St Stephen's Day game was a fitting tribute to a great Tipperary soccer man

Ballingarry Albion FC:

The first instalment of the Georgie Ivors Memorial Cup on St Stephen’s Day was won by the Over 35s team.

In what was a fantastic game with three penalties given, four goals scored, and most importantly plenty of laughs. 

The organisers, Ballingarry FC, can’t thank everyone enough for making the day what it was, which was a fitting tribute to a fantastic clubman, the late Georgie Ivors.

Thanks to all the former players who rolled back the years, our current squad, a special thanks to Ger Maher for officiating at the game and to Seamus Purcell and Billy Doheny who gave up their time to come to record and commentate the game. It is people like these who make these events special to a living parish. Lastly, a huge thanks to all the Ivors family who came out on the day to support the event.

The cup will be sitting with Over 35s captain Joseph Ivors for the year and we hope to see everyone back next year. What a fun day.

Match commentator, Séamus Purcell, wrote the following comments:

“Well done to Ballingarry Albion on hosting the George Ivors Memorial Cup match between their Under 35’s and Over 35’s on St Stephen’s morning. It was a really enjoyable match played in good conditions for the time of the year. Well done to Brian Moloney - the field and walkway are a credit to you and your committee. Back to the game, the old brigade won by 3-1 - a couple of great goals for them by the Cleere brothers Adrian (Bosco) and Nigel (Di Canio). My MOTM was Gerard Ivors who was outstanding all game.

“There were great displays too for the veterans by David Cashin, Michael Ivors Snr, Donald Shelly Marty Ivors, Stephen Houlihan,Thomas Donovan, and the aforementioned Cleere brothers and a special mention for Paddy Ivors - still as good as ever.

“On the U/35 side Ben Ivors, Jackie Lawlor, and Adam O'Connell are talented boys. Ian Ivors, Michael Ivors Jnr and Ricky Cashin are excellent soccer players.

“Nice to see the club up and running again and that they are having a fine season and are playing a lovely brand of football. I wish them well for the season well done to the officers, management and players. Great to see our first chairman and captain Jim Ivors at the game. The best chairman I have ever worked with.

“Finally it was lovely to see the club honouring a man, George Ivors, who gave decades of service to the Albion. It was fitting that his son, Joseph, captained the winning team and Jonathan played on the U/35 team. My best wishes to his wife Mary, to the boys and to Patsy and Jacqueline. It was great to see his sisters and extended family at the game. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

“Finally, thanks to Billy Doheny for his camera work and Ger Maher for having no cards issued.”

A video recording of the match was shown in Amby’s, Ballingarry, later that evening, greatly enjoyed by all present.