Ballinacurra secured a thrilling victory over Cobh to claim the East Cork Division 3 Junior Football League title, with a final score of 4-07 to 3-08. In a pulsating encounter, the team showed determination, skill, and composure to come out on top in a closely fought final.
From the first whistle, the game was intense, with both sides trading scores. Cobh struck early with a point and a goal, but Ballinacurra responded with a penalty goal from Jake Hegarty and points from James Nagle and Luke Kelly, keeping the contest tight. At halftime, Cobh held a slight advantage, leading 1-6 to 1-3, but the second half belonged to Ballinacurra.
The team roared back after the break, with Shane Wiggins scoring two superb points from play, followed by a goal from Phil Horan. Cobh continued to challenge with goals of their own, keeping the match on a knife-edge. In the closing stages, Jake Hegarty netted a crucial brace of goals, helping secure the victory, while points from James Furlong and Eoghan Hegarty sealed a memorable win for Ballinacurra.
Jake Hegarty was the standout performer, finishing with 3-1 for Ballinacurra, including a goal from a placed ball, while contributions from Phil Horan (1-0), Luke Kelly (0-2), Shane Wiggins (0-2), and James Nagle (0-1) highlighted the depth and teamwork of the squad.
The match also saw some tactical substitutions that paid dividends: Padraic Nagle, Eoghan Hegarty, and Josh Deady all came on to make key contributions. Ballinacurra’s discipline and composure, despite a black card shown to Rob Swanye, proved vital in this hard-fought victory.
This triumph marks a proud moment for Ballinacurra GAA, as the team lifts the Division 3 Junior Football League title and looks ahead to building on this success in future campaigns. The squad, management, and supporters can celebrate a memorable day for the club.
Final Score:
Ballinacurra 4-07 (20) – Cobh 3-08 (17)
Ballinacurra 4-07 (20) – Cobh 3-08 (17)
Ballinacurra Team:
- Dave O’Donaghue
- Eoghan Hegarty
- Thomas O’Leary
- Padraic Nagle
- Keelan Kennedy
- Scott Richards
- James Furlong
- James Nagle
- Patrik Kane
- Luke Kelly
- Shane Wiggins
- Phil Horan
- Killian Harty
- Jake Hegarty
- Josh Deady
Scorers:
- Jake Hegarty: 3-1 (1-0 from placed ball)
- Phil Horan: 1-0
- Luke Kelly: 0-2 (0-2 from frees)
- Shane Wiggins: 0-2
- James Nagle: 0-1 (0-1 from free)
- James Furlong: 0-1
- Eoghan Hegarty: 0-1
Subs Used: Padraic Nagle, Eoghan Hegarty, Josh Deady
Cards: Rob Swanye – Black card
Cards: Rob Swanye – Black card
Ballinacurra’s tenacity and teamwork shone through in a final that will long be remembered by all who witnessed it.
Photos: More on facebook
Photos: More on facebook