Ballyhaise achieved senior status for 2024 by landing the Cavan intermediate football crown.
A strong second-half display saw Damien Keaney’s side defeat Denn 0-13 to 0-7 in the decider at Kingspan Breffni.
Ballyhaise suffered defeat in each of the two preceding county finals making this triumph even more special. So says captain Padraig Moore any way.
“It’s a major relief but what a feeling. I had this in 2015 but this means a lot more this time,” declared Moore.
Their success can be attributed to many things. Moore described the incredible bond they share as a panel as one of the key factors.
“This group of players are absolutely unbelievable. We’re all best mates so it means the world (to us).”
“We always encourage each other. Mistakes are going to happen, mistakes happened today, there’s no point in giving out to each other.
“We all know we have each other’s backs, so we just keep motivating each other.”
Moore was somewhat impressed by Ballyhaise’s second-half performance. They held Denn scoreless for 28 minutes and capitalised by landing seven successive points.
“We just kept them away from the scoring zone and marked their key forwards. Then we could deliver on the other side so happy enough (with that).”
Moore was also full of praise for the Ballyhaise management.
“They’ve created this unity (within the camp). They’re so positive around the board.
“The love we have for Damien Keaney and Ciaran is absolutely unbelievable. They’re fantastic managers.”
