The O'Donnell Armstrong Cup match was played at the weekend between Bangor and Ballina in Heffernan Park.
The cup which was the brainchild of Bangor, to commemorate the friendship of our own Gerry O'Donnell and Bangor's Ashley Armstrong, will be played for annually and the men from Ulster were victorious on this occasion after a very worthwhile outing.
Balline had some fine performances on the day from many of the young guns who have stepped up during the pre-season training. Michael Collins scored a fine try for the home side which was converted by Cian Quinn. However, Bangor outscored Ballina showing some fine touches but as their cup and league campaign commences earlier than Ballina, this reflected their more co-ordinated approach and they went over for some fine scores.
Ballina were ably led by Sean O’Connell, with his back row colleagues, Alan Duffy and Andrew Ruane, not far behind. A bloodied Jack Philips, added dynamism to the front row where he was supported by Conor Browne and Owen Power. Oisin Smyth-Rouse lit up the attack from full-back with wingers, Jordan Keighley and Brian Heffernan, adding to the attack. Cian Anderson played well at out-half directing the game, with Michael Gillespie, on hand to assist him at first centre. Jonathan Epstein and Chris Healy added bulk and brawn in the engine room of the pack. Michael Moran and Sean Murphy both made an impact from the bench.
All told, a very worthwhile run out in perfect conditions in front of a good crowd at Heffernan Park.
Both sides retired to the clubhouse in a spirit of conviviality and camaraderie for the presentation of the O’Donnell Armstrong Cup bu Olive and Rodney O'Donnell. Some tall tales were told and more tales created in what will become an annual meeting of the clubs. GOD would have smiled.
Ballina host Corinthians in Heffernan Park on Saturday evening at 7pm.
Ballina: A very useful runout for teams from Ballina and Bangor commemorated the late Gerry O’Donnell and his great friend, Ashley Armstrong. The O’Donnell Armstrong Cup was presented by Olive and Rodney O’Donnell to Bangor who were winners on the day.
Some fine performances from many of the young guns who have stepped up during the preseason training. Michael Collins scored a fine try for Ballina which was converted by Cian Quinn. Bangor outscored Ballina showing some fine touches but as their cup and league campaign commences earlier than Ballina, this reflected their more coordinated approach and they went over for some fine scores.
Ballina were ably led by Sean O’Connell, with his back row colleagues, Alan Duffy and Andrew Ruane, not far behind. A bloodied Jack Philips, added dynamism to the front row where he was supported by Conor Browne and Owen Power. Oisin Smyth-Rouse lit up the attack from full back with wingers, Jordan Keighley and Brian Heffernan, adding to the attack. Cian Anderson played well at outhalf directing the game, Michael Gillespie, on hand to assist him at first centre. Jonathan Epstein and Chris Healy added bulk and brawn in the engine room of the pack. Michael Moran and Sean Murphy both made an impact from the bench.
All told, a very worthwhile run out in perfect conditions in front of a good crowd at Heffernan Park.
Both sides retired to the clubhouse in a spirit of conviviality and camaraderie for the presentation of the O’Donnell Armstrong Cup. Some tall tales were told and more tales created in what will become an annual meeting of the clubs. GOD would have smiled.

Ballina host Corinthians in Heffernan Park on Saturday 24th @ 7pm.

Ballina: Oisin Smyth Rouse, Brian Heffernan, Michael Collins, Michael Gillespie, Jordan Keighley, Cian Andwerson, Cian Quinn; Jack Philips, Conor Browne, Owen Power, Jonathan Epstein, Chris Healy, Andrew Ruane, Sean O’Connell (C), Alan Duffy. Replacements: Sean Murphy, Michael Moran
Referee: Michael Honan