25/09/2026
Heartbreak for Mallow as Semi-Final Goes to Extra Time 🔴🟡
There was heartbreak for Mallow LGFA on Sunday afternoon as our girls were narrowly defeated by Ballincollig LGFA after a dramatic county semi-final that went all the way to extra time.
Having suffered a heavy defeat to Ballincollig by 15 points only a few weeks ago, this was a remarkable response from a young Mallow team who showed tremendous character and belief to produce a hugely competitive performance and push their opponents all the way.
❤️💛Mallow started the game with real purpose and dominated large periods of the opening half. Midfielders Sarah McCormack and Shauna Ludgate drove forward with a series of surging runs, while up front Ria O'Connor and Nessa McCormack caused plenty of problems for the Ballincollig defence, forcing their backs into a number of hurried clearances and defensive scrambles.
Despite Mallow's early pressure, it was Ballincollig who struck first with a goal against the run of play. Mallow responded brilliantly, however, with two further points before the break to leave the sides separated by just one point at half time, with Mallow leading 0-5 to 1-1.
🟥🟨Mallow continued where they left off after the restart, extending their advantage with scores from Anna O'Brien, Ria O'Connor and Sophie O'Keeffe. With both defences working extremely hard, chances became increasingly difficult to convert, with nervous efforts from both sides narrowly missing the target.
Mallow continued to show attacking intent, with Zoe Fitzpatrick slotting over a wonderful point, while Anna O'Brien added another score from a free as Mallow maintained their advantage.
At the back, Mallow were outstanding. Kathleen O'Brien provided exceptional leadership in goal, while the defence in front of her was superbly marshalled by Allie Tobin at centre-back. The young corner backs Rachel Delahunt and Lily O'Callaghan also produced exceptional performances, showing great composure and courage throughout against a strong Ballincollig attack.
With Mallow still holding the advantage, Ballincollig refused to give up and fought their way back into the contest with four unanswered points, dramatically levelling the game in the closing stages.
Referee Denis O'Leary sounded the full-time whistle with the sides level, leaving the game finely poised for extra time.
🏐Full Time: Ballincollig 1-7, Mallow 0-10
Extra-Time Heartbreak
Extra time brought further drama.
Ballincollig moved into a two-point lead with two frees, but Anna O'Brien kept Mallow in touch with another close range free.
The second period of extra time produced one of the game's most dramatic moments. Ria O'Connor struck the crossbar agonisingly denying Mallow the chance to regain the lead. Then came the decisive moment when Ballincollig found a two-pointer to stretch their advantage to three points in the closing stages. Another point followed to seal their place in the county final against Ballinhassig.
The final whistle brought huge disappointment for Mallow 💔💛. After battling so hard for the entire game and taking their opponents to extra time, the dream of reaching a county final was not to be.
🔴🟡After Extra Time: Ballincollig 1-12, Mallow 0-11
For this young group, there will undoubtedly be disappointment at missing out on a place in the county final, particularly after coming so close. But this performance will provide plenty of encouragement for the future. A huge thank you to all the Mallow supporters who travelled to Ballincollig and got behind the team. Your support was greatly appreciated and heard throughout the game.
Main team photo- Back L-R: Sophie Duggan, Abbie O'Connor, Clodagh Pratt, Amy O'Mahony, Alison Tobin, Shauna Ludgate, Marykate Behan, Meabh Wiley, Kathleen O'Brien, Clidna O'Leary, Amy McDonnell, Nessa McCormack, Jean O'Donovan, Emily Carey, Amy O'Donoghue
Front L-R: Ria O'Connor, Amy McCormack, Jane Barry, Ciara Dwyer, Lily O Callaghan, Anna O'Brien, Zoe Fitzpatrick, Sophie O'Keeffe, Sarah McCormack, Rachel Delahunt, Clara Buckley.
