Ballingarry were delighted to be able to welcome Roy Cashin back in goal after his recent lay-off. This meant that Martin Goldsboro was able to resume at left-back and Paul Behan dropped down to the bench.
Bansha started the game like a house on fire, and proceeded to put severe pressure on the Ballingarry backline. But Martin Goldsboro and Gerard Ivors were patrolling their men well and were not allowing any breakthrough to develop. But Ballingarry suffered a heavy blow in the 25th minute when Bansha took the lead. From an attack down their left wing, Bansha swung the ball across the 18 yard line and there was their inspirational figure of Michael Grace to shoot and put the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. They suffered a further heavy blow 3 minutes later when Noel Burke had to stretchered off the field after a very heavy challenge, which went unpunished by the referee. From here to half time, Ballingarry put Bansha under severe pressure but could not draw themselves level. Half-time score: Bansha Celtic 1 Ballingarry Albion 0
Bansha started the second half as they had started the first by putting Ballingarry under pressure, and it looked as if they would increase their lead after 55 minutes, when they were awarded a very harsh penalty, from Ballingarry's point of view. Their centre forward received the ball on the right hand side of Ballingarry's penalty area, but Martin Goldsboro was there to challenge him, and cleanly struck the ball away from him. It was to his amazement that referee, Gerry Ward, blew for the penalty and proceeded to book him for the challenge. However justice was done when the penalty was missed. Ballingarry then proceeded to put Bansha under continuous pressure, and indeed had two legitimate claims for penalties turned down by the referee. Despite all their pressure, Ballingarry were to be denied, and so Bansha ran out 1-0 winners.

Team: Roy Cashin, Liam Fitzgerald, Martin Goldsboro, David Cashin, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors (Capt), Gary Ivors, Noel Burke, "Blondie" Ivors, John Houlihan. Subs: Joseph Ivors, John-Paul Walsh, Paul Behan

Albion defeat Cahir 4 - 3 in thriller, Sun 10th. Feb
Ballingarry resumed their league campaign on Sunday last in emphatic fashion when they defeated Cahir Park at the By-pass pitch in Cahir on a scoreline of 4-3.
Ballingarry started the game short a number of regulars, most notable of these being Nigel Cleere, who was suspended, Adrian Cleere, who is on the injury list, and Roy Cashin, who is also on the injury list at the present time. Martin Goldsboro took over between the sticks for Roy, Paul Behan came in at left-back, and John Houlihan came in at centre-forward for Adrian.

Ballingarry got off to the worst start imaginable, when they had Paul Behan sent off in the 2nd minute for deliberate handball on the goalline. From the resulting penalty, Cahir took the lead when their centre-half placed the ball high to Martin Goldsboro's right-hand side and into the net. Ballingarry took this blow well, and manager, George Ivors, re-organised his defence to suit the circumstances. The defence went to a flat back three, and "Blondie" Ivors was detailed to play just in front of the back three. The plan worked, and Ballingarry drew level deservedly, on the half hour, through their captain, Michael Ivors. From a free kick in the centre circle, "Blondie" Ivors put Michael away on the right hand side of the Cahir penalty box, and Michael showed great composure when he placed the ball low into the right hand side of the Cahir goalkeeper. From there until half-time, Ballingarry battened down the hatches, as they were also playing into a gale force wind. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 1 Cahir Park 0
Ballingarry started the second-half with the elements at their backs, and they made sure that they used them to good effect. In the 55th minute "Blondie" Ivors scored with a rocket of a shot from 40 yards, after the Cahir defence had backed off and left the space for him to shoot. Five minutes later, the same player scored what has to be a contender for the next edition of "Goalkeeping Bloopers". From a Cahir throw-in, Gary Ivors intercepted the ball and headed the ball into "Blondie's" path. He didn't hesitate, as two Cahir players were closing him down, and he swung on the ball with his left foot in order to clear it. It not only cleared Ballingarry's lines but also cleared the Cahir goalkeeper and into the net to put Ballingarry 3-1 up. In the 69th minute John Houlihan appeared to have put the result beyond doubt when he scored Ballingarry's fourth goal. Again "Blondie" was heavily involved as he put John through and he placed the ball low to the keepers left hand and into the net. But Cahir were not finished, and in the 75th minute they pulled a goal back through their right winger when he connected with a cross from the left hand side and placed the ball beyond the despairing dive of Martin Goldsboro in the Ballingarry goal. Five minutes later, they were awarded their second penalty when David Cashin was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area. Again, Cahir's centre-half came up, and, again the result was the same, as he placed the ball low to Martin Goldsboro's left hand side. From here until the end, Cahir tried desperately to get the equaliser. In the 87th minute, Martin Goldsboro had to be quick to react to a through ball and he smartly smothered the centre forwards attempted shot. There were scenes of great joy a few short minutes later, when referee, Michael Freiburg, blew the final whistle.

This was a great battling display from Ballingarry, all the more so, as they had played for 88 minutes with 10 men, and it will make a few teams in the division sit up and take notice. Best for them on the day were Gerard Ivors, Gary Ivors, Michael Ivors, "Blondie" Ivors, and David Cashin.
Team: Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Paul Behan, Gary Ivors, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors (Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors and John Houlihan. Subs: John-Paul Walsh, Colm Ivors, Pakie Prout, Martin Ivors Jnr.

Albion V Moyglass Sun 13th Jan.2002
Ballingarry Albion travelled to Moyglass on Sunday morning last to take on the local side in the 1st round of the Tipperary Challenge Cup. It took 120 minutes of soccer to separate the teams, but, in the end, Moyglass took the honours after a thrilling game.
This game was played at breakneck speed from start to finish, and it was a credit to both teams in that it was played in a very sporting spirit. Both teams were committed to playing fast, direct soccer, and so it was no surprise that the game turned into a very open affair. Moyglass were the quicker of the two teams to settle, and they put Ballingarry under severe pressure in the first half hour of the game. Ballingarry's back-four were coping admirably with the pressure, but seemed to have communication problems between themselves. It was no surprise to anybody when Moyglass took the lead after 35 minutes through Michael Lacey, when he was quickest to react to a dropped corner and stabbed the ball into the Ballingarry net from 6 yards. This seemed to be the kickstart that Ballingarry needed and they started to penetrate the Moyglass defence on a regular basis. "Blondie" Ivors was commanding the midfield area with his brother, Michael, and they were putting Noelie Burke and John Houlihan through on a regular basis, but the final product was just avoiding them. Half-time score: Moyglass United 1 Ballingarry Albion 0.
Ballingarry started the second half like wounded tigers after the roasting they got at half-time from their manager, George Ivors. Martin Goldsboro was detailed to manmark Sean Murphy and Gerard Ivors was able to break forward more often to assist the midfield in their search for the equaliser. Time and time again, Ballingarry pushed forward but their efforts seemed in vain, as they just could not pierce the Moyglass rearguard. Nor were Moyglass without chances to increase their lead. Declan Ryan, Brendan Hayes and John Lacey all had chances but were either closed down quickly or Roy Cashin was forced into making saves. But Ballingarry's perseverance finally paid off in the 80th minute when Joseph Ivors reacted quickest to a spilled shot by the Moyglass keeper and finished it to the net. For the final ten minutes both sides tried to get the winner but it was not to be, and after 90 minutes of frantic soccer, the fianl score was 1-1.
And so extra-time beckoned, and Ballingarry kept the pressure on as they had done in the second-half of normal-time. Again and again, they pushed forward in search of the goal that could prove to be the winner, but the Moyglass defence were standing firm and were not allowing them to create as many chances as before. The game went into the second period of extra-time and Ballingarry suffered a killer blow when Moyglass scored what proved to be the winner with 2 minutes left. Moyglass won a corner on the left hand-side, it was swung in high into the penalty area, and there was the Moyglass centre-half to send a thundering header into the back of the Ballingarry net.
Ballingarry will be very disappointed with this result, as it means that they have now been eliminated from all their cup competitions in the first round. The loss of their top scorer, Adrian Cleere, with ankle ligament damage from their game v Cahir Park, was a great loss to the team. Nevertheless, there were some fine performances from Gerard Ivors, "Blondie" Ivors, Michael Ivors, Roy Cashin and Nigel Cleere. Their next game is v Rock Rovers in the Community Field, The Commons on Sunday next, probably at 2:30pm.
Team: Roy Cashin, Liam Fitzgerald, Martin Goldsboro, Nigel Cleere, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors, David Cashin, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors, John Houlihan. Subs: Joseph Ivors, Gary Ivors, Paul Behan, John-Paul Walsh, and Colm Ivors.

Ballingarry Albion V Cahir Sun 6th. Jan 2002
Ballingarry Albion and Cahir Park played out an extremely entertaining draw at the Community Field, The Commons, on Sunday last conditions that were unusually mild for the time of year.
Cahir started the better of the two teams and, indeed, took the lead after 5 minutes when Mark Costigan let fly with a shot from 30 yards which went like a rocket into the top corner of the net. However, Ballingarry fought their way back into the game and drew level after 15 minutes. Martin Goldsboro rose to clear a cross into the Ballingarry penalty area, "Blondie" Ivors latched onto the ball as it fell, and sent a lovely ball over the top for Adrian Cleere to latch onto, and, as he entered the Cahir penalty area, he was cruelly felled from behind by the centre-half. Up stepped "Blondie" Ivors to send the keeper the wrong way and level the proceedings. Ballingarry then took the lead through their inspirational captain, Michael Ivors, on 25 minutes, when he ran onto a through ball from Adrian Cleere and chipped the keeper from 35 yards to put Ballingarry 2-1 up. From this stage to half-time, Ballingarry dominated the game. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 2 Cahir Park 1.
Cahir started the second-half as they had started the first, and they put Ballingarry under severe pressure. The Ballingarry defence, however, stood firm but they suffered a cruel blow on 60 minutes when Mark Costigan tried his luck from 20 yards and the ball flew into the bottom corner of the Ballingarry net. But their joy at levelling matters was short-lived as "Blondie" Ivors scored his second for Ballingarry, almost immediately after the restart. Again, it was Adrian Cleere who took on the Cahir defence, and, again he was fouled in the penalty area. "Blondie" stepped up again to drill the ball past the keeper, and put Ballingarry 3-2 up. However, five minutes later, everything went horribly wrong for Ballingarry. Firstly, "Blondie" Ivors was harshly sent off for a tackle on Mark Costigan, which the referee deemed to be violent conduct, and, secondly, Adrian Cleere had to go off after a challenge from behind left him in agony on the ground, and the Cahir player unpunished. For a period of five minutes, Ballingarry had to play with only nine players while Adrian was being attended to. Eventually, he was replaced by Colm Ivors. After seventy five minutes, Ballingarry thought they had gone 4-2 up when Noelie Burke put the ball in the Cahir net, but he was adjudged to have fouled the keeper, and a free kick to Cahir resulted. The extra man for Cahir eventually told as they equalized again after 85 minutes when Joe Murphy put a well placed shot past Roy Cashin after good work down the right hand side. This was to be the final notable moment in the game, and five minutes later, referee, John Walshe, brought the game to a close.
The draw was no more than Ballingarry deserved, especially for their performance when they were harshly reduced to ten men. Up to that stage, they were the favourites to win this game. Best for them on the day were Roy Cashin, Gerard Ivors, Martin Goldsboro, Michael Ivors, Noelie Burke, and Adrian Cleere up until he got injured.

Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Nigel Cleere, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors(Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors and Adrian Cleere. Subs: Colm Ivors, Joseph Ivors, Pakie Prout, Marty Ivors, and John Houlihan.

Ballingarry Albion v Killusty--- Sun 16th Dec. 2001

Ballingarry Albion finally got their first win of the season, when they routed Killusty in Killusty on Sunday morning last. Finally, their hard work paid off as this was an emphatic result, from start to finish.
Ballingarry got off to a great start when Noelie Burke put them in front after three minutes. The move started when Gerard Ivors intercepted a ball from Jason Nevin and passed it to Blondie Ivors, who in turn played Noelie through, and he showed great composure by slotting the ball under the advancing 'keeper. Killusty fought back though and they equalized through Chris Coen, when he scored with a header from a cross from the left wing, to tie the score at 1-1. However, Ballingarry showed their mettle and were soon back in front again, when Adrian Cleere latched onto a through ball from Nigel Cleere, and he didn't hesitate with a first time shot that deceived Shay Coen in the Killusty goal, and rocketed into the corner of the net. From here until half-time, Ballingarry kept up the pressure, and were unlucky not to add to their tally. Adrian Cleere, Noelie Burke and Nigel Cleere all had chances but Shay Coen in the Killusty goal was in fine form and pulled off three great saves to deny the boys. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 1 Killusty 0.

Ballingarry started the second-half as they had finished the first by putting Killusty under severe pressure, and the pressure paid off as they increased their lead after 55 minutes when Adrian Cleere scored from a free-kick. Nigel Cleere was fouled 20 yards out and up stepped Adrian to loft the ball over the wall and into the top corner. Ballingarry increased their lead after 62 minutes when Noelie Burke scored his second and Ballingarry's fourth to put the result beyond doubt. Killusty at this stage, were a spent force, but they gamely kept plugging away and indeed could have scored again through Aidan Fitzgerald, but Roy Cashin made a great save. Ballingarry then put the final nail in Killusty's coffin when Adrian Cleere scored his third, and Ballingarry's fifth in the 80th minute. The final ten minutes were played at a pedestrian pace and Ballingarry used the opportunity to put on their quota of substitutes. John-Paul Walsh replaced Roy Cashin, Colm Ivors came on for Noelie Burke and Joseph Ivors came on for David Cashin.
This was a great result for Ballingarry, and it bodes well for the future if they continue in this vein of form.

Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Nigel Cleere, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors (Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors, and Adrian Cleere. Subs: Colm Ivors, Joseph Ivors, John-Paul Walsh, Paul Behan, and Martin Ivors Jnr.

Ballingarry Albion v Bansha Celtic------28/10/01

Ballingarry Albion resumed their league campaign with a home fixture against Bansha Celtic in the Community Field, The Commons on Sunday last. Despite the early kick-off, both teams served up a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes of soccer for the crowd that turned up for the game.
Ballingarry started the brighter of the two teams, and were quick to press forward the advantage they gained early. "Blondie" Ivors was first for Ballingarry to test the Bansha goalkeeper when he sent in a scorcher of a shot after 10 mins that the keeper did well to hold onto at the second attempt. David Cashin on the right wing was starting to cause problems for Bansha as he was setting up some lovely movements for both Adrian Cleere and Noelie Burke up front. Gradually, Bansha started to come into the game, and, with their former junior international, Michael Grace, playing an influential role, they started to penetrate the Ballingarry midfield. After 30 mins, however, they were rocked when Ballingarry took the lead through Adrian Cleere. The movement started from the back with Gerard Ivors, who played a beautifully weighted pass to Michael Ivors, who in turn passed it to "Blondie" Ivors, who, spotting the keeper off his line, lobbed him from 30 yards. Unfortunately for him, the ball came back off the crossbar, and there was Adrian to put the ball in the net from 6 yards. From there to the end of the half, Bansha piled on the pressure and had some great chances, the best coming from Colin Morrissey, when he played a quick one-two with his centre-forward, before unleashing a shot from 15 yards that struck the crossbar, and went out for a goalkick. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 1 Bansha Celtic 0
The second half started as the first had finished, with Bansha on the attack. Time and time again, they broke forward, only to have their attacks thwarted by the Ballingarry back four of Liam Fitzgerald, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, and Martin Goldsboro. Ballingarry, too, were not without their chances, and, in the 60th minute, Michael Ivors had a fierce drive from 18 yards diverted out for a corner. However, Bansha pressure told and they equalised in the 70th minute from a set piece. A quick throw in down their left wing saw a free kick being given against Martin Goldsboro for hands on the back of the attacker. From the resultant free, Colin Morrissey climbed highest to head the ball into the corner of the Ballingarry net. From there to the finish, it was helter-skelter as both teams went looking for a winner. However, it was not to be, and the honours were shared in an excellent game.
This game was played in glorious sunshine, and was well handled by referee, John Hadnett. The result still leaves Ballingarry rooted to the foot of the table, but, on the evidence of this display, they will not remain there for too long.

Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Nigel Cleere, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors (Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors, Adrian Cleere. Subs: Martin Ivors Jnr., John-Paul Walsh, Pakie Prout, John Houlihan, Joseph Ivors.

Sunday Nov. 18th 2001
Ballingarry Albion travelled to Cooke Park in Tipperary Town on Sunday last with high hopes of gaining their first win in the Premier League this season, in their game against St. Michael's.
Balingarry started on the back foot as St. Michael's were determined to put the game out of Ballingarry's reach early. Numerous chances were squandered by St. Michael's in the first 15 minutes of the game, and Roy Cashin in the Ballingarry goal had to be alert on a couple of occasions to react. But Ballingarry are made of stern stuff, and it was to St. Michael's dismay that Ballingaryy took the lead in the 25th minute. Nigel Cleere was fouled 30 yards out from goal, "Blondie" Ivors chipped a delightful ball over the wall, and there was Adrian Cleere to steer the ball into the St. Michael's net. Their dismay was further compounded ten minutes later, when Adrian scored his second goal. Again "Blondie" was involved as he payed a beautiful ball through to Adrian and he coolly lobbed the keeper from 25 yards. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 2 St. Michael's 0
St. Michael's started the second half like men possessed, and within 6 mins of the start of the half had drawn level. With 3 minutes of the second half gone their centre-forward latched onto a through ball from midfield and duly dispatched it to the net. Their second came from a corner that was floated into the box and there he was again to level the proceedings. Ballingarry fought back and had some great chances themselves but Kevin O'Sullivan in the St. Michael's goal had decided to shut up shop. The game was heading for stalemate when Ballingarry suffered a major blow when Nigel Cleere was sent off for his second bookable offence. Nigel, up to that moment, had been playing a stormer, but for the last 15 minutes, Ballingarry were down to 10 men. To their dismay, St. Michael's scored what proved to be the winner with five minutes to go. A mix-up in the defence resulted in a cross from the right wing, and there was "Hawk" O'Dwyer to score the winner.
This was a gallant performance from Ballingarry, but points are what is needed from here on in. Best for them on the day were Gerard Ivors, Roy Cashin, Michael Ivors,and Adrian Cleere.
Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, David Cashin, Martin Ivers, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors, Nigel Cleere, Noelie Burke, "Blondie" Ivors, Adrian Cleere. Subs: Joseph Ivors, Paul Behan, John-Paul Walsh, Martin Ivors(The Commons), Martin Ivors Jnr.
The club would also like to congratulate Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors, and Adrian Cleere on their successful appearances for the Tipperary Southern & District League on Sunday last against the Red House League from Waterford.

V's Bansha Celtic in the Community Field, Sun 28th Oct 2001
Ballingarry Albion resumed their league campaign with a home fixture against Bansha Celtic in the Community Field, The Commons on Sunday last. Despite the early kick-off, both teams served up a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes of soccer for the crowd that turned up for the game.
Ballingarry started the brighter of the two teams, and were quick to press forward the advantage they gained early. ìBlondieî Ivors was first for Ballingarry to test the Bansha goalkeeper when he sent in a scorcher of a shot after 10 mins that the keeper did well to hold onto at the second attempt. David Cashin on the right wing was starting to cause problems for Bansha as he was setting up some lovely movements for both Adrian Cleere and Noelie Burke up front. Gradually, Bansha started to come into the game, and, with their former junior international, Michael Grace, playing an influential role, they started to penetrate the Ballingarry midfield. After 30 mins, however, they were rocked when Ballingarry took the lead through Adrian Cleere. The movement started from the back with Gerard Ivors, who played a beautifully weighted pass to Michael Ivors, who in turn passed it to ìBlondieî Ivors, who, spotting the keeper off his line, lobbed him from 30 yards. Unfortunately for hi!
m, the ball came back off the crossbar, and there was Adrian to put the ball in the net from 6 yards. From there to the end of the half, Bansha piled on the pressure and had some great chances, the best coming from Colin Morrissey, when he played a quick one-two with his centre-forward, before unleashing a shot from 15 yards that struck the crossbar, and went out for a goalkick. Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 1 Bansha Celtic 0
The second half started as the first had finished, with Bansha on the attack. Time and time again, they broke forward, only to have their attacks thwarted by the Ballingarry back four of Liam Fitzgerald, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, and Martin Goldsboro. Ballingarry, too, were not without their chances, and, in the 60th minute, Michael Ivors had a fierce drive from 18 yards diverted out for a corner. However, Bansha pressure told and they equalised in the 70th minute from a set piece. A quick throw in down their left wing saw a free kick being given against Martin Goldsboro for hands on the back of the attacker. From the resultant free, Colin Morrissey climbed highest to head the ball into the corner of the Ballingarry net. From there to the finish, it was helter-skelter as both teams went looking for a winner. However, it was not to be, and the honours were shared in an excellent game.
This game was played in glorious sunshine, and was well handled by referee, John Hadnett. The result still leaves Ballingarry rooted to the foot of the table, but, on the evidence of this display, they will not remain there for too long.

Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Nigel Cleere, Martin Ivors, Gerard Ivors, Michael Ivors (Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, ìBlondieî Ivors, Adrian Cleere. Subs: Martin Ivors Jnr., John-Paul Walsh, Pakie Prout, John Houlihan, Joseph Ivors.

Ballingarry Albion Loose to Valley Rangers (Cork)
Ballingarry Albion faced Valley Rangers from Cork in the second round of the F.A.I. Junior Cup on Sunday last in the Community Field, The Commons. Weakened by the loss of those players who were involved in the County Senior Hurling Quarter-final, Ballingarry proceeded with a perfect start when John-Paul Walsh finished to the net after 8 mins following good work by Michael Ivors in the middle of the field. Ballingarry continued to dominate, but were unable to convert the chances that came their way. Noelie Burke missed a good chance after 30 mins when he struck the crossbar with a vicious shot from 30 yards.
Half-time score: Ballingarry Albion 1 Valley Rangers 0
The second-half started with Valley Rangers beginning to exert some influence on the game. Gradually, they got a foothold in the middle of the field and started to create some chances. Roy Cashin made a tremendous save after 60 mins but eventually Valley Rangers equalised after 80 mins when their centre-forward curled a corner all the way into the net. From there to the end, it was a battle as both teams continued to attack to see if they could get a winner. Alas, it was not to be and extra-time beckoned for both teams.
It was two tired teams who took the field for extra-time. Valley Rangers kept pushing forward but their attacks kept breaking down in the final third of the field. Ballingarry too, were pushing forward and a break down the right hand side from Martin Goldsboro, after he had dispossessed their right winger, brought a lovely cross into the area and John Houlihan connected with a volley that brought a smart reflex save from the Valley Rangers goalkeeper. However, Valley Rangers got their second wind and they scored the winner with 5 mins remaining in extra-time to secure their place in the next round of the F.A.I Junior Cup.

There were a number of heroic performances from the Albion. Roy Cashin in the goal, Gerry Ivors at centre-half and Michael Ivors in midfield being the most noticeable. So, it's back to the drawing-board for the Albion and they must now gather themselves to prepare for the rigours of the domestic league.

Team: Roy Cashin, Martin Goldsboro, Liam Fitzgerald, Gerry Ivors, Martin Ivers, John Houlihan, Joseph Ivors, Michael Ivors(Capt), David Cashin, Noelie Burke, John-Paul Walsh. Sub: Martin Ivers(Jnr)