CCFL Review

BALLYMACKEY

By John Delaney

Ballymackey closed out the first phase of the CCFL season in impressive fashion on Sunday, recording a 3–0 away win over an in-form Mountmellick United.

Forced into three changes due to illness and unavailability, Ballymackey showed their squad depth as they started brightly on a heavy pitch. Their early dominance was rewarded after twelve minutes when Amber De Lewis coming beat two defenders on the left before cutting inside to finish from a tight angle.

De Lewis continued to cause problems and played a key role in the second goal on 23 minutes. Breaking behind the defence once more, she delivered a low cross that was met by Allison McDonnell, who arrived from the right to slot home.

Ballymackey’s wing play on a wide Conor Davis Park remained influential throughout the half. McDonnell reached the byline multiple times to deliver dangerous crosses, and from one such attack the home side conceded a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Kate Cavanagh delivered a precise delivery that centre back Karen Hogan volleyed into the net just before half-time.

Mountmellick responded strongly after the interval, but Ballymackey’s defence remained composed, securing a deserved clean sheet. The visitors continued to threaten on the break, with further chances denied only by several fine saves from the home goalkeeper.

It was an excellent all-round performance from the league leaders. De Lewis and McDonnell were prominent in attack, while young LillyKate Kenneally impressed on her first start at centre back. She was narrowly edged out for Player of the Match by defensive partner Hogan, who delivered her strongest display of the season.

Team: Darra Bourke, Stephanie O’Sullivan, Emma Nolan, Karen Hogan, LilyKate Kenneally, Thia McCarthy, Allison McDonnell, Kate Cavanagh, Christine O’Keefe, Aoibhín Delaney, Amber De Lewis. Subs used: Joanne O’Brien, Norah Larkin.

The result confirms Ballymackey as winners of the CCFL Women’s Division South ahead of the mid-season restructuring. They will enter a four team Premier Division in the New Year, with Mountmellick United expected to join them from the South, alongside Roscommon’s Bealnamulla and Westmeath side Mullingar Athletic from the North.

The victory also concludes an outstanding 2025 calendar year for the club in all CCFL competitions, finishing unbeaten in 17 matches with 16 wins and one draw.

KILLAVILLA UNITED

By Gary Culbert

First Team: Killavilla United ‘A’ stayed unbeaten in the CCFL thanks to a hard-fought win over a very resolute Abbeyleix Athletic side in the CCFL Cup on Sunday.

In a game where Villa carved out many chances, it took a fine penalty save from Aaron Mulready in the second half to set them on the road to victory.

The Roscrea side’s hard work eventually paid off twenty minutes from time when Johnny Corboy blazed into the area to fire the ball home and send Villa through to the next round of the Combined Counties Cup.

The draw for the next round is not made yet, Villa could face anyone in the whole CCFL – similar to the Tipperary Cup in the NT&DL.

Next up is a home league match against Kinnegad Juniors, a team they beat 2-1 away from home on the opening day of the season.

Kinnegad currently sit second from bottom and have not tasted victory in the league yet, so Villa will be hot favourites to take all the points. Kick-off is at 11.00am in the pristine Villa Park.

Second Team: Killavilla United ‘B’ drew 2-2 with Walsh Island Shamrocks on Sunday.

Adrian Elbert’s side travelled for this game and were made to work hard for their point. Goals from Dan Ryan and veteran Craig Phelan ensured looking up the table.

Next up is a trip to Kilcormac to take on third place St. Michaels Athletic. Kick-off is at 11.00am in Frankford.