A rough end for Ballianmore but what a magical journey

No easy way to lose an All Ireland Final and certainly Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins won't want any well meaning plaudits thrown their way about what a journey they've been on over the past two months  and what they've done for female sport in the county but not saying it doesn't make it any less true.

Competitors that they are, the Ballinamore women travelled to Croke Park expecting, if not demanding of themselves, a performance that would lead to their ultimate dreams being fulfilled - the sight of Grainne Prior climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Cup. Truth be told, going on their run to the final and Glanmire's less than stellar form ahead of Saturday's clash, those dreams were more than justified.

Unfortunately, we got a rude awakening just over a minute in when the brilliant Orlaith Roche, just 20 years old and already a potent star for Cork, somehow managed to wriggle her way free to blast the ball to the net. That set the tone for the game and by the time the long whistle sounded, there was no doubt  that Glanmire were not worthy winners.

Croker memories yet to be made

THE LAST POINT

If anything that makes it a little easier to accept - a narrow defeat would leave you wondering 'what if' and while Barney Breen felt his players didn't really show what they were truly capable of, Glanmire's obvious superiority makes this defeat a little easier to digest in the days afterwards.

The Cork women obviously held Ballinamore in  serious regard because they double-marked Laura O'Dowd and Roisin McHugh, two difference makers in this O'Heslins team, and never allowed them to develop any real momentum. O'Dowd and McHugh were slowed down and turned around,  sometimes unceremoniously stopped by a tug of the shirt or a well timed drag as Glanmire were well aware  of the danger the duo posed.

Ballinamore saw their game plan ripped up as they were forced to chase their opponents for the first time during their remarkable run to the final and it gave the Munster champions a real edge. Glanmire  attacked kickouts with an intent that led to scores, exploiting the wide open spaces while their clever use of that space meant they got in for goal chances despite plenty of Ballinamore defenders being around. Had they taken 50% more of the goal chances they created, it could have been a very rough day for Ballinamore.

That's tough to write because this Ballinamore team are warriors and they proved it time and time again this year. They drew with Glencar Manorhamilton in the first round of the championship when they should have won, lost to St Joseph's, Kiltubrid  and St Mary's Kiltoghert in the group stages and yet despite that and a history of final heartbreaks over the past four years, they kept coming back to win the Senior B crown, a victory that set them on the road to Croke Park last Saturday.

The drama and excitement of their victories over  Eoghan Rua in the Connacht Final and Steelstown Brian Ogs in the All-Ireland Semi Final has done more for ladies football in the area than years of advertising campaigns or slogans could ever do, igniting an interest in young girls that will want to play ladies football for years to come.

That is both  priceless and unquantifiable but all you had to do was see the faces of young girls in Croke Park or around Ballinamore over the past month and a half to recognise the impact Barney Breen's team has made. And it wasn't confined to Ballinamore either with the clubs of Leitrim really getting behind O'Heslins in the run-up to Saturday's Final. 

It is not something players necessarily  think about when they pull on the jersey - the here and now is all that matters be it the next ball, the next tackle or the next game but maybe it is because of the battle women's sport faces, be it participation or publicity, funding or facilities, but Ballinamore's players seemed to be acutely aware that not only did they have a match to play but they had  a greater responsibility to the sport, to grow it and inspire the next generations.

Time to see the bigger picture for Club Championships

THE LAST POINT

Their performances on the field certainly did that but equally important has been their accessibility within their own community, even down to  the celebrations after the Eoghan Rua & Steelstown games and  the homecoming last Saturday night to Ballinamore. It wasn't what they wanted but women's sport and Ballinamore can have no greater ambassadors.

The community of Ballinamore should take a bow  for the way they got behind this team - the wave of support expressed in videos, on posters and all around the town must have been so inspiring for the club's players and whatever about the women's team, it must be inspiring to all the club's  teams.

There is no getting away from the fact that Ballinamore were well beaten last Saturday but maybe, for once, the bigger picture is more important here. And if Ballinamore have inspired a generation of future stars, we'll be better for it. 

JP’S GENEROSITY A STAGGERING GESTURE!

Hard to believe some of the reaction to the extraordinary gesture of JP & Noreen McManus to donate €1 million for the GAA, LGFA & Camogie clubs of 32 counties last week. Not  many saw that coming but what a gesture and what a Christmas present for clubs struggling for to meet rising costs in these hard pressed times.

For once, Leitrim's small numbers is to their benefit compared to other counties  when it comes to divvying out the cash with each unit sharing in excess of €20,000 and the fact that the McManus Charitable Foundation insisted that the money be split equally between the GAA, LGFA and Camogie clubs of each county is a truly game changing move.

But as sure as night follows day, there were some who weren't happy, blasting McManus for his tax status in this country and telling him to 'pay your taxes'. It's a strange one - I don't know anyone who would willingly pay more tax than they had to and if I was living and working abroad, I'm not sure I'd be too eager to shell out for taxes back here in Ireland. Like thousands of Irish people working in London, New York, Sydney and everywhere in between, McManus is also an exile, working and living abroad but his crime appears to be that of doing considerably better than the vast majority of us.

Would those criticising this largesse  be happier if McManus hoarded his wealth and not make any charitable donations? There are good arguments to be had about how we tax wealth in this country but there are plenty of people living and working in this country who pay minimal tax, if they pay it at all, and they are almost celebrated for their street smarts in avoiding the big bad taxman.

Fortune favours the brave

THE LAST POINT

If we follow the outrage to a logical conclusion, should the GAA hand the money back to satisfy those unhappy with McManus' donation? What about the hundreds of  organisations, non sporting and community based, supported by the McManus family down through the years - should they hand that money back in some form of protest?

All I know is that for clubs the length and breadth of this country, this unexpected donation could be a lifesaver - I often think those taking on officer's roles with clubs are signing up to a life of fundraising with weekly lottos, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Oscars events necessary in the unending and often times demoralising  search for funds to keep a club afloat.

If the McManus Charitable Foundation's donation alleviates that  crushing burden on clubs in Leitrim, even for a few weeks, that's a great day for Irish life and damn the begrudgers!