IAFC final: Ballinora boss Willie Lyons keen for team to write another chapter in club's history

It's a huge weekend ahead for the footballers of Ballinora.

The Muskerry side take on Ilen Rovers on Sunday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the McCarthy Insurance Group IAFC final with throw-in at 1.30pm.

It’s also Ballinora's first appearance in the decider at this grade.

It’s one of Ballinora's biggest occasions in their proud history as the parish will be virtually empty on Sunday as they head for the Páirc. 

Manager Willie Lyons has been a cool and calm operator during his tenure. This is his third season at the helm.

“Ballinora were very fortunate 28 years ago when the club won the County Junior A football title,” Lyons says.

“A lot of those players that day are still very much involved in the club and the community. It’s great for the parish to be back in another county final. We haven’t been back in a final since 1997.

“A few of the heroes from that time were telling us in recent days that there needs to be another chapter written. They are happy enough to pass on the baton, so hopefully we can do it on Sunday.

“There has been an awful lot of really good footballers that have played for Ballinora over the past 20 plus years and we just haven’t made the breakthrough for different reasons.

“This year, we have made positive steps and a bit of luck at crucial stages. A lot of the time, that is the difference between a narrow defeat and a narrow win.

“This is our third season together as a management group. Two years ago, we were unlucky to end up in the relegation play-off, last year we missed out on qualification from the group stage on scoring difference. We haven’t been too far away.” 

Ballinora won the Mid-Cork U21 A football championship title for the first time ever last year including beating a strong Ballincollig side along the way.

Lyons was manager of the team and sees that success as a key moment in the fortunes of football in Ballinora.

“It has been a rebuilding process in recent years because we have a very young team,” he said.

“Winning the Muskerry U21 trophy at the A level proved that we could go toe-to-toe with clubs at a higher level than us at adult level. The lads have enjoyed success at underage level, it wasn’t a huge surprise for us. The challenge then is moving on to the adult ranks as that’s a totally different ball game.

“It has been a step up for a lot of the players and it has taken time, but winning the U21 gave the whole club confidence. We have just stuck to our process and what Ken O’Halloran [coach] has been trying to implement.

“It has just all come together. Everyone has worked really hard and worked for each other. Those things have been important.” 

Lyons is confident his young group can handle the occasion on Sunday down the Páirc.

“I must say, they are a fantastic and honest bunch of players. We will stick to the same routine as we have been doing over the last couple of years. There’s a job of work to be done. The players are focused on the task in hand.

“There’s an old adage, play the game and not the occasion. It’s all about putting the ball over the bar or in the net. It’s great to be playing this time of year.

“It will be a difficult challenge. Ilen Rovers were playing in the top grade four years ago. Hopefully we can play well and hopefully it will be enough.” Lyons ended.