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Epic encounter at end of U18.5 adventure
Michael Gallagher23 Apr - 10:07
Ballina 38 - 45 Galwegians
Ballina’s courageous U18.5 campaign came to an end on Sunday afternoon at a balmy, sun-kissed Heffernan Park, as they were edged out by a strong Galwegians side in a thrilling Plate Semi-Final encounter.
In a contest that had everything—intensity, skill, and no shortage of drama - it was the visitors who ultimately advanced to the final, using their physical dominance up front to telling effect. Two well-executed rolling maul tries proved decisive in a seven-point victory.
Ballina, as has become their trademark, exploded out of the blocks and immediately applied pressure inside the Galwegians’ 22. Their early intent paid dividends after nine minutes when Dylan Rice crossed for the opening try, with Tom Ruane adding the conversion.
Galwegians responded with purpose, building sustained pressure from the restart and levelling the match with a converted try four minutes later. The visitors continued to test Ballina’s resolve, and despite some excellent scramble defence, Galwegians edged ahead with another converted effort to lead by seven.
A turning point followed when the visitors were reduced to 14 players after a high tackle resulted in a sin-binning. Ballina capitalised clinically, with Rice grabbing his second try of the afternoon, Ruane again adding the extras to bring the sides level at 14–14. However, Galwegians finished the half strongly, crossing for a well-worked converted try to take a 14–21 lead into the interval.
Ballina emerged from the break refreshed and determined, and their efforts were rewarded seven minutes into the second half when replacement prop Jamie Devers powered over for a deserved try. Ruane’s reliable boot once more brought the sides level at 21–21.
Parity proved short-lived, as Galwegians struck back with another converted try to reclaim the lead. Ballina refused to yield, and their persistence was rewarded when Alex Mescal touched down to narrow the gap to just two points.
The visitors then enjoyed their most dominant spell of the game, scoring two quick tries - one converted - through clever kicking and sharp wing play to open up a 40–26 lead. With momentum firmly in their favour, Galwegians looked to have one foot in the final.
But this Ballina side has shown heart and resilience all season, and they dug deep once more. Benefiting from ill-discipline in the Galwegians ranks, Oisín Breslin finished from a quick tap penalty, with Ruane converting to bring the deficit back to seven at 40–33.
Galwegians, however, maintained their composure and applied late pressure, eventually finding a way through with a slick passing move to extend their lead to 45–33, the conversion hitting the post
Even then, Ballina refused to go quietly. With time almost up, Jamie Devers surged over for his second try, capping a fine display. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving the final score at 38–45 in favour of Galwegians.
It was a fitting end to a pulsating encounter that kept a large crowd thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Ballina can take immense pride in their performance and in the character they displayed throughout the season. Every member of the squad gave their all, and while the result did not go their way, their commitment and spirit were evident to the final whistle.
The club extends its congratulations to Galwegians and wish them the very best in the final.
For some of this group, it marked their final appearance at youth level, and they depart with their heads held high, having represented their club, families, and club with distinction. We look forward to seeing them continue into senior level with the club through the coming years. Others will look ahead with optimism, regrouping for another tilt at U18.5 silverware next season.
A sincere word of thanks is extended to Head Coach Jim Mescal for his unwavering dedication, along with Seamus Fitzpatrick, whose commitment and input over many seasons has been invaluable. Coaches Dave Newman and Jack Murphy also deserve great credit for their outstanding contribution this year. Our thanks also to all the coaches who have given their time and mentoring over the previous seasons.
Special recognition must go to Pauline Langan, whose tireless work behind the scenes - from logistics to post-match hospitality - has been nothing short of exceptional. Her contribution has been central to the team’s journey.
Our thanks to all our hospitality sponsors, Michael Carr Foods (Sunday's sponsor), Carr’s Daybreak, Carrabine Joinery, all of whose support we really appreciate.
Finally, thanks are due to the parents, guardians, and the wider club community for their continued support, and for providing an environment in which these young players can thrive both on and off the field.
While the competitive season concludes here, plans are already underway for an end-of-season weekend trip, with details to be confirmed.
In a contest that had everything—intensity, skill, and no shortage of drama - it was the visitors who ultimately advanced to the final, using their physical dominance up front to telling effect. Two well-executed rolling maul tries proved decisive in a seven-point victory.
Ballina, as has become their trademark, exploded out of the blocks and immediately applied pressure inside the Galwegians’ 22. Their early intent paid dividends after nine minutes when Dylan Rice crossed for the opening try, with Tom Ruane adding the conversion.
Galwegians responded with purpose, building sustained pressure from the restart and levelling the match with a converted try four minutes later. The visitors continued to test Ballina’s resolve, and despite some excellent scramble defence, Galwegians edged ahead with another converted effort to lead by seven.
A turning point followed when the visitors were reduced to 14 players after a high tackle resulted in a sin-binning. Ballina capitalised clinically, with Rice grabbing his second try of the afternoon, Ruane again adding the extras to bring the sides level at 14–14. However, Galwegians finished the half strongly, crossing for a well-worked converted try to take a 14–21 lead into the interval.
Ballina emerged from the break refreshed and determined, and their efforts were rewarded seven minutes into the second half when replacement prop Jamie Devers powered over for a deserved try. Ruane’s reliable boot once more brought the sides level at 21–21.
Parity proved short-lived, as Galwegians struck back with another converted try to reclaim the lead. Ballina refused to yield, and their persistence was rewarded when Alex Mescal touched down to narrow the gap to just two points.
The visitors then enjoyed their most dominant spell of the game, scoring two quick tries - one converted - through clever kicking and sharp wing play to open up a 40–26 lead. With momentum firmly in their favour, Galwegians looked to have one foot in the final.
But this Ballina side has shown heart and resilience all season, and they dug deep once more. Benefiting from ill-discipline in the Galwegians ranks, Oisín Breslin finished from a quick tap penalty, with Ruane converting to bring the deficit back to seven at 40–33.
Galwegians, however, maintained their composure and applied late pressure, eventually finding a way through with a slick passing move to extend their lead to 45–33, the conversion hitting the post
Even then, Ballina refused to go quietly. With time almost up, Jamie Devers surged over for his second try, capping a fine display. The conversion narrowly missed, leaving the final score at 38–45 in favour of Galwegians.
It was a fitting end to a pulsating encounter that kept a large crowd thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Ballina can take immense pride in their performance and in the character they displayed throughout the season. Every member of the squad gave their all, and while the result did not go their way, their commitment and spirit were evident to the final whistle.
The club extends its congratulations to Galwegians and wish them the very best in the final.
For some of this group, it marked their final appearance at youth level, and they depart with their heads held high, having represented their club, families, and club with distinction. We look forward to seeing them continue into senior level with the club through the coming years. Others will look ahead with optimism, regrouping for another tilt at U18.5 silverware next season.
A sincere word of thanks is extended to Head Coach Jim Mescal for his unwavering dedication, along with Seamus Fitzpatrick, whose commitment and input over many seasons has been invaluable. Coaches Dave Newman and Jack Murphy also deserve great credit for their outstanding contribution this year. Our thanks also to all the coaches who have given their time and mentoring over the previous seasons.
Special recognition must go to Pauline Langan, whose tireless work behind the scenes - from logistics to post-match hospitality - has been nothing short of exceptional. Her contribution has been central to the team’s journey.
Our thanks to all our hospitality sponsors, Michael Carr Foods (Sunday's sponsor), Carr’s Daybreak, Carrabine Joinery, all of whose support we really appreciate.
Finally, thanks are due to the parents, guardians, and the wider club community for their continued support, and for providing an environment in which these young players can thrive both on and off the field.
While the competitive season concludes here, plans are already underway for an end-of-season weekend trip, with details to be confirmed.
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