Ballinahinch, who beat this opposition twice in the North championship, will feel frustrated at losing this especially as they dominated for much of the opening half. However an over reliance on Brendan Ryan to provide the scores cost them in contrast to a more evenly balanced ‘Mines.
Ballinahinch were quickest to settle with Brendan Ryan showing some fine touches to land two impressive early points. Kevin Fitzpatrick added a third from out on the sideline as Silvermines struggled to win possession.
The commitment from both sides was intense and at times threatened to spoil the contest. Jason Forde kept the ‘Mines in touch with two good frees as twice in as many minutes Ballinahinch fouled the ball.
David Ryan, James O’Connor and John Ryan were very much to the fore in the early stages for Ballinahinch and Brendan Ryan benefited from a steady supply of ball to land a further four first half points, two from frees.
As the half progressed Silvermines managed to gain a foothold with Jason Forde, Brian Daniels and Sean Quinlan all combining to supply full forwards Ger Clifford and Kieran Kennedy. Paudie Fogarty landed two excellent points whilst Kennedy in particular began to gain the upper handed in his duel with Paddy Kelly and landed a point following good approach play from Brian Daniels and Ryan Toohey.
Toohey himself fired over another as Silvermines finally gained parity on the scoreboard but another Brendan Ryan free along with a strong run and point from James O’Connor reminded us that Ballinahinch hadn’t gone away. Two points from Silvermines’ Ger Clifford tied the match before Paudie Fogarty scored a vital goal. Will Power’s puck out sailed over the Ballinahinch half backs leaving Fogarty free to pick the ball without breaking stride and his low shot nestled in the side of the Ballinahinch net.
Jason Forde’s late free meant that despite a dreadful start and shooting nine wides the ‘Mines somehow held a four-point interval lead.
Ballinahinch had found the net freely against the same opposition in their previous meetings and so it was of little surprise on the restart that they sought the goal that might reignite their hopes. However it was a tactic that backfired, Silvermines were in no mood to concede and soaked up the pressure before breaking down field and generally registering a score.
Ballinahinch’s Cathal Ryan squandered two early chances, Silvermines’ T.J. Timmons was particularly relieved when he lost possession on the edge of the square only for Ryan to scuff his effort badly.
The reliable Brendan Ryan reduced the lead with another free after a foul on himself but Silvermines soon landed a second goal that epitomised the difference between the sides. Jason Forde burst forward and found Ger Clifford in space. His diagonal run split the Ballinahinch defence before his classic finish gave Daragh McGrath no chance.
To their credit Ballinahinch responded with a goal of their own but it was more as a result of persistence than skill as James O’Connor’s free into the Silvermines’ goalmouth eventually fell to David Ryan and his pull evaded a forest of bodies before finding the net. Brendan Ryan single-handedly tried to salvage the game for his side but was denied by a combination of resolute defending and the woodwork.
In contrast Silvermines patiently added the points on their sporadic breaks up field. Jason Forde added two frees and another from play, Sean Quinlan added another whilst centre back Denis Ryan capped a fine performance with a longrange effort.
Ballinahinch battled to the end but had to settle for another Ryan free along with a Kevin Mulcahy point as their rivals and neighbours claimed the honours.
Man of the match: James O'Connor.
Team: Daragh McGrath; James Healy, Paddy Kelly; Michael Fahy, David Ryan, Patrick Lynch; James O'Connor, John Ryan; Kevin Mulcahy, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Cathal Ryan; Brendan Ryan, Frank Troy. Subs: Thomas Kennedy for F. Troy.