In a fiercely contested Combined Counties Football League Women’s Division clash, Ballymackey Women showed exceptional resolve to secure a 5–1 home win over a talented young Birr Town side on Sunday.

The hosts were second-best for much of the opening half, kept in the game by goalkeeper Darra Bourke, who produced two outstanding saves to deny Birr an early lead. The breakthrough for Ballymackey arrived just before halftime when Karen Hogan rose highest to nod home an Amber DeLewis corner in the 45th minute. However, the lead was fleeting, as Birr equalised seconds later with a superbly executed free kick in stoppage time.

After a tense first half, Ballymackey emerged rejuvenated, showing greater intensity and composure. Christine O’Keefe restored the lead ten minutes into the second period with a characteristic clinical finish. Momentum firmly swung the home side’s way, and Thia McCarthy made it 3–1 with a stunning curling effort into the top corner.

The goals kept coming as Ballymackey asserted their dominance. Aoibhín Delaney unleashed a powerful strike from distance that crashed off the underside of the bar before crossing the line, extending the lead with just over ten minutes remaining. Hogan sealed the result shortly after, tapping in her second of the match following a goalmouth scramble.

New signing Gillian McKenna impressed off the bench on her club debut, while Delaney’s introduction added control and calm to Ballymackey’s midfield. Yet, it was Amber DeLewis who stole the spotlight, delivering a standout all-round performance to take home the Player of the Match award.

This victory underlines Ballymackey’s resilience and quality, especially after a challenging first half.