Individual and Club accolades for Ballymackey at CCFL Awards
Ballymackey FC Women attended the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL) Awards at the Bridge House, Tullamore, last Saturday night where the team not only collected their League and Cup trophies and medals, but also took home two of the evening’s top awards.
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Ballymackey FC representatives at the CCFL Club Awards, from left: Amber DeLewis, Allison McDonnell, Nicole Ryan, David Moran (Leinster FA President), Karen Hogan, Kevin Egan (CCFL Chairperson), Lisa Toohey, Kieran O’Rourke, Christine O’Keefe, John Delaney, Ava O’Rourke, Aoibhín Delaney.Image 2 of 2
Lisa Toohey gets presented with the CCFL Player of the Year award by Leinster FA President David Moran and CCFL Chairperson Kevin Egan.Captain Lisa Toohey was named CCFL Women’s Player of the Year for 2024/25, a richly deserved recognition for a phenomenal player who has captained Ballymackey to five CCFL titles in the past four seasons. Her leadership, consistency, and performances have been pivotal to the team’s success.
Lisa’s journey in football began over thirty years ago with Nenagh AFC's boys’ team, playing with them for a number of years she captaining their U12 team to a National Cup Quarter-Final.
However, as regulations prevented her from continuing in boys’ teams beyond U13, Lisa’s pathway led her to Limerick’s Aisling Annacotty. It was there that her talent was spotted, setting her on the road to international football.
She earned her first call-up for the Republic of Ireland U15 team, going on to represent her country at every underage level. In 2003, she was selected by Noel King to play for the Irish U17 side at the Youth Olympics in Paris.
Her international journey continued under Sue Ronan with the U19 squad in 2005 and 2006—a golden generation that included future stars like Áine O'Gorman, Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey, and Stephanie Roche.
After finishing secondary school, Lisa’s footballing journey took her to the United States, where she was scouted by former Chelsea and now USA manager Emma Hayes to play for Iona College. Unfortunately, injuries cut her American dream short, but Lisa’s resilience and determination to return to the game never wavered.
That comeback came closer to home. She made the short trip over the road to Ballymackey FC, where she reignited her playing career. Since joining, she has been an inspirational leader both on and off the pitch. Lisa has captained Ballymackey to a North Tipperary League and Cup Double and five CCFL titles, including this season’s impressive League and Cup Double.
Not one to take any limelight, Lisa prefers to let her football do the talking. Her integrity, passion, and dedication have made her a respected figure within the club and the wider football community. She is a true role model—for teammates, coaches, and the next generation of players coming through at Ballymackey.
Adding to the teams achievements, the team was also presented with the prestigious CCFL Club Merit Award—a special award given to recognise an outstanding achievement by a club or team over the season.
Ballymackey’s maiden League and Cup double success was judged as the standout accomplishment in a league that saw 23 different teams win across thirty competitions.
This award is particularly honour given the scale and competitiveness of the CCFL, which spans a large region across the Midlands of Ireland and includes clubs from all four provinces of Ireland.