Soccer
27 January 1999

Ballyglass are right on target!

CONTROVERSY OVER WESTPORT PENALTY THAT NEVER WAS. . .

Ballyglass 3 - - - - Westport United ................ 0

BY TOM KELLY. . .AT BALLYGLASS

Before the season began for Ballyglass last April, the Connaught Cup was targeted as the No. 1 priority.

In what is rightfully regarded as the toughest competition to win in the region, the South Mayo side are right on course to achieve their objective.

They delivered on their pedigree at home on Sunday to book a place in the quarter-finals of the series with a convincing victory over Westport United in a match played in an incessant downpour.

The South Mayo side, which has never won the provincial crown, were by far the fitter and more purposeful outfit.

A clear indication of this fact was that Ballyglass goalkeeper, Declan Prendergast, had just one vital save to make in the entire game, and that was from a sweet shot by the industrious John Duffy early in the second half.

However, Westport started as if they were going to cause an upset and the side's top scorer, Vinny O'Malley, went agonisingly close of giving them an early lead following good work by Duffy.

When Ballyglass took the lead in the eleventh, it was against the run of play. John Noonan, the in-form Ballyglass striker, won possession just inside the United penalty area, Stephen Ring having played the ball forward.

Noonan, who had stole in behind the two Westport central defenders, struck an effort which goalkeeper Daniel Fadden was unable to hold.

But the Ballyglass ace still had time and space to recover the ball and make no mistake with his second attempt.

Controversy erupted early in the second half when Westport had strong appeals for a penalty. Experienced Ronnie Ring, who had been introduced as a substitute, appeared to be dragged back by the Ballyglass goalkeeper, Declan Prendergast, after managing to squeeze past him.

But the referee, despite loud appeals from the Westport players and supporters, was having none of it, waving on play.

In my view, it was a penalty. But I have no doubt that those in the Ballyglass dug-out would have been wearing ironic smiles following the incident. They have seen quite a number of penalties given against them in controversial fashion in recent months, so they may now be entitled to feel that their luck could be turning.

ABSOLUTE GEM

Ballyglass wrapped up the issue with twenty minutes remaining when live-wire substitute John Stagg stormed through from midfield before laying the ball off for John Noonan to finish at the far post from close range.

The third goal for the victors was an absolute gem. Ray Prendergast, forceful at midfield for Ballyglass, took advantage of a mistake by Neil Chambers before skilfully lobbing the ball from 25 yards into the United net.

Ballyglass are away to Dysart, Roscommon, or West United, Galway, in the next round of series. On this form, they will take some stopping.

They were organised in defence, effective at midfield and sharp in attack. The loss of Paul Connolly at half-time through injury was compensated by a fine display by his replacement, David Noonan.

But the player who impressed me most was Ray Prendergast, who is beginning to rediscover some of the best form of his career.

If Ballyglass are going to win the Connaught Cup, and there is a long way to got yet, then they need players like Prendergast who can turn matches.

I believe they are a more settled and composed in defence with Justin Keady and Kenny Staunton in the two-full-back positions, and Martin Vahey playing alongside Colm Burke in the centre.

I would prefer to see Vahey playing up front, but there are few better readers of the game than Vahey who possesses the pace to match his skill.

It must be said that John Noonan has contributed hugely to Ballyglass's successful run since his return. He is the type of player who, when fully fit, will invariably score goals. He is also deceptively quick.

From a Westport United point of view, their performance provides ample evidence of how short they are of becoming a real force in the Mayo game again.

Nevertheless, they have a firm basis on which to build, with Daniel Fadden, John Duffy, Alan McLoughlin, Colm McLoughlin, Milo Joyce and Vinny O'Malley being outstanding players in their own right.

Ballyglass: D. Prendergast, J. Keady, K. Staunton, M. Vahey, C. Burke, P. Connolly, R. Prendergast, J. Regan, K. Connolly, J. Noonan, S. Ring. Subs: D. Noonan ( P. Connolly inj.); J. Stagg (for K. Connolly).

Westport United: D. Fadden, C. McLoughlin, A. McLoughlin, I. McLoughlin, B. Kennedy, M. Geraghty, M. Joyce, J. McKenna, V. O'Malley, J. Duffy, N. Chambers. Sub: R. Ring (for Geraghty).

Ref: J. Cawley (Ballina).

* Star Rating: Ray Prendergast. . .you need skilful players like him to win the Connaught Cup.

Mayo's £1m. football boost

LAUNCH OF TSB BANK MAYO SUPER LEAGUE

A £1m. investment in the development of Mayo football has come about through the formation of a new TSB Bank-sponsored Mayo Super League for the 1999 season which kicks off in May, it has been announced.

Ten clubs have been selected for the elite division which is designed to improve playing standards and the game's infrastructure over the coming years.

The clubs chosen to make up the Super League, following an interviewing process, were Ballina Town, Ballyglass, Ballyheane, Castlebar Celtic, Claremorris, Killala, Manulla, Straide & Foxford United, Urlaur United and Westport United.

Two other clubs, Bangor Hibs and Conn Rangers, are placed on a reserve list. They will be invited into the league if any of the other ten clubs fail to satisfy the Mayo League by February 28th next that they can meet at the necessary criteria.

The criteria set down by the Mayo League was as follows. Ú The provision of permanent changing facilities with showers. Ú Wooden or concrete enclosure of pitch. Ú Changing facilities for referees. Ú All-weather pitch. Ú Clubs selected must attend a Level One coaching course and First Aid course.

Erris United announced their decision not to accept the Mayo League's invitation to the Super League for the 1999 season. They are looking forward to qualifying in the year 2000 with their new clubhouse facilities in place.

It was also pointed out at the press reception that if the Mayo League is not be satisfied by February 28th next that a club will be able to meet its commitments in relation to criteria set down, then their place in the Super League will go to a club on the reserve panel.

Because of the TSB Bank sponsorship, the league is in a position to offer their clubs the chance of winning £1,500 as the top prize for winning the league and £500 for finishing second, both amounts being linked to ground improvements.

It is understood that no other league in the country can boast such an incentive. Mr. Tom Kelly, chairman, Mayo League, said the establishment of the Super League was another example of the pioneering and visionary spirit of the organisation in the county.

"We have never been afraid to show the courage of our convictions for the overall good of the game, and Milebush Stadium and the success of summer soccer are clear examples of this.'

Mr. Kelly, who thanked the TSB Bank for the faith they were putting in Mayo football, said the full benefits of the Super League would not been seen for three of four years.

Mr. Declan O'Connor, manager, T.S.B. Bank, Castlebar, said they were delighted to become involved in such a progressive sport which was attracting more or more young people to play the game.

"I think it is important that proper facility be put in place for those playing soccer on a weekly basis at all age groups.'

He paid tribute to the Mayo League for their positive approach to the game, and praised the local media for their coverage of activities.

UNVEILED PLANS

Mr. Pat Quigley, president, F.A.I., complimented the Mayo League on the manner in which they were bringing about development in the game.

"It is a particularly proud day for me in view of the fact the F.A.I. unveiled plans for their new stadium at a cost of £65m.

Mr. Johnny Mee, chairman of Castlebar Urban Council and a director of Castlebar Celtic, praised the Mayo League Management Committee for their work in promoting soccer in the county over the years.

"It was inevitable, with the huge growth in soccer in Mayo in recent years, that this super league would be initiated. The upsurge in interest in soccer in Mayo is due to a number of things, but particularly to the hard work, commitment and dedication of the Mayo League Management Committee.

"The committee go about their work in a very professional manner and the results are there for all to see. Standards have improved, top quality facilities have been provided and the game of soccer is now on a very sound footing in Mayo.'

Mr. Al McDonnell, chairman, Mayo County Council, said when all the expense incurred by clubs in meeting the Super League criteria was taken into account, the figure could be in the region of £ 1m.

"That is some investment in the future of the game."

He acknowledged the work being done by people promoting the game at underage level, particularly those who go out night after night to coach young players.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - January 1999