National Cup glory crowns memorable Ballyspallen campaign

Ballyspallen may have fallen short in their bid for promotion, but there was still plenty to celebrate at Bridge Park after a season highlighted by a superb triumph in the Irish National Cup.

Their success was built around one of the most productive top orders in the North West and a bowling attack which rarely gave opponents much breathing room.

Raveen Yasas led the way with a magnificent 1,003 runs at an average of 66.87, including three centuries and five half-centuries. The Sri Lankan overseas professional's consistency set the tone for Ballyspallen throughout the campaign and he was also a major contributor with the ball, claiming 25 wickets.

Hassan Shahid arrived from Dublin, and the left-hander was almost as prolific, scoring 942 runs at 52.33. His unbeaten 156 was the highest individual score of the season for the Bridge Park side, while he added two centuries and six fifties.

Graham Kennedy completed a formidable top three with 709 runs at 47.27, including an unbeaten 114, meaning Ballyspallen could usually rely on at least one of their senior batters to provide the backbone of an innings.

Kennedy’s influence was even greater with the ball. He enjoyed an outstanding season, taking 43 wickets at an extraordinary average of 9.49 and conceding just 2.83 runs per over. His 29 maidens underline just how difficult he was to score against. His move to Australia will be a big blow for them if he isn't to return.

Stephen Kennedy added 25 wickets at 18.36, Yasas took 25 at 20.88 and skipper Stuart Kennedy claimed 24, giving Ballyspallen a varied attack capable of maintaining pressure throughout an innings.

Michael O’Brien also collected 21 wickets, including a devastating five for eight, while Irish youth international Jacob Blair produced one of the season’s standout spells with five for five.

That combination of heavy scoring at the top and disciplined bowling proved particularly effective in cup cricket, where Ballyspallen navigated their way to National Cup glory and ensured 2026 will be remembered fondly despite missing out on the prize of promotion.

There were areas for improvement. The batting returns dropped away sharply after the leading quartet, leaving considerable responsibility on Yasas, Shahid and Graham Kennedy.

But silverware provides the clearest measure of their progress. Ballyspallen ended the season with an All-Ireland trophy in the cabinet and, with the foundations of a strong side already in place, they will surely begin 2027 believing promotion can be the next step.

BALLYSPALLEN – TOP 10 BATTERS

1. Raveen Yasas – 1,003 runs, average 66.87, HS 121, 3 hundreds, 5 fifties  
2. Hassan Shahid – 942 runs, average 52.33, HS 156*, 2 hundreds, 6 fifties  
3. Graham Kennedy – 709 runs, average 47.27, HS 114*, 1 hundred, 3 fifties  
4. Pushpender Singh – 405 runs, average 20.25, HS 69, 2 fifties  
5. Stuart Kennedy – 171 runs, average 14.25, HS 32  
6. Curtis McElwee – 160 runs, average 17.78, HS 44*  
7. Dylan McElhinney – 107 runs, average 8.92, HS 23  
8. Jacob Blair – 89 runs, average 11.13, HS 23  
9. J O’Brien – 70 runs, average 17.50, HS 45  
10. Michael O’Brien – 63 runs, average 21.00, HS 24  

BALLYSPALLEN – TOP 10 BOWLERS

1. Graham Kennedy – 43 wickets, average 9.49, economy 2.83, BBI 5-24  
2. Stephen Kennedy – 25 wickets, average 18.36, economy 4.12, BBI 5-30  
3. Raveen Yasas – 25 wickets, average 20.88, economy 4.15, BBI 4-37  
4. Stuart Kennedy – 24 wickets, average 29.21, economy 4.55, BBI 3-25  
5. Michael O’Brien – 21 wickets, average 27.62, economy 5.42, BBI 5-8  
6. Hassan Shahid – 14 wickets, average 26.50, economy 5.89, BBI 4-22  
7. Dylan McElhinney – 10 wickets, average 14.40, economy 5.14, BBI 3-42  
8. Jacob Blair – 7 wickets, average 8.14, economy 3.14, BBI 5-5  
9. Pushpender Singh – 6 wickets, average 34.50, economy 6.54, BBI 2-23  
10. Curtis McElwee – 4 wickets, average 22.75, economy 5.35, BBI 1-3