Despite much promise, Ballynacargy failed to make the knock-out stages of the intermediate football championship in 2006 and, inevitably, there are question marks over their resolve. However, there is a clear determination to get back to the business end this year, while Bal's underage system appears to be thriving. Here, Maroon and White reviews their year. Their appearance in the intermediate championship final of 2005 meant that Ballynacargy were on many people's shortlist to feature at the business end again this year. But Gerry Nohilly's charges failed to build on a great start to the championship and suffered some heavy defeats, before a draw with Moate All Whites in their final group game meant they missed out on the quarter final in agonising circumstances. While they failed to produced their best in the intermediate championship, Bal' are clearly buoyed up by a wonderful success at U14 level, while their minor footballers contributed immensely to the success of amalgamation side, St. Patrick's in the premier championship. Furthermore, former footballer, Frank Lynam, was the man at the helm as St. Pat's defied the odds to beat Inny Gaels in the final. Together with former Westmeath senior football selector, Frank Mescall, Lynam now moves up a notch as both men take charge of Ballynacargy's intermediate side for the year ahead. It's a formidable partnership, particularly since both men have been responsible for steering Bal' to intermediate glory in 1996 and '99, the latter being a major triumph for Lynam in his first venture into management. Mescall had the unique distinction of guiding Ballynacargy to back-to- back junior and intermediate championship titles in 1995 and '96, before the Clare native led Mullingar Shamrocks to a senior title in 2000. Naturally, Bal' will be hoping that Mescall and Lynam can work the oracle together in '07. However, Ballynacargy's showing in the 2006 Intermediate Football Championship could only be described as mediocre. That said, they made a blistering start with a thrilling victory over old rivals, Shandonagh, in the first round at Cusack Park. It was tit-for-tat for long spells and Bal' looked in trouble, until Daniel Keena swooped for a brilliant goal minutes from full time, giving them a 1-11 to 2-5 victory. However, the win came at a cost as midfielder, Mark Wallace, was forced off with a serious knee injury that would rule him out for the remainder of the season. Round two saw Bal' head to Moate for a clash with St. Joseph's. In what proved a real war of attrition on a wet evening, they were forced to settle for a draw (1-10 to 2-7), with Dwayne Maher's late, late free rescuing a share of the spoils. While it was a game they expected to win, Bal' were relieved to salvage a point. The third round, against Ballinagore in Cusack Park, was Ballynacargy's poorest display for years in championship football. Looking deflated, they conceded five goals and suffered a 12-point defeat (5-6 to 0-9). It was a result that rocked their season to its very foundations. They encountered a high-flying Bunbrosna side in the pen-ultimate group game and, unfortunately for Ballynacargy, their limitations were badly exposed once more. They conceded more goals, two on this occasion, and were 11 points adrift at the final whistle (0-4 to 2-9). Qualification was now a bleak prospect. Amazingly, though, Bal' still had the opportunity to make the quarter finals, but they needed to beat Moate All Whites in the final group game. For long spells they looked like achieving that as they dominated the Cusack Park encounter, but the concession of two late frees allowed Moate snatch a draw (0-11 to 1-8) and it was they who qualified for a meeting with Milltownpass in the last eight. Although intermediate glory proved elusive, a noteworthy achievement for Ballynacargy in '06 was the fine victory by their under 14 footballers over Mullingar Shamrocks in the Division 2 championship final in Cusack Park. Managed by former intermediate winning captain, and outstanding midfielder, Declan Farrell, Ballynacargy's young guns produced a stirring second half performance to shock the town side. Farrell, who was assisted on the sidelines by Liam O'Reilly, a Leinster minor medallist with Westmeath, was an heroic figure in his playing days and succeeded in instilling the necessary belief in his side to make an important breakthrough. It didn't look good for them at half time in that game as Mullingar Shamrocks looked superior and led by 1-5 to 1-2, before surging further ahead in the second half. But inspired by team captain, Gary Keena, Bal' fought back and a goal from Nicky Barr rocked Shamrocks. Sensing that it was their day, Ballynacargy attacked relentlessly and in the end had four points to spare over their opponents, 2-7 to 1-6. A delighted Gary Keena accepted the trophy from Minor Board Chairman, Sean Sheridan, and Bal celebrated. Ballynacargy's underage progress was further highlighted as they played a significant role in the success of the St. Patrick's (Ballynacargy, Millmore Gaels, Shandonagh) minor football side. They supplied several key members of the side which caused a real shock by defeating favourites, Inny Gaels, in the final, including defenders Timmy Mescall, Bernard Nally and Mark Beglan, midfielder, Niall Eivers, and forwards Daniel Keena and David Doran. Aside from that, Ballynacargy's U12 footballers, under the guidance of Willie Maguire and Paul Keena, recorded a fine win over St. Michael's on finals day in St. Loman's GAA grounds, Mullingar. At under 16 level, they competed well, but with a small panel, found it difficult to make progress. In recent years, Ballynacargy have ventured into Scór Na nÓg and are acquitting themselves with distinction. In '06 they reached the county semi-finals in no fewer than four acts, Ballad Group, Instrumental Music, Figure Dancing and Set Dancing. In a highly competitive arena, it was their Set Dancers who went on to reach the final, where they were piped for ultimate honours by defending Leinster Champions, The Downs. Nevertheless, it was another fine showing by Bal', whose big day can't be far away. Underage, and Scór Chairman, Frank Lynam, is fulsome in his praise for all involved in Scór, particularly the tutors, Jacqui O'Meara, Sheila Foley, Frank Mescall, Mary Finnegan and Mary Doolin. Away from the activities, Ballynacargy have serious ambitions also. They are planning major developments at Moynihan Park and, for the first time, have applied to secure Lotto Funding this year to help bring their plans to fruition. Major fund-raisers are also in the pipeline. Frank Mescall will double as trainer and club Chairman, after he was re-elected at the club's AGM. Other committee members include Tom Kearney (Vice-Chairman), Damien Maher (Secretary), Declan Farrell (Assistant Secretary), Robert Troy (Treasurer), Johnny Penrose (Assistant Treasurer), and Registrars Tommy O'Reilly and Tony Maher. The forthcoming season is a big one for Bal' and, with a renewed drive and an injury free campaign, they could well be dark horses in the race for the Peter Geraghty Cup. The Ballynacargy U14 side which won the Division 2 Championship final was: Aidan Wallace; Stephen Riggs, Ian Penrose, Dylan Keena; Brian Slevin, Cathal Burke, Ashley Penrose; Gary Keena, Jamie Maher; Ryan Maher, Nicky Barr, Jamie Loran; Regan Maher, Jarlath Boyce, Shane Doran. Sub used: Eoin Lynam. Tweet

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