Kelly scores 2-12 as Ballinkillen take Junior crown
Ballinkillen captain John Farrell accepts the Martin Grennan trophy from Pat Grennan and John McDonald (Carlow GAA Chairman). Photo: Pat Ahern
Ballinkillen are the 2026 Junior Hurling Champions. While they would be first to admit their turnover of players over the last twelve months was high, there was still a hurt stemming from losing the final to Bagenalstown Gaels last year.
This time they made no mistake where they produced an excellent second half performance to run out convincing winners at the end.
It was 1-6 each at the break with James Kelly’s long range free taking a deflection as the ball dropped into the Ballinkillen net for a St Mullins goal. Undaunted the champions in waiting hit back and Shane Kelly raised a green flag at the scoreboard end to go with Dara Nolan’s two excellent points from play.
Five points without reply immediately after the interval for Ballinkillen was the platform for them to go on to victory. Kelly was particularly prominent on the scoring list with Paddy Kavanagh, Tom Huff and Mark Treacy also pointing.
Substitute, Alex Doyle, replied with a number of frees and points from play for St Mullins who were now playing against a substantial breeze. Gradually tired legs gave way and Ballinkillen went for the kill. Kelly’s late goal brought his total to 2-12 over the hour as their supporters were able to celebrate a welcome win for all concerned with the club.
S Kelly 2-12 (6fs), D Nolan, T Huff 0-2 each, P Kavanagh 0-1, M Treacy (f) 0-1 each.
J Kelly 1-2 (1-2fs), A Doyle 0-4 (2fs)J Murphy 0-2, M Fenlon 0-1 (f), J Walsh 0-1.
John Farrell; Lauren Kinsella, Charlie Byrne, Colin Byrne; Ciaran Dowling, Eoin Kavanagh, Mark Dermody; Daragh Cummins, Dara Nolan; Paddy Kavanagh, Mark Treacy, Adam Smyth; Shane Kelly, Tom Huff, Michael Butler. Subs: Damien O’Neill for Butler (40), Donnacha Murphy for M Treacy (56).
Mark Ryan; Tommy Collier, Thomas Coady, Kian Foley; Dan Kelly, James Kelly, Andy Corcoran; Brian Collier, James Murphy; Chris Kavanagh, Anthony Murphy, John Walsh; Michael Fenlon, Darren Whelan, Alex Doyle. Subs: Conor Doyle for A Murphy (h/t), Mark O’Shea for Corcoran (47), Padraig Fenlon for Fenlon (53), Edward Kennedy for J Murphy (58), Padraig Connors for T Collier (58).
James Tobin (St Patricks)
