Kennedy dreaming of National Cup glory with Ballyspallen

Ballyspallen captain Stuart Kennedy admits lifting the Irish National Cup would cap a remarkable season for the Roe Valley club as they prepare for an all-North West showdown with Glendermott at Clontarf.

Ballyspallen have been among the leading contenders in the Championship throughout the campaign, but their exploits on the national stage have provided an extra dimension to an already memorable year.

Now only familiar rivals Glendermott stand between Kennedy's side and one of the biggest prizes in Irish club cricket.

For the Ballyspallen skipper, simply reaching the final represents a major achievement for everyone associated with the club.

“The National Cup is massive for our club, and for any club really in the North West,” said Kennedy.

“It’s great to see two North West teams in the final as well. It’s going to be a good day, but it’s massive for our club to be there.”

There will certainly be few secrets between the finalists.

Ballyspallen and Glendermott know each other's strengths intimately from their regular Championship battles, although Kennedy insists he would not have swapped Saturday's opposition for a team from another provincial union.

“To be honest, I’m just happy to be there,” he said.

“We know Glendermott are a great team and every game we play against them is never an easy one.

“It’s always a tough game, but it’s a good game at the same time. We know what to expect from them, but we’re just delighted to be in the final.”

One of the major factors behind Ballyspallen's success this season has been the number of players who have made telling contributions.

Rather than having their fortunes determined by one or two individuals, Kennedy believes the workload has been shared throughout a side which has developed considerable confidence over the course of the campaign.

“It’s good to see different people contributing,” he explained.

“We’re not just relying on one person. Everyone is mixing well together and putting in the work.

“It’s good that it isn’t the same person having to do it every time we play. Different boys have stepped up at different stages and that has been important for us.”

Two additions to the squad have also made significant impressions.

Young all-rounder Hassan Shahid joined Ballyspallen from The Hills and has enjoyed an excellent first season at the club, while overseas professional Raveen Yasas has increasingly found his feet after adapting to life in North West cricket.

“Hassan came up from The Hills and he’s fitted in very well,” said Kennedy.

“He’s still young as well and he’s mixed really well with all our boys.

“Ravi has clicked very well with us too. It’s never easy for a new professional coming to a new place, but he’s really starting to find his form and that’s great to see.

“We’re all backing both of them and they’ve been a big part of what we’ve done.”

There is an added family dimension to Ballyspallen's appearance at Clontarf, with three brothers set to be part of the side on one of the biggest days in the club's history.

For Kennedy, who grew up playing at Ballyspallen, having the opportunity to share a national final with his brothers makes the occasion even more significant.

“It would be massive,” he admitted.

“It’s not often you get three brothers playing together, never mind getting the chance to do it on such a big occasion.

“We grew up at Ballyspallen and played all our cricket here, so for us to be in a National Cup final and to be able to play together is special.

“Hopefully it all goes our way, but whatever happens, being there together is massive for us and for the family.”

Ballyspallen should travel to Dublin at close to full strength, with Kennedy expecting to have the nucleus of the side which has served the club so well throughout the season available.

“It will be more or less the team that has played most of the year,” he confirmed.

“Hopefully everything goes well and there are no injuries before the day.”

There remains the possibility of further silverware domestically, with Ballyspallen firmly involved in the promotion battle, but Kennedy had little hesitation when asked to choose between winning the Championship and securing the National Cup.

“Personally, I’d probably go for the National Cup,” he smiled.

That answer underlines just how much Saturday means.

Ballyspallen have already enjoyed a season to remember, but victory at Clontarf would take it to another level entirely.

Standing in their way are neighbours they know only too well, and after an impressive journey through the competition, Kennedy and his team-mates now have one final opportunity to write themselves into Ballyspallen history.