IAFC: Ballinora boss Willie Lyons wants his players to reach their 'potential' against Kilmurry

Ballinora have been on an upward trajectory since 2023, it shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that they are in the McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC semi-finals.

They make the short journey to Ovens tomorrow to take on Muskerry rivals Kilmurry with throw-in at 2pm.

Ballinora had to beat Glenville to remain at this grade in 2023. Last season, they missed out on a qualification spot from the group stage on scoring difference.

It’s a young panel with former Cork football goalkeeper Ken O’Halloran in his third season as coach with Ballinora. 

“Our minimum target at the start of the year was to qualify out of our group,” Ballinora manager Willie Lyons says.

“It was last-minute heartbreak in our final group game last season, so there was motivation to finish in the top two this time around. We always knew we had the ability to reach the business end. There was maybe a sense that the team and maybe the management had to mature.

“It takes time to develop and we are in our third campaign with the group. The graph has been trending in the right direction. There has been natural progression."

Lyons feels one thing in particular has been key in the team in green and red making considerable strides over the last couple of seasons.

“There has been genuine competition for places,” he said.

“That has been the biggest thing last year and this year. We have intense competition to make the starting 15 and to make the bench. That has been the difference especially this year. Everyone is driving each other on.

“I know Ken [O’Halloran] probably doesn’t want to be singled out, but he’s very much part of the group. He has the respect of the whole group.

“What we have found, it’s two ways, we have learnt from each other and even the players are giving feedback to us whether it be training plans, match analysis and even some of the off the field stuff was prompted by the players.

“It has been a collective effort by every single person.” 

Ballinora will be underdogs against Kilmurry, something they won’t be bothered by. They are used to that tag.

Lyons’ charges will be on a high coming into this one after defeating a fancied Gabriel Rangers side by two points at the quarter-final juncture two weeks ago.

Kilmurry, winners of the Premier JFC last year, went directly to the semi-finals following the conclusion of the group stage.

“Look, Gabriel Rangers were and still are a very good side. We knew there wouldn’t be a kick of a ball between the sides.

“We have had great battles with them previously and knew we were on a par with them. It was a great win, but it’s all about building consistency now. That has been something of a challenge for us in recent years. We have been working on it this season.

“We want to put in a performance against Kilmurry. It’s great to be involved in such a huge game. That’s why the players train in the muck and rain in January.

“Kilmurry are a fine side. They will be favourites. For us, it’s all about reaching our potential. The message will be whether it be with the ball or without the ball, if we reach our potential, the result will take care of itself.“ Lyons ended.