St Francis FC Thrash Ballymun United 4-0 in Leinster Senior League

In a dominant display away from home, St Francis FC crushed Ballymun United 4-0 in the Ireland Leinster Senior League on 24 May 2026. The visitors were clinical from the start, racing into a three-goal lead before halftime and effectively ending the contest early.

Match Overview

St Francis FC took control from the opening minute. In just the 6th minute, striker Dean Kelly latched onto a long ball over the top, shrugged off a defender, and slotted past the Ballymun keeper to make it 1-0. The visitors doubled their lead in the 18th minute when winger Sean Byrne curled a free kick into the top corner from 25 yards. Ballymun struggled to respond, and St Francis made it 3-0 in the 35th minute through a header from center-back Gary O'Neill following a corner.

The second half was a more subdued affair, but St Francis added a fourth goal in the 78th minute via substitute Mark Irish, who pounced on a defensive error to drive home from the edge of the box.

Key Moments

• 6' Dean Kelly opens the scoring with a clinical finish.
• 18' Sean Byrne's stunning free kick doubles the lead.
• 35' Gary O'Neill heads in from a corner for 3-0.
• 78' Mark Irish capitalizes on a mistake to make it 4-0.

Standout Players

Dean Kelly was a constant menace up front, not only scoring but also creating two assists. His movement and hold-up play kept Ballymun's defense on edge. In midfield, David Cassidy controlled the tempo with 72 passes and a 91% completion rate, ensuring St Francis maintained possession throughout.

Season Implications

The emphatic win lifts St Francis FC into the top four of the Leinster Senior League, keeping their title hopes alive. Ballymun United, on the other hand, remain deep in relegation trouble, now without a win in seven matches. The 4-0 scoreline also boosts St Francis's goal difference significantly in what is shaping up to be a tight race for promotion.