Mixed fortunes for Ballyfermot in DDSL Clubforce Cup Finals
By Daire Walsh
IT WAS a weekend of mixed fortunes for Ballyfermot United at the DDSL Clubforce finals run at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh.
In addition to two agonising decider defeats, there was one majestic triumph for the Coldcut Road outfit on a weekend when the brightest young talents from across the capital were presented with golden opportunities to showcase their capabilities.
With burgeoning underage and adult sections, Ballyfermot are one of the most ubiquitous clubs on the south side of Dublin.
First up for them on Saturday morning was the Under 11 Hackett Cup showpiece against Belmont FC – a match that certainly did not disappoint.
While an impressive Belmont shook the net through Jack O’Connor and Eoin Foley-Boland, a resilient Ballyfermot played with their own form of attacking flair.
Brian McDermott and Brody Grendan were both on target and, after neither normal time or extra-time could separate them, penalties were required to determine an eventual winner, Belmont edging the shootout 2-0.
Ballyfermot took part in another goal-laden affair in the Undr 11 League Cup final, but on this occasion the result went their way.
Coming face-to-face with Ranelagh’s Beechwood FC, the team recorded a magnificent 5-3 success.
Supplementing goals from team captain Harry Glynn and Jack Coughlan, the outstanding Lorcan Quinn bagged a hat-trick for the victors.
Mannix Maguire (a brace) and Odhran Counihan found the net for a committed Beechwood, but it was not enough to spoil the festivities for Ballyfermot.
Rounding off a busy day for the club was the Under 13 Joe O’Leary Cup showpiece encounter with St John Bosco of Drimnagh in what was a tense affair throughout.
Juan Lobato was on the scoresheet for Ballyfermot, but they were coming up against an impressively-assembled Bosco side.
Junior Joseph and Colm McKiernan registered goals for the Benmadigan Road troops and despite the best endeavours of their opponents, an eventual 2-1 win meant it was their skipper Robert Roche who raised the silverware for Bosco.