The Ballyboden U12C gaelic football team completed a memorable double in 2009. In the club house on Saturday last , 5 December, the presentation of the medals took place. The team managed by Niall Kelly and Jim Dalton achieved success in both the Cup and league competitions.

They remained unbeaten in all 14 games. In the Cup competition during the first half of the season, they earned  top position in their section ahead of Westmanstown.

In the semi-final they faced Kilmacud Crokes in Ballycullen. This was an evenly contested affair with the match ending in a draw . During extra time Ballyboden just about edged it winning by two points, In the final , Ballyboden faced Thomas Davis on their home turf. This was another tight affair , with only two points seperating the teams at half time . In the second half Ballyboden scored two crucial goals by Philly Dillon and Mikey Delaney. Big performances by Darragh Gibbons and Ieuan Hopkins inspired the team to run out easy winners in the end. Luke Donohgue, Shane Healy and Jason Cosgrove were other scorers on the day. A special mention must be given to the defense on the day , they were were rock solid. They included Conor Barton, Seamus Battelle , Kevin Cronin, John Byrne and Jamie Kavanagh. The final score was BBSE 2-10 Thomas Davis 1-2.

Having remained unbeaten in the Cup, the players made a pact to try and remain unbeaten for the rest of the season. The defining game of the season happened to be the first game which took place in a downpour of rain and hailstones in bushy park against Templeogue Synge Street. I would have to say that this was the game of the season for the team. Ruadhan Fanning was the hero on the day playing in goal. Once again Darragh Gibbons was tremendous in the middle of the park. The defense were under severe pressure throughout, but were marshaled well by Cillian O’ Riordan, Stephen Mc Mahon, Joe Flanagan and Sean Cremin. . The final game of the season against Naof Olaf was played on the new all weather pitch. Naof Olaf were up for the game and were ahead at half time by 4 points playing against the wind. It did not look good. However, in the second half , Ballyboden turned on the style. One of the new recruits during the second half of the season , Mikey Dunne had a major role in this game through his speed, scoring and laying off of the ball to his fellow team mates. Adam Mc Donoghue  was also accurate in front of goal. Kevin Coffey, Conor O’ Sullivan and Gavin Healy, all new additions to the league panel played their part in the scoring. In the defense our utility player Paul Kelly played a stormer with his colleagues Patrick O’ Dowd and David Leech in the half back line.

Overall, with 2009 season now coming to a close, the players should be commended for their commitment and skill. Management ensured that each member of the squad got a game no matter how close the encounter.

This proved crucial in allowing all the players to get to know each other’s strengths and it unified the team throughout the season . A big thank you to all the parents for their support and help. Ruairi Higgins was out through injury but thankfully has now resumed training.

Finally, Luke Donoghue and Ruadhan Fanning were awarded Players of the year. While Cillian O'Riordan was awarded the Most Improved player.

Well done to all agus Go mbeirimíd beo ag an am seo arís.

Jim Dalton.