Ballymote Celtic's first run out of the season resulted in a 6-5 win over Strand Celtic. However, Ballymote should have put the game to bed long before the last 5 minutes when James Mullen's volley won the game.

Throughout the game Ballymote looked the stronger team. Jack Gethins was in inspired form in goals denying Strand several times as the back line proved adventurous. Eamon Tighe drew first blood as he latched onto a through ball from Conor Meehan and calmly slotted it into the net. Not to be outdone by his strike partner, Colm McCann scored almost a carbon copy of the goal running onto a defence splitting ball and placing it one side of the keeper. A lapse in concentration allowed Strand back into it as the Ballymote defence was all over the place. A long ball fell between the two centre backs allowing an easy job for the strand striker. At half time a change was made. The ever-wandering James Mullin was put into midfield and Martin Davey put along side his brother Matthew in backs. Mullin excelled on the ball but too often drifted leaving the back 3 vulnerable.  Ballymote looked a stronger side with Mullen in midfield and pressed forward for more goals. Unsurprisingly it was him that scored the next goal as Ballymote started to completely dominate. The defence were unable to deal with the mazy runs of the Celtic strikers and they created havoc in the third half of the pitch. Eamon Tighe scored next with an audacious lob over the unfortunate Strand keeper who was having a torrid time. When Gary Dyer scored the fifth the game looked over and done with. The team got complacent and the goals started flooding in. The defence fell apart as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th goals leaked in. Tired legs and faces were evident on the Ballymote side. A total collapse was obvious as Strand grabbed the equaliser with 5 minutes to go. Celtic were stunned, it was an undeserved goal from a team who has been outclassed for so many periods of the game. But one final push up the field and James Mullins shot found the back of the net, with some very relieved faces looking on.

Team: Jack Gethins, Darragh Tonry, Darragh McGowan (Daniel Dolphin), Matthew Davey, James Mullen, Gary Dwyer ( Diarmuid Donnellan), Conor Ward, Conor Meehan, Martin Davey, Colm McCann, Eamon Tighe

Date: Saturday, 18th July
Time: 11:00
Venue: Ballymote
Opponents: Calry Celtic

After the last game's dramatics it was hoped that the quarter final would prove an easier match. However it proved more controversial and was a game that although Ballymote should have won, can take a lot of inspiration from and into next season.

Two changes were made from last week, Darragh McGowan was replaced by Daniel Dolphin at right back while Mullen and Davey switched positions as they did at half time against Strand. Despite these defensive changes the back line was still fragile. The first goal was conceded early as Calry outran Ballymote in midfield. Celtic looked a team short of ideas and even captain Conor Meehan seemed to struggle to rally his troops. An unlikely equaliser fell to Martin Davey as his floating free kick sailed over the helpless Calry keeper. But that was about as good as it got. Before half time the home side found themselves 3-1 down and it couldn't be said it wasn't deserved. The side lacked energy and life and struggled for most of the half. A change had to be made. 

Despite his protestations James Mullen was put into goals and the dynamic Jack Gethins put into central midfield. Straight after the break Ballymote looked dead and buried when a fourth goal rolled past Mullins into the side netting. However the ball was spotted going behind the goals and questions were raised whether it had gone in at all. Manager Mark Irwin was furious with the referees decision to award the goal and argued with Calry's manager. Despite that set back Gethins began to spark his team to life. He added the engine to midfield and along side Conor Meehan proved a terrifying partnership. The tireless Eamon Tighe, who is no stranger to the back of the net, started the comback grabbing his third in two games. It was the captain's turn now to add his impact capping a fine run with a stunning volley which cracked the crossbar coming down and bouncing into the net. As they pushed for an equaliser Matthew Davey's corner was handled on the line by a Calry defender. Up stepped Conor Meehan for the penalty. However the keeper picked the right side for an unfortunate Meehan who had been jointly responsible for the fabulous come back. It finished 4-3, with Ballymote very dissappointed.

Team: Jack Gethins, Darragh Tonry, Daniel Dolphin, Matthew Davey, Martin Davey, Conor Ward, Gary Dwyer, James Mullen, Conor Meehan, Eamon Tighe, Colm McCann

Unused Subsitutes: Eamonn Doyle, Darragh McGowan