Football is often described as more than just a game—and tonight Ballymac proved exactly why. 
In a match steeped in emotion, the team took to the field wearing black armbands determined to honour their clubmate and create a truly memorable display.
A minute’s silence impeccably observed, followed by the national anthem set the tone for what would become a raw, emotional game where pride, passion, and resilience defined the game. 
Jack had the opening score inside the first minute following a foul on Tomás Kennedy but Niall Collins, operating on the “40”, quickly replied and it was 0-03 apiece as we approached the 12th minute with Jack again from a placed ball and Tomás raising white flags.

The next score was a crucial one as Conor O’Sulllivan won a ball some twenty one yards out and with only one thing on his mind he careered through the Ballymac defence to goal but Ballymac notched the next 3 points to our only score from Jack again to leave the score at 1-04 to 0-06.

Ballymac’s direct style had us in trouble, with their midfield breaking ball and in Niall Collins and Daire Keane they had industrious and ball winning forwards; we struggled at times but when Tom Hoare kicked a massive two pointer from play followed by another Tomás Kennedy point, we were 1-08 to 0-07 ahead as we approached half time. 

Ballymac were proving worthy opponents though and as the clock ticked towards half time they had cut the deficit to 3 points following another Niall Collins point from play.

We were almost at half time when a ball into our defence was deflected into the path of Mairtín McKivergan and he duly dispatched the ball past a helpless Rob to leave the scores level at the short whistle, 1-08 each.

The half-time whistle offered a momentary reprieve, allowing both players and spectators to draw breath, to reflect on the sheer intensity of the opening 30 minutes. But if anyone thought the second half would bring a more settled rhythm, they were quickly disabused of that notion.

We were quickest into action with Jack pointing from a free for a foul on Tomás and then, working the ball upfield through the hands, Tom Hoare played in Darragh who found the bottom corner of the net with a neat left footed effort, to leave 4 points between the sides.

Ballymac then hit a purple patch, notching 2-02, and though Conor Hayes and Jack again raised white flags, we faced the final quarter 3 in arrears, 3-11 to 2-11.

Our midfield began to dominate possession, and the backline tightened, cutting off the supply to the inside forwards who when in possession were forced to shoot under pressure leaving us to wrestle back control - four unanswered points saw us one to the good as we entered the final minutes.

Donal Daly then with a magnificent two pointer from distance from a free, followed by another point saw Ballymac edge into a two point lead, 3-14 to 2-15. 

It was Jack, fittingly, who levelled matters up as he dissected the posts from beyond the 40 metre and soon after his free put us one ahead - Gearóid Dillane had the final say from play to ensure we gained two valuable points. 

Jack’s performance was a masterclass in scoring, accumulating an impressive 0-12 points. This wasn't a tally built on speculative shots - it was a testament to his consistent, clinical execution.

It was an emotional night for Ballymac and one we approached with both empathy and resolve. They displayed remarkable courage, and we’re proud of our own response—of how we fought back, matched their intensity, and played with our own sense of purpose.

In the end, football won.

Final Score: 

KO’R: 2-19 
Ballymac : 3-14

Team: Rob O’Connor, Ben Hanafin, Jake Foley, Darragh McElligott, Gearóid Dillane ( 0-01), Ryan Carroll, Daniel Bowler, Tom Hoare ( 0-02), Barry John Keane ( 0-01), Gearóid Savage, Jack Savage ( 0-12), Tomás Kennedy ( 0-02), Conor Hayes ( 0-01), Conor O’Sullivan ( 1-0), Darragh O’Connor ( 1-0). 

Subs used: Donagh Buckley, Padraig Griffin, Con Barrett. 

We will play Rathmore next week in Strand Road in Round 9.