Ballymore had reached their second final in 2023 and, after losing the Spring league final to Kill, they were hoping to get their hands on their first trophy of the season. 

Celbridge went on the attack first but were thwarted by the Ballymore defence, the ball was moved quickly out of defence and a precise pass to the full forward line resulted in the opening goal of the game for Ballymore. Celbridge went on the attack again and a combination of fine goalkeeping and a sturdy defence kept Celbridge from responding with a goal of their own, however, the team in blue did manage to notch up a point. The game was end to end but Ballymore were much more clinical and converted a number of chances. By contrast Celbridge were getting in to great positions but either through tenacious defending or poor shooting they were unable to add to their tally in the first half.

Half time: Celbridge 0.1; Ballymore 1.6

Celbridge reorganised for the second half and went on the hunt for scores straight from the off. Almost immediately they had scored a point and after winning the resulting kick out hit the back of the net. Ballymore were wobbling and a couple of minutes later Celbridge had gotten a second goal and were now only a point behind. After an exchange of points it seemed Ballymore had steadied the ship pushing forward again coming away with another two points. But Celbridge were not lying down and when the Ballymore could only parry a shot the Celbridge forward pounced on the loose ball driving it into the net. With their tails up Celbridge then went into the lead by scoring a point.

Ballymore were in trouble but were determined not to let the opportunity of winning a trophy slip away. An equalising point from Ballymore was greeted with great celebration from the Ballymore supporters but this was eclipsed when Ballymore got their second goal with a clinical finish. Another point from Ballymore gave them a sliver of breathing space but Celbridge were relentless in their efforts to score with the North Kildare team laying siege to the Ballymore goal for the last five minutes. A spectacular save and dogged defending from Ballymore kept Celbridge scoreless for the rest of the game and, at the final whistle, Ballymore had claimed the Championship trophy!

Full time: Celbridge 3.4; Ballymore 2.11

Commiserations to Celbridge who gave everything they could on the pitch. Congratulations to the Ballymore team with the entire squad contributing to what has been a successful season. The management team would like to thank all the parents for the encouragement and support they give to their kids in playing for Ballymore. Thanks also to Coiste na nÓg for their work in arranging and running the competitions over the course of the year.

The Ballymore team were: Adam Carroll, Evan Clohessy, Caolinn Cooke, Jervis Doolan, Thomas Evans, Lucy Flynn, Adam Foley, Tom Gill, Evan Haslam, John Headon, Peter Horan, Aaron McEvoy, Oisin McGrath, Maddox Meade, Charlie Murphy, Declan O’Brien, Thomas O’Keefe, Ryan O’Neill, Eoghan O’Neill, Max Rigney and Joe Williams.