Despite a gallant effort Ballinasloe's Under 16 Football team succumbed to a great St Kerril's side in the Under 16 League Final played in Duggan Park on Sunday December 2. In what was the third meeting of these teams in recent weeks St Kerril's came out on top on this occasion, but there was little between these two talented teams again, with the final score line reading 1-10 to 0-9 points.

Ballinasloe played against the elements in the first half and were possibly fortunate to be only three points down at half time, after St Kerril's had also hit the crossbar. Kerril's started the better in the second half and opened up a 1-9 to 0-4 points lead, but as usual Ballinasloe battled back, and towards the end of the half had the lead cut back to just a goal.

However that was as close as it got and despite the best efforts of the Ballinasloe lads time eventually ran out. On the day Ballinasloe were best served by Stephen Cogavin, Padraig Cunningham, James Shaughnessy and Conor Headd, while excellent for St Kerril's were Conor O'Grady, Rory Treacy, Niall Gelston and Adrian Bellew.

Despite taking the runners up spot here Ballinasloe have the great consolation of a very successful season during which the team and management reached their main goal of winning the County Championship. This saw the team bridge a thirty five year gap, as 1972 was the last time Ballinasloe won the Under 16 County Football Championship, when co-incidentally current Coach Sean Riddell was on the team. Also with eight of these young players underage again next year, the Management team will approach the new season with some optimism - though they will face many new challenges in 2008.

The panel who are all to be congratulated on a great year are: Paul Hickey, Conor Headd, Aidan Stankard, Ciaran Broderick, James Shaughnessy, Marcus Kelly, Ronan O Healy, Alan McDonagh, Padraic Cunningham, Stephen Cogavin, Darragh McCormack, Bryan Minton, Darragh Burke, Shane McInerney, Cian Ward, Richie Bruen, Ross Keller, Thomas Freeman, David Freeman, Ciaran Smith, Dermot Tierney, Eoin Hardiman, Conor Kelly and Eoghan O Donnell. The successful Management team were Pat Cunningham, Sean Riddell, Joe Kelly, Benny Jennings and Godfrey Gibbons.