out, following some good build-up play. Ballyhar legs were getting heavy following a trojan effort by all of them, and from the restart, gave the ball straight back to Mastergeeha, who sensed blood in the water. Within 90 seconds they managed to work it down the left, and their winger cut inside, found space and hit a speculative shot from way out, that looped over our keeper into the far top corner for an unstopable goal. 3-2 Mastergeeha.

The lads were rocked and had to pick themselves up for a battle all over again. They did just that, when Aaron Moriarty's shot had the Mastergeeha keeper at full stretch, but the defence cleared the rebound. Another chance came from a good corner from the left, that went right across the penalty spot without a Ballyhar leg or head there to meet it. Then came the final nail in the game on 68 mins, with Ballyhar desperately pushing forward for the equaliser, a clearance fell just inside the centre circle and rebounded very kindly for the Mastergeeha striker, who ran through to slot home the 4th. F/T 2-4

The lads gave everything they could on the day, doing themselves and the club very proud. There were good performances all over the field, especially considering our small squad was down to the bare bones, plus we lost Jamie Quirke to injury inside the first 12 mins. Fair play to U14 players Sean Brosnan & Aaron Moriarty, who both stepped up and did well for us. We didn't leave completely empty handed though, with the Man of the Match trophy being awarded to Jim O'Dowd for his 2 great strikes and effect on the game. It wasn't to be our day, and with this great bunch of lads, we only look forward, regroup and go again next season. Thanks to all the lads and their parents for their commitment over the season, and congratulations to Mastergeeha on their victory.