Ballylanders stave off relegation as Galbally suffer drop to Intermediate ranks

It was an all-South derby in this year’s Limerick Senior Football Championship.

Galbally’s five year stint in the Limerick SFC came to an end on Sunday afternoon as Ballylanders outlasted their South rivals in the relegation final after extra-time.

There was nothing to separate the sides in normal time in a back and forth contest which finished 1-10 apiece after the hour.

Ballylanders powered to victory in added time however, outscoring their opponents 1-6 to 0-1 in the additional twenty.

It means Galbally will play their football in the Intermediate ranks for the first time since winning the grade in 2017.

In Kilfinane, Galbally had the better of the opening exchanges, heading into a 0-5 to 0-2 lead after twenty minutes. But as he did against Galtee Gaels in round five, Stephen Fox hit the net for ‘Landers to draw the sides level.

But Galbally’s response was instantaneous with Ger Quinlan netting at the other end to restore the healthy advantage. Bally did draw level through Danny Frewen but Galbally had the final score of the half for a 1-6 to 1-5 lead.

Galbally continued in this vein after the restart, reeling off three on the trot to restore their cushion. But a black card allowed Bally back into the game with Jimmy Barry Murphy levelling with a quarter of an hour remaining. Galbally did go in front once more but Ballylanders levelled with three to play as it finished all square.

In extra-time, Barry Murphy opened the scoring and Ballylanders wouldn’t relinquish the lead from here. Frewen bagged their second goal as they opened up a 2-14 to 1-10 advantage at the turn of ends.

Ballylanders pushed the lead out to nine as Galbally could only find one score in response with the former maintaining their senior status at the expense of their divisional rivals.

Galbally will be replaced by one of Drom Broadford, Na Piarsaigh, St Senans or Mungret St Pauls who are the final four in the IFC.