Unity and resolve buttress Ballinameen
Derek Connellan is back for a second stint in charge of Ballinameen. Picture: INPHO/Donall Farmer
As a player, Derek Connellan was a prestigious talent — gracing fields up and down the county and beyond with game-changing contributions for Kilmore and Roscommon.
Mix that artistry with the hardened resolve that Ballinameen have always been renowned for, and, perhaps, it should come as no surprise that the proud North Roscommon club is back in the final, looking for their first Junior A title in six years.
Connellan spent one year with the club in 2022 — his first serious flirtation with management at adult level — but his second coming has been marked by a thrilling run to Saturday’s final against St. Croan’s where Ballinameen have stolen the headlines as a result of some late, late shows.
Late Dessie Carlos two-pointers broke Clann na nGael and St. Aidan’s hearts, but Connellan references a group game against Roscommon Gaels’ second team where the trend started.
“We would have been tipped to beat Roscommon Gaels’ B team well. They were in front for the whole game but we won it with the last kick of the game. We’ve done it again twice since then, so that’s a good sign,” recalled Connellan who is joined on the Ballinameen management team by Seán Casey, Noel Lynch, and Pat Carty.
This time around, Connellan cites the infusion of youth in the form of Gordan Casey, Dara Callaghan, and Colin McGrath as bringing more pace to the team. The experience of Dessie Carlos, Peter Keane, full-back Eoghan Keaveney, and Finbarr McDermott has been equally as important to Ballinameen’s unbeaten run, but that will be put to the test in the final against hot favourites St. Croan’s.
“They (Croan’s) have all the firepower. They’re the team to beat by a mile.
“But we’ve nothing to lose. We’re in the final on merit. It’s all about having a go at it, and seeing where that takes us,” he remarked.
The team’s run has also captured the imagination of the local community, and a vociferous Ballinameen support will make its way to Strokestown on Saturday afternoon.
People like Chairperson Aidan Cunningham, Seán McGarry and Declan Dwyer — they’ve rowed in behind the team. Anything you want, you get.
“Ballinameen is a great club. There’s great unity within the club. Everyone gets one with each other,” he highlighted.
Not a bad overall package to have in the locker as Ballinameen aim to put their best foot forward in the final.
