Ballycommon lay down serious marker in Offaly SFC “B”

BALLYCOMMON sent out a powerful, attention grabbing message when they produced the standout performance in the opening round of the Tullamore Court Hotel Senior “B” Football Championship on Friday evening.

Ballycommon were in sensational form as they demolished a shell shocked Tubber by double scores, 2-12 to 1-6 in a surprisingly one sided group 2 encounter in Daingean on Friday evening.

While Ballycommon were promoted from intermediate last year, it was no surprise that they would be very competitive at this level. After all, they have one of the best footballers in Offaly in David Dempsey and plenty of other player good players, some of whom have played at various grades for the county. One of these, Conor Dunne was only a sub here but Ballycommon blew Tubber out of the water and could have won by more.

It was a big wake up call for Tubber who won the Division 2 Football League a few weeks ago but just didn't turn up here.

The other group 2 game saw Gracefield make a similar statement of intent with a very good 3-7 to 1-10 win over a fancied Clonbullogue. Clonbullogue were missing county players Keith O'Neill and Jack McEvoy as well as Shane O'Brien while Gracefield were really boosted by the return of Jamie Evans and Ruari Allen. Evans has transferred back from Clare while former county player Allen is home from Australia at the moment and they were brilliant for Gracefield, along with Jack Walsh and another former county star, Niall Smith.

Gracefield looked like winning for most of the way and held off a late Clonbullogue finishing spurt to secure two crucial points in what is by far the toughest of the two groups.

In group one, Cappincur were solid when beating Ballycumber by 0-15 to 1-9. Relegated from senior last year, Cappincur were not brilliant but they gave a very effective display, particularly in the second half. Ballycumber led by 1-8 to 0-6 at half time but they had played with a strong wind and it was clear that they were in for a rearguard action.

Cappincur got completely on top in the second half. They camped in the Ballycumber half for the opening twenty minutes and the losers found it almost impossible to break out. Ballycumber only managed one point in the second half and were only kept in it by a few poor Cappincur wides. Cappincur will get stronger. Former county player Eoin Carroll was a water carrier here and will be eligible to play in the second round after spending over a year in Australia – his brother Bill is in America on a playing sanction and will also be back for the business end of the championship.

With St Rynagh's and Walsh Island in this group, Cappincur are now favourites to top it and claim a semi-final place. St Rynagh's and Walsh Island was called off because of the weather and refixed for Tuesday evening.

Round 2 is on July 28-30 and fixtures are:

Group 1

Walsh Island v Ballycumber and Cappincur v St Rynagh's.

Group 2

Ballycommon v Clonbullogue and Gracefield v Tubber.