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Archived News
2007
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GAA Club notes - Southern Star |
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Southern Star 22nd December 2007 - Bandon Notes
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A very successful and well attended Annual General Meeting was held in the Club Pavilion on Sunday last.
Chairman Denis Lucey who has been re-elected for a third term addressed the members and recounted a
relatively successful year with the West Cork Junior Football championship win a highlight.
The agonising one point defeats in the County Intermediate Hurling Final and the West Cork U21 hurling
final replay were low points but overall both teams hurled exceptionlly well.
The Chairman welcomed the newly appionted Fr.Denis O'Leary to the town and to the meeting.
He spoke of the great work done by Noel McNamara in Development and his role, together with John Aherne
in fine-tuning and advancing the proposed new top pitch development.
He mentioned how this state of the art facility was given the go-ahead at a recent club E.G.M.
He also thanked the Draw Co-ordinator Robert Shannon and the newly re-formed Finance Committee
for their great work in promoting the Cork County Board GAA Draw.
The Club Secretary Michael Kelly in a wide ranging Report focused on the successful playing activities
for the year and the excellent discipline shown by players and mentors in not getting involved with
referees and officials and how it was reaping rewards.
The overall healthy state of the Club's finances were the highlight of the Treasurer's Reports given by
Charles Lucey and Kathleen Canty.
Onwards and upwards for 2008.
The new Committee for 2008 is President Sean Crowley, Chairman Denis Lucey, Vice-Chairman Brian Desmond,
Secretary Michael Kelly, Treasurer Charles Lucey, Pavilion Secretary and Gaelic Officer Kathleen Canty, Registrar and Assistant Secretary Tom O'Donoghue,
Development officer Noel McNamara, County Board Delegate Gerald Collins, PRO Colman O'Mahony.
Donnacha Lehane remains in charge of the club web site and Brian McCarthy has
responsibility for the pitches.
Two new club Vice-Presidents were co-opted after a lifetime of service to
Bandon GAA club.
Denis O'Donovan (South Main Street), one of the finest players
ever produced by the club, Denis played for Cork at Senior level in the 1950's
winning a National Football League medal.
Tom Crean one of the most popular members of the "old brigade" in the club,
Tom has given great service to Bandon GAA club and been a loyal supporter over
his life-time.
We wish them both continuing health and happiness.
To all our members and supporters the club wishes you a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a successful New Year.
Membership is due now and is payable to Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 24th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Junior C West Cork League Final
Bandon 1-12
Dohneys 1-04
Bandon Junior C footballers emulated their Junior A counterparts on Saturday when they won the League final in
Dunmanway beating the home team Dohenys on a final scoreline of 1.12 to 1.08.
On a wet and miserable afternoon the teams were level at half time 1.04 to 0.07.
Best on the day were Tomas O'Donoghue who had another outstanding game, Darren Ryan, Brian O'Dwyer,
Darren Murray and David Crowley.
Team: E.McSweeney, A.Nyhan, C.Moloney, M.O'Leary, David Crowley, D.Ryan, D.Lehane, T.Crowley, T.O'Donoghue(1.03), B.Dwyer(0.02), D.Murray, D.Kelly, R.Crowley(0.02), J.Burke(0.01), M.Moloney(0.01f)
Subs.: K.Doyle, D.Corcoran, A.O'Donnell(0.01)
Premier Minor Hurling Cup
Bandon 2-10
Dohneys 0-05
Bandon Junior C foot
On Sunday in Bandon in the Premier Minor Hurling Cup Bandon scored a great win over Blarney,
final score 2.10 to 0.05.
The half time score was 1.04 to 0.02 and Bandon powered to a well merited victory in the second half.
Best were Roy Payne who once again underlined his great potential with a five star display,
Michael Murphy,Mark O'Leary, Darren Ryan, Colm O'Donogue, Trevor Barrett and Ronan Crowley were
others to shine.
Team: D.Crowley, M.Muir, M.Murphy, J.Harrington, M.O'Leary, D.Ryan, Dave Crowley, C.O'Donoghue(0.01),
R.Wilmot(0.01), R.Payne (1.06), T.Barrett, J.McCarthy(Crossmahon)(1.01), Jason McCarthy, B.Kelly, R.Crowley(0.01).
Subs. :S.Lynch
On Friday last in the Pavilion the annual Mass for the families of deceased members was celebrated by
Monsignor O'Callaghan.
Club members and their friends wished the Monsignor Bon Voyage as he has taken up his new posting in
Dennehys Cross in Cork City.
Over the years "the Monsignor" has been a great officer, selector, supporter and true friend of Bandon GAA,
and like everyone in Bandon and beyond we wish him well as he settles in his pastures new.
The St. Brogans Annual General Meeting takes place on Friday November 30th.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Hat-trick of titles for Bandon - JCFL - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 24-11-07
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Bandon 1-12
Dohneys 1-04
O'DONOGHUE delivers a devastating blow, as Bandon claim a hat-trick of football titles!
All good things come to those who wait. 2007 has been a frustrating year to date for young exciting Bandon prodigy, Tomas O'Donoghue. Dogged by a series of injuries earlier in the season, his promising career on the Gaelic playing fields was put on temporary hold, but he bounced back in some style at a wet and windy Sam Maguire Park. Dunmanway, on Saturday afternoon last.
With his side dominating affairs but ahead by just two points', 0-9 to 1-4, and this entertaining South West junior C football league final approaching the last quarter, he struck for the all-important major that finally thwarted brave Dohenys ambitions. After long serving Joe Burke had fed promising centre forward Barren Murray with a sublime pass, the latter parted to an unmarked O'Donoghue. Picking his spot superbly, he powered a bullet of a drive past Timmy Buckley that flew into the Dohenys rigging.
It signalled an all-out Bandon offensive, as now totally in command with O'Donoghue and Timmy Crowley giving them a stranglehold around the middle of the park, they clinically killed off a tiring Dunmanway fifteen who had given their all in the Dohenys' cause. Two smashing scores from Brian O'Dwyer and an equally spectacular effort from substitute Andrew O'Donnell ensured that Bandon was out the gap, with the junior C football league title safely under wraps, long before efficient match official Donal Shorten from St. Mary's signalled a final halt to proceedings in the semi-darkness.
But lest anybody goes away with the notion that this was a one-sided affair for the full hour, forget it. With the assistance of the stiff breeze in the opening half, Dohenys made this one exciting affair, given the deplorable conditions that prevailed. While the pitch held up well for the hour, the incessant rain that fell throughout made constructive football a lottery. However, Dohenys started off with great gusto and another veteran, Cathal Crow-ley, who caused more than a few problems for the Bandon full back line early on, had them on the board inside a minute of play. In a game that amazingly produced few wides, Darren Murray equalised in the third minute, Bandon now beginning to find their feet and take control of proceedings.
IMPRESSIVE. Sustained pressure from the Lily Whites saw Dave Kelly find Joe Burke and he made no mistake, 0-2 to 0-1. the victors ahead for the first time. Two minutes later another great run from the impressive Murray, a pass to the classy O'Donoghue and the white flag was again raised. It was replicated again in the ninth minute as the latter availed of a misplaced Dohenys free to fire over another fine point.
However, Dohenys, with outstanding full back Clement Deane giving a magnificent exhibition and great assistance coming from Cathal Kelleher and Martin Collins (their best line), conjured up a good reply in the 12th minute. A good run from Crowley, he was grounded and deftly converted the free. Soon afterwards, Barry O'Donovan and Stephen Mohan linked up well with the menacing Crowley who delivered the third point.
Bandon now just ahead by the bare minimum, as it got even better for the boys from the birthplace of famed Sam Maguire. The same trio were involved yet again and when the Bandon defence misread the initial shot by Crowley, up stepped the versatile Joe Kelly to bury the leather in the back, of the Bandon net in the 16th minute. Sensing they were in a spot of bother in defence, up against the wily Dohenys front line, Bandon introduced able substitute Kieran Doyle to shore up the dykes. With Matt Moloney and Darren Murray continuing to sparkle, the duo had a combined brace of points, all square at 1-3 to 0-6. However, the hardworking Conor Moloney fed leading scorer Joe Kelly in the 23rd minute and the green shirted lads had again hit the front.
Unfortunately, it proved their scoring swansong, nothing else going up on the board for the duration of the match. While Bandon was beginning to take control, a combination of poor finishing and good Dohenys defending was thwarting them. However, with 'Km Crowley now thundering into the game in the midlleld fulcrum and Dave Lehane, Dave Crowley and Darren Ryan providing an impregnable halfback division, they continued to call the shots, Ronan Crowley restoring the status quo as the teams got some respite, albeit temporarily from the monsoons that had replaced our Indian summer. Half-time, 1-4 to 0-7.
THE LEAD. On the resumption from the throw-in, Timmy Crowley burst through, but just when his shot appeared to be dipping beneath the crossbar, Tim Buckley enacted a fine reflex stop, diverting the ball out for a 45. It was cleverly taken short by O'Donoghue, who fed Ronan Crowley and he duly hit the target, giving the Bando-nians a lead they subsequently never again relinquished. Dohenys were now determined to up the ante in their attempts to get back into the match and they exerted extreme pressure on the Bandon backs, who held their lines impressively. However, it was a somewhat like scenario when Bandon got opportunities at the other end. Two Bandon 45s yielded nought before O'Donoghue again had a fine point. Two minutes later he took centre-stage to billow the Dohenys net and afterwards, a now sprightly Lily Whites assumed cruise control to the end of a fine sporting game.
Eoin McSweeney kept a good goal for Bandon, having little chance with the shot that beat him, while depriving Dohenys of a certain green flag moments before the final curtain call.Cathal Moloney was sound in the number three shirt, while as already stated, the half-back division provided a sheet anchor when required. O'Donoghue gave a virtuoso performance at midfield, while Timmy Crowley had a fine closing half-hour. Up in attack, Ronan Crowley, Brian O'Dwyer and Dan-en Murray were the top guns.
Dohenys were well served by the versatile Clement Deane, while co-defenders Cathal Kelleher and Martin Collins were equally impressive. James McCarthy got through an amount of work on the wing as did sixteen year old midfielder Tom Collins, but the Dohenys duo in the middle of the park was always under pressure. In attack, the experienced Stephen Mohan had a good first half; veteran Barry O'Donovan worked his socks off, while Joe Kelly took his major with great panache. Brian McCarthy made a few good sallies, but the greatest threat came from Cathal Crowley. who won loads of first half pressure. However, starved of the leather in the closing moiety, his effectiveness was greatly diminished and subsequently the Dohenys attacking threat fizzled out.
Our verdict: The season has ended in style for Bandon. South West junior A football champions, Junior A league champions to boot and now junior C football league champions, with their second team which was pitted against what was Dohenys third team in this game, they can take a deserved winter siesta, the slumbering giant having well and truly awakened from his sleep, and the Lily Whites are back amongst the elite in Carbery junior football.
This was a fine sporting game in truly deplorable conditions, well contested for the opening half by a game Dohenys outfit. However, once the lethal O'Donoghue provided deliverance with that stunning third quarter major, only one team was going to mount the victory rostrum. Seamus Coak-ley. chairman. South West Board, presented the plaque to a delighted Timmy Crow-ley, captain, Bandon, after the match.
Man of the match, Tomas O'Donoghue, Bandon.
Scorers Bandon: T O'Donoghue 1-3, D Murray, R Crow-ley, B O'Dwyer 0-2 each, J Burke, A O'Donnell, M Moloney (free) 0-1 each
Scorers: Dohneys; J Kelly 1-1, C Crowley 0-3 (0-1 free).
Bandon: E McSweeney; M O'Leary, C Moloney, A Nyhan; D Crowley, D Ryan, D Lehane; T O'Donoghue, T Crowley; D Kelly, D Murray, B O'Dwyer; M Moloney, J Burke, R Crowley. Subs: K Doyle, D Corcoran, A O'Don-nell
Dohneys; T Buckley, C Kelleher, C Deane, M
Collins; J McCarthy, W O'Brien, E Freeman; T
Collins, F Cronin; C Moloney, S Mohan, B Mc
Carthy; B O'Donovan, J Kelly, C Crowley.
Subs; D o Collins, G Hayes
Referee: Donal Shorten, St Mary's
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Bandon does the business to bring home cup - JCFL - Derry Farr - County Section 20-11-07
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Bandon 1-12
Dohneys 1-04
ANOTHER southwest football cup came to Bandon after this junior C league decider played in the worst
imaginable conditions.
Dunmanway hosted this Saturday afternoon final, which was played in a deluge throughout. Full marks to both teams for their efforts in a very sporting encounter that ended in the dark.
There was much to admire about the sparkling play served up by both sides, with Bandon laying the foundations for victory in the opening half. Having played against the elements, they retired on level terms before taking control after the resumption, when they held the losers scoreless. Much of their success is owed to a gritty defence where Cathal Moloney, Darren Ryan and David Lehane were first to settle and with Tom O'Donoghue lording midfield affairs, they proved stronger than their opponents even when pitted against the wind and rain.
However Cathal Kelleher, Clement Deane and Martin Collins excelled in a formidable Dohenys
full back division and with young Tom Collins, James McCarthy and Finbarr Cronin trying hard, they managed to
feed a dangerous attack with a reasonable amount of ball, particularly in the second quarter.
Cathal Crowley, Stephen Mohan and Barry O'Donovan used all their experience to bring Dohenys into contention after
they had slipped three-points in arrears. Then came a 16th-minute goal from Joe Kelly, another of the golden oldies
in the losers' attack, that enabled Dohenys to stay in the hunt until Bandon slowly but surely took over after the
break. The power of midfielder Tim Crowley, the continued excellence of O'Donoghue and the ability of their attack,
despite over-elaboration at times, to pick off the scores saw them really dominate after a 44th minute
Tom O'Donoghue goal.
Subsequently, a brace of Brian O'Dwyer points had them out of reach of Dohenys, who on a few occasions made
valiant efforts to force home a second goal. However, a resilient Bandon fully deserved to triumph against the
losers, who kept going to the end when the winners' keeper Eoin McSweeney denied the lively Brian McCarthy with
a splendid save in the final piece of the action.
Scorers Bandon: T O'Donoghue 1-3, D Murray, R Crow-ley, B O'Dwyer 0-2 each, J Burke, A O'Donnell, M Moloney (free) 0-1 each
Scorers: Dohneys; J Kelly 1-1, C Crowley 0-3 (0-1 free).
Bandon: E McSweeney; M O'Leary, C Moloney, A Nyhan; D Crowley, D Ryan, D Lehane; T O'Donoghue, T Crowley; D Kelly, D Murray, B O'Dwyer; M Moloney, J Burke, R Crowley. Subs: K Doyle, D Corcoran, A O'Don-nell
Dohneys; T Buckley, C Kelleher, C Deane, M
Collins; J McCarthy, W O'Brien, E Freeman; T
Collins, F Cronin; C Moloney, S Mohan, B Mc
Carthy; B O'Donovan, J Kelly, C Crowley.
Subs; D o Collins, G Hayes
Referee: Donal Shorten, St Mary's
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Double for Bandon - JAFL - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 13-11-07
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Bandon 3-15
Tadhg Mac Carthaighs 0-15
IN a high-scoring and entertaining contest in the Sam Maguire Park on Sunday last Bandon junior A footballers completed the double when they added the league title to the championship won earlier in the season.
Goals win games and fitter Bandon, in action up to recent times as opposed to a Caheragh side that had seen little action for the past few months, struck for three vital majors that put the game well out of reach of a battling Caheragh outfit.
A heavy mist didn't help matters throughout the game yet the play was competitive with some fine scores being registered. The pity was that there was no public interest in this final, scarcely thirty people in attendance, whereas it could have drawn a big crowd earlier in the season when both teams were still in the championship. Bandon had most of their championship-winning side on duty while Mac Carthaigh's were short a good few, including the influential Pat Hegarty.
Bandon got off to a dream start with a David Aherne goal in the fifth minute and it sustained them during a shaky opening period when Colm O'Driscoll at full forward for Mac Carthaigh's caused a lot of problems. Referee, Donie McCarthy, was sharp on off-the-ball fouling and twice in the opening minutes he penalised the Bandon backs for fouling O'Driscoll, who popped both over the crossbar to cut the lead to a single point.
But that was as good as it got for the Caheragh men whose reliance on O'Driscoll for scores, he kicked ten points in all; came unstuck against a Bandon defence in which goalie Pat Prendergast was again rock solid, James Walsh covered well in the corner and Charles Dullea did Trojan work at centre back. David Aherne pointed a free before Bandon struck for their second goal in the 14th minute when John O'Connell cleverly diverted an Alan Johnson pass to the net. Johnson was a major figure for Bandon on the forty and his work rate made him a strong candidate for man of the match.
RAMPANT. Points from Michael Quirke, Ronan McCarthy and Rob Maloney saw rampant Bandon, with Patrick Calnan and Thomas O'Donoghue working tirelessly at midfield, opening up an eight point gap by the 18th minute and Mac Carthaigh's had a mountain to climb. To their credit, they never gave up and hit a good patch, thanks to some determined work by midfielder James Herlihy, with spasmodic assistance from Tadhg Deasy.
Points from Kieran O'Regan and Colm O'Driscoll, free and play, cut the lead to five but Bandon responded well again with Ronan McCarthy, John O'Connell and David Aherne doing a lot of good work. Aherne pointed a free, Maloney pointed from play, as did Quirke and McCarthy, with the lead creeping up to a formidable nine points.
Colm O'Sullivan, trying hard up front for Caheragh, kicked a good point but they were lucky in the 30th minute when a rasper from John O'Connell flashed over off the crossbar. Colm O'Driscoll and Ronan McCarthy swapped points before the break and at the end of a high-scoring first half, Bandon were well in control, 2-10 to 0-7 in front.
A much more determined Mac Carthaigh's faced the second half and within a few minutes had reduced the leeway with points from Conor O'Regan and Colm O'Driscoll, free, ames Herlihy was winning a lot of ball at midfield, Michael Kingston was more influential at centre back and Ger Murray began to figure more at centre forward as the western side went in search of more scores. However, Bandon were not going to panic and points from Patrick Calnan and David Aherne, free, restored their nine point lead. Undaunted, back came Mac Carthaigh's and Colm O'Driscoll pointed another free, followed by a Sean Murray point.
Bandon began to introduce a few subs then to freshen up their side and it had an instant affect when sub, Darren Crow-ley, was at the end of a move involving Alan Johnson and David Aherne in the 46th minute and the net was rattling for the third time.
Sean Murray and Colm O'Driscoll, free, kicked points and back came Bandon with points from David Aherne, free, and wing back Kevin Walsh, who was sent off a couple of minutes later for a second yellow card. Impressive Ronan McCarthy closed Bandon's scoring and two pointed frees from Colm O'Driscoll merely put a better look on the score-board as Bandon marched confidently to the double, unbeaten in South-West junior A football all this season.
The league trophy was presented to winning captain, Kevin Walsh, by John Dineen, development officer, SW Junior Board, organiser of the football leagues this season.
Scorers Bandon: D Ahern 1-4 (0-4 frees), J O'Connell 1-1, R McCarthy 0-4, D Crowley 1-0, M Quirke, R Moloney 0-2 each, K Walsh, P Calnan 0-1 each.
Scorers: Tadhg Mac Carthaigh; C O'Driscoll 0-10 (0-8 frees), S Murray 0-2, K O'Regan, C O'Sullivan, C O'Regan 0-1 each.
Bandon: P Prendergast; J Walsh, A O'Sulli-van, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Dono-van; P Calnan, T O'Donoghue; R Moloney, A Johnson, M Quirke; J O'Connell, R McCarthy, D Ahern. Subs; Darren Crowley for R Moloney, David Crowley for A O'Sullivan, E O'Donovan for J O'Connell, D Corcoran for R McCarthy, M O'Leary for T O'Donoghue.
Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: B Herlihy; O Lynch, W O'Sullivan, D O'Regan; DJ Cadogan, M Kingston, S McCarthy; J Herlihy, T Deasy; K O'Regan, G Murray, S Murray; C O'Sullivan, C O'Driscoll, C O'Regan. Subs; K Daly for O Lynch, L O'Donovan for D.J Cadogan, R Murphy for C O'Regan.
Referee: Donal McCarthy, Dohenys
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Southern Star 17th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon 3-15
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 0-15
Bandon Junior A footballers won the League final on Sunday in Dunmanway beating Tadhg MacCarthaigh by 3.15 to 0.15 in a fine game played in Dunmanway.
Most importantly the result meant that Bandon remained unbeaten in the Division throughout the year and won the League and championship double.
A goal four minutes into the game from David Aherne set Bandon on their way and they were nine points up at half time thanks mainly to a second goal from John O'Connell.
Darren Crowley came off the bench to scor the third goal about fifteen minutes from time and that killed off any thoughts Caheragh entertained about launching a late rally.
Best on the day were James Walsh, Tomas O'Donoghue (great to see him fully injury free at last), Alan Johnson, Ronan McCarthy and David Aherne.
Team : P.Prendergast,J.Walsh,A.O'Sullivan,N.Connor,K.Walsh(0.01),C.Dullea,J.O'Donovan,T.O'Donoghue,P.Calnan (0.01),R.Moloney (0.02),A.Johnson,M.Quirke(0.02),J.O'Connell(1.01),R.McCarthy(0.04),D.Aherne(1.04),
Subs.:D.Crowley (1.0),M.O'Leary,D.Corcoran,E.O'Donovan,David Crowley
Team mentors Denis Aherne,Jimmy Gabriel and John Collis can be justifiably proud of their own and their players great effort for the year and the club can look forward with confidence to 2008.
The Junior C football league final takes place on Saturday next also in Dunmanway at 3.00 p.m.
Apologies for inadvertantly causing grevious offence to our near neighbours Argideen Rangers in this column recently. One also has to be mindful that England and Australia almost went to war over a Cricket game in the last century.
Argideen were omitted in error when listing the teams in the Carbery division who were now playing in the Intermediate hurling championship.
The error was an oversight caused simply by listing all the current Intermediate teams partaking in the West Cork U21 A and Junior A hurling championships in 2007.
Maybe "under the hurling radar" would have been a more appropriate headline ?
As a gesture of goodwill however we heartily congratulate Argideen on their victory in the recent West Cork U21 "B" hurling final and welcome them back to the U21 A championship for 2008.
Given their exalted status as one of the Premier Intermediate grades finest,it's where they surely belong.
The annual Mass for deceased club members will be celebrated in the Pavilion on Friday the 16th November at 8 p.m and will be celebrated by Monsignor O'Callaghan.
The St. Brogans Annual General Meeting takes place on Friday November 30th.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Ahern goal sets Bandon on way to league victory by Derry Farr - JFL - County Section 13-11-07
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Bandon 3-15
Tadhg Mac Carthaighs 0-15
BANDON, championship holders, completed the double by winning this South West junior A football league final, played in Dunmanway last Sunday.
They did so with an impressive display that began with an early goal against a Caheragh side who tried their best but failed to find the net and therein lay the difference at the end of an entertaining and high scoring decider played in wet and miserable conditions.
The winners led from trap to line but Tadhg Mac Carthaighs never gave up, despite their inability to find the net.
Bandon, on the other hand, rattled the onion bag just four minutes into a very sporting encounter. Team captain Kevin Walsh was the man to set the movement in motion and David Ahern, at the third attempt, goaled when the Caheragh team, missing quite a few of their championship side, were still finding their way.
Bandon were also short a few regulars but the manner in which their attack gelled suggested they have a plentiful supply of forwards in a sector from where David Ahern emerged as top scorer.
Not far behind came John O'Connell whose 12th-minute goal added to the tally. The losing side relied heavily on Colm O'Driscoll for their scores. He, along with Ger and Scan Murray, did well up front, but the switch of James Walsh to fullback steadied the winners defence during a game that provided the sparse attendance with an interesting midfield duel. Tadhg Deasy for the losers and Tom O'Donoghue for Bandon were first to show in this sector during a first half that ended with the winners nine points to the good.
The defeated side's best period came in the third quarter but they failed to conjure up a goal without which they had little chance of success. To show them how it was done, Bandon substitute Darren Crowley came on to slip home his sides third major and after this 46th minute strike there just wasn't enough time for Caheragh to come back and cause an upset.
Scorers Bandon: D Ahern 1-4 (0-4 frees), J O'Connell 1-1, R McCarthy 0-4, D Crowley 1-0, M Quirke, R Moloney 0-2 each, K Walsh, P Calnan 0-1 each.
Scorers: Tadhg Mac Carthaigh; C O'Driscoll 0-10 (0-8 frees), S Murray 0-2, K O'Regan, C O'Sullivan, C O'Regan 0-1 each.
Bandon: P Prendergast; J Walsh, A O'Sulli-van, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Dono-van; P Calnan, T O'Donoghue; R Moloney, A Johnson, M Quirke; J O'Connell, R McCarthy, D Ahern. Subs; Darren Crowley for R Moloney, David Crowley for A O'Sullivan, E O'Donovan for J O'Connell, D Corcoran for R McCarthy, M O'Leary for T O'Donoghue.
Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: B Herlihy; O Lynch, W O'Sullivan, D O'Regan; DJ Cadogan, M Kingston, S McCarthy; J Herlihy, T Deasy; K O'Regan, G Murray, S Murray; C O'Sullivan, C O'Driscoll, C O'Regan. Subs; K Daly for O Lynch, L O'Donovan for D.J Cadogan, R Murphy for C O'Regan.
Referee: Donal McCarthy, Dohenys
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Bandon unlucky in U21 West Cork Final by WEST CORK GAEL - U21HC - Southern Star 10-11-07
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Kilbrittain 2-09
Bandon 0-14
CASHMAN the conqueror, as Kilbrittain snatches it at the death! Robbery without violence, drama with a capital D, we had them all in rich abundance at a packed Pairc Naomh Eoin, New-cestown, on Sunday afternoon' last at the conclusion of this pulsating South West under 21 A hurling final replay, between arch rivals and near neighbours, Kilbrittain and Newcestown.
At the finish, it all boiled down to the ability of one Ross Cashman. With his side adrift by two points,0-14 to 1-9, having being comprehensively outplayed by a vibrant Bandon fifteen in the second moiety, the Black and Amber captain and defensive pivot was given a final throw of the dice to emerge as Kilbrittain's saviour, when his team won a vital free some forty metres from the Bandon citadel.
The clock had ticked over into the third minute of second half injury-time as Bandon packed their goalmouth with eleven players, ready it seemed for all late eventualities, the crescendo of noise generated by both sets of followers almost unbearable in the hectic excitement.
Up stepped the unerring Cashman. A flick of the powerful wrists, a stunning low trajectory drive towards the Bandon goalmouth and, suddenly, the hill reverberates once more as Kilbrittain supporters go wild in an orgy of unconfmed delight. The unthinkable has just occurred, the ball is in the back of the net, while Bandon, so much in command in the second half, but shooting an unpardonable ten wides to their opponents two, are in arrears and the game in its death throes.
However, there are two last defining acts to be played out in this amazing saga. From the puck-out, Bandon sweep down-field, but yet again shoot a poor wide, the last chance saloon now firmly evaporated. Almost immediately at the other end of the pitch, an unsavoury brawl breaks out, involving several players from each side and a few mentors for good measure. After a few Bernard Dunne style punches have been thrown and a bit of general pandemonium ensues, order is thankfully restored the melee short, but nasty, and totally out of context in a sporting game. Aaron Collins from Kilbrittain is shown a red card by match official Michael Collins from Clonakilty, while quite a few others from each side are lucky to escape censure as well.
CROWNED. Soon afterwards, the final whistle sounds, handshakes are accepted all around and Kilbrittain are crowned champions by the narrowest of margins for the first time since 2004, after a scintillating game that ebbed and flowed continuously for the full sixty minutes.
Kilbrittain had started off like the proverbial steam train, having the ball in the back of the Bandon net inside fourteen seconds of play. A crisp delivery by Maurice Sexton, who adapted a roving full forward commission, saw dapper corner forward Tom Harrington round his marker and send a bullet-like drive past Cathal Moloney. After Gavin O'Riordan, who was to go on and make a considerable impact in the midfield exchanges, shot over a free in the third minute, an opportunistic point from the lively Fintan O'Connell stretched the Kilbrittain advantage. With Harrington, O'Connell, Aidan Moloney and Nigel Quinlan causing early problems for the Bandon defence, Sexton increased the Kilbrittain advantage from a free, 1-2 to 0-1, with barely eight minutes having elapsed.
However, the pace and hurling ability of Darren Crowley, Roy Payne, Eoin O'Dono-van and Jason McCarthy was beginning to redress the Bandon deficit as they hit five unanswered points inside the next ten minutes of play. In the interim, Kilbrittain were grateful to the agility and sturdy defending of goalie Robert Hayes, full back John Murphy and twins Patrick and Michael Deasy on the left flank of their defence, as Bandon hit a purple patch, helped in no small way by the power hurling of James O'Donovan, Darren Ryan and their midfield duo of Gavin O'Riordan and Timothy Crowley.
Darren Crowley had a sublime score, O'Riordan converted a free, Roy Payne had two real peaches of points, the last one tipped over the bar by Kilbrittain keeper Hayes, while sandwiched in between came a fine Darren Crowley free, Bandon now having clawed their way back to better equality and go ahead, 0-6 to 1-2 by the 20th minute.
However, the industry of the speedy Pat O'Mahony augmented by good hurling from Cian O'Leary, James Hurley and Ciaran Walsh soon saw Kilbrittain back in the lead. The reliable Sexton converted a free and a dainty piece of play by O'Mahony following a clever pass from the former did the trick. With Cashman now beginning to stamp his authority on proceedings, the defence tightened up considerably as up front, O'Connell won an important free, well flashed over by Sexton, who duly closed the scoring in a like manner, making the half-time tally read 1-6 to 0-6, Kilbrittain in the ascendancy.
CHANGE. One important change made by Bandon three minutes before the break was the introduction of the towering Raymond Brennan. The substitute was to have a huge say on'second half matters, as we will relate in due course. A fine piece of early Bandon opportunism with Roy Payne, Darren Crowley and Jason McCarthy all involved, ended with the latter shooting a Bandon point in the 31st minute. But Kilbrittain soon reasserted their dominance with a delightful Pat O'Mahony point after Fintan O'Connell had supplied him with an inch perfect pass. When Maurice Sexton converted two further Kilbrittain frees to give them a commanding 1-9 to 0-7 advantage and barely six second half minutes elapsed, one could be forgiven for presuming Bandon were in deep trouble.
Nothing could be further from the truth, because, Bandon, with Raymond Brennan now an inspirational figure at the edge of the Kilbrittain 'square', substitutes Rob Wilmot and Dave Kelly winning a huge amount of ball and with Darren Crowley, O'Riordan, Payne, Brian Crowley, Tim Crowley, James O'Donovan as well as James Walsh and Dave Ahern all getting their second wind, upped the ante to an elevated plane. The overall result was that Kilbrittain failed to put a score on the board for a staggering subsequent twenty seven minutes, while the Lily Whites assumed total control all over the park.
Gavin O'Riordan set the ball rolling in the 40th minute, Dave Kelly was clean through but kicked the sliotar barely wide of a gaping goalmouth, Brian Crowley flashed over a smashing score, quickly followed by a like effort from a now dominant Brennan.Soon afterwards, Kilbrittain looked to be in deep and troubled waters when their defence conceded a semi-penalty, Brian Crowley and Dave Kelly all involved in the initial move with Brennan being fouled in the 46th minute. But in fairness, Kilbrittain were equal to the challenge their massed defence blocking and clearing O'Riordan's searing drive. But there was no stopping Bandon now. A neat 65 by O'Riordan saw Ray Brennan tap it over the bar. A further point by the outstanding O'Riordan saw equality restored 0-12 to 1-9. When Dar-ren Crowley swept over two fine frees, he looked like once again, as he had done in the drawn game at Timoleague to be about to emerge as the Bandon hero. But it is never over until the fat lady sings and while she was exceedingly slow to burst into melodious rapture, Cashman availed of her ditty to win the day for Kilbrittain.
Our verdict: The contrast in the opposing camps was naturally vastly different and poles apart. Bandon were absolutely gutted, decimated and devastated by a second one-point reversal in two major finals inside a short space of time. For much of this enthralling encounter they played arguably the better hurling. However, a tally of fourteen wides to four for their opponents is totally inexcusable at this level. Squandermania cost them dearly, as well as the match and a glorious opportunity to annex three-in-a-row titles. They will recover; they have the undoubted talent to do so but need to be more clinical in putting away teams.
Kilbrittain were elated, who could blame them, crowned South West champions for the first time since 2004 after a Lazarus style comeback and recovery when all seemed lost. For portions of the match they had dominated the exchanges, but for almost the entire second half their forwards lived on crumbs as Bandon called all the positive shots. Hats off to them for never once doubting their ability and while they were extremely lucky at the long whistle, the bottom line is that you create your luck and take the resultant chances.
Man of the match, Gavin O'Riordan, Bandon.
Scorers - Kilbrittain: Maurice Sexton 0-6, frees, Ross Cashman 1-0, Tom rington 1-0, Pat O'Mahony-0-2, Fmtan O'Connell 0-1.
Bandon: Gavin O'Riordan 0-4, 0-2 frees, Darren Crowley 0-4, 0-3 frees, Roy Payne 0-2, Ray Brennan 0-2, Brian Crowley 0-1, Jason McCarthy 0-1.
Kilbrittain: Robert Hayes, Ciaran Walsh, John Murphy, Patrick Deasy, James Hurley, Ross Cashman, Michael Deasy, Cian O'Leary, Pat O'Mahony, Aidan Moloney, Aaron Collins, Fintan O'Connell, Nigel Quinlan, Maurice Sexton, Tom Harrington. Sub: Maurice Fielding for Aidan Moloney.
Bandon: Cathal Moloney, Mark O'Leary, James O'Donovan, Tim Crowley, Dave Ahern, Darren Ryan, James Walsh, Gavin O'Riordan,Timothy Crowley, Darren Crowley, Brian Crowley, Roy Payne, Eoin O'Donovan, Philip Murphy, Jason McCarthy. Subs: Raymond Brennan for Philip Murphy, Rob Wilmot for Mark O'Leary, Dave Kelly for Jason McCarthy (injured).
Referee: M Collins (Clonakilty).
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Southern Star 10th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Kilbrittain 2-09
Bandon 0-14
Goals win games, and Kilbrittain scored two,the first right at the start of this West Cork U21
hurling final a score Bandon were chasing for most of the match. More tellingly their second,
scored right at the death proved too much for a very brave Bandon team that came roaring back
into contention and were by far the better side in the last twenty minutes when the game was
there to be won.
Bandon trailed by 0.07 to 1.09 after ten minutes of the second half and up to this juncture
had been hurling very poorly as they had for most of the drawn game.
Queue seven unanswered Bandon points for a dramatic turnaround and there was really only one
team in the game. Squandermania set in as well as an overall wides tally of 10 to Kilbrittains
2 illustrates.
Bandon should realistically been out of sight as the clock wound down.
However Bandon only led by two points right at the death when they conceded a needless twenty
one yard free. No need to elaborate further, how many times has that script been written
before, especially in hurling?
Bandon were left to lament a very poor return over the hour from their full forward line in
this game.
Best for Bandon were Gavin O'Riordan who had an absolutely outstanding second half,
Darren Crowley, James Walsh, David Ahern, Darren Ryan and sub Raymond Brennan who played a
big part in Bandons revival.
Team: C.Moloney; D.Ahern, J.O'Donovan, T.Crowley; M.O'Leary, D.Ryan, J.Walsh; G.O'Riordan,
Tim Crowley; D.Crowley, B.Crowley, R.Payne; E.O'Donovan, P.Murphy, J.McCarthy.
Subs; R.Wilmot, R.Brennan
Over a relatively successful year when two finals were agonisingly lost in the dying seconds,
we need to look to our very poor goalscoring return in both hurling and football. This lack of
goals is instrumental in our seeming inability to kill off games.
The annual Mass for deceased club members will be celebrated in the Pavilion on Friday the 16th November at 8 p.m and will be celebrated by Monsignor O'Callaghan.
The St. Brogans Annual General Meeting takes place on Friday November 30th.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Gabriels in charge this time - JFC 'C' - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 03-11-07
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Gaberial Rangers 3-08
Bandon 0-05
IN the most miserable conditions in the Sam Maguire Park, Dunmamvay, on Saturday last a hungrier Gabriel Rangers had a comprehensive win over a much-changed Bandon in the replay of the SW junior C football quarter-final.
Despite the adverse conditions both sides managed to serve up some good football but on the day Gabriels looked to have the great appetite for battle and goals at vital times proved decisive. The winners laid the foundation for this win in the first half against the driving wind and rain. Trailing by only two points at the end of the first quarter, they struck a vital blow in the 19th minute when Denis O'Brien finished to the Bandon net to give his side a lead they were never to surrender subsequently.
At half-time Gabriels led by a single point and three early points at the start of the second half really put them in the driver's seat. Although the wind and rain eased off somewhat, Gabriels continued to dominate and a second goal in the 36th minute by impressive sub John O'Callaghan ended the game as a contest.
There was a lengthy delay when a Bandon player suffered a bad injury and darkness was descending as the game dragged to its inevitable conclusion. A goal by Colm O'Donovan in the 58th minute put the icing on the fine display by Gabriels who now go on to meet Barryroe in the semi-final.
Gabriels were very well balanced on the day and eight of their players shared in the scoring, an impressive tally. Colm Sheehaii was outstanding at centre back with wing back Declan McSweeney and corner back Donal McSweeney clearing well in front of reliable goalie Tom O'Brien. Donal O'Sulli-van at midfield was probably the best footballer on the pitch and got great support from the hard-working John Ward. Up front, the half forward line of Don Ward on the forty and wingers Brian Hayes and especially Colm O'Donovan did a lot of hard work and all three got on. the score sheet. Denis O'Brien at full forward also had a good hour.
Cathal Moloney did a lot of good work at full back for Bandon with Mark O'Leary and Tim Crowley giving him good support. Eoin O'Donovan was a very strong mid-fielder and made some good runs, while up front Darren Murray on the wing, Matt Moloney on the forty and Ronan Crowley in the corner tried very hard. Referee, Donie McCarthy, Dohenys.
THE PLAY. Conditions were atrocious with driving wind and rain as the game got under way and with the elements to their backs it was Bandon who dominated the opening exchanges. However, despite plenty possession they found it hard to penetrate a solid Gabriels defence and after ten minutes they found themselves only level on the score board, 0-2 each, with impressive Darren Murray opening the scoring, John Ward answering with a fine effort at the other end, Brian Hayes pointing a free to put Gabriels in front and Matt Moloney doing likewise for Bandon.
Ronan Crowley cut through for Bandon in the 12th minute only to see his piledriv-er brilliantly touched over the crossbar by goalie Tom O'Brien. The strong Matt Moloney followed with another Bandon point to increase the lead to two and it seemed the Lily Whites were at last about to build on the lead they needed with the elements.
It was not to be as Gabriels stuck a vital blow in the 1.9th minute when a Don Ward centre was deflected to the Bandon net by full forward, Denis O'Brien. Ward himself, working very hard on the forty, followed with another point against the wind and even though Bandon had the last say of the half with a point from Darren Murray, it was Gabriels in the driver's seat at the break as they led by 1-3 to 0-5 and had the elements to their backs in the second half.
Three quick points from Denis O'Brien, Brian Hayes and Colm O'Donovan had the winners well in control as the second half got under way and when impressive sub John O'Callaghan found the Bandon net from out on the wing in the 36th minute, the writing was really on the wall for Bandon.
They had a chance for a quick response in the 40th minute when Ronan Crowley was fouled in the square but, unfortunately, Matt Moloney drove wide from the penalty kick and Gabriels surged down the field to score a fine point from Donal O'Sulli van. Within minutes Matt Moloney was down injured, which necessitated a long delay and when the game resumed the light was already failing and neither side seemed too anxious to continue.
Despite plenty possession Bandon failed to raise a flag in the second half as they overdid the short game in the poor conditions. Gabriels seemed content to play out time as Colm Sheehan raided from centre back to score a good point and Colm O'Donovan rattled the Bandon net in the 58th minute following good work from Don Ward. In injury time Ronan Crowley forced a fine save from Gabriels' keeper Tom O'Brien but that was as near as they got to scoring.
On behalf of all Gaels we wish Matt Moloney a speedy recovery from his injury.
Scorers; Gabriel Rangers; C O'Donovan, D O'Brien 1-1 each, J O'Callaghan 1-0, B Hayes 0-2 (0-1free), J Ward, D Ward, D'O Sullivan, C Sheehan 0-1 each
Bandon; D Murray 0-2, M Maloney 0-2 (0-1free), Ronan Crowley 0-1
Gabriel Rangers: T O'Brien; Donald Mc-Sweeney, P O'Donovan, A O'Mahony; T McCarthy, C Sheehan, Declan McSweeney; Donal O'Sullivan, J Ward; B Hayes, D Ward, C O'Donovan; B O'Regan, D O'Brien, J Murphy.
Subs; D O'Regan, J O'Callaghan, J Martin
Bandon ; R Brennan; A Nyhan, C Maloney, D Corccran; D Crowley, T Crowley, M O'Leary;
O'Donoghue, E McSweeney; D Murray, M Maloney B Dwyer; C O'Mahony, B Aherne, R Crowley. Sub; A Maloney
Referee: D McCarthy (Dohenys).
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Southern Star 3rd November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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The U21 hurling final replay against Kilbrittain has been fixed for Sunday next at 2.30 p.m.in Newcestown.
Bandon were very lucky in the drawn game and needed three late points to earn a replay. Only a dramatic
improvement in performance will see any hope of the three in a row being realised.
The Cork County Board GAA Draw was very well supported and a big thank you to all those who sold tickets
and more importantly to those who bought tickets and dramatically increased the numbers in the draw.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Rampant Rangers win - JFC 'C' - Derry Farr - IE County Section 27-10-07
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Gaberial Rangers 3-08
Bandon 0-05
RANGERS, having played against the elements in the opening half, led by a point at the interval and confirmed
their superiority by running away with the second half of this Saturday afternoon South West junior C football
championship quarterfinal.
This replay, played at wind and rain soaked Dunmanway, saw the Bandonians fail to score in the closing 39
minutes when their team captain Matthew Moloney received a serious looking injury that necessitated further
medical treatment after the game. We hope his return will be speedy and the diagnosis not serious for a player
who had done his best to get his side involved in a contest that swung Gabriel's way as early as the 20th
minute of the opening half.
Their crucial first goal arrived at this juncture when a Don Ward free was punched to the Bandon net by
Denis O'Brien.
From there on in the -winner's improvement 'was noticeable with their charge being led by 'keeper Tom O'Brien,
along with Colin Sheehan, team captain Don Ward, as well as the very impressive Colm O'Donovan. Despite the
excellence of Mark O'Leary, Thomas O'Donoghue, Darren Murray and Ronan Crowley the losers failed to match a
quality Rangers side that notched up their second goal in the 38th minute from substitute John O'Callaghan,
just on the field, who made an immediate impact in a contest wrapped up by a Colm O'Donovan goal at the end of a
prolonged session due to the injury to Matthew Moloney.
Gabriels now take on Barryroe in the semi-final of one of the last of the adult championships.
Scorers; Gabriel Rangers; C O'Donovan, D O'Brien 1-1 each, J O'Callaghan 1-0, B Hayes 0-2 (0-1free), J Ward, D Ward, D'O Sullivan, C Sheehan 0-1 each
Bandon; D Murray 0-2, M Maloney 0-2 (0-1free), Ronan Crowley 0-1
Gabriel Rangers: T O'Brien; Donald Mc-Sweeney, P O'Donovan, A O'Mahony; T McCarthy, C Sheehan, Declan McSweeney; Donal O'Sullivan, J Ward; B Hayes, D Ward, C O'Donovan; B O'Regan, D O'Brien, J Murphy.
Subs; D O'Regan, J O'Callaghan, J Martin
Bandon ; R Brennan; A Nyhan, C Maloney, D Corccran; D Crowley, T Crowley, M O'Leary;
O'Donoghue, E McSweeney; D Murray, M Maloney B Dwyer; C O'Mahony, B Aherne, R Crowley. Sub; A Maloney
Referee: D McCarthy (Dohenys).
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Heartbreak for Bandon - IHC - Noel Horgan - Southern Star 27-10-07
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Fr O'Neills 1-13
Bandon 0-15
IT was a case of so near and yet so far for Bandon in an exciting county intermediate hurling final at Pairc Ui
Chaoimh last Sunday.
With three minutes of normal time remaining, corner forward Darren Crowley capped a sparkling second half display
with an excellent point to inch the South West side ahead by the minimum. But it was Fr. O'Neill's who lifted the
trophy following a nail-biting conclusion, thanks to a brace of late points from John Flavin and Jer O'Leary, who
landed the decisive score from a 65 a minute into injury-time.
In between those Fr. O'Neiirs points, Donncha Burke had been off-target with an opportunity to restore the lead to
Bandon, and their frustration was compounded seconds before the final whistle when substitute Roy Payne had a booted
effort for a goal cleared off the line by the East Cork side's corner back Brian O'Driscoll.
It was indeed a cruel defeat for Bandon, and nobody would have complained if this contest between two highly
committed sides had finished in stalemate.
Fr. O'Neill's struggled for long periods in the first half, particularly in defence where pivot Podge Butler had
his hands full against Bandon's forceful centre forward Alan Johnson from the outset. Billy Murphy fared out
little better on moving to centre back after seven minutes, and ten minutes later he swapped positions with Butler
again as Fr. O'Neill's desperately searched for a way to limit Alan Johnson's impact.
It was all to no avail, however, as Johnson continued to provide the leadership for Bandon up front where
Darren O'Donoghue and Darren Crowley were others to pose regular problems for the Fr. O'Neill's rearguard, and
Eoin O'Donovan also showed promise on occasions.
Fortunately for Fr. O'Neill's, Bandon didn't make the most of their chances before the break when the sharpness
of netminder Paul Colbert was another reason why the Ladys-bridge-Ballymacoda men managed to remain well in
touch.
Colbert, proved his worth as early as the fourth minute when making a fine save from Darren Crowley, although
Bandon gained some compensation in the ensuing play when Alan Johnson picked up possession to land a point.
Prior to that, Darren O'Donoghue had opened the scoring for Bandon, and Donncha stretched their lead to three
points before Fr. O'Neill's responded with a flurry of scores from Eddie Holland, Colin Buckley and John Flavin.
Again Colbert denied Bandon a major breakthrough in the 14th minute, proving equal to a shot from Eoin O'Donovan
this time, and Fr. O'Neill's could have been in serious trouble at the interval but for their 'keeper's
heroics. As it was, Bandon, despite shooting eight wides, turned over leading by 0-8 to 0-6, having fallen
behind just once before the break when corner forward Eoin McCarthy pointed for Fr. O'Neill's to make it 0-5 to
0-4 after 17 minutes.
Following the puck-out, however, Alan Johnson brought Bandon back on terms, and they had moved two points
ahead after Darren Crowley slotted over an inspirational score seven minutes later. Indeed, the vast most of
scores registered in the first half were out of the top drawer, but for some strange reason the game never
sprang to life during the opening period.
In view of their problems in defence, and at midfield, where Cha Dullea managed to give Bandon a slight edge,
Fr. O'Neill's had good cause for concern at half-time. For the second half they brought Podge Butler to midfield
in a switch with Jer Holland, and they reinstalled Billy Murphy at centre back on Alan Johnson.
It seemed as if Murphy was again likely to find the going tough at centre back after Johnson replied to a Fr.
O'Neill's point from Eddie Holland in the 35th minute. But Murphy really began to blossom as the second half
wore on. so much so that he earned a merited man-of-the-match rating at the finish. His power-packed
performance was a huge boost to Fr. O'Neill's, serving to bring badly-needed stability to a defence in which
John O'Mahony was very dependable at full back from start to finish.
In addition, Jer O'Leary, receiving solid support from Podge Butler, stormed into the picture to swing the
midfield battle in Fr. O'Neill's favour, but, as with Bandon in the first half, they clocked up eight wides which
prevented them from tightening the screw when on top.
RATTLE They did rattle Bandon in the 45th minute when Eddie Holland poked in a goal after John Flavin,
latching on to a low delivery from Colin Buckley, had initially brought the best out of the losers' keeper
John Crowley. But both Buckley and Flavin shot wides in the ensuing minutes which allowed Bandon, inspired by
the brilliance of Darren Crowley, to recover their composure.
After Crowley pointed a free from distance before adding another excellent score from play to bring Bandon back on
terms with ten minutes remaining, it was nip-and-tuek all the way to the finish, but, crucially, Fr. O'Neill's
enjoyed a little rub of the green when the crunch came.
Billy Murphy and Jer O'Leary were their key players in the second half, while goal keeper Colbert, Brian
O'Driscoll and the ultra-consistent John O'Mahony in defence, and John Flavin, Eddie Holland and Colin Buckley in
attack were others to play leading roles in what was the club's first ever county championship triumph at
intermediate level.
In Darren Crowley, Bandon had the most impressive forward on view, but Darren O'Donoghue and particularly Alan
Johnson also made their presence felt up front in the first half, as did Roy Payne following his introduction
for the last ten minutes.
Second half substitute Darren Ryan performed very creditably at centre back, Joe Burke and Gavin O'Riordan
also fared out reasonably well in defence, but James O'Mahony earned the main plaudits overall in this sector.
Scorers: Fr. O'Neill's: E Holland 1-2; J Flavin 0-3; G O'Leary 0-3 (0-2f, 0-1 65); C Buckley 0-2; E McCarthy 0-2; K Wall 0-1.
Bandon: D Crowley 0-6 (0-1f, 0-1 65); D O'Donoghue 0-3; A Johnson 0-3; D Burke, R Payne, D Lucey (f) 0-1 each
FR. O'NEILL'S; P Culbert; B O'Driscoll, J O'Ma-hony, J Terry; B Murphy, P Butler, M Lawton; J Holland, J O'Leary; C Buckley, Q Higgins, K Wall, E McCarthy, J Flavin, E Holland. Subs: R O'Neill for Lawton; E O'Driscoll for Higgins; N Griffin for Wall; J O'Driscoll for Terry.
BANDON: J Crowley; B Hurley, J Burke, J O'Donovan; K Hurley, T Bambury, G O'Riordan; D Lucey, C Dullea; D O'Donoghue, A Johnson, J Hickey; D Crowley, D Burke, E O'Donovan. Subs: D Ryan for Bambury; J O'Regan for Lucey; R Payne for O'Donovan.
Referee: D O'Leary (Cloughduv).
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Southern Star 27th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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On behalf of Cumann Luth Chleas Gael Droichead na Banndan a big thank you to the hundreds of supporters who
travelled to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday for the County Intermediate hurling final against Fr.O'Neill's. It was
the best supported Bandon team for many's the day.
Victory was not to be however as lady luck cruelly deserted Bandon, with a converted injury time sixty five
proving the difference between two fine teams. How many times have we heard that old cliche that a draw would
have been a fair result.
The final score 0.15 to 1.13.
Bandon started very well and led at half time 0.08 to 0.06 and with the benefit of hindsight our first half
misses were to prove very costly. We dominated in most sectors of the pitch but that superiority wasn't translated
onto the scoreboard.
We were outscored 0.07 to 1.07 in the second half and that illustrates how much of a turning point Fr. O'
Neills goal proved to be. It arrived mid way through the second half and although Bandon recovered well it
proved to be the match winning score.
Darren Crowley had an outstanding game and after a few below par outings came good when the need was greatest.
John Crowley, James O'Donovan, Cha Dullea and Alan Johnson also hurled well.
Team :John Crowley, Brian Hurley, Joe Burke, James O'Donovan, Kieran Hurley (Capt.), Tomas Bambury,
Gavin O'Riordan, Donough Lucey (0.01f), Cha Dullea, Darren O'Donoghue(0.03), Alan Johnson(0.03), Jason Hickey,
Darren Crowley(0.06,0.02f), Donnacha Burke (0.01), Eoin O'Donovan(0.01) Subs. : Darren Ryan, John O'Regan,
Roy Payne(0.01).
The players can certainly hold their heads up high after a very spirited performance and maybe the far more
difficult path that Fr.O'Neill's had in getting to the final had a bearing on the result. They had to play
seven games to our four and the massive gap in the middle of the summer caused by Inter County fixtures helped
no one.
A big well done to Coach Red Crowley and his Selectors James Deasy, Robert Wilmot, Don McCarthy and Joe Crowley.
Unfortunately as much effort goes into preparing the County intermediate runner's up as it does to preparing the
champions. Such are the vagaries of sport.
Many thanks to Jim Barrett and Richard Giles of Gilbar Developments Limited and to Jimmy Deasy of Chaplains Bar
for their generous sponsorship in providing gear. Denis McCarthy Coaches, our main club sponsor Caulfields Super
Valu, ODM Financial, Conor slattery in Coolfadda Developments, Joe Healy Uptine Digital Printing, Bandon Office
Supplies Limited, Kearns Memorials, O Donovan Hurleys, Nyhans Bar, Bandon Credit Union, and Arkil are also worthy
of special mention.
The hoardings and posters wishing Bandon well and the buntings around the town brought great colour to the
occasion and we thank everyone for their huge effort.
Many thanks to Louise O'Regan for her deft camerawork last week and throughout the summer.
Heartiest congratulations to Barryroe on their great win in the County Junior Hurling final. It is great to
see another West Cork club join the Intermediate hurling ranks. It was always only a matter of time before
Barryroe would take their place with Newcestown, Bandon and Kilbrittain in the Intermediate grade. Their win
is a huge boost for hurling in a division where the small ball game continues to struggle alarmingly at under
age level.
Anyone interested in buying a ticket for the Cork County Board GAA Draw should contact a club member.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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O'Leary delivers for O'Neills - IHC - Michael Ellard - Irish Examiner 22-10-07
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Fr O'Neills 1-13
Bandon 0-15
HISTORY was made at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday when Fr O'Neill's won the Evening Echo Cork Co IFC title for the first time in fairytale fashion.
After the sides were level on no fewer than seven occasions, Fr O'Neill's won a '65 a minute into injury time. Cool as a breeze up stepped team captain, Ger O'Leary to slot the conversion between the posts to climax his side's historic achievement and leave Bandon heartbroken.
It was a cruel injustice for a Bandon side that came within an ace of pulling it out of the fire at the death, only
for substitute Roy Payne's kicked attempt for a match-winning goal to be taken off the line by Fr O'Neill's corner
back Brian O'Driscoll in what was truly an exhilarating finale.
Team mentor, Robbie Dalton paid his side the ultimate tribute afterwards: "These lads would go through a brick
wall for you. Two years ago they won the junior county and now they displayed character, guts and spirit to win
this title. We are all so proud of them.
"We were a bit flat-footed in the first-half and failed to get the ball into our full forward line. But we
tightened up considerably in the second-half and both Billy Murphy and Ger O'Leary really came good when we
needed them most."
As Fr O'Neill's struggled early on. it was all systems go for Bandon. with Darren O'Donoghue and Darren Crowley
forming a menacing right flank of attack and Alan Johnson also most impressive on the 40.
Before Fr O'Neill's received their second wind, Bandon, with some sweet scores from O'Donoghue, Johnson and
midfielder Donough Lucey. were three points to the good and it took a great save from Fr O'Neill's excellent
goalkeeper Paul Culbert to deny Darren Crowley a goal in the third minute.
A great start for Bandon, who could have increased their lead but for inaccurate shooting as Fr O'Neill's came
back to level things with three terrific unanswered points from Eddie Holland, Colin Buckley and John Flavin.
Once again Culbert came to Fr O'Neill's rescue, as Bandon recovered and took control again, when this time
he saved brilliantly from Eoin O'Donovan.
It was nip and tuck stuff before Fr O'Neill's edged their way into the lead for the first time with a point from
Eoin McCarthy in the 16th minute, but Bandon finished the stronger to lead 0-8 to 0-6 at half time.
But, as events subsequently transpired, their eight first-half wides proved extremely costly.
With both sets of defences displaying sterling qualities, there was never more than a point
between them in the third quarter. And, in a game of this nature, it was always obvious that a
goal would prove to be a decisive factor.
The lucky break fell Fr O'Neill's way in the 45th minute when Billy Murphy,
playing his heart out after being moved to centre-back and emerging eventually as man-of-the-match, powered the
East Cork side forward in attack.
Bandon goalkeeper John Crowley saved a close-range shot from John Flavin, but following the resultant melee
from the rebound. Eddie Holland got the all-important flick home.
It was a goal ot crucial importance, even though Bandon, with Dan Crowley now in full flight, evened things up
again with 10 minutes remaining.
Crowley scored some delightful points, both from long-range frees and play, to keep Bandon on an even keel as
both sides slugged it out toe to toe to the bitter end.
It was nerve-wracking and admirable in the extreme as both sides fought gallantly to bring glory to their
native places. First Colin Buckley, with a sublime strike, nudged Fr O'Neill's back in front only for the
now rampant Darren Crowley to equalise for Bandon.
Ger O'Leary pointed a free to restore the lead for Fr O'Neill's in the frenetic closing stages but substitute
Roy Payne tied matters again in this gripping roller-coaster when he pointed in the 55th minute.
The cup seemed destined for Bandon when Crowley, his side's most inspirational figure in the second-half,
gave them the lead with time running out.
But, showing tremendous character when the need was greatest, Fr O'Neill's came back to snatch it with an
equalising point from Flavin and the golden one from O'Leary.
The tricolour at Pairc Ui Chaoimh flew at half mast and a minute's silence was observed in the memory of the late Johnny Clifford
Scorers: Fr. O'Neill's: E Holland 1-2; J Flavin 0-3; G O'Leary 0-3 (0-2f, 0-1 65); C Buckley 0-2; E McCarthy 0-2; K Wall 0-1.
Bandon: D Crowley 0-6 (0-1f, 0-1 65); D O'Donoghue 0-3; A Johnson 0-3; D Burke, R Payne, D Lucey (f) 0-1 each
FR. O'NEILL'S; P Culbert; B O'Driscoll, J O'Ma-hony, J Terry; B Murphy, P Butler, M Lawton; J Holland, J O'Leary; C Buckley, Q Higgins, K Wall, E McCarthy, J Flavin, E Holland. Subs: R O'Neill for Lawton; E O'Driscoll for Higgins; N Griffin for Wall; J O'Driscoll for Terry.
BANDON: J Crowley; B Hurley, J Burke, J O'Donovan; K Hurley, T Bambury, G O'Riordan; D Lucey, C Dullea; D O'Donoghue, A Johnson, J Hickey; D Crowley, D Burke, E O'Donovan. Subs: D Ryan for Bambury; J O'Regan for Lucey; R Payne for O'Donovan.
Referee: D O'Leary (Cloughduv).
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Southern Star 20th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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All roads lead to Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday next at 3.45 p.m. for the County Intermediate hurling final against Fr.O'Neill's.
Eight years on and the club is still hungry for a sixth County adult title in hurling.
In each of the years since 1999 we would have taken getting to this stage, but finals are there to be won. As Brian Dooher of Tyrone said at half time in the 2003 All-Ireland final the time for "Knocking on Heavens Door" is over it's certainly time on Sunday to "Kick down Heavens door".
Bandon have been good value for money in each of their games to date, Ballygarvan, Valley Rovers and the recent semi-final win over Kanturk.
Winning championships is all about leadership on the pitch. For Bandon to win on Sunday they will require huge performances from the survivors of the 1999 Junior A success, the men who have done it all before, Brian Hurley, Joe Burke, Kieran Hurley, Tomas Bambury, John O'Regan, Darren O'Donoghue, Donnacha Burke, Niall O'Rourke and Kevin Walsh. Their leadership and experience will be vital and will be the difference between winning and losing.
Add in the "young bloods" led by James O'Donovan, Donough Lucey, Gavin O'Riordan, Cha Dullea, Jason Hickey, Darren Crowley, John Crowley, Eoin O'Donovan and Eoin Duggan and Bandon will not be far away at the final whistle.
A fine panel is being developed here and it is getting stronger each year with players like Brian Crowley, Jason McCarthy and Darren Ryan also making the breakthrough.
Best of luck from the club to all the players and panel, to Coach Red Crowley and his Selectors James Deasy, Robert Wilmot, Don McCarthy and Joe Crowley.
Anyone interested in buying a ticket for the Cork County Board GAA Draw should contact a club member.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Kanturk unable to breach the buffer zone - IHC - Fintan O'Toole - Evening Echo 08-10-07
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Bandon 1-15
Kanturk 0-16
MAJESTIC Burke point seals it, as better balanced Bandon survive after tense finale! What a fantastic game of
scintillating, non-stop and thrilling hurling Bandon and Kanturk served up to a captivated and enthralled
attendance at a pristine Coachford venue on Sunday afternoon last, in the semifinal of the Cork intermediate
hurling championship.
With the clock having ticked over into second half injury-time, stalwart Bandon wing back Kieran Hurley won
a great ball under intense pressure deep in his own half of the pitch. Unleasing a mammoth delivery into
enemy territory, his precise pass saw Donncha Burke embark on a searing solo run, drawing a defender with a
deft side-step before blasting over a sublime score from an acute angle for the vital 'insurance' point.
The score could not have come at a more opportune time for the Lily Whites, lifting the intense pressure that
plucky Kanturk had imposed on their opponents as they strove might and main in the last quarter to snatch
the game out of the fire.
Even then brave Kanturk, who had drawn intense inspiration in the closing half from the scoring heroics and
fabulous stickwork of Cork minor football star Aidan Walsh, who turned in a last thirty minutes of Titanic
proportions notching a magnificent six points' personal total during this rosy spell, refused to capitulate.
Throwing caution to the wind, they launched one massive assault on the Bandon citadel. Latching on to a superb
ball from midfielder John Healy, Lorcan McLoughlin, the Cork minor dual star sent Walsh on his way.
From some thirty metres, the latter blasted a rasper that looked destined for the top of the Bandon net.
However, Bandon had no intention of bowing the knee at this terminal stage of the proceedings and able goalie
John Crowley brought off a splendid save from point-blank range. Soon afterwards, impartial match official
Ger O'Connell from Lisgoold brought down the curtain on a fabulous game of hurling.
It signalled the sea of heartbreak for a young, totally focussed and extremely committed Kanturk pride of
hurling lions, a side that contained some marvellous individual performers, but, as a unit, particularly
their forwards got little change out of a Bandon team who really bar a spell in the third quarter performed to
the pinnacle of their capabilities.
ARE BACK. Yes, indeed the Bandon boys are back in town in a big way, having qualified for their first final at
this level since way back in 1974, and they now can look forward with confidence to a clash with Fr. O'Neill's
on Sunday week next in the decider. In the overall context they were the neater, craftier and more polished
outfit, putting some truly delightful scores on the board, some from all of sixty and seventy metres range.
However, when Kanturk perform a raw analysis on where it all went wrong, they will have recurring nightmares,
particularly reserve Cork goalie Anthony Nash, whose massive pucks were a feature of this thriller, about
the concession of the only goal of the game in the 42nd minute.
Having clawed their way back into the match from an interval deficit of 0-11 to 0-7, (indeed it could have
been worse had Bandon availed of some of the first half gilt-edged scoring opportunities), two gems from
Aidan Walsh, one a sideline from a seemingly impossible acute angle, had cut the Bandon lead to a bare two
points' and just eight second half minutes having been played. Then, a powerful delivery from the outstanding
Jason Hickey turned their dreams into a disaster scenario.
With Eoin O'Donovan in close proximity, Nash, for some inexplicable reason elected to attempt to collect the
dropping ball. To his chagrin and the delight of the big Bandon following, he completed mistimed his effort
and the ball flew into the net. It was a massive reversal and while Kanturk fought tooth and nail in the
remainder of the game to ensure parity, that goal was the cushion that Bandon required to stay ; that little bit
in front and hold on for a deserved, but so hard earned victory.
Kanturk were shattered at the finish, who could blame them, but they have a young and vibrant side and this
experience (they never succeeded in passing the first round of this competition prior to 2007), will stand
them in good stead for the future. Nash, bar that one unfortunate blip had a good match, while Kieran O'Connor
worked very hard at full-back I and captain Dave O'Riordan had a fine game as pivot of the defence, with the
hard working Edmund Ahern providing great back-up service from the left flank of the defence.
They deployed the outstanding Cork minor dual star Lorcan McLoughlin as an extra 'sweeper' behind the midfield
duo of John Healy and Bren-dan Mullane for much of the game. However, it was the move of their star performer
Aidan Walsh to this vital zone that finally broke the Bandon stranglehold as the second half progressed. Walsh
was truly a colossus, his splendid personal tally typifying and embellishing his class, but the move of
McLoughlin, to an extent was a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul as the attack suffered as a consequence.
Fergus Brown tried hard while substitute Willie Murphy won a fair amount of ball, but their finishing prowess and
composure was not in the same vein or mould as Bandon.
Bandon were thrilled and delighted with this win and deserve immense credit for bouncing back after that morale
shattering junior football defeat by Urban on the previous week. John Crowley kept a clean sheet, that last vital
save of paramount importance, while James O'Donovan with two crucial goalmouth clearances really illustrated
his value to the team.
Joe Burke was sound at fullback while Gavin O'Riordan, Brian Hurley and Tomas Barmbury all hurled confidently.
The ace in the defensive pack was one Kieran Hurley. Akin to the Scarlet Pimpernel, he was truly the unsung
hero, here, there and everywhere as the occasion required. Nine out of ten marks to the defence, the one black
mark that third quarter siesta when slack marking allowed Kanturk pick off vital scores at will.
Johnny O'Regan had a fine match around the middle, while partner Charles Dullea worked hard. However, it was up
in attack that Bandon done most of the damage. Darren Crowley was full of running, while Eoin O'Donovan covered
oceans of ground and was a key figure. However, this time out, the power players were Hickey, Burke, O'Donoghue
and Johnson. Hickey, the swashbuckling leader, his goal and three points a sublime return, the energy and
industry of Burke and his two gems of scores. Not forgetting Johnson the forager and score provider and last,
but by no means least the silken hurling skills of one Darren O'Donoghue. Substitutes Roy Payne, Niall O'Rourke
and Jason McCarthy all contributed to a great Bandon win.
Eoin O'Donovan and John Healy shared early points as the match commenced at a crisp pace. After Alan Johnson
and Lorcan McLoughlin did likewise, good hurling by Bandon, particularly the half-forward division, saw them
forge ahead. With Kieran Hurley brilliant at wing back, his inspiration rubbed off on his colleagues as John
O'Regan picked up a wayward Kanturk clearance to shoot a great score in the 9th minute.
Then followed a great save by Nash from Johnson as Darren Crowley and McLoughlin traded frees. In an isolated
Kanturk sally, Dave McCarthy brought a replicate stop from John Crowley, the action continuing unabated. However,
the rebound was swiftly swept over the Bandon bar by the lullane punctuated the next patch of play as O'Donoghue,
Hickey, Crowley and O'Donovan began to impose their will on the game for Bandon. The former had a fine score with
an equally impressive point from almost the sideline by Hickey adorning a now cracking contest. Sandwiched in
between came a fine free from the unerring Lorcan McLoughlin as Kanturk struggled to stay in touch.
MISSES. Crowley and McLoughlin traded frees as a lively opening thirty minutes drew to a conclusion. The tally
of six wides for Bandon as against five for their opponents' gave an indication of the scoring chances created.
Kanturk resumed with Aidan Walsh and Brendan Healy as the new midfield partnership, John Healy gone to
wing-back and McLoughlin operating at left half-forward.
Inspirational changes indeed as with Bandon appearing a bit lacklustre, the vanquished roared into contention.
Walsh had a brace of real beauties as already documented. However, that Hickey goal put a damper on matters, but
in fairness to Kanturk, they rallied well. Walsh and Johnson traded good scores as the last quarter dawned.
A McLoughlin 65 and another whopper by Walsh increased the tension even further. Bandon countered by moving
Darren O'Donoghue to the 'mark', Donncha Burke to the wing and immediately the result was of a positive nature.
The strong running Burke, a real chip off the old block had a beauty, Kieran Hurley again instrumental in the
lead-up to the score. Walsh had two more sublime scores, with a most important score by Hickey giving Bandon that
little desired chink of light in the interim. When McLoughlin pointed two more subsequent frees, one could cut
the tension with a knife. However, never-say-die Donncha Burke signalled lights out for Kanturk, leaving Bandon
celebrating a famous result.
Our verdict: What an absorbing match played at a lightning pace. Good scores, thrilling goalmouth clashes,
crisp, clean hurling and a gripping finale. Bandon won, not because they were the ultra dominant force,
but purely because as a collective unit they were better balanced in defence and more lethal in front of goal
in attack, while Kanturk possessed some outstanding individuals but were not nearly as dangerous where it
matters, up in the engineroom. So Bandon can celebrate with some justification. They last saw gold at the end
of this particular hurling rainbow way back some thirty-three years ago in 1974 when they defeated Midleton
in the decider.
Little wonder that coach Red Crowley was in upbeat mood when we caught up with him for the post match
interview. "I am relieved and thrilled. It was too close for comfort at the finish; in fact I had visions of a
draw. We played very well in the first half, put a lot of effort into the match and could have possibly had a
few more scores on the board at the break. We struggled somewhat in the third quarter, had a few bad wides,
but thankfully got the points that saw us through at the finish. " I felt that whoever got the goal would win
the match and fortunately that fell to us at a vital time, providing a bit of a cushion and giving our young
lads a bit of confidence.
This is a massive boost for the club and indeed for the town of Bandon as we try to keep hurling going. Our
last championship game was against Valley Rovers some time ago and this tough match should bring us on a lot.
We have a great bunch of lads who are eager for the game and we will really look forward to the final", so
concluded the affable Bandon coach.
We had several contenders for man of the match including the brilliant Aidan Walsh from Kanturk, Jason Hickey,
Darren O'Donoghue, Donncha Burke and Alan Johnson, -but in the overall context the performance of Kieran Hurley
merits him the deserved accolade on a day when a great team performance by Bandon was the key factor.
Man of the match, Kieran Hurley, Bandon.
Scorers for Bandon: J Hickey 1-3, D Crowley 0-3 (0-3f), D O'Donoghue, E O'Donovan, D Burke, A Johnson 0-2 each, J O'Regan 0-1
Kanturk: A Walsh (0-1 sideline cut), L McLoughlin (0-5f, 0-1 '65) 0-7 each, J Healy, B Mullane 0-1 each.
BANDON: J Crowley; J O'Donovan, J Burke, B Hurley; K Hurley, T Bambury, G Riordan; J O'Regan, C Dullea; D O'Donoghue, J Hickey, A Johnson; E Donovan, D Burke, D Crowley. Subs: R Payne for Dullea 40, N O'Rourke for O'Regan 47, J McCarthy for D Crowley 57.
KANTURK: A Nash; J McLoughlin, K O'Con-nor, E O'Connor; F Healy, D O'Riordan, E Ahern; J Healy, B Mullane; L McLoughfin, A Walsh, D McCarthy; C Burke, D Duane, F Browne. Subs: W Murphy for F Healy 26, I Brennan for McCarthy (half-time).
Referee: Ger O'Connell (Lisgoold)
Match Quotes
HAVING been comfortable at half-time with a four-point advantage, Bandon's win ended up being tighter than they imagined. Coach Red Crowley was simply satisfied at the final whistle that his team had emerged on the right side of the result.
"Relieved to win. It was very close in the finish, I thought it was going to be a draw for a while there.
"We played very well in the first-half, but then struggled a bit to get going in the second-half. "They came back into it in the second-half playing some very forceful hurling and we found it hard to match that. "We hit a few wides and they got a few scores so it was difficult there for a while. But we were thrilled with the result in the end. "I felt whoever would get a goal would win it. And it came to us fortunately and at a vital time. "It gave us a bit of a cushion for the rest of the game. We had a good bit of confidence for the remainder of the match.
"We were well on top in the first-half and we felt we should have been further ahead really. "We scored 11 points, but I thought we should have hit more than that. "Then in the second-half we found it hard to play as well and hard to .get into the game. "I think we put a lot into it in the first-half. We spoke beforehand of how if we were in a good position at half-time it would set us up for the match.
"We put a massive effort into the first-half and that probably told against us in the second-half. "We're definitely looking forward to the final now. "I've only just found out it's Fr O'Neill's we'll be playing, but it's a great thing to look forward. "It's great for the club and for the town. And we're thrilled to be in the county final."
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Southern Star 13th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon 1-15
Kanturk 0-16
Bandon Intermediate hurlers are in sight of the Holy Grail as they qualified for the County Intermediate Hurling
Championship final by virtue of their thrilling 1.15 to 0.16 victory over Kanturk in Coachford last Sunday. Bandon will play Fr.O'Neills in the final.
A big well done to the Bandon supporters who certainly travelled in big numbers to the game, were vocal throughout
and gave the players a great lift.
It was a cracking game of hurling from the first whistle and after twenty minutes six different Bandon players had
scored.
Some of the scores from both sides were of the highest quality. Bandon had more quality players throughout
the field over the hour and it told in the final analysis.
Bandon led at half time by 0.11 to 0.07 and were by far the better team in the first half.
In the second half as against Valley's, Bandon were forced to dig deep as Kanturk came at them relentlessly until
the final whistle. Jason Hickey's goal(though it may have touched a single hair on Eoin O Donovan's head on it's
way to the net) was the vital score and Kanturk were still chasing it as the game went into injury time.
Jason Hickey had his finest hour in a Bandon jersey since the U21 football Quarter final replay against Beara
two years ago. His first touch was truly sublime and his fielding and work rate were highlights of the game.
He was closely followed by James O'Donovan who continues to excel, Tomas Bambury, Kieran Hurley,
Gavin O'Riordan and that wily veteran Donnacha Burke who played his best game since 1999. On top of that he
managed to score the point of the year. No one in Bandon realistically thought Burkey could solo that far,
or run that fast any more given his age and then his "piece de resistance" on the run, at full speed and
over the bar off his right, from an outrageous angle without bothering to lay a hand on the sliotar. A
score worthy of winning any game.
Full marks also to John Crowley who took over in goal for the injured Eoin Duggan and played a blinder, also to
Alan Johnson who took on where he left off in the football, as a replacement for the luckless Donough Lucey.
Team: J.Crowley, B.Hurley, J.Burke, J.O'Donovan, K.Hurley, T.Bambury, G.O'Riordan, J.O'Regan(0.01), C.Dullea, D.O'Donoghue (0.02), J.Hickey (1.03), A.Johnson (0.02), E.O'Donovan(0.02), D.Burke (0.02), D.Crowley (0.03).
Subs: R.Payne, N.O'Rourke, Jason McCarthy.
A big well done to to the Management team of Red Crowley, James Deasy, Robert Wilmot, Don McCarthy and Joe Crowley. They will be only too well aware that there was no silverware given out last Sunday.
Anyone interested in buying a ticket for the Cork County Board GAA Draw should contact a club member.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Kanturk unable to breach the buffer zone - IHC - Fintan O'Toole - Evening Echo 08-10-07
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Bandon 1-15
Kanturk 0-16
ONLY two points was the margin at Coachford yesterday and it was a scoreline which was fitting in the context of the game.
This Evening Echo County IHC semi-final was vigorously fought and tight the whole way through and a draw would have been a result that wouldn't have provoked too many complaints.
In the end it was Bandon who advanced to a final meeting with Fr O'NeilTs and it was a win for their greater balance all over the pitch, their greater spread of scorers in attack and their greater power in the first half.
The fact that they grabbed the only goal of the game as well proved critical. In the 42nd minute centre-forward Jason Hickey floated a shot in towards goal, which Kanturk goalkeeper Anthony Nash came out to meet.
Corner-forward Eoin O'Donovan came across and leapt to challenge, and bis presence seemed to disrupt Hash resulting in the ball dropping behind the two of them and into the net.
The score propelled Bandon 1-11 to 0-9 in front and had the effect of creating a buffer they could rely on for the remainder of the game.
The game itself was fluent in the language of entertainment, unfolding at a lively pace and containing some sparkling passages of play.
The level of scoretaking was also inordinately high. The early October setting didn't prohibit the sides , due to the good conditions and dry pitch, and between them they banged over 31 points over the hour, 21 of those arriving from open play.
The match had been tipped in the direction of Bandon from an early stage due to their scoring dominance in the first half, but despite the fact that Kanturk never moved into position, their recovery kept things compelling until end. controlled the first-half.
Their hurling was slick, they out-muscled Kanturk in key positions and put the scores on the board to confirm their prowess. After ten minutes they were 0-4 to 0-2 up and in those early stages they had players showing up well in attack.
Centre-forward Jason Hickey was a great focal point, Darren O'Donoghue showed that the passing of the years haven't dulled his abilities and Eoin O'Donovan impressed in picking off points.
Their defence was excellent as well, principally through the efforts of James O'Donovan in the corner, and both Kieran Hurley and Gavin O'Riordan on the wings.
And the team doubled their 0-4 to 0-2 advantage by the 24th minute, Darren Crowley's converted free making it 0-8 to 0-4.
Kanturk's problem was that their team was not as well-balanced. Instead they were reliant on some individual brilliance.
Cork minor Lorcan McLoughlin was their shining light in this regard in the first half.
Nash's mammoth deliveries from puck-outs meant the pressure was continuously on the Bandon rearguard as well and from one such hit in the 26th minute Kanturk nearly goaled. Aidan Walsh stole on to a loose ball but blazed wide when through on goal. Yet McLoughlin banged over a couple of frees and it meant when Bandon's scoring sprees weren't pushing them too far ahead. An 0-11 to 0-7 deficit was manageable for Kanturk to overturn and Bandon should have been further ahead.
Kanturk began the second half superbly. Walsh and McLoughlin switched positions, and the stationing of Walsh in midfield proved an inspired one.
The Kanturk player proceeded to have an absolute blinder where everything he touched turned to gold. Walsh seemed incapable of missing. In the second half he struck six points, one of them a sideline cut from a tight angle, and it was a one-man show at times.
The only interruption proved to be Hickey's goal. But that was a fatal one to the Kanturk challenge.
An early quickfire brace from Walsh left it at 0-11 to 0-9 in Ban-don's favour. Yet then Hickey sent the ball to the net and Bandon stretched five points ahead.
It looked insurmountable for Kanturk but they battled bravely as Bandon never managed to kick on substantially.
Two more points by Walsh and a 65 from McLoughlin had the deficit back to three points, 1-12 to 0-12, with ten minutes left.
Kanturk were putting in a heroic effort around the pitch at this stage, yet Bandon were crucially snatching important points. Donncha Burke pointed to put them four in front, Walsh reduced it to three before Jason Hickey left it 1-14 to 0-13. Then Kanturk came with a late surge.
Walsh banged over a beauty, McLoughlin clipped over two frees and in injury-time there was only a point between them.
Bandon were starting to look nervy but Burke managed to land a hugely important score.
Scorers for Bandon: J Hickey 1-3, D Crowley 0-3 (0-3f), D O'Donoghue, E O'Donovan, D Burke, A Johnson 0-2 each, J O'Regan 0-1
Kanturk: A Walsh (0-1 sideline cut), L McLoughlin (0-5f, 0-1 '65) 0-7 each, J Healy, B Mullane 0-1 each.
BANDON: J Crowley; J O'Donovan, J Burke, B Hurley; K Hurley, T Bambury, G Riordan; J O'Regan, C Dullea; D O'Donoghue, J Hickey, A Johnson; E Donovan, D Burke, D Crowley. Subs: R Payne for Dullea 40, N O'Rourke for O'Regan 47, J McCarthy for D Crowley 57.
KANTURK: A Nash; J McLoughlin, K O'Con-nor, E O'Connor; F Healy, D O'Riordan, E Ahern; J Healy, B Mullane; L McLoughfin, A Walsh, D McCarthy; C Burke, D Duane, F Browne. Subs: W Murphy for F Healy 26, I Brennan for McCarthy (half-time).
Referee: Ger O'Connell (Lisgoold)
Match Quotes
HAVING been comfortable at half-time with a four-point advantage, Bandon's win ended up being tighter than they imagined. Coach Red Crowley was simply satisfied at the final whistle that his team had emerged on the right side of the result.
"Relieved to win. It was very close in the finish, I thought it was going to be a draw for a while there.
"We played very well in the first-half, but then struggled a bit to get going in the second-half. "They came back into it in the second-half playing some very forceful hurling and we found it hard to match that. "We hit a few wides and they got a few scores so it was difficult there for a while. But we were thrilled with the result in the end. "I felt whoever would get a goal would win it. And it came to us fortunately and at a vital time. "It gave us a bit of a cushion for the rest of the game. We had a good bit of confidence for the remainder of the match.
"We were well on top in the first-half and we felt we should have been further ahead really. "We scored 11 points, but I thought we should have hit more than that. "Then in the second-half we found it hard to play as well and hard to .get into the game. "I think we put a lot into it in the first-half. We spoke beforehand of how if we were in a good position at half-time it would set us up for the match.
"We put a massive effort into the first-half and that probably told against us in the second-half. "We're definitely looking forward to the final now. "I've only just found out it's Fr O'Neill's we'll be playing, but it's a great thing to look forward. "It's great for the club and for the town. And we're thrilled to be in the county final."
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Hickey goal the key as Bandon withstand all out Kanturk assault - IHC - Fintan O'Toole - Irish Examiner 08-10-07
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Bandon 1-15
Kanturk 0-16
A SPLENDID hour of hurling as Bandon edged past Kanturk in the Evening Echo County IHC semi-final at Coachford yesterday.
Bandon held the upper hand in the first half and were full value for their 0-10 to 0-6 interval advantage, but Kanturk mounted a big second-half revival and Bandon's grip loosened as the second half unfolded, Jason Hickey's 42nd minute goal proving pivotal.
The match began explosively. Bandon leading 0-4 to 0-2 after 10 minutes and the early stages offered hints as to the West Cork team's potential. There was a good balance to their side with defenders Kieran Hurley and Gavin Riordan exerting a big influence. Up front they had a good spread of scorers with Jason Hickey a strong presence, while the experienced Dar-ren O'Donoghue and Eoin O'Dono-van both impressed.
Kanturk had some brilliant hurlers: Lorcan McLoughlin gave a great first-half display at midfield; Aidan 1. Walsh proved a good focal point in at-e tack and Anthony Nash's long d puck-outs caused problems as they landed deep in the Bandon defence.
After 20 minutes it was narrowly in Bandon's favour at 0-5 to 0-4 but quick points by Hickey, O'Donovan and a Darren Crowley free pushed them ahead. Kanturk had a great goal opportunity in the 26th minute, only it for Walsh to blaze wide, while Bandon reeled off another late scoring burst before the end of the half through Hickey, O'Donoghue and Crowley. Only McLoughlin's free-taking expertise kept Kanturk in touch at 0-11 to 0-7 at the interval.
However, in the second-half Kanturk altered the script. McLoughlin moved to attack in a swap with Walsh and the latter proceeded to influence the match hugely. He launched over an early point and then cut over an outrageous sideline. However, in the 42nd minute Bandon prospects received a major fillip. Jason Hickey lobbed a shot in, Eoin O'Donovan ran across to challenge Nash in goal and the ball dropped into the net. At 1-11 to 0-9, it gave Bandon a lead Kanturk could never overturn.
Walsh was magnificent for Kanturk, banging over four points from enormous distances. It brought them back into contention, but the key was Bandon's ability to keep a three-point lead, Donncha Burke and Hickey chipping in with big scores.
At the death, two McLoughlin frees pared it down to 1-14 to 0-16 until Bandon who landed the insurance point in injury-time through Burke.
Scorers for Bandon: J Hickey 1-3, D Crow-ley 0-3 (0-3f), D O'Donoghue, E O'Donovan, D Burke, A Johnson 0-2 each, J O'Regan 0-1
Kanturk: A Walsh (0-1 sideline cut), L McLoughlin (0-5f, 0-1 '65) 0-7 each, J Healy, B Mullane 0-1 each.
BANDON: J Crowley; J O'Donovan, J Burke, B Hurley; K Hurley, T Bambury, G Riordan; J O'Regan, C Dullea; D O'Donoghue, J Hickey, A Johnson; E Donovan, D Burke, D Crowley. Subs: R Payne for Dullea 40, N O'Rourke for O'Regan 47, J McCarthy for D Crowley 57.
KANTURK: A Nash; J McLoughlin, K O'Con-nor, E O'Connor; F Healy, D O'Riordan, E Ahern; J Healy, B Mullane; L McLoughfin, A Walsh, D McCarthy; C Burke, D Duane, F Browne. Subs: W Murphy for F Healy 26, I Brennan for McCarthy (half-time).
Referee: Ger O'Connell (Lisgoold)
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Urhan play a very effective style - JFC - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 06-10-07
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Urhan 1-11
Bandon 0-10
THE west is truly awake, as lethal Lehane exposes Bandon's defensive frailties! Proudly carrying the flag of that great bastion of Gaelic football, Beara junior football champions, Urhan, propelled themselves into the penultimate stage of the Cork county junior A football championship and a clash with Kildorrery following a dramatic, but fully deserving four points' victory over Car-bery kingpins, Bandon, at picturesque Wolfe Tone Park, Bantry, on Sunday afternoon last.
However, when the Lily Whites have a reality check, they will realise that the one defining moment when their aspirations to county glory crumbled and eventually collapsed around them arrived in the 41st minute of a match that, while it never really took off to become a thriller, was always interesting, intense and vigorously contested for the full hour. Aware that the game was beginning to slip from their grasp and in arrears by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval, the Bando-nians took immediate remedial action to correct the faults. They introduced the talented duo of Eoin O'Donovan and Darren O'Donoghue as they attempted to put a bit of zest and enthusiasm into an attack that had fired only on two cylinders at the most up to this juncture.
Determination was the name of the game now as Bandon, ably led by captain Kevin Walsh, Anthony O'Sullivan, Charles Dullea, Kevin Lucey, Alan Johnson and John O'Con-nell came forward in waves as Urhan retreated into a somewhat defensive mode. But the old Bandon bugbear of erratic shooting in front of goal was beginning to haunt them and two bad wides on the trot did little to help their confidence. The unerring Dave Aherne did get one back in the 39th minute as Bandon upped the ante, but just when it seemed the losers' were back in the frame, disaster struck.
Awarded a free in the general proximity of their goalmouth and some forty metres out, Bandon, for some inexplicable reason elected to play the ball short. It all went wrong in a series of nightmare defensive errors. Eventually, in stepped the outstanding Concubhar Harrington to garner possession. As he had done on several previous occasions by proving to be a real thorn in the side of the Bandon defence, he made a beeline towards the Bandon goalmouth. Just when he looked about to shoot, he deftly slipped the ball to the unmarked Vincent Lehane, standing in splendid isolation.
DELIGHT. Now Lehane was the one Urhan forward who was absolutely in scintillating scoring form on the day and he duly proved this point, by blasting the leather beneath the diving body of sound Bandon keeper Pat Prendergast and into the left corner of the Bandon rigging. D for disaster as far as the Lily Whites was concerned, but delirious delight for the big Urhan following on the hill.
Suddenly, a possible molehill was now a considerable mountain to climb as stunned Bandon saw the deficit doubled 1-7 to 0-4 as the last quarter dawned. Ironically, the Carbery champions seemed to awaken from their slumber, inject a new-found urgency into their play and proceeded to play their best football over the course of the hour in the sequences that followed.
Brian Hurley came on at corner-back in an attempt to shore up a defence that had several problems with the physical strength, mobility and direct football displayed by the enthusiastic Urban fifteen. Particularly Kevin Lucey and Pat Cal-nan at last began to get to grips with the major midfield problem where former Cork star Ciaran O'Sullivan showed amazing fitness levels and a burning desire to triumph as well as displaying outstanding football prowess.
Also Dave Aherne, O'Donoghue, Eoin O'Donovan, Charles Dullea, Kevin Walsh and namesake James were playing much better football now. Suddenly, Urhan were beginning to retreat into a deep defensive shell as Bandon at last got their passing movements on track. Dave Aherne unerringly pointed a free in the 43rd minute and then shortly afterwards a fabulous attack-ing sally by Darren O'Donoghue and involving Alan Johnson and Eoin O'Donovan saw the latter in a one and one situation with tow-ering Urhan keeper Martin McCarthy.
The Urhan custodian-had little choice but to advance and foul his man dangerously near the edge of the 'square'. From the result free, Aherne made no mistake to narrow the gap to a now clearly manageable 1-7 to 0-6 four points' margin. When the crafty Bandon corner forward added a further score from a like situation at the end of the third quarter, Urban could be excused if the alarms bells had started to ring. But there was steely determination, a clear resolve to triumph and a fantastic effectiveness about their general teamwork, as the men from the west put all shoulders to the wheel.
COLOSSUS. Leading the defensive guard was full back Gary Hanley who was truly a colossus, with tried and trusted lieutenants Kevin and Kieran O'Sullivan not prepared to give an inch in the Urban cause. Now the full value of the Urban half-back division, comprising Michael O'Shea, Sean O'Shea and Daniel Dwyer was seen to maximum effect as they raised their game to an octane level. Midfielders Ciaran O'Sullivan and James Healy sprayed the ball around with rare abandon, while Ciaran's namesake in the half forward line won fine possession. But it was in the terrible twins attacking duo of Con-cubhar Harrington and Vincent Lehane that Urban held the triumph cards. Lehane was a revelation in general play and finishing, while the amount of ball that Harrington won was quite incredible, while young Enda Lowney had a fine match, until injury forced him ashore.
The result was that despite all the good Bandon approach work, they just could not break down a sterling Urban defensive sextet. When Harrington sent over a truly sublime score in the 53rd minute following a fine build-up involving Michael O'Shea, Ciaran O'Sullivan and hard working full forward Gary Lowney, the writing was on the wall for Bandon.
A further free from lion-hearted midfielder Ciaran O'Sullivan in the 57th minute cemented this opinion still further. In fairness, Bandon refused to bow the knee and substitute Darren Crowley flashed over a neat point in the 58th minute. But it was merely a late token of resistance, negated by a fantastic Lehane point, after Harrington set him up in the very next attack.
Dave Aherne had to go for broke in injury-time and when his shot whistled over the Urban bar, with it went Ban-don's county ambitions for another year at least. Delighted Urban justly celebrated a deserved and well merited victory after the long whistle. In a very evenly contested first twenty minutes of play, the scores were level on three occasions.
Vincent Lehane, Robert Moloney, John O'Connell, Concubhar Harrington, Ciaran O'Sullivan and Dave Aherne all traded points, with John O'Connell in particular and Alan Johnson proving quite a handful for the Urban backs. However, a golden patch when they flashed over three unanswered points courtesy of Vincent Lehane, Gary Lowney and Concubhar Harrington opened up a commanding lead for Urhan, all inside a three minute spell between the 23rd and 25th minutes respectively. A Ciaran O'Sullivan 45 signalled the conclusion of a mundane enough opening thirty minutes, the majority of the frenetic exchanges reserved for the closing half.
VERDICT. Our verdict: There was something refreshing and relaxed, yet effective and complete about Urhan's approach to this game. The long ball, so often the forgotten logo of Gaelic football, being bypassed in favour of the infamous short passing game in recent years, was used to maximum and beneficial advantage, while legitimate physicality helped them win good possession in vital sectors, thus repelling the Bandon attacking sextet and effectively forming a blanket style defence on occasions.
Bandon just could not cope with it at times and while they had worked themselves back into contention in the second half, the concession of the fortuitous only major of the game proved a huge blow to the solar plexus. On their credit side, they made huge, but valiant and in the end vain efforts to save the game, on a day when several of their players failed to display their true potential.
Best for a naturally disappointed Bandon fifteen who lost no caste in this sporting reversal were goalie Pat Pren-dergast, captain Kevin Walsh, Kevin Lucey, John O'Connell, Dave Aherne and substitute Darzen O'Donoghue.
Urban who now meet Kil-dorrery have the capabilities to make a good impression in the county series. Physically strong, good footballers and with forwards of the calibre of Vincent Lehane and Concub-har Harrington they will basically improve with further progression. On a day when a fine team performance was witnessed, Vincent Lehane was a deserving man of the match.
Referee Donal Ford of Donoughmore was an impartial official, but some decisions puzzled to say the least, while more use of the advantage rule may have been beneficial, but in the overall context, his deliberations did not effect the result. The arrangements at this magnificent venue were splendid, while the welcome 'cuppa' after the match was much appreciated.
Man of the match, Vincent Lehane, Urban.
Scorers - Urhan: Vincent Lehane 1-3, Ciaran O'Sullivan 0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 45, Concub-har Harrington 0-3, Gary Lowney 0-1.
Bandon: Dave Aherne 0-6, 0-5 frees, Robert Moloney 0-1, John O'Connell 0-1, Darren Crowley 0-1
Urban: Martin McCarthy, Kevin O'Sullivan, Gary Hanley, Kieran O'Sullivan, Michael O'Shea, Sean O'Shea, Daniel Dwyer, Ciaran F. O'Sullivanj James Healy, Dave O'Sullivan, Concubhar Harrington, Ciaran O'Sullivan, Vincent Lehane, Gary Lowney, Enda Lowney. Subs: Brian Crowley for Enda Lowney(injured), John Dwyer for Dave O'Sullivan
Bandon: Pat Prendergast, James Walsh, Anthony O'Sullivan, Niall Connor, Kevin Walsh, Charles Dullea, James O'Donovan, Pat Calnan, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Alan Johnson, Michael Quirke, John O'Connell, Brian Crowley, Dave Aherne. Subs: Eoin O'Donovan for Michael Quirke, Darren O'Donoghue for Brian Crowley (injured), Brian Hurley for Niall Connor. Darren Crowley lor Robert Crowley
Referee: Donal Ford (Donoughmore)
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Southern Star 6th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon Junior footballers were always chasing the game against Urhan in the Quarter final of the County Junior
football championship in Bantry last Sunday. The final score was 0.10 to 1.11.
At half-time Bandon trailed by 0.03 to 0.07 and made poor use of a lot of possession in that first half against a
very tight marking Urhan defence.
With ten minutes left however Bandon had come storming back into the game however and looked likely winners
when we conceded a bizarre goal which gave Urhan the cushion they needed "to kick for home."
It was unfortunate blip for a back-line that as a unit has been very good all year and was certainly the
springboard for the West Cork championship win.
Kevin Walsh had an outstanding game at wing-back and was Bandon's best player on the day,when only Alan
Johnson, Cha Dullea, David Ahern and Anthony O'Sullivan reached the standards of the West Cork final.
A big well done to to the Management team of Denny Ahern,Jimmy Gabriel and John Collis and to the players who worked so hard over the year.
Team :P.Prendergast,J.Walsh,A.O'Sullivan,N.Connor,K.Walsh,C.Dullea,J.O'Donovan,K.Lucey,P.Calnan,R.Moloney (0.01),A.Johnson,M.Quirke ,J.O'Connell (0.01),B.Crowley,D.Ahern (0.07),
Subs.:D.O'Donoghue, E.O'Donovan,D.Crowley (0.01).
On Sunday next at 3.30 p.m.in Aghabullogue, Bandon face Kanturk in the County Intermediate Hurling Semi-final. Best of luck to Red Crowley, the team management and most importantly to the players who are only sixty minutes away from a first County final since 1999. A good time to start "kicking down Heaven's door".
A well attended Extraordinary General Meeting of the club took place in the Pavilion on Friday night last.
A Proposal from Central Committee to develop the top pitch was unanimously ratified by the members.
It will be the biggest project undertaken by the club since the Pavilion was built almost thirty years ago.
John Ahern and the Development Committee did tremendous work in getting the project to this stage.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Goal a winner for Urhan - JAFC - Derry Farr- Irish Examiner 01-10-07
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Urhan 1-10
Bandon 0-09
SOLID, rather than spectacular, Urhan deservedly clinched their place in the Cork Co JAFC semi-final by beating a
Bandon team who pressed the self destruct button 12 minutes into the closing half of yesterday's quarter-final
clash at Bantry.
At a stage they trailed by three points and at the beginning of their comeback the Carbery champions had a
short free intercepted and the end result was a crucial Urhan goal.
Fittingly, two of the winners best forwards Conchur Harrington, who cut off the wayward Bandon delivery, and
Vincent Lehane, who finished with some aplomb, were involved as they had been all through in an Urhan attack that
kicked just two wides during an hour where direct football was the order of the day.
With team captain Kevin Walsh and Anthony O'Sullivan starring in defence, Bandon took the game to the winner's
early on when John O'Connell posed most danger to a determined Urhan backline.
Here each one of a strong winners defensive unit willing threw their body in the way to prevent the losers from
capitalising on early dominance.
Slowly Ciaran O'Sullivan, former Cork senior player, and James Healy got involved in midfield, while the switch
of Gary Lowney to corner forward was to win a lot of ball for Urhan. With Harrington and Lehane excelling
alongside the willing Enda Lowney, Urhan put on a spurt in the third quarter and some well struck long range
scores left them four points to the good at half-time.
The addition of Eoin O'Donovan and Darren O'Donoghue added a bit of spark to the Bandon attack for a
second-half where their early attempts of a comeback were stymied by the concession of a soft goal. However,
the losers, with David Aherne accurate from frees, continued to fight the good fight as Lucey and Charles
Dullea regularly added weight to a forward momentum that was consistently thwarted by courageous defending.
Sean O'Shea, Kieran O'Sullivan, Michael O'Shea and Gary Hanley all made worthwhile defensive contributions to
an Urhan cause that deservedly took them into a penultimate date with Kildorrery.
Scorers for Urhan: V Lehane 1-3, C Harrington 0-3, C O'Sullivan 0-3 (0-2 frees, 0-1 '45), G Lowney 0-1
Bandon; D Aherne 0-6 (0-4 frees, 0-1 '45), R Moloney, J O'Connell, D Crowley 0-1 each.
URHAN: M McCarthy; K O'Sullivan, G Hanley, K
O'Sullivan; M O'Shea, S O'Shea, D Dwyer; C
O'Sullivan, J Healy; D O'Sullivan, C Harrington, C
"Seer" O'Sullivan; V Lehane, G Lowney, £
Lowney.
Subs: B Crowley for E Lowney, J Dwyer for D
O'Sullivan.
BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, A O'Sullivan,
N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Donovan; P Calnan, K Lucey; R Moloney, A Johnson, M Quirke; J
O'Connell, B Crowley, D Aherne.
Subs: D O'Donoghue for B Crowley (inj.), E
O'Donovan for M Quirke, B Hurley for N Connor,
D Crowley for R Moloney.
Referee: D Forde (Donoughmore).
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Bandon are back in the big time - JAFC - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 29-09-07
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Bandon 1-11
Muintir Bhaire 0-11
BANDON are back in the big time, as O'Connell goal proves crucial! It is indeed a long road :hat has no turning. Bandonians .'.ill pencil the date of September 23rd, 2007, into their Gaelic sporting annals for posterity with fond memories, to embellish their reputations and cherish for many years to come.
Over the past eighteen years they have suffered the trauma of nail-biting and narrow reversals, galling defeats and setbacks as they endeavoured to annex the blue riband of Carbery football, the South West junior A championship.
Their supporters must have felt that their hour of glory would never come, the bend or turn in the road seeming to be miles in the distance. However, all the heartbreaks were wiped away, the agony had turned into ecstasy and the glory days were beckoning once again for the Lily Whites as Captain Fantastic, Kevin Walsh, lifted the magnificent Mick McCarthy Memorial Cup into the overcast autumn sky amidst scenes of unbridled joy, at a resplendent Ballinacarriga venue on Sunday afternoon last.
Yes indeed, the tumultuous roar that greeted the presentation of the trophy could almost be heard away back at Charlie Hurley Park, Bandon. It truly must have contained a mixture of delight and relief. Delight that the Bandonians had come in from the football cold after eighteen fruitless years in the wilderness. Relief that the bogey had been finally laid to rest and the stiff obstacle presented by a spirited Durrus based outfit overcome, for in all sincerity Bandon had mixed the sublime and the sloppy with a real Jekyll and Hyde performance in this dour, uncompromising decider.
ELAPSED. Sublime, when they raced into a five points'to nil advantage after just ten minutes had elapsed, playing splendid one touch football. Sloppy, when their reputation as the slumbering giant of West - Cork football seemed to have caught up with them again as the second quarter drew to a close, and they allowed a resurgent Muintir Bhaire outfit, powered by the brilliance of midfielders Teddy O'Donovan and the outstanding Frankie VArundel, draw level on a scoreline of six points each by the 29th minute.
But just when we thought that the western boys would assume control, the craft, guile and experience of the Lily Whites surfaced and this was to be paramount in the destination of the title. For this scribe, the defining moment of what for the most part was a most disappointing decider, the vital period when Bandon built up the required cushion of scores that would stand them in good stead against a fine second half comeback by Muintir Bhaire, arrived during the last minutes of the opening moiety.
With their attack living on crumbs, Bandon went to the scoring well on three successive occasions garnering a fabulous goal and two points, crucial scores and in the process inflicted solar-plexus blows to the gallant Muintir Bhaire boys, something from which they never really recovered.
Industrious full forward Brian Crowley (happily recovered from an early accidental knock), sent over a gem of a point, breaking a barren Bandon scoring spell that had lasted all of ten minutes (between the 20th and 30th minutes of the first half), their unerring free-taker Dave Aherne converted a free in injury-time, but the best, or worst from a western prospective, was yet to come.
A Muintir Bhaire player seemed to have the ball in safe and close proximity. Amazingly, he inexplicitly lost possession and presenting an opportunity of this nature to a team of the calibre of Bandon, it proved a cardinal error. Quickly fastening on to the breaking ball, Kevin Lucey fed Alan Johnson with an astute delivery. At full tilt John O'Connell launched on to the delivery and no better man than the versatile 'Johnno' to billow the back of the losers' rigging. Suddenly, from a most advantageous position, shell-shocked Muintir Bhaire retired at the break a stunning, 1-8 to 0-6, in arrears a five points' deficit to surmount.
In fairness, while they did come close in the second half and had we the advantage of computer analysis concerning the possession stakes, they would have shaded these, the goal they so craved for to turn this game right around, never arrived and crafty Bandon held on for a narrow, but meritorious victory to signal delirious scenes of delight at the final whistle.
With breeze advantage and after both minutes of the opening moiety. With their attack living on crumbs, Bandon went to the scoring well on three successive occasions garnering a fabulous goal and two points, crucial scores and in the process inflicted solar-plexus blows to the gallant Muintir Bhaire boys, something from which they never really recovered.
Industrious full forward Brian Crowley (happily recovered from an early accidental knock), sent over a gem of a point, breaking a barren Bandon scoring spell that had lasted all of ten minutes (between the 20th and 30th minutes of the first half), their unerring free-taker Dave Aherne converted a free in injury-time, but the best, or worst from a western prospective, was yet to come.
A Muintir Bhaire player seemed to have the ball in safe and close proximity. Amazingly, he inexplicitly lost possession and presenting an opportunity of this nature to a team of the calibre of Bandon, it proved a cardinal error. Quickly fastening on to the breaking ball, Kevin Lucey fed Alan Johnson with an astute delivery. At full tilt John O'Connell launched on to the delivery and no better man than the versatile 'Johnno' to billow the back of the losers' rigging. Suddenly, from a most advantageous position, shell-shocked Muintir Bhaire retired at the break a stunning, 1-8 to 0-6, in arrears a five points' deficit to surmount.
In fairness, while they did come close in the second half and had we the advantage of computer analysis concerning the possession stakes, they would have shaded these, the goal they so craved for to turn this game right around, never arrived and crafty Bandon held on for a narrow, but meritorious victory to signal delirious scenes of delight at the final whistle.
With breeze advantage and after both teams had experienced a nervous and tentative start, Bandon assumed early control as the points began to flow with clockwork regularity as the Lily Whites built up a commanding early lead. While Cork star Sean Levis (who too picked up an early shoulder injury that seemed to impede him for the first half), elected to play a roving attacking commission with minor Jason O'Sullivan reverting to corner back and Sean Tobin going as pivot of the defence in changes to the selected programme, together with former Beara star and captain Mike Harrington all had their early moments, it was the Bandon defence that held sway. The full back line of Niall Connor, Anthony O'Sullivan, but particularly the rock solid James Walsh in the right corner were giving away nothing soft. Hence, despite the good work of Teddy O'Donovan and Arundel, the scores did not materialise early on as Bandon showed how at the opposite end of this spacious auditorium.
Robert Moloney began the charge in the third minute, following a move initiated by James O'Donovan and the hard working Alan Johnson. Mick Quirke added the second with Kevin Walsh and Dave Aherne involved in the build-up. When excellent Muintir Bhaire custodian Eamonn Nolan fisted the ball over the bar, it signalled the third white flag this time by John O'Connell, following a gigantic free by Aherne and Bandon was on a roll.
It was to get even better as Aherne and the classy Brian Crowley also hit the target to open up a fine advantage, 0-5 to nil, Muintir Bhaire yet to find their feet. But suddenly there was a new-found spring in the western lads step. Their talented minor full forward and leading marksman Pat Spillane, together with the progressive Pat O'Sullivan on the wing, began to accumulate ready possession. Augmented by the continued good play of Harrington (who spoiled a fine display somewhat by his reluctance to put in the direct ball), a malaise concerning which it must be said that he was not the only guilty party, O'Donovan, Stephen McNulty and Arundel, they soon had unpredictable Bandon boys on the back foot.
Pat Spillane got the losers' off the mark from a free in the 12th minute, with Keith Tobin and Levis creating the original opportunity. Following three bad wides by the vanquished (their first half tally was four to a single one for Bandon, an indication of the possession stakes), Harrington rattled over their opening point from play. Aherne replied with a free in the 20th minute, but Bandon were now being beaten in several key areas, noticeably around the middle of the park, where the best work by Anthony Calnan and Kevin Lucey was seen in the last quarter.
Spillane crashed over a free, quickly followed by one of the best scores of the hour, a beauty in the 23rd minute by Pat O'Sul-livan. When Teddy O'Donovan (play) and another Spillane free in the 29th minute brought equality, the comeback had gained rapid momentum. But that productive Bandon spell just before the break as already chronicled early on in our analysis came as a massive stumbling block to Muintir Bhaire.
After John O'Connell for once squandered a great chance to increase the Bandon advantage in the 31st minute, Pat Spillane narrowed the gap a minute later. However, a fabulous move involving Robert Moloney, O'Connell and Aherne ended with the latter bisecting the posts to cancel out the losers' score. It was tough going now, but outstanding play by the tireless James O'Donovan, James and Kevin Walsh, Charles Dullea, Johnson, Quirke and Anthony O'Sullivan kept the Bandon citadel intact. Teddy O'Donovan had one of the scores of the match, a magnificent solo effort from all of eighty metres as incessant Muintir pressure withArundel, Levis, Harrington, O'Sullivan and Spillane all working like terriers, began to trouble Bandon.
Only a vital last ditch interception by Anthony O'Sullivan prevented Muintir namesake Patrick from goaling in the 47th minute. However, Pat Spillane did convert a free, the margin now down to a mere three points', 1-9 to 0-9, and Bandon living on their nerves.
Enter inspirational Bandon substitute Darren O'Donoghue and like in the Bar-ryroe game, he made an instant and indelible impression. A beauty from close range had the Bandon followers in exaltation, but a fine score from a now influential Levis silenced their shouts, temporarily at least. Soon afterwards, Levis thundered forward in a marvellous attacking foray. His high delivery bounced dangerously in the Bandon square, but a combination of James O'Donovan and impressive keeper Pat Prendergast saved the day.
A Dave Aherne free and a like effort by Pat Spillane in the 66th minute (the injury-time played by impartial match official Sean Nolan from Castlehaven was spot-on), closed the scoring, Bandon hanging on for dear life to record a famous victory over never-say-die Muintir Bhaire.
VERDICT.Our verdict: Muintir Bhaire lost no caste in this sporting defeat. As Bandon captain Kevin Walsh said in his acceptance speech, you must lose one to win one. Possible early nerves when they allowed Bandon build up that good lead, allied to the scoring burst before the break, undermined their confidence a bit. But they should not despair; they have the nucleus of a promising fifteen with some fine individual performers. Frankie Arundel, Sean Levis, Pat Spillane, Teddy O'Donovan, Patrick O'Sullivan, captain Mike Harrington, Kieran Hourihan and Stephen McNulty were their tops guns when they showed that the west is still awake.
Bandon will celebrate this sweet victory with some panache. The long wait is over, let the celebrations commence. However, I have no doubt that Denny Ahern, John Collis and Jim Gabriel will have their feet back on terra firma for this weekend as they hit the Cork county junior A football championship glory trail. They meet Beara champions, Urhan, at Wolfe Tone Park, Bantry, on Sunday next.
As a match it was a major disappointment, too many stoppages, wild shooting, misplaced passes and fragmented play. We have yet to see a match in this grade this year to approach the required standard of football. However, Bandon, who had stars in James Walsh, Anthony O'Sullivan, captain Kevin Walsh, Alan Johnson, Michael Quirke, John O'Connell, Dave Aherne, Brian Crowley and Barren O'Donoghue, will revel in this long overdue win.
Fittingly, we have kept the good wine to the last, with all-round sportsman James O'Donovan receiving the man of the match award from Patsy O'Neill, O'Neill Bros Ltd, after the game. Declan Cullinane, director, Walls Furniture, the match sponsors, presented the cup to Kevin Walsh, captain, Bandon, in the presence of Seamus Coakley, chairman South West Board, also after the game.
The host club is to be highly commended on the match arrangements. Match programme, parking, stewarding, pitch, etc. were all well presented, while the presence of lone piper Michael Milner with the melodious interludes was a real novelty touch. Well done to all and the ladies committee for the welcome 'cuppa after the match.'
Scorers: Bandon: D Aherne 0-5 (0-3 freest, J O'Connell 1-1, B Crowley 0-2, M Quirke,' R Moloney, D O'Donoghue 0-1 each
Muintir Bhaire: P Spillane 0-5 frees, T O'Donovan, P O'Sullivan 0-2 each, M Harrington, S Levis 0-1 each.
BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, A O'Sulliv-an, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Donovar\; p Calnan, K Lucey; R Moloney, A Johnson, ' M Quirke; J O'Connell, B Crowley, D Aherne.
Subs: D O'Donoghue for J O'Connell, B Hurley for R Moloney, B Kearney for B Crowley
MUINTIR BHAIRE: E Nolan; S Tobin, T O'Sullivan, K Tobin; S McNulty, S Levis, K Hourihane; T O'Donovan, F Arundel; M Burke, M Harringtori' P O'Sullivan; M Desmond, P Spillane, J O'Sullivan. Subs: R O'Sullivan for M Desmond.
Referee: S Nolan (Castlehaven).
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Southern Star 29th September 2007 - Bandon Notes
Juniors take all in West Cork Final
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Bandon's seemingly endless quest for the West Cork Junior A Football championship finally ended with a
deserved 1.11 to 0.11 win over Muintir Bhaire in Ballinacarriga on Sunday afternoon.
There have been a few false dawns over the years with heartbreaking semi-final defeats and the like, but in
a throw back to a bygone era, Bandon have once again proved to be notoriously difficult to beat in a final.
Bandon were never led in this final and scorched out of the blocks to lead by 0.06 to 0.01. Credit to
Muintir Bhaire who came back to 0.06 to 0.05 just before half-time, when Bandon powered away again to
lead at the break by five points.
John O'Connell's superbly taken goal on the stroke of half-time proved to be the match winning score and
Muintir Bhaire were always chasing the game in the second half.
How fitting it was to watch excellent team captain Kevin Walsh and players like Darren O'Donoghue who came on
and "settled the ship" with a trademark point, Brian Hurley (he almost scored), Pat Prendergast and Brian
Kearney finally get the reward all their years of toiling in football with the club deserved.
James O'Donovan (what a season he is having) won the man of the match award and never put a foot wrong, but
on the day there were many unsung heroes, Alan Johnson, Kevin Lucey, Cha Dullea, Pa Calnan, Robert Moloney,
and "young guns" James Walsh, Brian Crowley and Dave Ahern.
Niall Connor and Michael Quirke continue to show what valuable additions to the team they are.
Always striving for perfection however Niall's team-mates have asked him if he could brush up a bit on his
singing in his spare time. Failing that it is felt he needs to look for a new partner for his duet.
A big well done to to the Management team of Denny Ahern,Jimmy Gabriel and especially to John Collis who over the years has worked tirelessly with most of these players at under age level.John neverlost faith and has been something of an unsung hero in the club.It is fitting that he was part of the winning backroom team on Sunday.
On Sunday next at 3.30 p.m.in Bantry, Bandon face Urhan in the County Junior football quarter final.
Team : P.Prendergast, J.Walsh, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.O'Donovan, K.Lucey, P.Calnan, R.Moloney (0.01), A.Johnson, M.Quirke (0.01), J.O'Connell (1.01), B.Crowley (0.02), D.Ahern (0.05). Subs.:R.McCarthy, D.O'Donoghue (0.01), B.Hurley, B.Kearney,
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the club takes place in the Pavilion on Friday night at 8 p.m where a very important proposal in relation to future development will be put to the members.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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O'Connell goal gives Bandon the edge - JAFC - Derry Farr - Irish Examiner 24-09-07
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Bandon 1-11
Muintir Bhaire 0-11
A CASE of the old dog for the long road as Bandon, building on a blistering finish to the opening half, used all their experience to comfortably contain Muintir Bhaire in a disappointing closing half to yesterday's South West J'A'FC final.
Ballinacarriga was in pristine condition for this game where the losers were barely after recovering from conceding the first five points before being hit by a second Bandon deluge in the dying embers of an excellent opening half.
Muintir Bhaire were well in contention until Bandon produced a scoring burst that was to mortally wound them. In the 30th minute, having been outplayed for some time, Bandon had Brian Crowley kick over an excellent point before a foul on hard trying midfielder Kevin Lucey had David Aherne slotting over the resultant free.
Far from being satisfied with this bonus the winners conjured up a third attack and, two minutes into injury time, John O'Connell slotted home an excellent goal after Muintir Bhaire had lost possession in midfield.
It was cruel on the westerners who had contributed so much to the lively opening half exchanges where Bandon had kicked over the first five points before their initial, and only, first half wide in the llth minute.
During this period the winners, with James O'Donovan (later named man of the match) and James Walsh outstanding in defence, picked up all the midfield breaks.
Then Frank Arundel and Teddy O'Donovan got going for a nervous Muintir Bhaire who had Stephen McNulty and Kieraii Hourihane showing up well at the back, while Scan Levis finally got to grips with his roving commission.
Up front Patrick O'Sullivan was a leading light in the losers' attack where Michael Harrington tried hard, while Patrick Spillane converted the frees and slowly they ate into the Bandon lead.
During the second-half Bandon's experience enabled them slow dovyn the game and they picked off scores to stay in front before Muintir Bhaire put up one late gallant bid to carve their name in glory.
Scorers: Bandon: D Aherne 0-5 (0-3 freest, J O'Connell 1-1, B Crowley 0-2, M Quirke,' R Moloney, D O'Donoghue 0-1 each
Muintir Bhaire: P Spillane 0-5 frees, T O'Donovan, P O'Sullivan 0-2 each, M Harrington, S Levis 0-1 each.
BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, A O'Sulliv-an, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Donovar\; p Calnan, K Lucey; R Moloney, A Johnson, ' M Quirke; J O'Connell, B Crowley, D Aherne.
Subs: D O'Donoghue for J O'Connell, B Hurley for R Moloney, B Kearney for B Crowley
MUINTIR BHAIRE: E Nolan; S Tobin, T O'Sullivan, K Tobin; S McNulty, S Levis, K Hourihane; T O'Donovan, F Arundel; M Burke, M Harringtori' P O'Sullivan; M Desmond, P Spillane, J O'Sullivan. Subs: R O'Sullivan for M Desmond.
Referee: S Nolan (Castlehaven).
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Bandons experience may be the telling factor - JFC West Cork Final Preview - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 22-09-07
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MANY were called, but just two were chosen! A staggering total of twenty teams came under starter's orders at the outset of this year's South West junior A football championship. However, just two, surprise packet Muintir Bhaire and one of the fancied teams, Bandon, will hit the road for picturesque Ballinacarriga this weekend to do battle for the magnificent Mick McCarthy Memorial Cup, a trophy in honour of the late, great O'Donovan Rossa and Cork senior football star.
Let nobody have any illusions about this attractive fixture, the blue ribbon clash to decide who will be monarchs of all they survey in the Carbery division in the junior A football grade and deserving champions for 2007. Both teams come into this final on merit alone.
Bandon began their quest for glory when they took on last year's junior B county champions, Clann na nGael in what was billed as a most attractive first round fixture. On a wet and miserable Saturday evening way back in June at Ballineen, the match never lived up to expectations and developed into a dour contest. Falling four points' adrift early on to a Lily Whites outfit that was firing on all cylinders did little to help the Scorchers confidence as they opened nervously in the first quarter.
With Bandon showing a tendency to fade in and out of affairs, three unanswered points settled the Drimoleague boys. But with the Bandon lads using all their experience and craft to good advantage, they weathered the Scorchers storm to run out narrow, but deserving winners of a disappointing game, 0-9 to 0-6, the terrible conditions militating against the standard of football.
Influential midfielder Pat Calnan was one of the Bandon stars (as indeed he proved also later in the three games saga against Barryroe), while Pat Prendergast who was rock solid between the posts, first quarter. Bandon showing a tendency to fcnd out of affairs, three unan-points settled the Drimoleague it with the Bandon lads using all perience and craft to good advan-of weathered the Scorchers storm it narrow, but deserving winners of a disappointing game, 0-9 to 0-6, the terrible conditions militating against the standard of football.
Influential midfielder Pat Calnan was one of the Bandon stars (as indeed he proved also later in the three games saga against Barryroe), while Pat Prendergast who was rock solid between the posts, Anthony O'Sullivan, James O'Donovan, Charles Dullea, Alan Johnson, Brian Crowley, Ronan McCarthy and John O'Connell (until he picked up an injury), were some of the Bandon heroes on a terrible evening for a game.
On then to a meeting with near neighbours St. Mary's at Ahiohill. We thought the monsoons were bad in Ballineen; you should have been at the match in Magpies country. It rained the proverbial cats and dogs for the duration of the game, a real test of endurance and stamina. It was obvious to all and sundry that a goal, albeit a fortuitous, but crafty one on the evening would do the trick. In a low scoring contest, it was the wily Bandon lads who enjoyed a slice of good fortune.
ENOUGH. The vastly experienced John O'Connell took a quick free into the path of Alan Johnson. With one sweeping catch and kick motion, he swivelled to bury the ball in the Saints net. It was enough to eke out a deserved, but narrow win 1-5 to 0-4, when both teams should have been awarded medals for just playing on a deplorable supposed summer's evening.
So now on to a quarter-final joust with the second string of Carbery Rangers at Clonakilty, matches that are always potential banana skins. However, while the Bandonians eventually won comfortably, it took them a long period to stamp their authority on proceedings. Game Rosscarbery hung in bravely but again another fortuitous goal, this time just before the interval, swung the scales of victory in their direction.
Dave Aherne, Alan Johnson and Ronan McCarthy were all involved in a hectic attack as the latter tried an inswinger from the right. With Rangers goalie Robbie Aherne and a co-defender hesitating momentarily as the ball came into the danger zone, the lurking Brian Crowley got the deftest of touches to force it home. It was enough to swing the game, a late, late Bandon scoring spree giving a flattering appearance to a scoreboard that read 1-8 to 0-3, a merited but far from impressive Bandon win, in a match that saw a fabulous display by Jeremy Murphy of Carbery Rangers.
Now the heat was on and the unkindly dubbed sleeping giant of West Cork football was at last coming out of his hibernation at a crucial time. What drama lay in store in the three games saga with Barryroe at Timoleague? It took two hundred minutes of thrills, spills and excitement to separate the Siamese twins. It had taken Barryroe two games to dispose of the challenge of O'Donovan Rossa prior to this, but this time they had to go to the well on a third occasion and come away still thirsty.
In the first game the Blues looked to be in serious trouble as the final whistle beckoned. An injury-time goal from full forward Jason Fleming gained them another bite of the cherry on a final tally of 0-11 to 1-8. Brian Crowley, Eoin O'Donovan, Kevin Walsh, Pat Prendergast, who made three stunning saves and James O'Donovan with some heroic goalmouth clearances were some of the Bandon stars.
The replay was equally enthralling, level at full-time at 1-8 all. When John O'Connell sent a rocket to the Barryroe net with seven minutes of the second period of extra-time remaining, it looked as if the Barryroe goose was cooked. However, a fine point from midfielder Ger Coleman and two points from the unerring boot of Jason Fleming from frees ensured that the teams had to meet for a third time, 2-9 to 1-12.
The third meeting was to prove a major disappointment. Albeit, both teams but particularly Barryroe were depleted with suspensions and other causes, but the fluency and excitement was missing from the action this time out. Bandon won well, on an evening when disappointing Barryroe could only manage one point from play, 0-8 to 0-3, but again they made hard work of polishing off the Blues.
So Bandon are back in the big time, just one hour away from football glory. Looking up the South West records we note that they were a major force and annexed many junior titles way back along the line. 1929 (Co. champions), 1947, 1950, 1951, 1952, (Co. finalists), 1953 (Co. champions), 1960, 1970, 1971, 1975 (Co. champions), 1986 and the last time they sipped from the cup that cheers, 1989, some eighteen years ago.
So they will be more than anxious to win this one and emerge as kingpins once again. They have the nucleus of a talented football team. Pat Prendergast will man the gap probably fronted by a reliable trio of James Walsh, Anthony O'Sullivan and Niall Connor.
Kevin Walsh the reliable captain, the solid Charles Dullea and all-round sportsman James O'Donovan (ironically his father Declan is a Barryroe man and former bowling champion), form an impressive halfback line. The towering midfield duo of Pat Calnan and Kevin Lucey are playing great stuff currently and much will be expected from this pairing.
Up in attack, Alan Johnson will lead the way with Carbery star John O'Connell a key figure. Robert Moloney, Mick Quirke, Eoin O'Donovan, Brian Crowley, Dave Aherne, Darren Crowley, Brian Kearney, Brian Hurley and Darren O'Donoghue who was a revelation when introduced against Barryroe. Veteran stalwart and great Gael Sean Crowley is president of the popular Bandon club. List of officers reads as follows: chairman, Denis Lucey; vice-chairman, Brian Desmond; hon. sec, Mick Kelly; joint treasurers, Charles Lucey and Ger Collins; PRO, Colman O'Mahony. Team manager and coach is Denis Aherne, while efficient duo Jimmy Gabriel and John Collis are the other selectors entrusted with the fortunes of the Lily Whites.
NEW KIDS. What about the men from the west? During the past number of years the A football championship has been monopolised by teams from the western side of the Carbery division. This year, thanks to a combination of factors and it must be said, somewhat surprising results in games, the trend has changed somewhat. Bandon represent the east of the area, while no better and deserving men than the fairly new kids on the block, Muintir Bhaire, to fly the flag for the renowned western bastion of football.
The year 2000 left an indelible imprint on the Muintir Bhaire lads as it was in millennium year that the first West Cork junior B championship was captured by beating St. Mary's in the final. Three years later came probably the greatest achievement to date of this small, but vibrant club, who like many of their West Cork counterparts pick from a relatively limited catchment area. Again St. Mary's were on the wrong side of the West Cork result, but it was the Cork county B championship final victory against Rath-peacon that set the bonfires blazing, the west was truly awake now. Since then they have plied their football in the premier A grade acquitting themselves admirably, but this year has been a roller-coaster ride.
Not that it began in such fashion, far from it. Unlike their opponents Bandon, who had straight victories against Clann na nGael, St. Mary's, Carbery Rangers and Barryroe on their way to the final, Muintir Bhaire was forced to take the scenic back-door route. Defeat was their first round lot against Gabriel Rangers, in a tense scrappy game with both defences on top; Gabriel Rangers shaded it by 0-9 to 0-7 at Goleen after a hectic tussle.
Cork star Sean Levis, Frank Arundel, Patrick Spillane and Patrick O'Sullivan were best as the losers faced up to Balli-nascarthy at Rosscarbery soon afterwards to keep their ambitions alive. Ironically, Dohenys second team who were to meet Muintir Bhaire at a later stage had edged out the Ballydehob lads in the third round, a strange twist of fate.
The Ballinascarthy game was a cracking encounter, but two missed goal opportunities by the Reds allied to a sustained period of pressure by the winners after half-time won the day for the western lads 0-11 to 0-8, with the team lining out as follows: Eamonn Nolan, Jason O'Sullivan, Timmy O'Sullivan, Keith Tobin, Sean Levis, Stephen McNulty, Michael Burke, Michael Harrington, James O'Donovan, Teddy O'Donovan, Patrick O'Sullivan, Raymond O'Sullivan, Michael Desmond, Frankie Arundel, Pat Spillane. Sub, Kier-an O'Donovan.
BATTLED. Now came the real test and a meeting with a team many had installed as championship favourites, namely Kilmacabea. Conditions were appalling as the teams battled it out at Baltimore, and at the end of the hour it was the underdogs who were celebrating a famous win by 0-9 to 1-3.
So to a joust with the second string of Dohenys. Decimated by the promotion of players to their senior team, the Dohenys lads put up a brave struggle, but succumbed eventually as a now confident Muintir Bhaire set up a. mouth-watering penultimate meeting with another of the championship favourites, Tadhg Mac Carthaigh. Surely this was the pinnacle of their ambitions? Not on your life. This Muintir side has little respect for big reputations and amidst massive celebrations, they duly won the day 0-14 to 0-11 dethroning the champions and qualifying for the South West A final, with fabulous performances from Levis, former Beara star Mike Harrington, Frank Arundel, Teddy O'Donovan and Patrick Spillane.
One thing is certain; Muintir Bhaire will not freeze on the big occasion. They have been a breath of fresh air to a flagging championship this season and will revel in the big occasion. Much will be expected from Cork and Carbery star Sean Levis and it is vital that he has a big game, while the experienced Carbery dynamo Frank Arundel is a match winner on his day. Tom Coughlan is the affable hon. secretary of this progressive club, while chairman, Brendan O'Mahony; joint treasurers, Eddie O'Flynn and Tim Joe Kelly; and PRO John McNulty complete a competent list of club officers. Team selectors comprise John McNulty, Arthur Ryan and Joe O'Driscoll, while player coach ' former Beara senior star Mike Harrini ton.
Our big match verdict: This has the potential of being a classic final. Both teams play a neat brand of cohesive and co-ordinated football, working well out of defence, while laying the ball off quickly to lightning fast forwards. A number of players have key roles to play. If Sean Levis, Frank Arundel, Teddy O'Donovan, Pat Spillane, Mike Harrington and Kier-an Hourihan strike form, then Muintir Bhaire will have one hand on the cup.
But this is a determined Bandon fifteen, they sense victory, having come through the trilogy of Barryroe games and surmounted a huge obstacle. Pat Pren-dergast, James O'Donovan, John O'Con-nell, Alan Johnson and niidfielders Pat Calnan and Kevin Lucey are their pivotal players. It will go to the wire, but the Bandon experience may cause them to shade it by a couple of points. However, Muintir Bhaire will give it everything and there will be huge celebrations should they triumph.
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Bandon finally break deadlock - JFC - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 22-09-07
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Bandon 0-08
Barryroe 0-03
A BOLT of white lightning strikes down tired Blues! Following over two hundred minutes of what was at times dramatic, occasionally tempestuous, but always entertaining and exciting football, the Bandon versus Barryroe South West junior A football championship penultimate stage saga has reached a conclusion. Episode three, the second replay, was enacted before another huge and expectant throng at sun-kissed Timoleague on Friday evening of last week.
However, while the Bandonians had ridden their luck at times in the previous two outings, there was to be no mistake this time out. Highly motivated in defence, dominant around the midfield fulcrum where the towering duo of the versatile Kevin Lucey and out-standing partner the high fielding Pat Calnan assumed consummate control from the commencement of the game, but above all displaying a rapier-like cutting edge in attack, they outclassed, outplayed and outmanoeuvred a most disappointing Barryroe fifteen, who it must be stated looked jaded at the final whistle, the combination of constant interchanging football and hurling games possibly beginning to take a toll.
What was more surprising than anything else was the fact that Bandon should have won this sub-standard encounter in a canter. That they failed to do so until late in the match must give them cause for some concern as they face Muintir Bhaire in the final, at Balli-nacarriga, on possibly this weekend. For now, they can bask in the glory of getting the Barryroe monkey off their backs, while at last being just an hour away from regaining their position as monarchs of junior A football in the Carbery division once again after too long an absence.
Both teams had notable absentees, Barryroe missing their solid wing back John O'Regan, with their duo of Adrian Fleming and Ger Keo-hane serving suspensions. Out too for Bandon was industrious corner back Brian Hurley with a similar problem, but while Barryroe were most depleted, it is a moot point that even at full strength they probably would still not have emerged victorious.
For me the turning point of what at times was a free-riddled, poor enough football match was the spell immediately after the interval. Barry-roe threw everything bar the proverbial kitchen sink at Bandon in a desperate attempt to claw their way back into the game. However, the Bandon backs were coolness personified, particularly Anthony O'Sullivan, James Walsh, Niall Connor, James O'Donovan, captain Kevin Walsh and the superb Charles Dullea as they soaked up the incessant pressure confidently, weathered the storm and emerged to totally dominate the last twenty four minutes of the game, a pro-longed period when Barryroe failed to muster even a single white flag in resistance. This was the basic difference, the foundation on which Bandon proceeded to eke out a convincing result.
TENTATIVE. The low scoring pattern went as follows, after a tentative and nervous start with both teams edgy and making some deplorable basic passing mistakes, it was Jason Fleming, one of the few that really worked hard in the Barryroe cause who opened the scoring from a free in the sixth minute. Unfortunately, from a Barryroe point of view, a further sixteen minutes elapsed before they added to their total and that another dead ball situation by the same player. This was the sum total of the opening Bar-ryroe scoreboard accumulation for the first moiety.
Prior to the first Fleming white flag, John O'Connell, happily returned to the Bandon fold after an injury lay-off, signalled a positive return to form when he cannoned a rasper off the post. Bandon were operating a two man full forward line at this stage and in a fine move orchestrated by the flying Alan Johnson. O'Connell parted to the lively Dave Aherne who forced the consistent Damien O'Leary into a great reflex save, one of several the Barry-roe custodian enacted over the course of the hour. Pat Calnan, O'Connell, Johnson and Lucey were playing great football now as Bandon extended their advantage.
Aherne pointed a free and then followed a neat score by Robert Moloney, who wriggled free of two tackles to shoot over the bar. Immediately afterwards, a Jason Fleming free almost outfoxed a lethargic Bandon defence for once. However, the ever vigilant Lucey took the ball off the line, something he was to replicate later on, in only two of the few clearcut chances Barryroe were presented with to create a goal scoring opportunity.
After the energetic Mike Quirke was just wide for Bandon, they could and should have had more scores on the board. Stubborn resistance by the Barryroe backs with Ger O'Leary, Timmy Carroll and Norman Fleming particularly hard working, allied to poor finishing were the main reasons that they failed to do so. Dave Aherne pointed a free, the remainder of the half was devoid of scores, bar that second Jason Fleming free. Effort we had aplenty by both teams with Bandon stringing fine moves together, but the finish left a lot to be desired.
After the influential John O'Connell had a fine score in the 32nd minute, his cause helped by a Barryroe defensive lapse, Barryroe came at Bandon hammer and tongs. Kevin McCarthy, Ger Coleman, Kier-an Griffin, Gearoid Holland, Denis Harrington and Clive Cahalane all displayed much more urgency. However, the massed ranks of the Bandon defence held the dykes magnificently.
Dullea, Calnan, O'Sullivan, Kevin Walsh, Lucey, O'Donovan and impressive substitute Darren O'Donoghue all began to emerge as heroes at this juncture. Aherne pointed a free in the 34th minute, but in an isolated Barryroe foray corner forward Ciaran Hurley at last slipped his marker to bisect the Bandon uprights. Hopes spring eternal and the big Blues following on the hill were at last in full vocal mode. Unfortunately, it proved high tide mark for Barryroe. twenty-four scoreless minutes set to follow 3'Donoghue, O'Connell, Crow-ey, Johnson and Aherne proceeded to pull all the positive ittacking strings. Barren 3'Donoghue had the score of ,he match in the 47th minute, a iuperb effort that landed on top )f the Barryroe net. Amazingly, 10 further score followed as the natch ran to a predictable contusion. Against all the odds, Barryroe should have billowed :he net with three minutes remaining, possibly setting up a jrandstand finale.
Denis Harrington, much nore conspicuous in the last juarter, picked out Hurley with ^ sublime pass. With only Pren-lergast to beat, the normally oeliable Courtmacsherry man jlasted hopelessly wide from joint-blank range. It summed ip Barryroe's day, when noth-ng seemed to work.
Our verdict: So the elusive iouble dream for Barryroe can 10 longer materialise. They can low turn their attention to the imall ball and a meeting with Erin's Own on possibly this coming Sunday, September 23rd. While a plethora of interchanging hurling and football games appear to have taken a bit of a toll and the absentees may have made a difference, it was not the cause of this reversal and should not be put forward as an excuse.
Many teams would love to be in their position at this time of the year. No, simply they were not anyway near as focussed, committed and consistent as the Lily Whites this time out, who won convincingly and should have done so by a far wider margin.
A poor and fragmented first half was improved on marginally in the second moiety, elevating a sub-standard encounter from the realms of mediocrity to an acceptable standard. Bandon will be hard to stop now, having got the bugbear of the huge obstacle presented by Barryroe out of the equation.
Having seen Muintir Bhaire in action I would advise Bandon to tread warily. These lads are no daws and fine victories over Ballinascarthy, Kil-macabea and Tadhg Mac Carthaigh will have boosted their ego no end. However, on the score of experience and now that they are on the threshold of possible renewed and rekindled former glory, I would be inclined to give a hesitant vote to the Lily Whites.
James O'Donovan, Anthony O'Sullivan, Charles Dullea, John O'Connell and Kevin Lucey were genuine man of the match contenders. The sight of the athletically built Pat Cal-nan soaring into the late autumn glorious sunset sky to field faultlessly was a joy to behold, and with the number eight giving his best display of the season, we duly award him our accolade.
Sean Nolan from Castle-haven had no problems as an impartial match official.
Man of the match: Pat Cal-nan, Bandon.
Scorers - Bandon: Dave Aherne 0-4 frees, Robert Moloney 0-1, John O'Connell 0-1, Mick Quirke 0-1, Darren O'Donoghue 0-1.
Barryroe: Jason Fleming 0-2 frees, Ciaran Hurley 0-1.
Bandon: Pat Prendergast, James Walsh, Anthony O'Sullivan, Niall Connor, James O'Donovan, Charles Dullea, Kevin Walsh, Pat Calnan, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Alan Johnson, Mick Quirke, John O'Connell, Brian Crowley, Dave Aherne. Subs: Dajsreffi O'Donoghue for Mick Quirke, Darren Crowley for Robert Moloney
Barryroe: Damien O'Leary, Bernard O'Brien, Ger O'Leary, Timmy Carroll, Gearoid Holland, Norman Fleming, Kieran Griffin, Ger Coleman, Kevin McCarthy, Tadhg Harrington, Jason Fleming, Clive Cahalane, Denis Harrington, Pat Fleming, Ciaran Hurley. Subs: John O'Donovan for Tadhg Harrington (injured), Padraig Collins for Pat Fleming
Referee: Sean Nolan (Castle-haven).
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Southern Star 22nd September 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Sunday next at 4.15 p.m.in Ballinacarriga it's Bandon v. Muintir Bhaire the West Cork Junior A football Final.
We have been waiting eighteen years to write that.
You will have gathered that Bandon finally overcame Barryroe by 0.08 to 0.03 in
another very poor encounter.
The second replay of the Semi- final was played in Timoleague last Friday night
and the half time score was 0.03 to 0.02.
Best for Bandon were Kevin Lucey, James O'Donovan,and James Walsh
Team ; P.Prendergast,J.Walsh,A.O'Sullivan,N.Connor,K.Walsh,C.Dullea,J.O'Donovan,P.Calnan,K.Lucey,R.Moloney (0.02),A.Johnson,
M. Quirke,J.O'Connell (0.01),B.Crowley,D.Ahern (0.04),Subs.: D.O' Donoghue (0.01),D.Crowley
We wish Denis Ahern, John Collis and Jimmy Gabriel (who starred in the last final in 1989) and the team every success on
Sunday when hopefully the long wait for the Holy Grail will be over.
A big well done to Kerry on their win over Cork.
Prophets of doom abound in the County at the moment but if we cast our minds
back to the 1982 hurling final Cork v. Kilkenny,
or as recently as the 2001 football semi-final Kerry v.s Meath. If we can take one leaf from Kerry's book it's they way
they
bounce back from a bad defeat and become twice the team. Kerry are a super team and we salute them.
Is there any chance we could borrrow the Gooch for Sunday ?
For Cork, we have been down before,and remember the darkest hour is just before the dawn.
One extremely sour note from the aftermath of last Sunday's All-Ireland Football final. On the long drive home
an anonymous text message was read out live on air on the 96 & 103 F.M.music show. It concerned one of the Cork players
who played in Sunday's final.
There is no doubt the friends and family of the Cork players who were travelling home like us on Sunday night would
not have found it one bit funny to have this text message broadcast live on air. Like all good Cork supporters they
would be horrified.
If this had been a once off occurence on that show it would not be a big issue.
However exactly the same thing happened, on the same programme when Cork hurlers lost to Kilkenny last year and one
player in particular who had tried his best, was "assassinated" live on air by "anonymous callers".
And there we were naturally expecting all the flak after last Sunday to come
from Kerry, when we had our own so called countymen "waiting in the long grass".
Singling out amateur players in this manner is wrong and is in extremely bad
taste and 96 & 103 FM who are great supporters of Gaelic games should know
better than to broadcast this "rubbish" live. These players trained every bit
as hard as Kerry and we owe them and their families and friends some modicum of
respect.
In fainess to Paudie Palmer he refused to read out such messages on Monday and
that should be 96 & 103FM company policy at all times.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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St Brogans lose pulsating final - U16HC - Southern Star 15-09-07 - Cois Farraige
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Kilbrittain 2-10
St Brogans 2-09
FIFTY-NINE minutes had elapsed in this pulsating under-16 A South West hurling final in sun-splashed Clonakilty on
Wednesday of last week and gallant underdogs, Kilbrittain, trailed by two points after a magnificent effort to
overturn the hot favourites.
As Brogan's swept upfield to try to consolidate their lead, outstanding Kilbrittain wing back and captain, Darren
Hickey, gained possession 40m from his own goal. Taking off on a great solo run, he made 60m straight up the
centre of the pitch before releasing the sliotar to midfielder Chris Hickey. Avoiding a couple of tackles the
midfielder found himself 30m from the Brogan's goal with the defenders closing on him and he let fly, a rasper of
a shot that flew into the top right-hand corner of the net. A goal that would have graced any occasion and one
definitely fit to win this thrill a minute final.
It was no more than gallant Kilbrittain deserved but tough on the Bandon lads who, possibly, deserved a draw for a
stirring second half comeback when they seemed dead and buried at half-time. It was Kilbrittain, with the sinking
sun to their backs who made most of the running in the first half, in beautiful summery conditions. The hurling
may have lacked finesse at times and the striking in particular was disappointing, but the keen rivalry between
these near neighbours more than compensated.
There was nothing between the sides in the early stages when they swapped four points, Philip Crowley and
impressive centre back, Michael Minihane, free, for the Lily Whites and Jamie Ward for the black and amber. As the
half wore on it was Ward who was to emerge as the dominant figure at mid-field and his pin-point accuracy from
frees saw Kilbrittain surge to the front. He pointed a free to give his side a narrow one point lead at the end
of the first quarter which saw Ivor Burke, Aidan McCarthy and Darren Hickey prominent in a tight Kilbrittain
defence.
Ward added another free and Stephen Lynch, very strong at full forward for Brogan's, did likewise. In the 22nd
minute, Kilbrittain were almost through for a goal but hardworking midfielder, Chris Hickey, later to become the
hero of the hour, saw his kicked effort from close-range being deflected for a 65 which Ward converted.
ON TOP. Kilbrittain were getting more on top as the half time whistle neared with Conor Moloney, the
flying Sean Hayes, Declan Harrington and Conor O'Donovan all prominent in attack and points from Ward, free, and
Harrington, gave them a four point advantage at the break, 0-7 to 0-3.
Kilbrittain definitely looked the better side in that first half and it was hard to see what Brogan's could do in
the second half. They had the blinding sun to their backs early in the second half, however, and they took full
advantage to sneak a vital goal, per Philip Crowley, two minutes after the resumption. All Kilbrittain's good
work had been undone with one strike but, to their credit, they responded magnificently and full forward,
Conor O'Donovan, was the lad who led the charge. A good point by O'Donovan was followed in the 36th minute by a
rasping shot from Jamie Ward which was turned into the Brogan's net by the full forward. Advantage Kilbrittain
again, 1-8 to 1-3 in front, but it was then we saw the best of the Bandon boys.
With Mike Minihane lording centre back, well supported by Eoin Sugrue and Chris O'Donoghue, the Brogan's defence
began to get on top and midfielders, Denis Cronin and Joe Harrington, got a grip around the centre of the pitch.
They upped the tempo in search of scores and it was the turn of their full forward, Stephen Lynch, to show the way
when he pointed from play and then cracked home a superb goal in the 42nd minute.
Sixty seconds later he rifled over the equaliser and the Bandon supporters were in high glee. When impressive sub,
Mark Sugrue, lashed over a point, Brogan's were in front for the first time in the game and looking good as the
final quarter began.
It was end to end action now as Kilbrittain refused to bow to the inevitable and Jamie Ward had the sides level
from a free. In the 47th minute Kilbrittain goalie Denis Whelton brought off a great save from Colm Murphy and it
was a vital moment. Brogan's, with the ,Murphy's, Colm and Sean Og, Philip Crowley, Stephen Lynch and sub Mark
Sugrue, prominent in attack were shaping like winners and Lynch put them back in front in the 50th minute.
Kilbrittain were fighting for their existence now but not wilting and they were level again within a minute when
Ward pointed a free amid great excitement.
The stronger Brogan's were still coming forward and when Sean 6g pointed them in front and captain, Joe Harrington,
doubled the gap in the 57th minute, the cup seemed to be heading for the town, despite the gallant efforts of the
sea-siders.
But it's never over until the last whistle and young Hickey became the hero of the day with his magnificent goal
for Kilbrittain. There were still a few minutes of defending to do in injury time but Kilbrittain had their tails
up and were not going to be caught this time.
There were marvellous scenes of jubilation in the Kilbrittain camp when the final whistle sounded and Darren
Hickey, creator of the winning goal, was a worthy recipient of the cup from Fachtna McCarthy, SW Bord na nOg.
Scorers - Kilbrittain: Jamie ward 0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-1 a 65, Conor O'Donovan 1-1, Chris Hickey 1-0, Declan Harrington 0-1
St. Brogan's: Stephen Lynch 1-4, 0-1 free, Philip Crowley 1-1, Mark Sugrue 0-1, Sean Og Murphy 0-1, Joe Harrington 0-1, Mike Minihane 0-1 free
St. Brogan's: Stephen Murphy, Conor O'Donovan, Eoin Sugrue, Colin Swanton, Chris O'Donoghue, Mike Minihane, Eoin Jackson, Joe Harrington, Denis Cronin, Peter Murphy, Colm Murphy, Sean 6g Murphy, Fionn O'Leary, Stephen Lynch, Philip Crowley. Sub, Mark Sugrue
Kilbrittain: Denis Whelton, Padraig Sheehan, Ivor Burke, Nick O'Donovan, James Moloney, Darren Hickey, Aidan McCarthy, Chris Hickey, Jamie ward, Sean Hayes, Conor Moloney, Denis Twohig, Declan Harrington, Conor O'Donovan, John Kearney
Referee: Michael Collins - Clonakilty.
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Crowley keeps Bandon in it - U21HC - Southern Star 15-09-07 - West Cork Gael
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Bandon 1-10
Kilbrittain 1-10
THE dream lives on, as Kilbrittain and Bandon finish deadlocked! As it was in the beginning, so it was at the
conclusion of this moderately entertaining South West Cork under-21 A hurling championship decider between arch
rivals Bandon and Kilbrittain, the curtain raiser in the double-decker programme at Timoleague on Sunday afternoon
last.
Going for a hat-trick of titles in as many years, Bandon were grateful to the expertise of young Darren Crowley
who kept them on track to achieve this unique feat. Held under lock and key for the most of the hour, he firstly
hit the lead point in the opening minute. In the interim he got little opportunity to escape the shackles of the
outstanding Michael Deasy, who had a brilliant game at wing back for Kilbrittain. But it was when he switched with
Eoin O'Donovan in the second half in a move that saw him end up at top of the right, that he emerged to save the
Bandonians.
Firstly, he pointed a free to reduce the deficit to just two points with as many minutes left to play. Then with
Gavin O'Riordan, Roy Payne and Brian Crowley orchestrating the revival, he rattled over a second score on the trot.
With the smell of a draw in the air, he duly delivered the goods in the 60th minute, ensuring a fair result to a
close, uncompromising and reasonably entertaining game.
Both sides were shorn of the services of a key figure prior to the game. Eoghan Duggan was off the Bandon team due
to a broken finger, while Kilbrittain star and Cork minor Maurice Sexton picked up a knee injury in training,
ruling him out of the equation. Bandon had Cathal Moloney between the post and the keeper, bar one shaky moment
did very well. James O'Donovan was his usual sound self at full back, Tim Crowley an assured defender, while Darren
Ryan hurled well as pivot of the defence. Gavin O'Riordan and Timmy Crowley formed a sound midfield pairing, while
up in attack, Payne, Brian and Darren Crowley (second half), and Eoin O'Donovan were the pick of the bunch.
Kilbrittain had Robert Hayes manning the gap, fronted by the sound John Murphy (who unfortunately departed the
scene in the second half with a leg injury), Ross Cashman was his commanding self at centre back, while Michael
Deasy as already stated had a star outing in defence. Pat O'Mahony worked very hard around the middle, while Tom
Harrington was a real livewire, capping a great display with a fabulous goal. Also prominent were Fintan O'Connell,
the industrious Nigel Quinlan and Aidan Moloney.
MAJESTIC. After that early Darren Crowley score, Kilbrittain had two white flags on the trot, as they hit the
front. A majestic sideline by the accurate Pat O'Mahony was followed by a well directed free from Tom Harrington.
It was nip and tuck in the early stages, as, following a fine Bandon passage of play involving Timmy Crowley, and
Roy Payne, Eoin O'Donovan did the trick. Great defensive play by Patrick Deasy and James Hurley led to a purple
Kilbrittain patch resulting in neat scores by Aidan Moloney and James O'Mahony. A free by Gavin O'Riordan cut the
deficit to the minimum 0-4 to 0-3, by the 10th minute of play.
However, at this stage of the proceedings, Kilbrittain were the dominant force and they almost caught Bandon
napping. A Paddy O'Mahony sideline bobbed dangerously before being cleared off the line by the alert James O'Donovan.
Two minutes later, in a Kilbrittain raid Fintan O'Connell was grounded. The reliable Tom Harrington made no
mistake to extend the advantage. Brian Crowley then struck a good score in a crowded situation as soon afterwards,
one had to question the judgement of Gavin O'Riordan.
With a clear point for the taking, he opted to shoot for goal. His shot struck the crossbar, before the massed
ranks of the Kilbrittain defence swept the ball to safety. What a vital miss it was to prove at the conclusion.
Harrington and Brian Crowley exchanged points, bringing an exciting half to a conclusion, 0-6 to 0-5, in favour of
the Black and Amber.
Eoin O'Donovan and Roy Payne had early points on resuming and then seemed to come the turning point of the game.
After Pat O'Mahony had a cute point, a brilliant solo foray by Bandon midfielder Timmy Crowley saw him boot the
ball past Robert Hayes in the 36th minute. But Kilbrittain have not been the draw specialists this year for nothing.
A point by Pat O'Mahony, a fine free from the stick of Cashman and suddenly, it was the turn of Bandon to bite the
bullet.
A sublime delivery by the tireless Nigel Quinlan saw Tom Harrington power home a major richly endowed with the
hallmark of sheer class. 1-9 to 1-7 to the good, Kilbrittain looked to be on their way to a first title since 2004,
when they ironically defeated, yes you guessed correctly, Bandon. However, one Darren Crowley had other ideas and
the sides must meet again.
VERDICT. Our verdict: While many people were of the opinion that this was an enthralling decider, we beg to differ.
Close, yes, exciting certainly but at times the standard never rose above the realms of mediocrity. One would have
expected Bandon on paper with an extremely strong side on duty to emerge in triumph. Kilbrittain have not been the
draw specialists in this competition without reason and their tenacious display earned them a deserved share of the
spoils.
The display of referee Michael Collins from Clonakilty was up to his usual high standards.
Man of the match, Tom Harrington, Kilbrittain.
Footnote: Prior to the main match, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the late, great Clonakilty Gael,
Thady O'Regan, who passed to his eternal reward last week.
Scorers - Bandon: Darren Crowley 0-4, 0-2 frees, Timmy Crowley 1-0, Brian Crowley 0-2, Eoin O'Donovan 0-2, Roy Payne 0-1, Gavin O'Riordan 0-1 free
Kilbrittain: Tom Harrington 1-3, 0-2 frees, Pat O'Mahony 0-3, 0-1 sideline. Ross Cashman 0-2 frees, James O'Mahony 0-1, Aidan Moloney 0-1.
BANDON: Cathal Moloney. Tim Crowley, James O'Donovan, Mark O'Leary, Dave Aherne, Darren Ryan, James Walsh, Gavin O'Riordan. Timmy Crowley, Darren Crow-ley, Brian Crowley, Roy Payne, Eoin O'Donovan, Philip Murphy, Jason McCarthy. Subs: Ray Brennan for Philip Murphy, Tomas O'Donoghue for James O'Donovan (blood sub), O'Donovan for O'Donoghue.
Kilbrittain: Robert Hayes, Patrick Deasy, John Murphy, Ciaran Walsh, James Hurley, Ross Cashman, Michael Deasy, Pat O'Mahony, Cian O'Leary, Aidan Moloney, Aaron Collins, Tom Harrington, Nigel Quin-lan, James O'Mahony, Fintan O'Connell. Subs: Maurice Fielding for Fintan O'Connell (blood sub), O'Connell for Fielding, Maurice Fielding for John Murphy (injured)
Referee: Michael Collins - Clonakilty.
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Southern Star 15th September 2007 - Bandon Notes
U21 West Cork Final goes to replay
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Bandon 1-10
Kilbrittain 1-10
Bandon struggled for most of the game to match the intensity of Kilbrittain in the West Cork U21 Hurling Final.
The game ended in a draw 1.10 to 1.10. The half time score was 0.05 to 0.06.
Bandon can consider themselves very fortunate to be still going for three in a row in this grade, and never got
out of the starting blocks.
All six forwards have serious room for improvement in the replay and both individuallly and as a unit
completely underperformed.
Timmy Crowley kicked a fine goal to flatter a struggling Bandon early in the second half after a great solo run.
Cathal Moloney had a fine outing between the posts deputising for the injured Eoin Duggan and James O' Donovan
starred at full-back. Darren Crowley who was very quiet by his usual standard scored the last three points to
force a replay.
Team : C.Moloney, T.Crowley, J.O'Donovan, M.O'Leary, D.Ahern, D.Ryan, J.Walsh, G.O'Riordan (0.01), Timmy Crowley (1.0), D.Crowley (0.05), B.Crowley(0.01), R.Payne (0.01), E.O'Donovan(0.02), P.Murphy, J.McCarthy, Subs.: R. Brennan, T.Barrett, D.Kelly.
Bandon Junior footballers go head to head with Barryroe on Friday night in Timoleague for the third time, at stake is the right of passage to the West Cork Junior Football final. Throw in will be 6.00 p.m.
On Saturday next at 12 noon R.T.E. will broadcast a show called "Once a Week", watch out for some young (and not so
young) club members who travelled to Dublin specially for the programme.
There is a long tradition between Bandon and Clonakilty G.A.A. clubs, as over the years Clon have played many
of their Senior football championship games in the Chalie Hurley Park. The late Clonakilty club President
Thady O'Regan was symbolic of that great relationship. Sadly he passsed to his eternal reward on Wednesday
last and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, to his proud club and to the Clonakilty community
in general.
The late Thady had a reknowned turn of phrase and in 1996 when Clonakilty won the County Senior Football
championship he had deservedly celebrated to the early hours. He was reportedly leaving a hostelry in the town as
dawn was breaking on that Monday morning as people prepared for their daily grind. As they were headed home for
some welcome breakfast he is reported to have turned to his side-kick from across the county bounds and
said "My God isn't there a great stretch in the evenings." Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam dilis.
Very best wishes to local lads Alan Quirke, Eoin Sexton, John Corcoran and Jim Nolan on Sunday as Cork face
up to Kerry in the All-Ireland football final.
Everyone knows there is vibrant Kerry (and loud) support in Bandon. Now since the semi final they keep telling us
that the Kingdom with thirty four titles, to our six, won't begrudge us this one. Especially they say, with us
giving gainful employment to the community of Kerry exiles in West Cork for the last half century and beyond.
It's like in some way they owe us this final.
Likewise we promise if, in the extremely unlikely event of us somehow winning, we won't gloat, even if it would
sure shorten the long winter evenings.
Twenty five years ago Kerry were trying to make history for different reasons and came up short thanks to a late,
late goal from Seamus Darby. There is a real irony that in this, the first meeting in a final between Cork and
Kerry, it is Darby and this Offaly team that will be presented to the crowd on Sunday. All this in front of
Kerry's greatest rivals.
Darby can be sure of a fairly mixed reception when his name is called over the public address. Even a quarter
of a century on his dream breaking goal provokes mixed reactions, except in Cork of course.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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High drama but Bandon and Barryroe remain deadlocked - JAFC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 01-09-07
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Bandon 1-12
Barryroe 2-09
MARATHON men, as Siamese separation operation fails for a second time! After an astounding one hundred and forty
minutes of incredible football drama, the junior A footballers of Barryroe and Bandon remain as deadlocked as ever.
At a packed Timoleague venue on Sunday evening last, we witnessed episode two of this astounding drama and if the
original drawn match was jam-packed with excitement, this South West junior A football championship penultimate
stage replay really took the biscuit. While the standard of football may have not satisfied the purist, we had
far too much tension, basic errors and at times poor finishing from both teams to put it in that exquisite
category, the sheer drama -d heart stopping extra- time ale more than adequately conpensated.
At the end of it all, both sides must meet for an incredible third time, when Barryroe, having looked to be dead
and buried with seven minutes remaining in the second period of extra-time, after substitute John O'Connell had
blasted the Lily Whites into what looked like a match winning 2-9 to 1-9 advantage with a fabulous major, somehow
found a last fifth gear to fashion a couple of more attacking forays into enemy territory.
They certainly paid off handsomely as midfielder Ger Coleman tacked on a fine point and unerring prolific
free-taker Jason Fleming had the last say with two fantastic frees to ensure yet another contest to decide who
will face Muintir Bhaire in the decider.
The statistics from this game make for awe inspiring drama with a capital D. Eight wides for Barryroe, an equal
amount for Bandon, twelve yellow cards in all, a player from Barryroe, Adrian Fleming, sent to the line following
a straight red card in the second half of normal time, quickly followed by Charles Dullea from Bandon, who received
a second yellow followed by a red card soon afterwards, twenty-four fine scores, thrills, spills, excitement, the
teams level six times, you name it we had it.
Yes, we had them all in rich abundance; including two Barryroe penalties, both saved by goalie Pat Prendergast.
Little wonder that match official Frank Quill from Bantry was almost as exhausted as the players at the end of
it all.
DEPART. Following a great ball from Jason Fleming Barryroe made the perfect start when the inform Denis Harrington
got them on the board inside sixty seconds. Unfortunately, the talented Barryroe full forward had to depart the
scene before the first half concluded having picked up a knock and was a huge loss to Barryroe as events transpired.
Following a fine move involving the outstanding Kevin Walsh, who had a splendid game at wing back for Bandon,
Alan Johnson and Mick Quirke, who got through an amount of work on the wing, the lively Robert Moloney equalised.
However, with the duo of Fleming brothers Adrian and Jason, Ger Coleman, and particularly Ger O'Leary,
Bernard O'Brien and Kieran Griffin playing sparkling football, only a fantastic block-down from Niall Connor
deprived Barryroe of the opening goal in the 10th minute. Having weathered the early Barryroe storm, Bandon,
in almost replicate mode to the first match took the game by the scruff of the neck to forge ahead.
Firstly, Michael Quirke, who together with Alan Johnson, David Aherne, but particularly Eoin O'Donovan, supported
by fine play from midfielders Pat Calnan and Kevin Lucey, put the town side in front. Then, in the 21st minute a
terrible mix-up in the Barryroe defence allowed Eoin O'Donovan to collect a high delivery by Kevin Lucey.
Coolly picking his spot, he gave no chance to able Barryroe custodian Damien O'Leary.
Following an opportunistic quick free from Johnson, Quirke extended the Bandon lead. With Anthony O'Sullivan,
Kevin Walsh and Charles Dullea (recovered from an early knock), all commanding in defence, Bandon looked composed.
John O'Donovan made no mistake to reduce the deficit from a free, but soon afterwards came the score of the match.
Six Bandon players handled the ball before Dave Aherne shot over to open up a good advantage, 1-4 to 0-2.
Barryroe kept at the task in hands, Eamonn McCarthy, Clive Cahalane, John O'Regan and particularly Hurley
trying hard. Jason Fleming stepped up to the plate to point from an acutely angled free as, suddenly, Barryroe
was thrown a lifeline.
A marvellous Hurley centre saw Ger Coleman make a defence splitting mazy run. When he was hauled down in the
'square' referee Quill immediately awarded a penalty. However, the magnificent Pat Prendergast dived to his right
to claw away Adrian Fleming's drive. The midfielder did have the consolation of pointing the subsequent 45. It
ended the first half action, Bandon 1-4 to 0-4 to the good.
IN TROUBLE. When Michael Quirke and Dave Aherne (free), extended the Bandon advantage on resuming, it looked as if
Barryroe were in trouble. With Kevin Walsh magnificent on the wing, Johnson making threatening runs, Lucey
fielding magnificently, but above all the brilliance of James O'Donovan shining like a beacon in the impending
gloom, the Lily Whites seemed to be on a roll.
But their vehicle shuddered to a quick halt as Barryroe stunned them with a fabulous goal in the 38th minute. A
low trajectory free by Adrian Fleming was volleyed to the net with a spectacular bicycle kick by Ciaran Hurley.
Two further frees by Jason Fleming levelled matters up soon afterwards.
In the interim, Adrian Fleming, following an incident near the touchline, was shown a straight red, while a minute
later numerical disadvantage was restored when Charles Dullea followed him for an early shower, having already been
booked and received a second yellow and subsequent red.
It was nip and tuck now, Brian Crowley and Ciaran Hurley (following great work by Bernard O'Brien), exchanging
points. Then came the second Barryroe penalty as again Prendergast performed the oracle for Bandon making a sublime
save from Jason Fleming in the 55th minute. John O'Connell and Kevin McCarthy were now in the fray, both making
invaluable contributions.
When another substitute for Barryroe, Patrick Fleming, made a marked impression with a delightful score in the 61st
minute it looked as if Barryroe must prevail. However, Bandon summed up new reserves of energy as a fine probing
run by O'Connell ended with Johnson shooting the equaliser.
On to extra-time, both teams back to fifteen players with Eamonn McCarthy and Michael Quirke the two players
filling the complement. Just two scores punctuated the first period, a Jason Fleming free and a neat soaring point
by Dave Aherne. Tired bodies were gamely responding, but cramp was prevalent.
A defence splitting Bandon run by Eoin O'Donovan and substitute Darren Crowley resulted in John O'Connell rolling
the leather beneath the body of the diving Damien O'Leary immediately at the start of the last period of extra-time.
The Barryroe comeback we have already chronicled as the big crowd filed out at the conclusion, limp with exhaustion
and excitement.
VERDICT. Our verdict: The biggest headache now is with the West Cork Board as they try to fix the replay. Who cares,
it will be sorted out in good time and episode three of this compelling football drama will be enacted. At times in
this match, the basic error level reached an incredible elevation. However, the sheer drama, passion, raw courage
with both sides flat out quickly overshadowed but failed to disguise what was at times a poor football game.
Barryroe will have most reason to be disappointed. Had they scored even one of the penalties, it would have made a
huge difference. The other side of the coin was that Bandon in full flight were poetry in motion and marginally the
better team. That they fail to put away teams is a huge bugbear. Twice it has happened and one sometimes can only
go to the well on a number of occasions. Time will reveal all.
On a night when there were a number of incredible displays on both sides, the performance of James O'Donovan
picked him out as the star act. We duly nominate as our man of the match.
Man of the match: James O'Donovan, Bandon.
Scorers - Bandon: Michael Quirke 0-3, Eoin O'Donovan 1-0, John O'Connell 1-0, Dave Aherne 0-3, 0-1 from free, Robert Moloney 0-1, Brian Crowley 0-1, Alan Johnson 0-1
Barryroe: Jason Fleming 0-6, frees, Ciaran Hurley 1-1, John O'Donovan 0-1, free, Denis Harrington 0-1, Adrian Fleming 0-1, 45, Ger Coleman 0-1, Pat Fleming 0-1
BANDON: Pat Prendergast, James Walsh, Anthony O'Sul-livan. Niall Connor, Kevin Walsh, Charles Dullea, James O'Donovan, Pat Calnan, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Alan Johnson, Mick Quirke, Eoin O'Donovan, Brian Crowley, David Aherne. Subs: John O'Connell for Michael Quirke, Brian Kearney for Robert Moloney, Darren Crowley for Brian Crowley.
BARRYROE: Damien O'Leary, Bernard O'Brien, Ger O'Leary, Timmy Carroll, John O'Regan, Norman Fleming, Kieran Griffin, Adrian Fleming, Ger Coleman, Ciaran Hurley, Jason Fleming, Clive Cahalane, Denis Harrington, Eamonn McCarthy, John O'Donovan. Subs: Patrick Fleming for Denis Harrington (injured), Padraig Collins for John O'Donovan, Kevin McCarthy for Eamonn McCarthy.
Referee: Frank Quill, Bantry
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Southern Star 1st September 2007 - Bandon Notes
Junior Footballers draw again with Barryroe after extra time!!
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Bandon 1-12
Barryroe 2-09
Whatever the final outcome of what is developing into a saga between Bandon and Barryroe in the Junior A Football semi-final the name of Pat Prendergast will always be synonomous with the fixture.
He saved two penalties on Sunday in the replay on a night when Bandon looked to have booked their place in the final
through a John O'Connell goal. That score put us three points up in the second period of extra time.
This follows on from a man of the match performance on Tuesday night in the drawn encounter when he
saved Bandon with some brilliant goalkeeping.
James O'Donovan, Eoin O'Donovan, James Walsh, Michael Quirke and Pat Prendergast were best for Bandon.
The winners will play Muintir Baire in the final.
Team : P.Prendergast, J.Walsh, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.O'Donovan, P.Calnan, K.Lucey, R.Moloney, A.Johnson, M.Quirke, E.O'Donovan, B.Crowley, D.Ahern,Subs.: J.O'Connell, D.Crowley, B. Kearney
The second replay has been provisionally fixed for Friday the 14th September (two days before the annual lark in the park for the Kerry boys).
The U21 hurling final against Kilbrittain has been provisionally fixed for Newcestown on Sunday the 9th September.
The club wishes the best of luck to selector Padraig Crowley and especially the players from local clubs in Sunday's All Ireland minor hurling final against Tipperary. Cork are bidding to reverse their Munster final defeat.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Sides must do it all again! - JAFC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 25-08-07
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Bandon 0-11
Barryroe 1-08
THRILLING comeback earns Barryroe a deserved draw! Barryroe are fast making a name for themselves as the draw
specialists in this year's South West junior A football championship. Recently, at Ballinascarthy they got a second
bite of the cherry before seeing off the challenge of O'Donovan Rossa in the quarter-final replay. Then, last
Tuesday night at a packed Timoleague venue a last gasp goal from full forward Jason Fleming, as injury-time beckoned,
ensured them of another day out to decide who will meet Muintir Bhaire or Tadhg Mac Carthaigh in the decider.
Despite the fact that this was the only the second occasion on which they gained equality during the entire match,
it would have been a real travesty of justice had the Blues bowed out. One glance at the wides tally tells the
tale in graphic detail. Barryroe had a total of eleven, Bandon just four, a clear indication of who won the
possession stakes.
But wides never win matches and full credit to tne Lily Whites for making and creating, and most importantly
taking their limited opportunities. They led for fifty-two minutes of what was a typical tough, tense, traumatic
and in the last quarter, nerve tingling South West local derby.
However, it was during that last enthralling quarter that we had most of the drama and we begin out analysis
at this stage of the game. Barryroe, despite that monopoly of possession for practically all of the game,
looked to be about to make their exit from the competition when they trailed by double scores, 0-10 to 0-5 and
just a quarter of the game left. Then, perhaps sensing that surely they could tighten the screw on proceedings,
Barryroe at last tore into the game with rare abandon. Norman Fleming led by example in a teak tough half back
division with some sublime play and with flankers John O'Regan and Kieran Griffin finding an extra gear, the
scoring barrage was launched. Young John O'Donovan neatly clipped over a free, and almost immediately afterwards,
substitute Eamonn McCarthy, just on the pitch, forced the outstanding James O'Donovan into a heroic goal-line
clearance. A minute later the latter did extremely well to keep a ball in play and fed Eoin O'Donovan, (who had
made a splendid contribution) and the young star made no mistake.
Surely there was no way back now for Barryroe. But we reckoned without the spirit of Bernard O'Brien, Tim Carroll
and Ger O'Leary in defence allied to the exuberance of Jason Fleming, and the massive contribution of substitutes
Adrian Fleming, Ciaran Hurley, Eamonn McCarthy and Ger Coleman. Above all, it was the dynamic and telling
incursions of the flying Denis Harrington augmented by the swift forays of Clive Cahalane that was causing
Bandon most problems now.
Clive Cahalane had a peach of a point in the 54th minute as Pat Prendergast denied him with a marvellous save,
then it was O'Donovan to the rescue again as he burst out past a bevy of blue shirts to clear his lines when a
goal looked on. Darren Crowley was now on for the injured Dave Aherne, who had been a prolific Bandon
free-taker.
However, it was the Blues tidal wave that rolled forward relentlessly in unabated attacks. Harrington to
Cahalane and another bit of heroic play by Prendergast as, somehow Bandon kept their goal intact. Despite the
fact that Adrian Fleming cut the margin to a bare goal with a superb point in the 59th minute, fantastic
defending by James O'Donovan, goalie Prendergast, Anthony O'Sullivan, Charles Dullea and Kevin Walsh looked like
performing the oracle for Bandon as they edged closer to their first decider at this level since 1989.
However, the scent of a draw wafted heavily across the beautiful autumn evening air as the expectant throng on a
packed bank gave vent to their emotions. A long time coming did come at last, but boy did the fat lady leave it
late to burst into melody. The clock had ticked over into the 60th minute as Barryroe mounted another determined
assault on the Bandon citadel. Kieran Griffin won a fine ball swept the leather quickly into the path of Clive
Cahalane who flashed it goal-wise. With backs and forwards converging rapidly, the alert Ger Coleman placed Jason
Fleming who calmly stroked the leather home from close range. In the remaining tension filled injury-time minutes,
both sides had chances but a draw was deemed a fair result.
With Brian Crowley in fine early scoring form for Bandon, he opened proceedings with a point in the first minute,
following a neat interchange with Dave Aherne. The inform Denis Harrington availed of a great pass from Ger O'Leary
to create equality, but Bandon, with Eoin O'Donovan admirably filling the void and the boots of the injured
John O'Connell, Robert Moloney, Dave Aherne impressive in attack as well and Kevin Lucey and partner Pat Calnan
forming a powerful midfield duo soon built up a head of steam. Aherne had three pointed frees in quick succession
as Barryroe deployed a two man full forward line with Jason Fleming in an effective roaming commission.
Barryroe could have been much nearer the mark at this juncture, but a series of unforgivable wides did little
to help their cause as they trailed by 0-4 to 0-1 by the 24th minute. Then, in a goalmouth tussle a sudden
rush of blood to the head saw Brian Hurley and Ger Keohane get into a tangle near the Bandon 'square'.
In like a flash, referee Tim Murnane from Goleen took swift action issuing two red cards and indicting both
players for contributing to a melee. However, it was a totally isolated incident in a sporting tussle. When
normality was soon restored, John O'Donovan calmly narrowed the deficit from a free. The two inform players in
both attacks, Denis Harrington and Brian Crowley, shared the remainder of the first moiety scores.
Robert Moloney set the second half wheels in motion for Bandon with a neat point. Then in an amazing sequence
of all-out action, Ger O'Leary robbed a Bandon attacker, parted to Jason Fleming who cleverly knocked the ball
into the path of Bernard O'Brien. Up in attack, the Carbery senior drew a fabulous stop from Pat Pren-dergast.
With the clearance swiftly transferred downfield, Brian Crowley set-up a now dominant Eoin O'Donovan for a great
Bandon point in the 34th minute, good play by substitute Michael Quirke also contributing to the end product.
A well-taken Jason Fleming free after Denis Harrington was fouled kept Barryroe nicely in contention.
John O'Donovan (rather surprisingly substituted), had a fine score as Barryroe edged a little nearer.
However, when Brian Crowley (play) and two superb frees by Dave Aherne put Bandon in the driving seat they were
looking good. But that fantastic finale by Barryroe unhinged them and they were the side hanging on at the end.
VERDICT, Our verdict: The time simply flew by during this encounter. It was a hard fought typical West Cork
derby, little quarter asked or given. Full credit to Bandon for living on crumbs on occasions, but had
Barryroe lost this one they would have kicked themselves all the way to Lislevane. They duly redeemed
matters with that spirited and fantastic finale and were well worth the draw.
The standard of football at times dropped a bit, aimless passing and poor distribution on a perfect evening.
However, the closeness of the exchanges, the boundless enthusiasm displayed by both teams, but above all, the
dramatic finale was more than ample compensation.
We had many fine individual performances on both teams. For Bandon, Pat Prendergast, Anthony O'Sullivan,
James O'Donovan, Eoin O'Donovan, Kevin Walsh, Dave Aherne but especially Brian Crowley all stepped up to the plate.
Barryroe had Bernard O'Brien, John O'Regan, Kieran Griffin, Clive Cahalane, Jason and Adrian Fleming, John O'Donovan
and particularly Denis Harrington all in splendid form. Our man of the match selection could have come from
many of the aforementioned players, but we chose Barryroe centre back Norman Fleming for a marvellous hour
as pivot of the Blues defence.
Man of the match, Norman Fleming, Barryroe.
Scorers - Bandon: Dave Ahern 0-5, frees, Brian Crowley 0-3, Eoin O'Donovan 0-2, Robert Moloney 0-1
Barryroe: Jason Fleming 1-1, John O'Donovan 0-3, 0-2 frees, Denis Harrington 0-2, Clive Cahalane 0-1, Adrian Fleming 0-1.
BANDON: Pat Prendergast, Brian Hurley, Anthony O'Sulli-van, Niall Connor, James O'Donovan, Charles Dullea, Kevin Walsh, Kevin Lucey, Pat Calnan, Ronan McCarthy, Alan Johnson, Robert Moloney, Eoin O'Donovan, Brian Crowley, Dave Aherne. Subs: Michael Quirke for Niall Connor, Dar-ren Crowley for Dave Aherne
BARRYROE: Damien O'Leary, Bernard O'Brien, Ger O'Leary, Tim Carroll, John O'Regan, Norman Fleming, Kieran Griffin, Kevin McCarthy, Gearoid Holland, Clive Cahalane, Padraig Collins, Ger Keohane, Denis Harrington, Jason Fleming, John O'Donovan. Subs: Ciaran Hurley for Padraig Collins, Ger Coleman for Kevin McCarthy, Adrian Fleming for Gearoid Holland, Eamonn McCarthy for John O'Donovan
Referee: Tim Murnane, Goleen
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Southern Star 25th August 2007 - Bandon Notes
Junior Footballers draw with Barryroe
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Bandon 0-11
Barryroe 1-08
Bandon and Barryroe replay their Junior A Football semi-final on Sunday night at 6.45 p.m in Timoleague.
Though leading by five points with five minutes to go in the drawn encounter on Tuesday night Bandon can
thank the miraculous goal-keeping of Pat Prendergast who made one unbelievable save and two great stops,
and also two brilliant blocks by wing back James O'Donovan for keeping them in the championship.
The half time score was Bandon 0.05, Barryroe 0.03 and the full time score was 0.11 to 1.08.
Both sides will probably be happy with a draw and an opportunity for redemption in the replay.
The winners of Bandon v. Barryroe play the winners of Caheragh v.s Muintir Baire Barryroe versus Skibbereen
in the semi-final.
Team : P.Prendergast, B.Hurley, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.O'Donovan, P.Calnan, K.Lucey,
R.Moloney, A.Johnson, R.McCarthy, E.O'Donovan (0.02), B.Crowley (0.3), D.Ahern (0.06),
Subs.:M.Quirke, J.Walsh, D.Crowley.
Padraig Crowley is a selector with the Cork minor hurlers who qualified for the All-Ireland minor hurling final
re-match against Munster Champions Tipperary.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon pull away with late salvo - U21WCHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 18-07-07
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Bandon 0-19
Ballinascarthy 0-11
WHITE lightning finally strikes down brave Ballinascarthy! Hot favourites Bandon, possessing the more
cohesive and overall superior hurling combination, came, saw and in the end finally conquered never
say-die Ballinascarthy with six unanswered points during the final ten minutes of play, in this at times
scrappy, but generally entertaining South West under 21 A hurling championship penultimate stage clash.
Played at Timoleague in rather heavy underfoot conditions after the dense afternoon rain on Tuesday
last, the Lily Whites could never shrug off a highly motivated Reds fifteen who battled to the hitter end.
However, with Cork minor star Denis O'Sullivan a virtual passenger as he carried a leg injury into the
game and forced to line-out minus three further key players, it was always going to be a huge ask to
expect this young Ballinascarthy fifteen to emerge triumphantly.
That they stayed in contention for so long speaks volumes for their determination and spirit, because in
all honesty this was a classy looking Bandon outfit. From star full back James O'Donovan, to right up the
middle where Darren Ryan was a colossus as pivot, on to the midfield fulcrum and a magnificent five-star
showing from the talented Gavin O'Riordan, the Bandon engine purred sweetly on all four cylinders.
Speed merchant Darren Crowley faultlessly floated over the frees from all angle, Roy Payne and Eoin O'Donovan
as well as Jason McCarthy were huge thorns in the side of the Ballinascarthy defence, while towering
centre forward Brian Crowley and able substitute Raymond Brennan picked off some delightful scores late in
the game.
Thus the task facing the Reds was a mammoth one to say the least, but they stuck manfully to it. One felt
that the stiff breeze was worth at least four points to either side, but when Ballinascarthy retired at
the interval only on level terms having had it to their backs in the opening moiety, it looked ominous.
However, their defence stuck gamely to the task on hands and with Ciaran Deasy, pivot Eoin Deasy, Carbery
Rangers star James Fitzpatrick, Ryan O'Flynn and Darragh Hennessy all working hard, they refused to succumb.
But Ballinascarthy can thank the tireless Ricky O'Flynn for again doing the donkey work with a fabulous
display of gritty no-nonsense hurling and keeping them in contention for so long. When others were
beginning to wilt, he rallied his troops to battle. The injured O'Sullivan moved to the 'mark' before
eventually being forced ashore further weakening an attack that lacked the killer instinct with only the
rare flash of genius from James Deasy causing any real threat.
Then, when it looked as if Bal might make a real battle of it towards the end, Bandon upped the ante to
ruthlessly kill them off. They introduced Raymond Brennan, who won great ball in the air and with a
fabulous long-range score from the latter, a hat-trick of points by the now very influential Brian Crowley,
another peach of a free from Darren Crowley and how fittingly, a fabulous point from the outstanding
Darren Ryan to bring down the curtain on a richly deserved win.
Much of the first half proved a battle of the respective free-takers with Darren Crowley and Ricky O'Flynn
taking centre-stage. Bal needed a goal to get the momentum going and they almost got it inside the first
minute, when, after Darren Crowley had shot the Lily Whites lead point from a free, in their first attack,
the Reds engineered a move that saw James Deasy flash a shot at Eoin Duggan. Forced to knock away the attempt,
the Bandon custodian conceded a 65 that O'Flynn duly converted.
However, the goal had it been scored would have worked Wonders for Bal, because it was one of the few
clear-cut chances they created. With Mark O'Leary, the two Tim Crowleys, Dave Ahern and James Walsh all
hurling splendidly and Ryan superb, the Bandon backs were giving nothing away easily at this stage of the
proceedings.
Bal did open up a two points' gap thanks to neat scores from Darragh Hennessy and James Fitzpatrick, but
Bandon soon drew level courtesy of the unerring accuracy of Darren Crowley and with the power hurling of
O'Riordan, James O'Donovan and Darren Ryan shining like a beacon on an uncertain evening weather-wise,
the half-time score of equality was no more than the Bandonians deserved.
On resuming, Bandon won tonnes of possession, but some wayward shooting allowed Bal off the hook. The Reds
did make a number of incursions into enemy territory, but a weakness in the last line of attack was to prove
disastrous. Eventually, Bandon found the range and the late flurry of scores saw them comfortably home against
spirited Ballinascarthy.
Our verdict: In some ways we had shades of the junior A hurling clash that Bal had with Barryroe when last
quarter-dominance saw the Blues pull away. However, this similarity was not the real reason for the Bandon win.
In truth, they looked a talented side all over the field, superb in the execution of their moves , strong in
defence and possessing a flair in attack that the hard trying but lightweight Ballinascarthy lads could not match.
Their bugbear was the squandermania they displayed in front of the opposition goal. If they can cure this ill
they must be favourites to overcome Kilbrittain, in what should prove another rip-roaring local derby battle
in the decider.
Exchanges were a bit intense, too intense at times, and referee Dave Whyte from St. Mary's was kept on his toes.
He did red card a Ballinascarthy defender in the dying moments but was left with little option on that particular
occasion, but in general terms it was an overall sporting contest.
Ricky O'Flynn and Gavin O'Riordan were serious contenders, but our man of the match accolade goes to young Darren
Ryan for a splendid display of centre back play.
Man of the match, Darren Ryan, Bandon.
Scorers - Bandon: Darren Crowley 0-10, frees, Brian Crowley 0-3, Jason McCarthy 0-2, Roy Payne 0-2, Darren Ryan 0-1, Raymond Brennan 0-1
Ballinascarthy: Ricky O'Flynn 0-8, 0-7 frees, 0-1 65, James Fitzpatrick 0-1, Darragh Hennessy 0-1, James Deasy 0-1.
BANDON: Eoin Duggan, Tim Crowley, James O'Donovan, Mark O'Leary, Dave Ahern, Darren Ryan, James Walsh, Gavin O'Riordan, Tim Crowley, Darren Crowley, Brian Crowley, Roy Payne, Eoin O'Donovan, Philip Murphy, Jason McCarthy. Sub: Raymond Brennan for Philip Murphy
BALLINASCARTHY: Pat O'Sullivan, Ciaran Deasy, Kevin Ryan, Brendan Murphy, Ryan O'Flynn, Eoin Deasy, Vincent O'Flynn, James Fitzpatrick, Padraig Dineen, Darragh Hennessy, Ricky O'Flynn, Denis O'Sullivan, J.C. O'Flynn, Patrick Deasy, James Deasy. Subs: Cathal Cullinane for Darragh Hennessy, Sean Walsh for Denis O'Sullivan (injured).
Referee: Dave Whyte (St. Mary's)
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St. Brogans win a real classic - U14HC West Cork Final - By West Cork Gael - Southern Star 11-08-07
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St Brogans 5-06
Clonakilty 2-13
SUGRUE the scoring sorcerer as St. Brogan's edge out Clonakilty in a classic! Give thirty mustard keen under-14 footballers a football, tell them to go out and play the game in a proper and manly spirit, no petty fouling, no nasty late tackles, no malice, and no messing, just pure and simple concentration on the ball from start to finish.
What does this all conjure up? A classic game of football of the highest calibre, in all probability the match of the season, which is what we were treated at sunny Timoleague, on Thursday evening last in the South West under-14 A football championship final between old adversaries and great sporting rivals, St. Brogan's of Bandon and Clonakilty.
It is rarely we get the time and opportunity to report on these under age thrillers, but boy did we pick a real winner this time out. Indeed, space does not allow us to pay our own full and ample tribute to the sheer magnificence of this marvellous encounter. It would take a full page of The Southern Star to detail the excitement, the drama, the wonderful scores, the fabulous individual performances exhibited by members from both teams. However, when the dust has settled and realism is restored, the hard facts are that Bandon has achieved the double with this wonderful win, having narrowly defeat a gallant Pedlar's Cross in the A hurling final as well.
For Clonakilty there is the solace that they made a massive contribution to a sublime occasion and while an
ultimate narrow defeat is of little consolation and hard to take, some of the individual performances on their
team were a joy to behold. However, both teams would be the first to admit that at the end of the hour, the real
difference between the sides was one Mark Sugrue.
Captain Fantastic in name and nature, he tore at the heart-strings of the Clonakilty lads for the full hour.
A massive personal contribution of three goals and four points is ample testimony to this fact, but it was his
goal scoring panache that left an indelible and lasting imprint on a magnificent match. However, let us get back
to the commencement of this thrill-a-minute affair that left the huge crowd on the bank limp with exhaustion at
the conclusion.
IMPRESSIVE. With both Sugrue and Ethan Draper soundness personified from frees, the sides were deadlocked at the
close of the opening quarter on a scoreline of four points each. Particularly impressive at this early juncture
was the strong and positive play of Danny Laker and Clonakilty captain Gearoid Barry, with Jack Barrett and
Barry Peppard solid in defence. Midfield was shaded by Bandon, but each time the ball was worked forward, both
forward divisions threatened.
Barry Collins and Micheal Cahalane were shrewd operators for Bandon, who had excellent defenders in Padraig O'Leary
and the imposing Brian Crowley. Then, with the strong wind to their backs and needing a cushion of a six points'
lead at the interval, Bandon got a major boost, netting twice inside three minutes. A super move involving Robert
Long, Micheal Cahalane and Barry Collins ended with Clonakilty goalie Aidan Collins (who together with his Bandon
counterpart Tadhg O'Donovan was in impeccable form), blocking the shot from Barry Collins, but the impetus and
pace of the drive carried the ball over the line.
Almost immediately, Bandon, who now played a commanding role in affairs were in again. A penalty was awarded and
Sugrue with the deftest of touches slid the ball beneath the diving body of Aidan Collins. After Ethan Draper had
unerringly slapped over another Clonakilty free, Bandon came within a whisker of a third major. A fabulous clearance
from full back O'Leary was diagonally worked the length of the field via Collins, Conor Gossage and on to Cahalane
in a defence splitting move. However, Clonakilty goalie Collins made a stop with his feet for a potential save of
the season to deny Bandon at a vital time. All and sundry were glad of the break to get their breath back after a
half of unrivalled drama, 2-5 to 0-5 in favour of the Lily Whites.
Clonakilty resumed with Barry and Draper as the new midfield combination, while Bandon interchanged Long and Sugrue
positionally. What was already a splendid match was about to go to an octane level in the closing half. We had two
further goals inside two minutes after resuming. Firstly, Gearoid Barry had a truly wonder goal for Clonakilty,
running half the length of the pitch, passing would-be tackle after tackle as if none existed, then planting the
ball high into the Bandon rigging. Anything you can do, I can do better! From the kick-out, Mark Sugrue in
replicate mode did the identical thing, crashing home another goal via an upright after an astounding upfield sally.
Bandon looked comfortable, but Clonakilty roared forward, with Colm Sheehy, Dane O'Gorman, Seamus Poillot,
Cormican, Leahy and Scally, but above all the lion hearted Eoin Hartnett leading the comeback charge. Six unanswered
Clonakility points rocked Bandon as Clon drew level, 1-11 to 3-05 by the close of the third quarter. Just when it looked
as if Brogan's were letting the match slip they responded in a positive mode.
Barry Collins and Cahalane worked a peach of a move that saw the latter net from an acute angle. After Sugrue, for
once like Homer nodded from a free, this Titanic tussle was all square again. Midfield magic from Draper and
Cormican saw the hardworking Scally force another fabulous save from O'Donovan, but the inrushing John Leahy
flicked the ball to the net. When Draper and Barry (play), put Clonakilty two points to the good, 2-13 to 4-5 and
six minutes left on the clock, it looked as if the brewery town would prevail.
Try telling that to Mark Sugrue! Grabbing the leather around the middle of the park as if his hands were embedded
with Evo-Stik, he shrugged off a bevy of tackles, side-stepped a last despairing lunge by a Clonakilty defender
and completed his hat-trick of majors. Tagging on the 'insurance' point in the 60th minute, he left Clonakilty
needing a goal to win it.
With O'Leary, Gearoid and Brian Crowley, Colm Hourihan, Aidan Dullea and Richard Walsh affording excellent
protection to goalie O'Donovan, Bandon held on to narrowly capture a title they last annexed in 2005, amidst a
welter of excitement.
VERDICT. Our verdict: Memories are made of this ! What a game to embellish the hearts and minds of all privileged
to witness it. Definitely a contender for match of the season, it restored out flagging faith in Gaelic football.
Splendid moves, magical scores, fabulous saves, you name it we had it. Lest we forget, the sensible and practical
refereeing of match official Alan Long from the host club and his bunch of able officials contributed hugely to the
enjoyment.
No red cards, no yellow cards, in fact not a single card or book brandished in anger. Long may it continue.
Clonakilty lost, not because they had any poor performances, in fact Barry, Draper, Barrett, Peppard, Hartnett and
Laker all gave superlative displays. No, simply because in a Bandon team that saw Brian Crowley, Padraig O'Leary,
Barry Collins, Micheal Cahalane and Eoin Hetherington all play starring roles, they had one Mark Sugrue, who
truly (to quote ironically the motto of Clonakilty hair stylist), was a cut above the rest.
Ursula Hennessy, PRO, Bord na nOg, presented the cup to an overjoyed Mark Sugrue, captain, St. Brogan's, at the
end of the match.
Man of the match, Mark Sugrue, St. Brogan's (Bandon).
Scorers - St. Brogan's: Mark Sugrue 3-4, 1-0 penalty, 0-2 frees, Barry Collins 1-0, Micheal Cahalane 1-0, Robert Long 0-1, Joshua Desmond 0-1
Clonakilty: Ethan Draper 0-6, frees, Gearoid Barry 1-2, John Leahy 1-1, 0-1 frees, Eoin Hartnett 0-1, Eamonn Downey 0-1, Danny Laker 0-1,Martin Scally 0-1.
St. Brogan's: Tadhg O'Donovan, Colm Hourihan, Padraig O'Leary, Gearoid Crowley, Aidan Dullea, Brian Crowley, Richard Walsh, Mark Sugrue, Eoin Hetherington, Joshua Desmond, Robert Long, Barry Collins, Eoin McSweeney, Conor Gossage, Micheal Cahalane. Sub: Jack Meade for Eoin McSweeney
Clonakilty: Aidan Collins, Dane O'Gorman, Barry Peppard, Colm Sheehy, Seamus Poillot, Jack Barrett, Eoin Hartnett, Ethan Draper, Kevin Cormican, Danny Laker, Gearoid Barry, lan Falvey, Eamonn Downey, John Leahy, Martin Scally. Sub: Shane Deasy for lan Falvey.
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Southern Star 11th August 2007 - Bandon Notes
St Brogans win U14 Hurling West Cork Final
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St Brogans 5-06
Clonakilty 2-13
CONGRATULATIONS to the St. Brogan's under 14 footballers who defeated a gallant Clonakilty side to capture the West Cork A football title in Timoleague last week. St. Brogan's more clinical finishing in front of goal proved decisive.
The goals were scored by Michael Cahalane (2), Conor Gossage (1) and Mark Sugrue (2) to ensure that the Bandon lads were victorious at the final whistle.
A marvellous full back line of Colm Hourihan, Padraig O'Leary and Gearoid Crowley held the Clon forwards at bay in defence.
Bandon played with a stiff breeze in the first half and led by two goals at half time.
In the second half Bandon's goal scoring ability came to the fore as they managed to get the scores at vital times.
Clon never gave up and had Bandon in trouble in the last few minutes. Clon clawed back the Bandon lead and went in front by two points with just a couple of minutes remaining. However Bandon hit back once again with a goal and a point from Mark Sugrue to finally swing this fine game in Bandon's favour.
Team: T. O'Donovan, C. Hourihan, P. O'Leary, G. Crow-ley, R. Walsh, B. Crowley, A. Dullea, E. Hetherington, M. Sugrue, J. Desmond, R. Long, B. Collins, E. McSweeney, C. Gossage, M. Cahalane. Sub. used: J. Meade.
The St. Brogan's GAA CUL Summer Camp for boys and girls will take place in the GAA grounds from Monday 13-17th August. Registrations will be done on Monday at 9am and all children aged from 6 to 13 years are welcome.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 4th August 2007 - Bandon Notes
Junior Footballers win 2nd Championship game in a week!!
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Bandon 1-08
Carbery Rangers 0-03
Mentors Denis Ahern, John Collis and Jimmy Gabriel have steered Bandon to their second West Cork Junior Football semi-final in three years.
Bandon beat Carbery Rangers on Saturday night in Clonakilty by 1.08 to 0.03 with the defence again in outstanding form.
They have only conceded six points in all, in their last two games and are playing very well as a unit.
There is however plenty of room for improvement in the forwards however with only Alan Johnson at the moment playing to his potential.
In their last two games Bandon forwards do not appear to be scoring enough to entertain any hopes of winning the West Cork Junior Football championship. The chances are certainly being created but the scores are not being taken.
Bandon led at half-time by 1.03 to 0.02 thanks mainly to a fortuitous Brian Crowley goal.
Bandon play the winners of Barryroe versus Skibbereen in the semi-final.
Team: P.Prendergast; B.Hurley, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor; K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.o'Donovan; P.Calnan (0.01), K.Lucey; R.Moloney (0.01), A. Johnson, R.McCarthy; J.O'Connell, B.Crowley (1.0), D.Ahern (0.05). Subs: E.O'Donovan, D.Crowley, M.Quirke, B.Kearney, D.Lucey.
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Goal seals it for Bandon in atrocious conditions - JFC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 28-07-07
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Bandon 1-05
St Marys 0-04
LATE Johnson goal seals it as Bandon triumph in deplorable conditions! It was an evening only fit for ducks and dairymen, and even they would have reservations about facing the elements such was the intensity of the rain at windy Ahiohill, on Tuesday last.
Mind you the condition of the pitch was A one, but the blinding rain and swirling wind that blew into the Village' goal made a complete mockery of the vain and valiant efforts of two brave teams to play constructive football in this South West junior A football championship third round joust.
However, there was a job to be done and a result to be achieved so St. Mary's and Bandon set about their task with a refreshing willingness. It was obvious to all and sundry that with ball control an almost impossible task, whatever team got the vital goal would almost certainly take the honours.
Fittingly, it fell to the best player on the pitch to orchestrate it with a splendid piece of quick thinking. With St.Mary's breathing down their necks and just adrift by a two points' margin and coming forward in unceasing waves of relentless attacks, Bandon, with Charles Dullea, Anthony O'Sullivan, James O'Donovan and substitute Michael Quirke outstanding in defence, again repelled the marauding Ballineen-Enniskeane football raiders. A quick ball was released by mid-fielder Kevin Lucey into the path of O'Connell. The experienced corner forward embarked on a scintillating solo run up the left touch-line. With the Saints defence making frantic efforts to stunt his progress, he was eventually fouled some thirty metres from goal.
Quick as a flash he played the ball into the path of hardworking centre forward Alan Johnson. Surrounded by a bevy of defenders, the latter still succeeded in making a fabulous catch. In one moment of inspiration, he fired an unstoppable drive past the outstanding Shane O'Halloran. It was a major fit to adorn and win any game and it duly captured this one for Bandon.
Granted, it failed to thwart and foil the unbounded enthusiasm of the Saints who continued to pepper the Bandon citadel. They had, and should have availed of one glorious late opportunity to cut the deficit. A fantastic delivery by the tireless Anthony Quinn was collected at pace by veteran John Caulfield. One would have been inclined to put that famous last sweet on him to billow the net. However, with only the 'keeper to beat, he blasted wide from point-blank range. With this effort went St. Mary's last real goal-scoring opportunity. Granted, Chris Daly did fired over a delightful score in the dying moments, but it merely served to put a degree of respectability on matters.
Bandon had the advantage of the strong wind and lashing rain for the first thirty minutes and duly spent the majority of that period encamped in the Saints half of the pitch. After John O'Connell had hit an early lead point and Robert Moloney was spot-on from a free in the third and fourth minutes respectively, St. Mary's closed ranks in defence to foil the scoring attempts of the Lily Whites.
With Peter Daly, Alan Galvin, Eanna Kelleher and Barry O'Mahony working particularly hard, they did very well early on. Quinn and Brady were also negating the good work of Pat Calnan and Kevin Lucey, but particularly praise worthy was the fielding and clearing of Bandon pivot Charles Dullea, in extremely trying conditions.
In two incidents, one at each end, we had possible chances to break the goal-scoring deadlock. Firstly, O'Connell hit the Saints bar with a screamer as a minute later in the next Saints attack Caulfield was clean through, but slipped at the vital moment with the goal at his mercy. Pat Prendergast did well to hold a difficult ball from Brian Brady, as St. Mary's were far from being out of affairs.
Sandwiched in between came two vital Bandon points by dapper corner forward Dave Aherne. The first was from a dead ball following fabulous work by Dullea and Calnan. The second had goal written all over his shot, but somehow Shane O'Halloran (ironically of Bandon extraction himself), clawed the bullet-like drive over the bar. Daly was soon afterwards wide with a Saints free, the swirling breeze making shooting a nightmare. It left the Bandonian with a four points' to nil interval advantage, anything but secure, given the almost impossible conditions.
Chris Daly pointed a free in the 34th minute, a Bandon defender deemed to have picked the leather off the turf, hard to blame him on the evening that it was. Poor finishing, but plenty effort was the order, the players now truly drenched.
However, John O'Connell illuminated gloomy surroundings with a picture-book point in the 43rd minute. It left the Lily Whites to the good on a score of 0-5 to 0-1 and some fifteen minutes remaining. Bandon now introduced some substitutes, fresh legs in demanding conditions. However, the Saints were far from a spent force, exemplified by a delightful Dermot Milner point in the 50th minute.
In an all-out Saints attack, only an outstanding save with his feet by Pat Prendergast foiled Gary Twomey. From the resultant 45 Chris Daly made no mistake, narrowing the gap even further. Unfortunately, a combination of O'Connell and Johnson was to send them crashing out of this particular championship.
Our verdict: Bouquets to all thirty-five participants, to referee Eamonn Sheehy and his band of officials from Newcestown for coming through this endurance test. Had players from other codes who are paid highly had to do it, the papers would be singing their praises. It is this unflinching commitment, courage, boundless enthusiasm and vibrancy that mere amateurs exhibit that makes the GAA the great organisation that it is. Granted, the football standard was nothing to write home about, but the excuses were legitimate and genuine. Sufficient for the day for Bandon. They go on to meet the second string of Carbery Rangers.
Man of the match, John O'Connell, Bandon.
Scorers for Bandon: Alan Johnson 1-0, John O'Connell 0-2, Dave Aherne 0-2, 0-1 free, Robert Moloney 0-1 free
St. Mary's: Chris Daly 0-3,0-1 free, 0-1 45, Dermot Milner 0-1.
BANDON: Pat Prendergast, Brian Hurley, Anthony O'Sullivan, Niall Connor, Kevin Walsh, Charles Dullea, James O'Donovan, Pat Calnan, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Alan Johnson, Ronan McCarthy, John O'Connell, Brian Crowley, Dave Aherne. Subs: Brian Kearney for Kevin Walsh, Darren Crowley for Ronan McCarthy, Eoin O'Donovan for Brian Crowley, Michael Quirke for Niall Connor, Donagh Lucey for Robert Moloney.
St MARYS: Shane O'Halloran, Conor Baggott, Alan Galvin, Eanna Kelleher, Daniel Milner, Peter Daly, Barry O'Mahony, Anthony Quinn, Brian Brady, Dermot Milner. Chris Daly, Tiernan O'Driscoll. Gary Twomey, Shane McGillicuddy, John Caulfield
Referee: Eamon Sheehy (Newcestown).
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Southern Star 28th July 2007 - Bandon Notes
Junior Footballers hard earned win in poor conditions
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Bandon 1-05
St Marys 0-04
In the worst July conditions imaginaible Bandon Junior footballers advanced to the quarter finals of the championship with
a hard earned victory in Ahiohill over St. Mary's by 1.05 to 0.04.
Wind and incessant driving rain made conditions virtually impossible for any sport let alone gaelic football.
Bandon played with the wind in the first half and led by 0.03 to 0.00. Bandon had two great goal scoring chances in the first half, but reminiscent of the Caheragh game last year they only had a point to show for both efforts with John O'Connell's shot cannoning off the crossbar and aided by the gale the ball wound up going out for a line ball.
The slippery underfoot conditions made it a dour survival of the fittest with every ball a keenly contested lottery.
To be fair to Bandon they upped their game in the second half, battled very hard and conjured up 1.02 against the wind.
Alan Johnson's fine goal with ten minutes to go finally put some daylight between the teams.
Bandon needed that score as their goal was under siege at that stage with the wind and rain driving into Pat Prendergast's
face.
Bandon's reward for their win is a meeting on this Saturday night the 28th with Carbery Rangers in Clonakilty at 7.30 p.m.
Best on the night were Brian Hurley, Cha Dullea, James O'Donovan, Alan Johnson and John O'Connell
Team ; P.Prendergast, B.Hurley, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.O'Donovan, P.Calnan, K.Lucey, R.Moloney, A.Johnson, R.McCarthy. J.O'Connell, B.Crowley, D.Ahern. Subs.:M.Quirke, E.O'Donovan, D.Crowley, B.Kearney
All players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 21st July 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Anyone lucky enough to have been at Kieran Hurley's wedding would not have been surprised to see how focused Bandon players
were on Sunday against Valleys. Bandon were certainly up for this one.
Going back almost six weeks Bandon players were being taunted by their opponents that this game would be played the week-end of Kieran's wedding and would be fixed for Newcestown.
Despite the very best efforts of our County Board representitive, true to their word mountains were moved, other games were set aside and July 15th became a fixture. That was everything sorted but the result.
Shrouded in irony the last act of Sunday's game was a trademark Kieran Hurley bursting out of defence, clearing his lines as the
referee thankfully blew the final whistle.
We will however continue to take our victories with the same good grace as we take our defeats. Make no mistake Sunday's win on a scoreline of 1.12 to 0.13 was a very big win for Bandon and our younger players really stood up and were counted.
Bandon now progress to the Intermediate hurling semi-final awaiting the winners of Ballygarvan and Kanturk.
The half time score, in what would turn out to be a cracking game of hurling was 1.08 to 0.02. Bandon played great hurling in that first half aided by a strong wind. Credit to a game and very sporting Valley's team they threw the kitchen sink at us in the second half but a maturing Bandon
held out to win the day.
Outstanding on the day were Eoin Duggan, Brian Hurley, Joe Burke, James O'Donovan, Donough Lucey and Jason Hickey. One need not say any more about Darren O'Donoghue at this stage as he thankfully continues to be one of the finest hurlers ever to play for the club. His return for this game after such a serious injury was nothing short of a miracle. He scored two points from play but his presence on the pitch was worth 1.12.
Team as it lined out: E.Duggan, B Hurley, D.Burke, J.O'Donovan, C.Dullea, T.Bambury, G.O'Riordan (0.01), N.O'Rourke, D.Lucey (0.07), J.O'Regan, J.Hickey, D.O'Donoghue (0.02), D.Crowley (0.01), D.Burke (1.0), E.O'Donovan (0.01), Subs.:K.Hurley, R.Payne
A big well done to coach Red Crowley and mentors Joe Crowley, Robert Wilmot, James Deasy and Don McCarthy. Keep up the good work and keep "kicking down Heaven's door."
St. Brogans player Michael Minihane starred for the Cork County U16 football team who retained their Munster championship
with a win over Limerick.
Shiela Johnson won the player of the match for the Cork Minor ladies footballers who hammered Dublin in the All-Ireland final
at the week-end. She brings all her football from her mother Ann, rather than father Moss (a died in the wool Kerryman). Moss is nearly forty years in the county and rumour has it last Sunday was the first time he ever shouted for anything living
or dead wearing a Cork jersey.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon withstand mighty challenge from Valley Rovers - IHC - Carrigdhoun - Southern Star 21-07-07
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Bandon 1-12
Valley Rovers 0-13
BANDON, bolstered by a splendid first-half display and a superbly executed goal by full forward Donncha Burke just before the break, withstood a mighty challenge from Valley Rovers during the second half to avenge last year's defeat, at the end of an entertaining and exciting Cork county intermediate hurling championship quarter-final, which was played at the well-prepared Newcestown venue on Sunday last. Bandon now go on to meet the winners of Ballygarvan/Kanturk in the semi-final.
This local derby clash saw the favourites, Valley Rovers, produce just two points against wind-assisted Bandon, and as such they were left to fight an uphill battle in the second half, as they gradually whittled away at the Lily Whites' lead. As they clung on for dear life and a two-point margin, the Bandonians were thankful to their corner back James O'Donovan, who, in the dying moments of this intense contest, made a mighty save from Richard Butler to deny the Innishannon side a winning goal.
No doubt the wind was a factor but it was no excuse for Valleys' lethargic first-half performance, when they were totally controlled by an outstanding Bandon half back line of Cha Dullea, Tomas Bambury and Gavin, while, behind this trio, Joe Burke and Brian Hurley were ever solid.
Donagh Lucey punished Rovers for persistent fouling and, indeed, the winners should have been further ahead had they finished some excellent approach work (they shot nine wides in this half) by the likes.of John O'Regan, Eoin O'Donovan and Darren Crowley, who was persistent, while the wily Darren O'Donoghue moved from wing to wing and snatched some vital scores.
Meeting for the fourth time in three seasons, this clash contained a special significance in that both sides had claimed one victory each, and allied to the local bragging rights, it all added up to a contest of possession and pride. Both sides were at full strength except that Bandon's captain, Kieran Hurley, married on the previous Friday, had to sit out most of the game with a hand injury sustained in training. While his colleagues' celebrations at his wedding were put on hold — but no doubt were embarked on Sunday night.
Bandon broke from the traps early and their sense of urgency was reflected in their approach, as they scorched three points clear by the 7th minute, with a Donagh Lucey free, a Darren Crowley score from an acute angle, after Darren O'Donoghue did well to keep the ball in play. He then moved across field to gather from Gavin O'Riordan at the end of a four-man move and hit a good score.
ON TOP. In general, Bandon held sway and a good exchange between their corner forwards saw Crowley fouled. From the resultant 20m award, Gavin O'Riordan went for goal, but was denied when keeper Willie Burke deflected over the bar. One minute later (18th) Valleys' Richard Butler from a 20m free opened his side's account, but they were still floundering as Lucey punished, when he intercepted a hand pass, then he converted a free before O'Donoghue set up the exciting Eoin O'Bonovan to make it 0-7 to 0-1 after 21 minutes' play.
Canty, frustrated from inactivity in the right corner, moved outfield where he gathered from a batted-out Bandon clearance to notch Rovers' second score of the half. At that stage Bandon's wides toll was increasing, while Valleys' frustration was soon evident when they lost a free award for overreacting, following which Donagh Lucey was again on hand to punish and the winners were well in command, 0-8 to 0-2, at the 27th minute.
The Valley defence, which had stood up relatively well to the Bandon pressure, eventually succumbed when Tomas Bambury's booming delivery was gathered high in the air by Bonncha Burke, who pulled to the left of his marker, before unleashing a powerful drive to the back of Rovers' net. Then, in added time, Ciaran O'Riordan and Ray O'Bonovan set Richard Butler on his way, but his goal-bound drive was saved by keeper Eoin O'Bonovan at the expense of a fruitless '65'.
After one minute of the restart, Canty tested keeper Duggan and Rovers then missed a couple of frees, before Lucey extended Bandon's lead from another free. Rovers then reorganised their side with Cork minor Chris O'Donovan moving to left half back, where he was to make a huge difference in Rovers' return, and, together with improved performances from David Lynch, Brian Lehane, Ciaran O'Riordan and Eoin Manning, the Valley fight-back began. Eamonn Collins began to find the target with a brace from frees, before Canty hit two from play to make it 1-9 to 0-6 at the end of the third quarter.
In the meantime, Bandon's Eoin O'Bonovan threatened when he shot narrowly wide for goal. Lucey again eased Bandon's pressure, but, with Canty continuing to threaten at full forward and Collins now more involved, Rovers' recovery continued as Canty scored two points, one from 50m out on the left, Collins scored two, play and a placed ball, and Ray O'Donovan, saw the margin reduced, 1-10 to 0-11, with 9 minutes left.
With three minutes remaining, that margin of two points still stood after Lucey and O'Donoghue swapped scores with Canty and Collins, and, with Bandon clinging on, it was now clear that Valley badly needed a goal, and then Eamonn Collins' free veered to the right to add to the drama, before James O'Donovan saved the day and secured the spoils at the final whistle
Scorers for Bandon: D Lucey 0-7 (0-6 frees); D Burke 1-0; D O’Donoghue 0-2; D Crowley, G O’Riordan (free), E O’Donovan 0-1 each.
Valley Rovers: K Canty 0-6; E Collins 0-5 (0-4 frees); R Butler (free), R O’Donovan 0-1 each.
BANDON: E Duggan; J O’Donovan, J Burke, B Hurley; C Dullea, T Bambury, G O’Riordan; N O’Rourke, D Lucey; D O’Donoghue, J Hickey, J O’Regan; E O’Donovan, D Burke, D Crowley.
Subs: K Hurley for Bambury; R Payne for Dullea.
VALLEY ROVERS: W Burke; J Hurley, C O’Riordan, S Manning; D Lynch, J Burke, M O’Brien; B Lehane, C O’Donovan; R Butler, E Manning, R O’Donovan; K Canty, T Burke, E Collins.
Substitute: J O’Donovan for J Hurley.
Referee: J Kearney (Na Piarsaigh).
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Bandon youths capture South West hurling title - U14WCHC - Southern Star 21-07-07
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Bandon 2-15
Pedlars Corss 3-10
LATE, late goal for Bandon turns the tide, as they snatch victory from gallant Pedlar's Cross!
Pedlar's Cross, having already annexed the South West B under-14 hurling championship title with a glorious triumph over old adversaries Kilbrittain, travelled to Newcestown recently with ambitions of the double on their minds by winning the A grade as well. However, standing in their way was formidable opposition in the shape of the Lily Whites from Bandon, who ply their trade at A level.
It looked good for the Ballinascarthy lads when after an absolutely outstanding performance they still held a goal advantage with less than a minute remaining in normal time. Then, Eoin Ryan, one of the Bandon heroes, tried a speculative lob from all of forty metres. To the chagrin of the Pedlar's Cross goalie Mikey Kirby, who had distinguished himself over the hour, with a series of splendid saves and with the custodian possibly unsighted because of the sun, the ball dropped behind him and beneath the crossbar.
RELIEF. Against considerable odds, Bandon were level and in injury-time added two match winning points, leaving Pedlar's Cross devastated while breathing a sigh of relief themselves. The considerable threat posed by the two main danger-men, Mark Sugrue from Bandon and Pedlar's Cross star Cillian Cullinane was exemplified by the fact that the mentors from both camps had two players keeping tabs on them to minimise the scoring chances. A feature of the opening moiety was the probing runs of Sugrue from the midfield zone where after winning possession on several occasions, he hit some splendid points on the run.
However, it was Eoin Ryan who kept Bandon in the match with two vital points towards the end of the first half, both excellent scores, while that lobbed second half effort that ended up in the back of the net broke Pedlar's hearts. Others to shine for Bandon included Rob Long who got a goal of paramount importance in the 51st minute that turned the game after Pedlar's had conceded a free on the sideline. Goalie Barry Collins could do little with the shots that passed him, while also prominent were Padraig O'Leary and Shane Lynch.
Cillian Cullinane was again the supreme hero for Pedlar's Cross. Amassing an astounding personal tally of two goals and eight points, his performance was really immense in the sense that not only did he score at will, he had a hand in practically all the others while winning a huge number of frees. His two goals were of pure vintage quality.
The first in the 12th minute followed a great ball by Aidan O'Donovan to Ger Kirby. The latter found the unmarked Brendan Deasy and the flying wing forward passed to Cullinane who duly kicked to the net. The second arrived in the 15th minute when Cullinane deftly rounded his marker before unleashing a bullet to the roof of the Bandon net. The Kilmalooda man had a big hand in the third and final goal as well. It arrived in the 40th minute and followed a puck-out by Chris Ryan (who played on despite sustaining a nasty first half hand injury), to the hard working Jeremy Ryan. Spotting Cullinane in splendid isolation, he found him with a peach of a pass. Cullinane neatly turned his marker, ran all of forty metres before passing to substitute Ciaran Crowley who hammered the ball home from close range.
Others to star for Pedlar's included Jeremy Ryan, the Walsh twins Paul and Barry, Chris Ryan who had a great hour at full-back, goalie Mikey Kirby, substitute Ciaran Crowley and Brendan Deasy, while Dave O'Brien was sound at corner-back.
Bouquets to two sporting teams following a great game. By the time these notes appear, it is quite probable that Bandon will have participated at A county championship level, while Pedlar's Cross will take part in the B county championship. After the match, Aidan O'Rourke, Bord na nOg, presented the cup to an overjoyed Bandon captain Tadhg O'Donovan.
BANDON: Barry Collins, Colin Hourihan, Tadhg O'Donovan, Colin Jackson, Shane Hurley, Padraig O'Leary, Conor Lynch, Matthew McNamara, James McSweeney, Mark Sugrue, Rob Long, Eoin Ryan, Mark Hetherington, Aidan Dullea, Mikey Cahalane.
PEDLARS CROSS: Mikey Kirby, Dave Walsh , Chris Ryan, Dave O'Brien, Aidan O'Donovan, Cian Hennessy, Gerry Ryan, Seamus McCarthy, Jeremy Ryan, Barry Walsh, Daniel Nyhan, Brendan Deasy, Ger Kirby, Gillian Cullinane, Dave Brennan. Sub. Ciaran Crowley
Referee: Eamonn Sheehy, Newcestown.
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Bandon stand tall to foil battling Valleys - IHC - Irish Examiner 16-07-07
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Bandon 1-12
Valley Rovers 0-13
BANDON had to withstand a tremendous second-half fight-back by Valley Rovers before winning this keenly contested Evening Echo IHC quarter-final at Newcestown yesterday.
The west Cork side looked likely winners after turning over nine points in front at the break, 1-8 to 0-2, but were grateful to corner back James O’Donovan who made a magnificent save from Richard Butler in injury time to deny Rovers what would have been a winning goal.
The wind was clearly a factor and Bandon made maximum use of it in the opening half. Four points in the opening six minutes gave them an early lead and it might have been more but Gavin O’Riordan’s well struck 20-metre free was deflected over for a point.
Rovers struggled to make any impression against a teak tough Bandon defence in which Joe Burke and Brian Hurley were outstanding. It took them 17 minutes to open their account with a Richard Butler point, but Donagh Lucey punished every indiscretion by the Rovers defence with some superb free-taking.
With county minor Darren Crowley at left corner forward giving his marker a roasting, Bandon were full value for their 0-8 to 0-2 lead after 27 minutes.
The pressure on the Rovers defence was relentless and they finally cracked. A long delivery by Joe Burke was brought down superbly by his namesake Donncha and he streaked away from his marker before billowing the Rovers net for a goal that helped his side to what looked to be a comfortable 1-8 to 0-2 half-time lead.
Eamon Collins, who took over free-taking duties from Richard Butler, began the Valley fight-back with two points. Kevin Canty, now at full-forward, added two more and by the end of the third quarter the deficit was down to five.
It was Bandon’s turn to struggle and with Canty finally showing his class, they cut the deficit to two as Canty (2) and Collins found the target. Darren O’Donoghue eased the pressure on Bandon with a crucial point, but back came Rovers and Collins pointed a free.
Valley pounded the Bandon defence but the west Cork side hung on and avenged last year’s defeat thanks to corner back O’Donovan’s superb save from Butler.
Scorers for Bandon: D Lucey 0-7 (0-6 frees); D Burke 1-0; D O’Donoghue 0-2; D Crowley, G O’Riordan (free), E O’Donovan 0-1 each.
Valley Rovers: K Canty 0-6; E Collins 0-5 (0-4 frees); R Butler (free), R O’Donovan 0-1 each.
BANDON: E Duggan; J O’Donovan, J Burke, B Hurley; C Dullea, T Bambury, G O’Riordan; N O’Rourke, D Lucey; D O’Donoghue, J Hickey, J O’Regan; E O’Donovan, D Burke, D Crowley.
Subs: K Hurley for Bambury; R Payne for Dullea.
VALLEY ROVERS: W Burke; J Hurley, C O’Riordan, S Manning; D Lynch, J Burke, M O’Brien; B Lehane, C O’Donovan; R Butler, E Manning, R O’Donovan; K Canty, T Burke, E Collins.
Substitute: J O’Donovan for J Hurley.
Referee: J Kearney (Na Piarsaigh).
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Southern Star 14th July 2007 - Bandon Notes
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All roads lead to Newcestown on Sunday next for the much anticipated Intermediate hurling championship clash with raging
favorites Valley Rovers.
Bandon will have to improve dramatically on their first round performance against Ballygarvan to have any hope of advancing
to the semi-final.
We wish team manager Red Crowley,his fellow selectors,and the players well and to borrow an extract from the book of legendary
Tyrone Manager Mickey Harte,maybe the hurlers last eight years spent "knocking on heavens door" is over and it's now time to
start "kicking down heaven's door".
Bandon GAA club has produced some outstanding under-age talent over the last forty years,Robert Wilmot,Padraig and Noel
Crowley,Paddy Cahalane, Michael Lyons and James Nyhan to name but a few.
Potentially the finest under age prospect ever produced by the club Conor Hourihane has just touched down in Sunderland
to ply his trade as an apprentice professional footballer.
Though just turned sixteen Conor produced enough quality performances at under twelve and under fourteen for st. Brogans
to be regarded as something of a hurling and football prodigy.
He captained the St. Brogans U14 footballers when they became the first West Cork team ever to win a Premier County
Championship beating St. Michaels in 2005.
Earlier in the summer that team won the County A U14 hurling final hammering Sarsfields in the final.Unfortunately they would lose to the same opposition a month later in the All ireland Feile final in
Pairc ui Chaoimh. He has already worn the red jersey of Cork on numerous occasions.
We have no doubt that when he settles "across the pond" true quality will out,and St. Brogan GAA's incalculable loss will be
Roy Keane,Sunderlands and hopefully one day Ireland's gain.
Indeed Conor has already represented his country at under age level on many occasions.
Conor carries the good wishes of everybody associated with Bandon GAA with him, safe in the knowledge that we will follow
his future exploits with huge interest and affection. He will be a role model for all our young players who will follow his progress and can remember him as truly one of our
own "making good". Bandon's answer to Kevin Moran.
He is and will be an outstanding young ambassador for his town and county and we wish him a long, happy and successful career.
Conor's parents Helen and John who is still actively involved in underage in the club can be justifiably proud.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
St. Brogans
Waterford man Mick Beecher celebrated on the double over the weekend with the Deise confirming their status as the second
best hurling team in Munster. He also coached, along with Robert O'Mahony, the St. Brogans U14 hurlers who came back from the
dead to beat Pedlars Cross in a thrilling West Cork final played in Newcestown on Saturday night.
The final score was 2.15 to 3.10 with Bandon trailing by 1.07 to 3.10 with eleven minutes remaining.
St. Brogans displaying a maturity way beyond their years gave an exhibition of point taking and added 1.08 without reply to
the final whistle.
St.Brogans trailed for most of the match and struggled for long periods against quality opposition, but their never say die
attitude and self belief eventually won the day.
The half time score was 0.08 to 2.08.
Eoin Ryan had the game of his young life scoring 1.06.
Team: Barry Collins, Colin Jackson,Tadgh O'Donovan,Colm Hourihan,Shane Hickey,Padraig O'Leary,Conor Lynch,Matthew McNamara,
James McSweeney,Mark Sugrue,Aidan Dullea,Eoin Ryan,Michael Cahalane,Robert Long,Eoin Hetherington.
St. Brogans reward is a home tie in Bandon against Ballinhassig in the first round of the County at 7.15 p.m. on wednesday
July 18th. Suport for this home fixture would be welcome.
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Southern Star 7th July 2007 - Bandon Notes
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The Premier minor hurlers play Blarney in the championship in Cloughduv at 7.00 p.m.on Wednesday July 11th.
Extra time will be played if required.
Kieran Hurley one of our most prominent hurlers and a very active club Central Committee member has a big
day ahead on the 13th July when he marries Gillian O'Driscoll also from Bandon.
Gillian is also from a sporting background and her father Niall won County championships with Bandon but
was always a more prominent rugby man and most recently he was a very successful President of the Munster
Branch of the I.R.F.U.
To pile more sporting pressure on Kieran Gillian's brothers Niall jnr.(a fine gaelic footballer) recently
won a Munster Junior Rugby Cup medal playing with Garryowen and another brother Andrew has been capped at
under age level in rugby for Ireland.
On behalf of everybody in the club we wish Kieran and Gillian a long and happy life together.
Due to an unfortunate "clash of fixtures",Kieran the team captain,will be on honeymoon for the recently
fixed Intermediate hurling championship quarter final showdown with Valleys on Sunday the 15th July.
He has been an inspirational figure for this young team and will be a major loss.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Quick start by Bandon, but St Nicks finish on top - MFC - Martin O'Brien - County Section IE 03-07-07
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St Nicks 1-13
Bandon 2-05
A BATTLING second half performance by St Nicholas saw them see off the challenge of Bandon in this entertaining Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football Championship second round game played in Ovens on Thursday evening last.
Bandon got off to the ideal start with a goal and a point from Cian O'Mahony and a point from Ronan Crowley by the ninth minute. St Nicks gathered their forces and two minutes later they opened their scoring with a fine pointed free from Andrew Evans.
After three unanswered points from Paul Hegarty, Stuart O'Driscoll and Kieran McHenry (free) only a point divided the sides by the 18th minute.
Bandon hit back with a brace of points from Ronan Crowley, the first following some fine work by Cian O'Mahony and the second from a placed ball. St Nicks replied with rousing points from Kevin Barry and lan O'Regan to go in at the break trailing 0-06 to 1-04.
Bandon hit the ground running on the resumption and in their first attack they brought out the best in Cian Kearney, the 'Nicks goalkeeper, but his parried block saw the ball rebound into the path of Brian Kelly who stroked it to the net.
Almost straight from the kick-out Ronan Crowley added a point and Bandon were again five points to the good. Unfortunately for them this was to be their last score as the "City" side upped the pace of the game.
A pointed free from McHenry stared their comeback in the 33 minute and three minutes later their chances received a major boost when Hegarty soloed through for a magnificent goal to reduce the mar¬gin again to a single point. Although Bandon fought bravely to strengthen their position the St Nicks defence stood solid.
Scorers - St Nicholas: Kieran McHenry 0-06 (frees); Paul Hegarty 1-01; Cathal Hickey 0-02; Andrew Evans 0-01 (free); Stuart O'Driscoll, Kevin Barry, and lan O'Regan 0-01 each.
Bandon: Cian O'Mahony 1-01; Ronan Crowley 0-04 (0-01 free); Brian Kelly 1-00
St Nicholas: Cian Kearney; Richard O'Brien, Lenny Guckian, Terry Howard; Stuart O'Driscoll, Stephen McDonnell, Derek O'Toole; Andrew Evans, Kieran McHenry; lan O'Regan, Paul Hegarty, Kevin Barry; Cathal Hickey, Dean Brosnan Wayne Fitzgerald. Subs: Colm Horgan for Wayne Fitzgeraid Chris Oliver for lan O'Regan John Corcoran for Dean Brosnan Brian O'Sullivan for Kevin Barry
Bandon: Jack Donegan; Sean O'Riordan, Brendan Collins, Robert Wilmot; Mark Muir, Darren Ryan, Mark O'Leary; Jason McCarthy, David Crowley; Roy Payne, Trevor Barrett, Cian O'Donovan; Ronan Crowley, Brian Kelly Cian O'Mahony Subs: Chris O'Donoghue for Cian O'Donovan Eoin Jackson for Brian Kelly.
Referee: Conor Lane (Banteer)
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Southern Star 30th June 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Darren Crowley once again underlined his great potential playing a starring role with CIT in their victory over Muskerry on Sunday night in the County Senior hurling championship in Pairc ui Rinn.He scored 1.04 and was joined on the team by another star of the future James O'Donovan.
The Bandon versus Valley Rovers Intermediate hurling championship match has been fixed for 3.30 p.m.in Newcestown on Sunday the 15th July.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Ó Mathúna's have too much for Bandon's second string in junior A hurling clash - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 23-06-07
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D Ó Mathúna 3-15
Bandon 1-06
IN THE end it was all too easy for the hurlers of Castletownkenneigh when they took on Bandon in the junior A hurling championship, losers' group, in Newcestown on Thursday last, but for a while it looked as if the Lily Whites were really up for this clash and were going to spring a surprise.
Racing into a three point lead, Bandon were well on top in the opening exchanges and it took Mathuna's some time to get to grips with the challenge, but when they did there was only one team in it.
When John Paul O'Callaghan found the range after a shaky start, he rifled over the points from all angles and punished every discretion by the Bandon defence. Ten times in all he raised the white flag, nine from frees and topped another great scoring show with a goal in the last minute. But this wasn't a one-man show by Mathuna's who seem to be coming good at the right time of the season.
After their early slow start they clawed their way to the front without setting the world on fire and the decisive score came in the 27th minute at a time when they led by a single point. A lovely first-time goal by Kieran Fleming really put them in the driver's seat and having led at the interval by 1-6 to 0-4, they proceeded to up the pace in the second half.
It was one-way traffic as they built on their lead, with the Bandon attack hardly getting a look-in, although the Lily Whites did get chances of scoring a couple of goals, which they failed to take. They managed only a single point in the third quarter as Mathuna's increased their lead to ten points. It was over as a contest entering the last quarter, although we did have some excitement afterwards with three goals being registered.
John O'Donovan made sure there was no way back for Bandon when he goaled in the 50th minute but Bandon, who battled away to the end, went straight down the pitch from the puck-out and Alan Johnson burst through for a good goal. In the 31st minute John Paul picked off a simple goal as Mathuna's won their way through to the final of the losers' group against the winners of Clonakilty and Kilbrittain, who drew on Saturday evening.
While John Paul was again Mathuna's hero, it was the defence which kept the ship on an even keel early on and conceded very little in the second half. Johnny Nyhan was rock solid in goal, as usual, and was well fronted by Dave Carroll at full back, with Micheal Fehily having a stormer at centre back and Johnny O'Sullivan hurling well on the wing.
David Nyhan had a fine outing at midfield, particularly in turning the tide early on, and was well supported by Shane Buttimer. John Hurley was very strong on the forty and Ted Lordan was a ball of energy at wing forward.
Bandon started as if they were going to play Mathuna's off the pitch but faded out of contention. They had a real star in full back Anthony O'Sullivan, who cleared his lines well all through and he got good support at the back from Brian Hurley, John Ahern and Mark O'Leary. The strong Kevin Lucey had a good outing at mid-field with Robert Moloney also trying hard. Alan Johnson worked extremely hard at cen¬tre forward and Kieran Doyle had a good first half. Donncha Burke showed nice touches at full forward but, overall, the attack lacked a cutting edge and saw little of the ball in the second half.
Referee, Eamonn Sheehy, Newcestown.
Bandon got off to a great start and within four minutes Kieran Doyle had rifled two frees over the crossbar. Two minutes later, the strong Alan Johnson soloed through for a great point and the Whites had their tails up. Mathuna's were struggling to catch up to the pace of the game and they were helped to an extent when Bandon seemed to lose sight of the goalposts, hitting a number of wides when further scores would have consolidated their position.
Inspired by the flying David Nyhan at midfield, Mathuna's began to claw their way back and John Paul opened their account in the seventh minute from a free. Although he pointed another three minutes later, he was guilty of some untypical misses as well, and Bandon still led by 0-3 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter.
Improving Mathuna's began to take a grip in the second quarter, with Micheal Fehily dominating at centre back and they were level in the 16th minute from a long-range Fehily free. When John Paul pointed a free, Mathuna's were in front for the first time and there to stay. He then swapped frees with Kevin Doyle and Bandon missed some great chances, including a shot across the face of the goal by Donncha Burke. They paid the price when Kieran Fleming whipped first time on a ground cross and buried the ball in the corner of the Bandon net to score a vital goal in the 27th minute. Ted Lordan started and finished a great move with a Mathuna point to close the first half scoring, 1-6 to 0-4, in a moderately entertaining first half.
The second half saw Mathuna's going from strength to strength with John Paul in lethal scoring form. He split the posts with four frees in the third quarter, supplemented with good scores from David Nyhan and Ted Lordan. Bandon's only reply was a single point from Alan Johnson and the winners were 1-12 to 0-5 in front as the last quarter dawned.
After John Paul had added another free, Bandon had a great chance to get back into the game when Kevin Lucey cut through the centre on a defence-splitting solo run but, after being hooked, he opted to kick the sliotar only to see it going wide of the post. That miss was highlighted when Mathuna's scored the simplest of goals in the 50th minute, John O'Donovan finishing a long Ted Lordan delivery to the net.
There was no way back for Bandon after that, although they showed instant defiance when the puck-out was collected by Alan Johnson, who cut through for a fine goal. Robert Moloney added a point from a free as Bandon rallied briefly but it was all too little, too late as John Paul, free, and sub John Buttimer added points and in extra time John Paul finished another polished performance with a goal when he touched home another Lordan delivery.
Scorers - D. O Mathuna's: John Paul O'Callaghan 1-10, 0-9 frees, John O'Donovan 1-0, Kieran Fleming 1-0, Ted Lordan 0-2, David Nyhan 0-1, John Buttimer 0-1, Micheal Fehily 0-1 free.
Bandon: Alan Johnson 1-2, Kieran Doyle 0-3 frees, Robert Moloney 0-1 free.
Diarmuid O Mathuna: Johnny Nyhan, Jerry Nyhan, Dave Carroll, Aidan Collins, Clinton O'Mahony, Micheal Fehily, Johnny O'Sullivan, Shane Buttimer, David Nyhan, Sean Coughlan, John Hurley, Ted Lordan, John Paul O'Callaghan, Kieran Fleming, John O'Donovan. Subs: John Buttimer and Tim Crowley.
Bandon: John Crowley, Anthony Nyhan, Anthony O'Sullivan, Brian Hurley, Brian Kearney, John Ahern, Mark O'Leary, Robert Moloney, Kevin Lucey, Kieran Doyle, Alan Johnson, Vincent Goggin, Paddy Murphy, Donncha Burke, Jason McCarthy. Subs: James Dullea, Denis Canniffe, Tim Crowley.
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Southern Star 23rd June 2007 - Bandon Notes
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It appears the Cork County Intermediate and Senior hurling championships are in meltdown and there is no chance of the Bandon versus Valley Rovers championship game being played in the first half of July.Cork hurlers will have to finish their back door campaign first.
We should be grateful for small blessings as there is a story doing the rounds of one county fixing the next round of their championship for mid September some fourteen weeks away all for the benefit of their Inter county players.
We can only wonder aloud what awaits the clubs when these "elitist" players are soon to be paid for their services. Sorry, that should have read "being grant assisted" not being paid.
The draws for the next round of the West Cork Junior A football championships have been made with Bandon scheduled to meet the winners of St. Mary's and St.James in the next round. For anyone interested these teams play in Bandon on Wednesday the 27th June at 7.30 p.m.
The minor footballers play St. Nicks in the Premier championship on Thursday the 28th June in Ovens at 7.30 p.m.
The minor hurlers have been drawn to play Blarney in the Premier championship. That game is provisionally fixed for Thursday the 12th July in Cloughduv at 7.00 p.m.
Extra time will be played in both games if necessary.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 9th June 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon intermediate hurlers play Fr.O'Neill's in Bandon on Friday night at 7.30 pm.in the league.
The Junior A hurlers are fixed to play Diarmuid O Mathunas on Thursday the 14th June in Newcestown at 8 p.m. in the South West Championship.
On Saturday night in the Senior Football Championship Carbery footballers, featuring a number of Bandon players will play Ballincollig in Inchigeelagh.
Any club members looking for match tickets for the Cork V.s Waterford Munster Hurling Championship semi-final on Sunday week in Thurles should contact the Club Secretary.
A final appeal for players and supporters who have not yet paid their membership to immediately do so to Registrar Tom O'Donoghue. The response to date has been poor and it is not necessary to always wait to be asked.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon Win a dour contest - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 09-06-07
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Bandon 0-09
Clann na nGeal 0-06
ON A wet miserable Saturday evening last in Ballineen, Clann na nGael, last year's county B champions, made their debut in the junior A football championship against perennial hopefuls, Bandon.
A nervous opening quarter during which they fell four points in arrears against a Bandon outfit firing on all cylinders, was followed by a second quarter comeback which cut the lead at the break to a single point. Bandon's tendency to fade in and out of games was more than evident as Clann kicked three unanswered points in a row.
The rain was getting heavier and the game was up for grabs as the teams lined up for the second half. The third quarter was nondescript as both sides failed to lift the standard and white flags were conspicuous by their absence. Eventually Bandon found the target and Clann's challenge began to peter out disappointingly. They didn't quite collapse but never looked like overhauling the Lily Whites in the closing quarter.
This was a most disappointing clash but the conditions didn't help. Bandon looked impressive in patches and clearly have the potential to do well this season. However, their tendency to fade out of a game when they seem to be in control won't help their cause. They were strong and physical and full of running and have the players to go a long way in the championship. Their physical advantage had Clann in trouble for much of the hour.
Pat Prendergast had a sound game in goal and was well protected by Anthony O'Sullivan on the edge of the square. Charles Dullea again had a fine game at centre back, while James O'Donovan did well at wing back. Patrick Callanan had a great first half at midfield and worked hard all through.
Up front, Alan Johnson looked sharp on the forty, Ronan McCarthy and Robert Moloney were lively on the wings and the ' tall Brian Crowley looked dangerous at full forward, with corner forwards, John O'Connell, before his injury, and David Ahern doing well in the corners.
Clann na nGael entered this game on the back of county and Munster titles and the spirit was high. It looked good at half-time when they trailed by a mere point but they never succeeded in lifting their game after the break. While their defence and, especially, midfield, looked good all through, their attack never had the cutting edge that might have brought a surprise result.
Corner backs, Patrick O'Driscoll and Kevin Curran, gave good cover to goalie, James O'Regan, while Andrew McCarthy was the pick of a halfback line which was in trouble at times. Danny Holland worked hard at midfield and, up front, Pat Joe O'Donovan, Haulie O'Driscoll and Paul O'Driscoll formed a half forward line which often looked capable of winning the game, without getting results. Adrian O'Driscoll did well as a roving full forward.
Influential midfielder, Patrick Callanan, was the first to get his name on the score sheet and. after Micheal 'Haulie' O'Driscoll had levelled from a free, Bandon began to take control. Playing some fine running football they had further points from David Ahern and John O'Connell and in the 14th minute O'Connell forced a fine save from James O'Regan.
Full forward, Brian Crowley, burst on the scene then with two fine points and Bandon, with the half back line clearing loads of ball, were opening a gap as the game entered the second quarter, 0-5 to 0-1.
To their credit, Clann came fighting back. Led by Paul O'Rourke and Haulie O'Driscoll, points from O'Rourke, Pat Joe O'Donovan and O'Driscoll had the lead down to the minimum as the half-time whistle sounded, 0-5 to 0-4.
Darren Crowley came on as a sub for the injured John O'Connell at the break and was immediately into action as his shot was blocked by an outstretched foot on the goal line. Anthony O'Sullivan was lording it at full back for Bandon at this stage but it was stalemate for thirteen long minutes with both defences on top.
Eventually, in the 43rd minute Robert Moloney broke the famine with a Bandon point and Ronan McCarthy had them three points to the good as the last quarter dawned. Sub, Kevin Lucey, was doing well for Bandon at midfield as Brian Crowley stretched the lead to four and Clann were under severe pressure.
Again the Scorchers rallied but lacked the power up front to get the goal they evidently needed to bring them back into contention. A fierce assault saw wing back Andrew McCarthy fly-kicking the ball over the bar to leave three points between the sides with twelve minutes remaining, but Brian Crowley again put four between the teams as the game entered the closing five minutes.
The physically stronger Bandon side were not going to be caught now, even though Pat Joe O'Donovan pointed a free in the 59th minute to leave a single goal between the sides at the finish.
Referee: Donal Shorten (St Mary's).
Scorers for Bandon: B Crowley 0-4, P Calnan, D Aherne, J O'Connell, R Moloney, R McCarthy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Ballygarvan: M O'Driscoll 0-2 (0-1 free), Pat Joe O'Donovan 0-2 (0-1 free), P O'Rourke, W O'Donovan 0-1 each.
BANDON: P Prendergast; B Hurley, A O'Sullivan, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Donovan; B Kearney, Calnan; R McCarthy, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, B Crowley, D Aherne. Subs; K Lucey, E O'Donovan, M Quirke, D Crowley.
CLANN NA NGAEL: J O'Regan; P O'Driscoll, J O'Donovan, K Curran; A McCarthy, J Cahalane, W O'Donovan; L Collins, D Holland; P O'Rourke, M O'Driscoll, Pat Joe O'Donovan; C Daly, A O'Driscoll, T Hayes. Subs; V Collins, F O'Connell.
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Junior Footballers Beat Clan na Geal - Derry Farr - County Sport 29-05-07
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Bandon 0-09
Clann na nGeal 0-06
There's no substitute for experience as debutantes Clann na nGael found out in this opening round clash with Bandon in the South West junior A football championship.
A rain-soaked Enniskeane venue hosted this Saturday evening encounter where Bandon, despite a dogged display by the losers, had the facility to pull away when in trouble. The winners began with a flurry of points, and helped by a brace of Brian Crowley scores, established an early four-point advantage. It could have been more, but for a fine James O'Regan save that denied Bandon's John O'Connell at the end of the opening quarter.
The losers produced a commendable rally approaching the interval when unanswered points from Paul O'Rourke, Pat Joe O'Donovan and Micheal O'Driscoll left them trailing by the minimum at the break. The pattern panned out in a similar vein during a closing half when Bandon once more streaked ahead only for the losers to come again with a vibrant challenge that came too late to prevent a well balanced Bandon from deservedly advancing to round three.
Referee: Donal Shorten (St Mary's).
Scorers for Bandon: B Crowley 0-4, P Calnan, D Aherne, J O'Connell, R Moloney, R McCarthy 0-1 each.
Scorers for Ballygarvan: M O'Driscoll 0-2 (0-1 free), Pat Joe O'Donovan 0-2 (0-1 free), P O'Rourke, W O'Donovan 0-1 each.
BANDON: P Prendergast; B Hurley, A O'Sullivan, N Connor; K Walsh, C Dullea, J O'Donovan; B Kearney, Calnan; R McCarthy, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, B Crowley, D Aherne. Subs; K Lucey, E O'Donovan, M Quirke, D Crowley.
CLANN NA NGAEL: J O'Regan; P O'Driscoll, J O'Donovan, K Curran; A McCarthy, J Cahalane, W O'Donovan; L Collins, D Holland; P O'Rourke, M O'Driscoll, Pat Joe O'Donovan; C Daly, A O'Driscoll, T Hayes. Subs; V Collins, F O'Connell.
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Southern Star 2nd June 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon 0-09
Clann na nGeal 0-06
Bandon Junior footballers emulated the first round success of their Intermediate hurling counterparts by defeating Clann na Gael 0.09 to 0.06 in a hard fought encounter played in Enniskeane on Saturday night.
While the overall standard may have been poor Bandon scored some excellent points from play and will be satisfied with the win. Conditions on the night were quite difficult and it wasn't an occasion for champagne football.
Best on the night were Brian Hurley, Cha Dullea, James O'Donovan, Robert Moloney who worked his socks off, Brian Crowley who scored 0.04 from play, and David Ahern who had a very good second half.
Team: P.Prendergast, B.Hurley, A.O'Sullivan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, C.Dullea, J.O'Donovan, B.Kearney, P.Calnan (0.01), R.Moloney (0.01), A.Johnson, R.McCarthy (0.01), J.O'Connell (0.01), B.Crowley (0.04), D.Ahern (0.01). Subs: D. Crowley, K.Lucey, E.O'Donovan, M.Quirke.
The Bobby Clarke of Bandon Motors Limited sponsored annual Golf Classic is over for another year and was once again a resounding successs.
It continues to be a hugely important fund raiser for the adult club.
The winning team was the wily Chaplins Bar grouping of James Deasy,Declan Lehane and Gerry O'Donovan who sank a long thirty foot plus putt on the eighteenth green that ultimately put them at the head of the other seventy teams.(Later on in the night the putt was sixty feet and getting longer and more difficult with each pint).
Current Intermediate hurling selector James Deasy's brave team selection was vindicated,as he controversially dropped a reknowned low handicap former Intermediate hurling selector just before the off.
James justified the cull afterwards in one of his many interview's as team captain stating that the low handicapper can't putt and "would have cost them" so he went off and replaced him with Gerry who most definitely can.
A big well done to Kevin McCarthy and his organising Committee for a very well orchestrated and equally well supported outing.
Many thanks to Bandon golf Club and especially to Ger Mehigan for the excellent food on offer.
Bandon Intermediate hurlers will renew rivalry with neighbours Valley Rovers in the quarter final of the championship, time and venue to be finalised.
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 19th May 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Bandon 0-13
Ballygarven 1-08
If someone had asked Red Crowley his targets when he took over as Intermediate hurling coach,winning the first round of the championship for the first time in four years would have been high on his list. On a day when all our divisional counterparts fell at the first hurdle Red certainly achieved his first ambition.
In a very poor quality game played in overcast and showery Brinny, Bandon eventually overcame Ballygarvan on a scoreline of 0.13 to 1.08.
At half-time the teams were level 0.07 to 1.04. Bandon's cause was not helped by hitting fifteen wides over the hour and in the first half hitting the ball directly into the Ballygarvan goalies hands on at least six occasions.
This Bandon side has undoubted potential but will only realise it when our players learn to look up and pick out a player in a better scoring position and more importantly realise that you can drive a sliothar eighty yards while you are running five yards into trouble.
Given our overall dominance it is difficult to fathom that we could have actually lost the game in the last five minutes if Ballygarvan had not become obsessed with scoring goals.
A lesson could be learned from the direct hurling of Joe Burke last Sunday who was excellent all through at full back. Others to play well Eoin Duggan, James O'Donovan, Kevin Walsh, John O'Regan (second half) and Darren Crowley.
Team: E.Duggan, J.McCarthy, J.Burke, J.O'Donovan, K.Hurley, T.Bambury, G.O'Riordan, C.Dullea, K.Walsh, D.Lucey, N.O'Rourke, J.O'Regan, B.Crowley, D. Crowley, J.Hickey. Subs: D.Ryan, R.Payne
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon just edge out Ballygarvan - Carrigdhoun - Southern Star 12-05-07
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Bandon 0-13
Ballygarven 1-08
FOLLOWING a late, late flourish, which yielded the match-winning scores, Bandon scored a second-round place in the Cork County intermediate hurling championship at Brinny on Sunday last, where they edged out Ballygarvan, who now go on to meet Eire Óg through the back door.
Both sides will be disappointed with their performances on Sunday in a game that never really got off the ground. And no doubt the absence of Darren O'Donoghue for Bandon and Liam Dillon for Ballygarvan, both out through injury, did not help the hopes of both clubs, as they struggled up front, with Bandon being exceptionally out of touch in their shooting, as they hit 15 wides compared to their opponents' eight. Ballygarvan will rue their point-scoring chances towards the end, as they went for goals.
But at the end, Bandon just about deserved the victory, with their top-scoring duo of Donagh Lucey and Darren Crowley their saviours in the end, while defenders Gavin Riordan, Joe Burke, Darren Ryan and Kieran Hurley can take a bow for their overall performance, especially in the closing stages.
Bandon began in flying fashion, as they raced into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead inside ten minutes, with scores from Darren Crowley, Kieran Hurley and Jason Hickey, and together with some wides and short shots, which 'keeper Joe Kennefick gladly accepted, they could have been further in front.
Ballygarvan, who had their first score after three minutes per Gary White, eventually found their feet, as the latter latched on to a long, free delivery, and they were level by the 15th minute when the quick-thinking Stephen Bouse placed his free across field to the unmarked Cian O Concubhair. Shortly after, the latter had to leave the field injured and no doubt his strong leadership on the '40' was sadly missed by Garvans.
A well-worked moved by Gavin Riordan and Jason Hickey saw Donagh Lucey land a superb lead point, before Ballygarvan registered the only goal of the game when Gary White gathered from a puck out in his own half. He then soloed unchallenged to the 20m line before parting to his brother Stephen, who finished shortly inside the butt of the post.
But, by the 22nd minute, Bandon had responded when firstly Brian Crowley ran on to a long-range free from Joe Burke and then Darren Crowley snapped at a Niall O'Rourke lay-off to level the match at 1-3 to 0-6. Ballygarvan then found their deliveries dropping short to keeper Eoin Duggan, before Ballygarvan's David Bouse, taking advantage of the referee's strict attitude to over-stepping, pointed a 45m lead point, but before the short whistle the Lily Whites, having added to their wides tally, eventually levelled at the break when Donagh Lucey pointed a 50m free out on the right wing - 1-4 to 0-7.
After both sides had exchanged scores through Darren Crowley and Morgan Sheehy, Bandon were to continue on their wasteful way. John O'Regan, working hard all through, eventually restored Bandon's lead, but that was shortlived, as Shane O'Leary set up Gary White for the equaliser for the sixth time, and they again went ahead thanks to the exertions of Robert Bouse and Darren O'Sullivan, which saw Ciaran O'Sullivan under pressure make it 1-7 to 0-9 entering the last quarter.
It was level again then the referee adjudged that Donagh Lucey had pointed. At that stage the spoils of victory were within sight of both sides, as mistakes were made while indulgence in over-passing was not helping the continuance of play.
With ten minutes to go, Stephen White from a '65' and Donagh Lucey, 45m free, swapped scores. But with five minutes to go, another of Joe Burke's huge clearances was gathered by John O'Regan. He was then held back and, from the 20m free, Lucey made no mistake. Then Darren Crowley, from a delivery by the impressive Darren Ryan, landed a very good score and, from thereon, the West Cork side held their two-point lead, despite Ballygarvan's bid to break through in the closing minutes.
Referee: J Dorgan (Nemo Rangers).
Scorers for Bandon: D Lucey 0-5 (0-3f); D Crowley 0-4; K Hurley, J O'Regan, B Crowley, J Hickey 0-1 each.
Scorers for Ballygarvan: D White 1-3; C O Concubhair, C O'Sullivan, M Sheehy, S White (65) D Bouse (free) 0-1 each.
BANDON: E Duggan, J McCarthy, J Burke, J O'Donovan, K Hurley, T Bambury, G Riordan, C Dullea, K Walsh, D Lucey, N O'Rourke, J O'Regan, D Crowley, B Crowley, J Hickey. Subs:D Ryan for T Bambury; R Payne for J Hickey.
BALLYGARVAN; J Kennefick, R Bouse, D Sweeney, B Keohane, S White, G Spillane, D O'Sullivan, D Bouse, W McCarthy, C O'Sullivan, C 0 Conchubair, S O'Leary, G White, M O'Riordan, K Ashman. Sub:. M Sheehy for C 0 Concubhair (inj)
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Wasteful Bandon Leave it Late - John Newman - Irish Examiner 07-05-07
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Bandon 0-13
Ballygarven 1-08
WASTEFUL Bandon, who shot 15 wides over the hour, snatched the match-winning points in the closing stages to deny gallant Ballygarvan in this Evening Echo Cork Co IHC game at Brinny.
Although the sides were level on eight occasions, this tie never crept above the ordinary and it the end the west Cork side just edged through to the next round while Ballygarvan, in the closing minutes, could have shared the spoils had they taken their point chances instead of going for goal.
After ten minutes Bandon led 0-3 to 0-1 with scores from Barren Crowley, Kieran Hurley and Jason Hickey, while Gary White, Ballygarvan's most dangerous forward, together with Cian O'Concubhair levelled the match 0-3 after 15 minutes.
Then in the 18th minute the White brothers conjured up a gem of a goal when Stephen soloed the length of the pitch before parting to Gary who finished in style to give his side a two point lead.
Soon a superb brace of points by Brian and Darren Crowley had Bandon back on level terms and it was still level at the break after David Bouse and Donagh Lucey exchanged frees to leave the score at 1-4 to 0-7.
Right through the third quarter it was nip and tuck as the sides exchanged some excellent scores from play and with Damien O'Sullivan, Donal Sweeney and Matthew O'Rior-dan all working hard, Ballygarvan took the lead through a Stephen White 65 at the 50th minute.
However Bandon edged in front with two Donagh Lucey frees and an excellent effort from Darren Crowley, a lead which they held until the final whistle.
Referee: J Dorgan (Nemo Rangers).
Scorers for Bandon: D Lucey 0-5 (0-3f); D Crow-ley 0-4; K Hurley, J O'Regan, B Crowley, J Hickey 0-1 each.
Scorers for Ballygarvan: D White 1-3; C O Concubhair, C O'Sullivan, M Sheehy, S White (65) D Bouse (free) 0-1 each.
BANDON: E Duggan, J McCarthy, J Burke, J O'Donovan, K Hurley, T Bambury, G Riordan, C Dullea, K Walsh, D Lucey, N O'Rourke, J O'Regan, D Crowley, B Crowley, J Hickey. Subs:D Ryan for T Bambury; R Payne for J Hickey.
BALLYGARVAN; J Kennefick, R Bouse, D Sweeney, B Keohane, S White, G Spillane, D O'Sullivan, D Bouse, W McCarthy, C O'Sullivan, C 0 Conchubair, S O'Leary, G White, M O'Riordan, K Ashman. Sub:. M Sheehy for C 0 Concubhair (inj)
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Southern Star 5th May 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Darren O'Donoghue has been a great servant of Bandon for many years and has been easily our best player over the last ten or more years. He won a County senior medal with Carbery hurlers in 1994 and his scoring exploits with them are legend. He at last won a Junior hurling County with Bandon in 1999, and it was so fitting that he scored that unforgettable winning point in the final against Courceys in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. He also played on numerous occasions with Cork hurlers including championship appearances in the mid nineties.
It is so unfortunate in a virtually injury free career,that he would now sustain his only serious injury. We extend our very best wishes to him and wish him a speedy recovery from everyone in Bandon GAA and hurling in general. Darren is one of life's true gentlemen.
He will be a huge loss to our Intermediate hurling team as they face Ballygarvan on Sunday next in Brinny at 3.30 p.m. in their championship opener. This teams preparation has been severely hampered by injuries to key players but hopefully they will give a good account of themselves.
Our minor hurlers were decisively beaten by Sarsfields in their championship opener last Friday night in Minane Bridge. The game illustrated all too clearly the gap in standards existing in the Premier minor grade between the three or four top teams and the rest. Fact is the other eight teams graded Premier would not be guaranteed an easy run in the Minor A championship were they to be allowed ply their trade there.
Bandon had a fine minor hurling team in 2006 but are nowhere near good enough for the Premier grade this year and this is clearly unfair on the people who matter most, the players.
When we are able we compete manfully in the Premier grade but the hammerings our teams have got from Erins Own a couple of years ago and now Sars can do untold damage to young players.
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Rovers win a poor hurling tie! - Carrigdhoun - Southern Star 28-04-07
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Valley Rovers 0-15
Bandon 0-12
Three unanswered points in the last three minutes of this Sean O Murchu clash at Brinny on Sunday last gave the home-side victory at the end of a disappointing game of hurling.
Both sides were short some players as they prepare for their respective first round championship outing in one weeks time, and no doubt both sets of mentors will want major improvements then, especially in the attacking areas, when one considers that of the 27 points scored, thirteen of those came from the sticks of their respective free-takers, Ritchie Butler and Roy Payne.
And the former gave Rovers a three point lead by the 10th minute, before Kieran Doyle opened Bandon's account. It was then that Payne produced three conversions to level the match 0-4 each at the 20th minute, before Rovers' Eoin Manning notched his side's first score from play to restore their lead 0-5 to 0-4.
Half forwards, John O'Regan, whose first time pull and Jason Hickey's long range effort, edged the Lily Whites in front by the minimum, at the 25th minute, and they maintained that margin to the break, as Payne and Hickey sandwiched scores between Butler's and Tadg Fitzgerald's efforts to leave the half-time tally at 0-8 to 0-7.
By the 40th minute, Bandon had extended their lead 0-10 to 0-7 with well taken scores from John O'Regan and a midfield free from Kieran Hurley, and like Bandon in the opening half, Valley's erratic shooting was to prove a problem as they strove to keep in touch. The home side then introduced Cork senior, Kevin Canty and he immediately made his mark, through some strong running which from his lay off almost yielded a goal, and by the 45th minute, Canty himself pointed a brace in quick succession, and with Ciaran O'Riordan, David Lynch, strong in defence and the Lehanes, and James Young working harder up front, the home side eventually edged one point clear 0-12 to 0-11 per Richie Butler and Ray O'Donovan at the 25th minute.
Bandon, thanks to the efforts of Joe Burke, Kieran Hurley, Jason Hickey Charlie Dullea, John O'Regan and James O'Donovan Kept the momentum going as Payne's free from the halfway line made it 0-12 each with three minutes remaining.
However, the home side thanks to the promptings of Canty and the well-placed long range deliveries of 'keeper Willie Burke, saw Richie Butler snatch a brace and Eamon Collins under pressure, deliver the match winning scores.
Scorers:
Valley Rovers: R. Butler 0-9, 0-7 frees; K. Canty 0-2; E. Manning, T. Fitzgerald, R. O'Donovan and E. Collins 0-1 each.
Bandon : R. Payne 0-6, frees; J. O'Regan and J. Hickey 0-2 each; K. Doyle and K. Hur¬ley free, 0-1 each
Bandon: E. Duggan, C. Dullea, J. Burke, B. Hurley, K. Hurley, T. Bambury, J. O'Donovan, N. O'Rourke, K. Walsh, K. Doyle, J. Hickey, J. O'Regan, E. O'Donovan, A. Johnson, R. Payne. Subs: A. O'Sullivan for B. Hurley, G. Riordan for A. Johnson, P. Murphy for E. O'Donovan (injury), D. Burke for N. O'Rourke.
Valley Rovers: W. Burke, F. Coleman, C. O'Riordan, J. Burke, N. O'Donovan, D. Lynch, C. O'Donovan, B. Lehane, R. Lehane, R. Butler, E. Manning, R. O'Donovan, T. Fitzgerald, J. Young, E. Collins. Subs: J. Crowley for J. Burke (injury), K. Canty for J. Crowley.
Referee: O. Webb, Tracton
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Southern Star 28th April 2007 - Bandon Notes
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For those who believe in omens,the last time in 1975,when the Hamilton High School won an All Ireland Colleges Senior football title Bandon were crowned County junior football champions later on in the year.
In that never to be forgotten day in 1975 Bandon were represented by Aidan Smith,Tom and the late Jim O'Mahony,Gerard O'Mahony and Kevin O'Leary.They beat Armagh CBS after a replay.
Well the Hamilton High sure believe in winning their finals the hard way and 32 years on was no exception.
In their merited but very hard earned win last Saturday Bandon had Jack Donegan,Barry Collins,Tomas O'Donoghue,David Kelly,David Crowley,Darren Murray all playing with young Michael Minihane a sub.
In the final played in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick,they eventually overcame St.Paul's Oughterard after extra time on an incredible scoreline of 4.11 to 3.10.Darren Murray scored 1.01 and David Kelly 0.02 from wing back.
In a game not for the faint hearted Hammies were eight points down with ten minutes remaining and still seven points down with six minutes left on the stopwatch.
They drew the final with literally the last kick of the game,an equalising goal scored right at the death.
A big well done to all concerned on their massive victory for both school,and town.
Our minor hurlers play in the first round of the Premier hurling championship against Sarsfields on Friday night at 6.45 p.m in Minane Bridge.
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 21st April 2007 - Bandon Notes
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A BIG well done to all those who helped out at the gates for the Intermediate and Senior games over the past week.Thankfully everything passed off very smoothly. It was great to see club Vice President Patsy O'Neill up and about and orchestrating affairs in his own inimitable way.
Patsy had been ill for some time, but it's hard to keep a good man down and thankfully he's back stronger than ever.
The club extends our sincerest sympathies to Seamus O'Donovan whose wife
Sarah (nee Wilmot) sadly passed away recently. Seamus was a club stalwart
over many years, first as an outstanding player and later as a club hurling coach.
Four of their sons played with distinction for the club over the years,
Seamus jnr., Pat, Barry and John and our thoughts are with all the family at this difficult time.
The launch of the Golf Classic took place at a very pleasant function in Bandon Motors Limited hosted by Bob Clarke
The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 18th in Bandon Golf Club.
Organisation of the event is well advanced and anyone interested in putting
in a team or sponsoring a tee box contact Martin Kelly, Kevin McCarthy, Kieran Hurley Colman O'Mahony or Tomas Bambury.
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon win a Thriller! - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 14-04-07
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Bandon 2-15
Balinascarthy 3-08
BANDON edge out Ballinascarthy after a high scoring thriller! With a further number of junior hurling league matches being played last weekend we chose the meeting of Ballinascarthy and Bandon at sun-kissed Charlie Hurley Park, Bandon, on Sunday afternoon last as the location for our match of the day presentation.
For once we got it spot on, this was a scintillating encounter with the issue in doubt until the last three minutes of play, when a trio of points in that exact amount of time and registered by two of the Lily Whites most lethal forwards, Roy Payne and Philip Murphy, garnered the spoils of victory for the home team.
Bandon went into this third series of games with a 50% record, defeating Diarmuid O Mathuna in their opening encounter, but going down to St. Oliver Plunkett's in the second match. Ballinascarthy were seeking their first victory, defeat being their lot against the Ahiohill brigade and subsequently against neighbours Clonakilty.
They fielded what was basically a youthful team, injuries forcing them into some unusual positional switches that saw Cork dual star Denis O'Sullivan line out between the posts and Kieran Dineen pull on the full-back shirt. To add to their woes, Dineen was forced off with an ankle injury after just five minutes had elapsed. Bandon, on the other hand, are usually very strong at this time of the year and were on this occasion able to call on the experience of a number of the intermediate panel.
However, it was the Reds, with the stiffening and fresh breeze to their advantage, who seized the early initiative, billowing the back of the Bandon rigging three times inside the first twelve minutes. Colm. O'Brien floated in a magnificent sideline ball from the left touchline and for once the usually reliable Bandon keeper Pat Prendergast allowed it to slip from his grasp and over the line. A dream beginning for the Reds, but better was to come.
With the experienced duo of O'Brien and Brian Murphy calling the midfield shots and young Kevin Ryan, Micheal Deasy, Ryan O'Flynn, Michael Murphy and John O'Sullivan in compete control in defence, they stormed forward at every opportunity. An exquisite delivery by Willie Deasy again troubled Prendergast and in like a flash, teenage prodigy Patrick Deasy was there to force it home. When the same player had his second major just two minutes later, Bandon were in big trouble, adrift by 3-2 to 0-1, the white flag registered by the impressive Kevin Walsh.
When the flying Ricky O'Flynn flashed over another beauty and with minor Darragh Hen-essy, Ciaran Deasy and namesake Willie all motoring well, it was looking good. Amazingly, that was the sum total of the Bal first half scoring crusade because from that to the short whistle it was all the hosts. Previously beleaguered Bandon was now suddenly, revamped, reformed and revived, carrying the match to their opponents against the wind.
The full back division of Joe McCarthy, Cathal Moloney and Brian Hurley put up the shutters, John Ahern began to hurl magnificently at centre back and with Robert Moloney, Alan Johnson, Kieran Doyle, Dan McCarthy, Eoin O'Donovan (recovered from an early injury), Philip Murphy, but particularly the classy Roy Payne in the corner all upping the ante, Bal began to feel the pressure.
The scores began to flow with clockwork rapidity as the Lily Whites forward machine started to purr sweetly. Roy Payne had a brace from play and a deadball situation, Eoin O'Donovan set up the swash buckling Alan Johnson and he powered home a bullet from close range. Payne converted another free as Bal retreated into defensive mode. Then, following a fabulous delivery by Payne, O'Donovan rattled in a beauty. When Dan McCarthy and Philip Murphy added on two more points, the half-time break could not come fast enough for Bal, level at 3-3 to 2-6, and having it all to do facing into the second half strong wind.
Eoin Meade was now on at full back, John Dineen gone to lead the attack with Darragh Hennessy and Ciaran Deasy on the flanks. Bandon was forced into changes too with Mark O'Leary entering the fray. Strangely, the expected second half Bandon monopoly never really materialised as Bal fought tooth and nail to stay in the game. They created several opportunities but lack of an efficient free-taker cost them dearly.
Full forward Pat Deasy edged them ahead, but the now very influential Kieran Doyle soon levelled matters in the 40th minute. With Philip Murphy, Alan Johnson and Kieran Doyle making steady inroads on a previously sound Bal defensive formation, they all added points to open up the gap a little as the final quarter dawned.
Bal introduced Padraig Kingston (one wonders why he was not on earlier as he made a marked impact), who set up Willie Deasy for one of the scores of the game. Payne pointed a free, but two good scores by Ricky O'Flynn from like situations added to the excitement.
Again Payne obliged, but a lovely score from Kingston put the minimum between the teams, 3-8 to 2-12, and just three minutes left. That late, late scoring flurry from Bandon just edged them home, leaving game Bal to rue some gilt-edged scoring opportunities squandered.
Our verdict: A fine clean, fast, open game of hurling excellently controlled by Dave Whyte from St. Mary's. This is our second week seeing Bandon in action. They have a strong panel, some fine individual performers, but lapses in concentration in defence at times, could cost them dearly. The likely scenario is that some of this team will feature in the championship opening round; hence it is hard to gauge championship prospects.
It is our first occasion this season seeing Bal in action. They are basically a young squad, but the return of experienced campaigners like Timmy Coffey should add resolve to the defence. Still, they showed some lovely touches, took nice scores and with the expertise of coach Gerry Ryan will probably be in the championship shake-up later on. On the debit side is that much of the team is on the lightweight side, while the lack of a free-taking sharp shooter has to be rectified and is of paramount importance if success is to be achieved.
The best of the Bandon displays came in the second half with Murphy, Doyle, Joe McCarthy, Brian Hurley and Johnson all in the man of the match frame. We give the nod to Roy Payne for some superb moments of second-half scoring skill. Man of the match, Roy Payne, Bandon.
Scorers - Bandon: Roy Payne 0-7, 0-4 frees, Alan Johnson 1-1, Philip Murphy 0-3, Eom O'Donovan 1-0, Kieran Doyle 0-2, 0-1 free, Kieran Walsh 0-1, Dan McCarthy 0-1. Ballinascarthy: Patrick Deasy 2-1, Ricky O'Flynn 0-4, 0-2 frees, Colm O'Brien 1-0 sideline, John Dineen 0-1, Padraig Kingston 0-1, Willie Deasy 0-1.
Bandon: Pat Prendergast, Joe McCarthy, Cathal Moloney, Brian Hurley, Brian Kearney, John Ahern, Dave Lehane, Robert Moloney, Kevin Walsh, Eoin O'Donovan, Alan Johnson, Kieran Doyle, Philip Murphy, Dan McCarthy, Roy Payne. Subs: D. Canniffe, Mark O'Leary.
Ballinascarthy: Denis O'Sullivan, Kevin Ryan, Kieran Dineen, Micheal Deasy, Ryan O'Flynn, Michael Murphy, John O'Sullivan, Brian Murphy, Colm O'Brien, Ricky O'Flynn, Ciaran Deasy, Darragh Hennessy, Willie Deasy, Patrick Deasy, John Dineen. Subs: Pa Deasy, Eoin Meade, Padraig Kingston.
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Southern Star 14th April 2007 - Bandon Notes
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Good win for Bandon intermediate side
Bandon 1-13
Eire Og 2-08
BANDON intermediate hurlers had a good win at home to Eire Og in a hard fought encounter on Sunday afternoon last played in great conditions on the main pitch.The final score was 1-13 to 2-8
Team: E. Duggan, I. McCarthy, J. Burke, K. Walsh, K. Hurley (0-1), T. Bambury, J. O'Donovan, N. O'Rourke, G.O'Riordan, J. O'Regan (1-1), D. Burke, D. Lucey (0-6), R.Payne (0-1), J. Hickey (0-2), D. Crowley (0-2). Subs.: C. Dullea, B. Hurley, A. O'Sullivan, K. Doyle, E. O'Donovan.
On Sunday morning last the junior A hurlers gave a good account of themselves before going under to St.Oliver Plun-kett's on a score of 1-13 to 3-11.
Team: P. Prendergast, P. Long, C. Moloney, D. Lehane, M. O'Leary, J. Ahern, J. Walsh, R. Moloney (0-1), B. Kearney (0-2), E. O'Donovan (0-1), A. Johnson, J. McCarthy (0-1), P. Moloney (0-1), D. McCarthy (0.02), P. Murphy (0-2). Subs.: David Crowley, F. O'Sullivan (1-0), J. Crowley.
On Easter Sunday the Junior A hurlers were again in action, beating Clonakilty.
The launch of the annual Golf Classic takes place at 5.30 p.m. on next Thursday in Bandon Motors head office. The event, which is once again being so generously sponsored by Bob Clarke of Bandon Motors Limited, takes place much earlier than usual this year on Friday May 18th in Bandon Golf Club.
Organisation of the event is well advanced and anyone interested in putting in a team or sponsoring a tee box contact Martin Kelly, Kevin McCarthy, Kieran Hurley, Colman O'Mahony or Tomas Bambury.
Annual membership is now overdue and is payable immediately to Tom O'Donoghue the club Registrar.
Everyone in the club wishes our long time club treasurer, Charles Lucey a speedy recovery from illness. As he recuperates there is a story doing the rounds that "he is being waited on hand and foot". Well hopefully he will be back, fully recovered, in the very near future as we don't want him getting too comfortable with the "good life".
Help will be needed at the gate for upcoming Senior and Intermediate football champi¬onship games on Thursday night and Saturday evening.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Minor Football Championship - Martin O'Brien- Examiner, County Section - 17-04-07
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Ballincollig 0-15
Bandon 1-04
Ballincollig got their Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football Championship campaign off to an impressive start when in Annahala on Sunday last they proved too strong for Bandon.
Scorers-
Ballincollig: lan Roche 0-06; Ciaran O'Sullivan 0-04; lan Coughlan 0-02; Conor Sexton, Daniel Murphy and Jack O'Mahony 0-01 each.
Bandon: Cian O'Mahony 1-01; Jason McCarthy, Roy Payne and Chris O'Donoghue 0-01 each.
Bailincollig: Eric Doyle, Ciaran Deasy, Liam Jennings, Adrian Hanley; Daniel Barry, Ronan O'Driscoll, JP Murphy; Kealan Hickey, Ciaran O'Sullivan; James Murphy, lan Roche, Daniel Murphy; Jack O'Mahony, lan Coughlan, Conor Sexton. Subs: Jack Lawlor for James Murphy Diarmuid Nolan for Conor Sexton
Bandon: Jack Donegan; Kevin Dwyer, Brendan Collins, Cian Collins; Mark O'Leary, Adam Tobin, Mark Muir; David Crowley, Jason Mc¬Carthy; Brian Kelly, Trevor Barrett, Cian O'Donovan; Ronan Crowley, Sean O'Riordan, Cian O'Mahony. Subs: Chris O'Donoghue for Trevor Barrett Roy Payne for Brian Kelly Eoin Sexton for Kevin Dwyer
Referee: Jas Cummins (Glanworth)
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Plunketts on Roll - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 07-04-07
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St Oliver Plunketts 3-11
Bandon 1-13
SAINTS on a roll! The South West junior hurl¬ing leagues continued unabated last Saturday and Sunday, a total of five games, three in the western and two in the eastern sections, being played.
Our match of the day was at Charlie Hurley Park, Bandon, where, after a frenetic dash from football championship action at nearby Ballineen early on Sunday morning, we managed to take in the best of the action between two unbeaten sides, Bandon and St. Oliver Plunkett's.
It proved to be a cracking game, the Saints preserving their unbeaten run, picking up their second brace of hurling league points in as many outings. However, they were put to the pin of their collar to stave off a depleted Lily Whites fifteen, who showed eight changes from the side that beat Diarmuid O Mathuna in their first outing.
Two first half goals from the sticks of Donal Walsh and Eddie O'Driscoll helped the visitors into the minimum half-time advantage on a score-board that read, 2-3 to 0-8. It was more of the same on resuming with play swinging from end to end of the spacious pitch with clockwork rapidity. When a somewhat unfortunate defensive error by the Bandon defensive wall allowed the simplest of tasks for Eddie O'Driscoll as he tapped the ball to the net at the end of the third quarter to give the Ahiohill lads a commanding lead, the Bandon goose looked well and truly cooked. However, a late flourish that saw veteran Finbarr O'Sullivan billow the back of the Saints net after receiving a lovely pass from Philip Murphy, made for a dramatic finale. It was not enough to swing the match as St. Oliver Plunkett's held on for a deserved win.
Starring for the Saints were goalscorers Eddie O'Driscoll and Donal Walsh who also converted some delightful dead ball situations, Barry Collins, Tim Coffey, Eoin Barrett, Barry O'Driscoll and Ciaran McCarthy.
Best for the home side were Mark O'Leary, Robert Moloney, Brian Kearney, Eoin O'Dono-van, Dan McCarthy and Philip Murphy.
Referee: Seamus Crowley, Argideen Rangers.
Scorers - St. Oliver Plunkett's: Donal Walsh 1-5, 0-2 frees, Eddie O'Driscoll 2-0, Conor McCarthy 0-3, M. P. Keohane 0-1, Peter Coffey 0-1, T.J. O'Driscoll 0-1. Bandon: Finbarr O'Sullivan 1-0, Robert Moloney 0-3, Dan McCarthy 0-2, Brian Kearney 0-2, Philip Murphy 0-2, Eoin O'Donovan 0-1, Alan Johnson 0-l,Paul Moloney 0-1, Jason McCarthy 0-1.
St. Oliver Plunkett's: Henry Donegan, Barry Collins, Ciaran McCarthy, J.P. O'Driscoll, Eoin Barrett, Tim Coffey, T.J. O'Driscoll, Peter Coffey, Michael Nyhan, Barry O'Driscoll, M.P. Keohane, Conor McCarthy, Eddie O'Driscoll, Donal Walsh, Jim McCarthy. Sub: Keith O'Driscoll for Jim McCarthy.
Bandon: Pat Prendergast, Paul Long, Cathal Moloney, Dave Lehane, Mark O'Leary, John Ahern, James Walsh, Robert Moloney, Brian Kearney, Eoin O'Donovan, Alan Johnson, Jason McCarthy, Paul Moloney, Dan McCarthy, Philip Murphy. Subs: Finbarr O'Sullivan, John Crowley, Dave Crowley.
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Southern Star 31-03-07
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U21 West Cork Semi-Final - Football Championship
Castlehaven 2-10
Bandon 2-05
Bandons U21 footballers interest in the championship ended on Sunday in Ballinacarriga when they were well beaten by a very strong Castlehaven team 2.05 to 2.10. There was some great football played in a very sporting and entertaining encounter and we wish Castlehaven well in the remainder of the campaign.
There is no shame in being beaten by a better team and Bandon's problem was they only played in spurts. They allowed their opponents build up a lead of 0.01 to 1.05 before really turning it on in the ten minutes before half time.Two goals from Darren Crowley and the excellent Eoin O'Donovan had the Haven on the rack but despite carving open their defense we failed to push home our superiority and ultimately paid the price.
The half time score was 2.01 to 1.05 and we were well in the game. Crucially they scored the first two points of the second half to go three up and never lost that lead. A well worked goal ten minutes from the end finally killed off our chances. For ten minutes of that second half Bandon again owned the ball but lacked directness. Brian Crowley did score two fine points, but overall it was our failure to get quality ball into Darren Crowley and Eoin O' Donovan who had the beating of a succession of markers, that proved our downfall.
James Walsh had a great game at centre back and David Crowley was good on the wing, Ronan McCarthy had a good first half but faded and Darren Murray worked hard all through.
All is not lost with U21 football however and the future is very bright. The age profile of these young men has only four of this entire panel over age in 2008. Certainly something to build on over the long winter months.
Team: E.McSweeney, T.Crowley, J.O'Donovan, M.O'Leary, A.Tobin, J.Walsh, S.Clarke (Capt.), R.McCarthy, D.Kelly, D.Ahern (0-3), D.Murray, E.O'Donovan (1-0), B.Crowley (0-2), D.Crowley (1-0). Subs.: G.O'Riordan, R.Payne
On last Sunday afternoon (18/03) in Bandon the Intermediate hurlers successfully took on Milford in their opening league game of the new campaign. They won on a scoreline of 1.14 to 2.09.
This teams preparations have been seriously hampered by the bad weather and their new mentors will be very happy with the result. Darren Crowley was outstanding scoring 0.09 with veteran John O'Regan coming on as a sub and scoring the vital goal.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 24-03-07
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U21 West Cork Football Championship 1st Round
Bandon 2-14
Ilen Rovers 0-05
Bandon U21 footballers who were serial first round championship losers (one win in ten championships) have now overcome the first round hurdle for the last three years in a row.
They beat Ilen Rovers on a rather flattering scoreline of 2.14 to 0.05 in the excellent new pitch in Rosscarbery on St. Patricks Day. The result also gave Bandon some payback for the hammering inflicted by an outstanding Ilen U21 side in 2003
in a dreaded first round in Dunmanway.
The half time score was 0.08 to 0.04 in our favour but Bandon would not have been flattered to have gone in at the short whistle trailing. We played second fiddle for most of the half with our forwards starved of quality possession. Surviving on crumbs the forwards managed to score points with virtually every attack and only registered two wides. We got more of a grip around midfield in the second half and played much better football.
Darren Murray will hopefully score many more goals for Bandon in the years to come but he will hardly score a better one than the brilliant goal he conjured up ten minutes in to the second half on Saturday. Winning great possession he swivelled like Liam Brady in another code, and unleashed an unstoppable left foot shot from twenty one yards to the roof of the net.
It was the goal that killed off any aspirations Ilen entertained of launching a second half comeback and was followed immediately by a killer second goal from the energetic Eoin O'Donovan again created by the hard working Murray. Bandon will now sweat on a late injury to James O'Donovan.
Team: E.McSweeney, T.Crowley, J.O'Donovan, M.O'Leary, A.Tobin, J.Walsh, S.Clarke (0-1), R.McCarthy, D.Kelly (0-3), D.Ahern (0-8), G.O'Riordan, E.O'Donovan (1-04), B.Crowley, D.Crowley. Subs.: D.Murray (1-0), T.O'Leary, R.Brennan, P.Murphy
On Sunday afternoon in Bandon the Intermediate hurlers successfully took on Milford in their opening league game of the new league campaign,winning on a scoreline of 1.14 to 2.09.
This teams preparations have been seriously hampered by the bad weather and their new mentors will be very happy with the result. Darren Crowley was outstanding scoring 0.09 with veteran John O'Regan coming on as a sub and scoring the vital goal.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 17-03-07
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Junior Footballers win over Clon
Bandon 1-12
Clonakilty 0-07
The Junior A footballers travelled to a windswept Darrara to play Clonakilty last Saturday in the league. It was their third game of the campaign and they have now recorded two wins and one draw.
The only goal of the game was scored by Brian Crowley and best on the day were Sean Clarke,Darren O'Donoghue and James O'Donovan.
Team: R.Brennan, T.Crowley, J.O'Donovan, A.O'Sullivan, B.Kearney, J.Walsh, C.Dullea, S.Clarke, R.McCarthy, D.Kelly, D.Ahern, D.O'Donoghue, E.O'Donovan, B.Crowley, D.Crowley. Subs: P.Calnan, K.Walsh, D.Lucey
It's heading for that time of year again, with the club's U21 footballers playing their championship first round on Saturday St. Patricks Day. The game takes place in the new pitch in Rosscarbery at 3 p.m.and our opponents are Illen Rovers.
A good omen is that Ilen were also our opponents in the first round of the championship winning season of 2005 at the same venue. The winners will need all the good omens going however as their reward is a meeting with resurgent Castlehaven in the next round. Backboned by the team that were beaten in the County minor final in 2004 and featuring two outstanding Cork U21 players they annihilated Skibbereen last weekend.
An Irish Examiner headline in the sporting pages on Monday read "O'Riordan inspires Rebel comeback" they were referring to our outstanding young player Gavin O Riordan who grabbed all the headlines this week for his starring role with the Cork Vocational School's senior hurling team in their All-Ireland victory over Galway last Saturday in Pearse Stadium.
Those headlines were replicated in all last Sunday's national newspapers, highlighting Gavin's sterling performance at right half back for Cork.
Our involvement with the All-ireland winning team did not end there either, as the side was captained by Darren Ryan at full -back and also featured Roy Payne at left corner forward.
So as not to be outdone the Hammies boys won a Munster Colleges senior football championship last week featuring, Jack Donegan, Tomas O'Donoghue (great to see him back from injury),Brendan Collins, David Kelly, David Crowley, Darren Murray and Brian Kelly.
A big well done to all concerned and keep it going.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Bandon and Barryroe share the spoils - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 03-03-07
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Bandon 2-04
Barryroe 1-07
THE recent heavy rains took their toll on the second round of the SW junior football leagues with half the scheduled games being postponed because of unplayable pitches.
Our game this weekend was the Bandon v Barryroe, section 1, east, game in Bandon. It was one of the few to escape the weather but only just as the top pitch in Bandon, where the game took place, was extremely heavy and waterlogged in some areas. It is to the credit of both sides that they served up an entertaining contest which was also hampered by the strong wind and heavy squally showers.
This was the proverbial game of two halves which seemed to be over as a contest after only a quarter of an hour when flying Bandon, against the elements, surged into a 1-2 to nil lead. Young full forward Brian Crowley accounted for a goal and a point with David Ahern pointing a free.
Barryroe improved as the second quarter progressed, scoring their first point from Ciaran Hurley in the 14th minute with Ger Coleman adding a free. However, a second Bandon goal in the 18th minute from Alan Johnson, set up by John O'Connell, rocked them back on their heels and by the break they trailed by 2-3 to 0-3 after Jason Fleming, from 50m, and Dave Ahern had swapped points.
Amazingly, Bandon made a number of changes to their starting fifteen at half-time and despite playing with the strong wind in the second half, they never regained their rhythm and faded completely from the game.
An early goal from Ciaran Hurley set rejuvenated Barryroe on their way and with their backs holding Bandon score¬less for 35 minutes, they slowly clawed their way back into contention.
Scores were slow to come in the dete¬riorating conditions and only another point, from sub Tadhg Harrington, was scored in the third quarter. When Ger Keohane pointed in the 48th minute, the lead was down to a single point and Barryroe kept coming forward. Jason Fleming tied it all up in the 56th minute and when Clive Cahalane pointed in the 60th minute it seemed Barryroe had snatched a most unlikely win.
Bandon finally roused themselves in the dying seconds and their only score of the half, a John O'Connell point in the 62nd minute, was just enough to salvage a fortunate draw.
It was hard to explain Bandon's collapse in the second half but credit to a Barryroe side who never gave up and looked much hungrier and fitter in the second period. Some of the Bandon play¬ers didn't look quite match fit and the heavy conditions didn't suit their younger players.
However, conditions were the same for Barryroe and they coped much better in the closing half when they upped their game considerably.
For Bandon, especially in the first half, their new signing from Newcestown, Dan McCarthy, had a great game, winning a. lot of possession and using it very effectively. However, when he ran out of steam, Bandon's challenge faded. Anthony O'Sullivan was very strong at full back with newcomer Mick Quirke showing promise in the corner.
The half back line of Donagh Lucey, Kevin Walsh and, especially, Charles Dullea dominated the opening half but were submerged under constant Barryroe pressure after the break. Up front, the experienced Alan Johnson and John O'Connell led the attack well until they tired and young Brian Crowley, strangely taken off at the interval, looked very promising at full forward.
Barryroe were slow off the mark but the strength and work-rate of midfielders Ger Coleman and Jason Fleming eventually swung the game their way. Norman Fleming had a fine game at full back and the half back line of Kieran Fleming, Brendan O'Brien and John O'Regan was their best on the day. Ger Keohane, Denis Harrington, Clive Cahalane and sub, Matthew O'Regan, looked lively up front.
Scorers - Bandon: Brian Crowley 1-1, Alan Johnson 1-0, Dave Ahern 0-2, 0-1 free, John O'Connell 0-1. Barryroe: Ciaran Hurley 1-1, Jason Fleming 0-2, Ger Coleman 0-1 free, Ger Keohane 0-1, Clive Cahalane 0-1, Tadhg Harrington 0-1.
Bandon: Eoin McSweeney, Niall Connor, Anthony O'Sullivan, Mick Quirke, Donagh Lucey, Charles Dullea, Kevin Walsh, Dan McCarthy, Sean Clarke, Rob Moloney, Alan Johnson, Dave McLough-lin, John O'Connell, Brian Crowley, John O'Regan. Subs, Ronan McCarthy, Brian Ahern, Patrick Calnan, John O'Regan, Eoin O'Donovan.
Barryroe: Damien O'Leary, Brendan Coleman, Norman Fleming, Tim Carroll, Kieran Griffin, Bernard O'Brien, John O'Regan, Ger Coleman, Jason Fleming, Ger Keohane, Patrick Fleming, Clive Cahalane, Ciaran Hurley, Denis Har¬rington, Aidan McCarthy. Subs: Kevin McCarthy, Tadhg Harrington, Matthew O'Regan.
Before the game a minute's silence was observed for the late James O'Regan of Barryroe.
Club Notes Southern Star 03-03-07
THE last two Sunday's adequately sum up our premier football team over the last couple of years. A fine victory for the junior A footballers in their first outing of the year against Ballinascarthy in Bandon last Sunday was followed up this week with a poor draw again at home, against Barryroe.
The visitors might well be wondering how they let this one slip after making a fine comeback and going a point ahead only for John O'Connell to pop over a fortunate equaliser in injury time.The final score in yery heavy conditions was 2-4 to 1-7.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Winning league start for St Michaels - Martin O'Brien
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Irish Examiner - County - 6th March '07
DUE to the adverse weather conditions last weekend's Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football League programme was curtailed with only one of the scheduled games getting the go ahead.
St Michaels got their league campaign off to the perfect start when on Sunday last they travelled to Bandon and came away with the points at the expense of the local side.
Playing with a slight wind advantage in the first half the "visitors" set the tone from the outset, and after lan Giltinan opened their account with a neat point they strengthened their position with points from Eoin Buckley and Declan Kelleher to race into a three point lead.
Stung into action, Bandon recovered, and with Brendan Collins, Adam Tobin, Divid Crowley, Ronan Crowley, Roy Payne and Cian McCarthy increasing their efforts they equalised with a well executed goal from Ronan Crowley. As both sides traded some fine points, O'Mahony and Payne for Bandon and Buckley and Stephen McCarthy for St Michaels, the "City" got the break they needed when just before the break Declan Kelleher nipped in for a goal to see them go in at the interval leading 1-05 to 1-03.
On the resumption Bandon reduced the deficit with an early point from Jason Barrett, but St Michael began to up the ante and aided by the performance of Jack Limhan, lan Giltinan, Graham Howard, Robert Creagh, Ciaran O'Shaughnessy, Kevin O'Byrne, Stephen McCarthy, Declan Kelleher and Eoin Buckley they took the game to their opponents. Some well-worked points, especially from Buckley, who ended up with a personal total of 0-08, saw them increase their advantage, and although Bandon responded with points from Roy Payne, Chris O'Donoghue, who was introduced as a sub, James McCarthy and Ronan Crowley, there was to be no denying St Michaels who ran out deserving winners on the final scoreline of 1-13 to 1-08 in what was a most enjoyable contest despite the tricky underfoot conditions.
At a recent meeting of the Cork County Minor Board the groupings for the coming season's Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Hurling League were finalised. Twenty teams have entered and these will be divided into two sections of 10 with the top four qualifying for the quarter-finals.
The following are the groupings. Section 1 will contain Inniscarra, Glen Rvs, Bishopstown, Carrigaline, Mallow, Midleton, Sarsfields, Ballincollig, Killeagh/Itas and Douglas while Fermoy, Blarney, Newtownshandrum, Na Piarsaigh, St Finbarrs, Eire Og, Bandon, Blackrock, Erins Own and Sliabh Rua will make up Section 2.
The first rounds are scheduled for week ending March 17/18/19 with the cut-off date being Sept. 30th.
Fixtures Sunday, March 11
Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football League 2006 Final Ballincollig v St Finbarrs Venue to be Finalised @ 3.00 pm.
Ulster Bank Co Premier Minor Football League St Nicholas v Bandon at Glen Field @ 12.15 pm.
Bishopstown v St Michaels at Bishopstown @ 3.00 pm.
Na Piarsaigh v Sliabh Rua at Na Piarsaigh @ 12.00 noon.
Glanmire v Nemo Rngs at Glanmire @ 3.00 pm.
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Southern Star 24-02-07 - Cois Farraige
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Bandon 2-12
Ballinascarthy 0-06
A depleted Ballinascarthy side, due to a bereavement in the club, and fielding a very young, light side, had to give way to a stronger Bandon outfit, of whom great things are expected this season. With a few newcomers on board Bandon led by 1-7 to 0-2 at the break, courtesy of a Dave McLoughlin goal and they sealed the game ten minutes from time when sub, Darren Crowley, found the net.
A big influence on Bandon's 2-12 to 0-6 win was former Newcestown star, Dan McCarthy, who has thrown in his lot with Bandon this season and whose strength at midfield could be the catalyst for future success for Bandon.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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Southern Star 17-02-07
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The club Annual General Meeting took place in the Pavilion recently.
The attendance was welcomed by Chairman Denis Lucey.In a wide ranging address
he covered the relative lack of success on the playing front.He also dealt with
administration and relayed to the meeting about exciting plans for future developments aimed
at bringing the club into the 21st Century.
He congratulated Darren Crowley and Gavin O'Riordan who were on the Cork minor hurling panel.
There was unanimous acknowledgement of the great work being done by club Secretary Michael Kelly.
His great attention to detail,and his attendance record at virtually all games played during the year were noted.
The club PRO delivered a discussion paper on players injuries and a club Policy Statement will be formulated early
in the new year to be given to all club players and mentors.
Tributes were paid to outgoing West Cork Board Chairman Frank Long who recently completed a very successful three
year tenure and did the club proud.
He is just back from a well deserved holiday along with his wife Pauline.
In a welcome development all outgoing officers indicated their willingness to be re-elected for 2007 and
Central Committee has been strengthened further by some welcome additions.
The meeting acknowledged the great work done at U21 football level over the past three years by Sean Crowley and
Joe Spillane.In 2005 their work brought a treasured U21 title to the club after a twenty nine year absence, eventually
losing in the County semi-final to the championship winners Nemo Rangers,and again getting to this years West Cork final
before losing without the services of three very influential players Conor Sugrue,David Aherne,and Sean clarke.
The new U21 and junior football coach Denny Aherne was ratified by the meeting and was wished well for the coming year.
The hard work of Paddy Cahalane and Adrian O'Donovan with the Intermediate hurlers was also acknowledged,unfortunately
they are both unavailable for the coming year due to work commitments.
Development officer Noel McNamara was singled out for praise for his great commitment to the club.
The U21 hurling management team of Terry Moloney, Michael Cronin, and Dan Crowley were acknowledged for their back to back
West Cork hurling titles.
Two welcome new faces on Central committee for next year are Anthony Coomey and Donnacha Lehane who is the man responsible
for designing the excellent club web page and has returned to Cork after an exile in the other Capital.
Little did the powers that be in RTE know that history might repeat itself when they showed the highlights of great GAA
games from the past before last Sunday's rugby international. One of the games featured was the 1982 All-Ireland football
final between Kerry and offaly.
The deafening silence when the French scored that last minute try on Sunday was replicated that day almost twenty five years ago when Offaly's Seamus Darby gently nudged Kerry's Tommy Doyle and buried the ball in the net on the Hill 16 end. Time was virtually up and moments later the final whistle shattered the five in a row dreams of that mighty Kerry team and their crestfallen supporters. There was hardly a dry eye in Cork either.
Now the 82,000 rugby supporters in Croke Park last Sunday know just how Kerry felt on that historic day. Deja vu.
Club merchandise is still available and can be bought through the Secretary.
If anyone has any photos or news they would like to share on the Bandon GAA website please click here to email them, or contact Donnacha Lehane.
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A great night was had at this years dinner dance..
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The club's Annual Dinner was held in the Munster Arms Hotel on Friday night.Just short of 200 people attended a very
pleasant function.
The guest of honour was Cloyne man Jerry O' Sullivan the present Vice-Chairman of Cork County Board who spoke of the
close ties between Bandon and Cloyne,with our own James Nyhan who recently married his niece, now domiciled and
playing Senior hurling with them.
Jerry also mentioned playing Inter firm football for Telecom Eireann with Noelie Mc.The mind boggles at the prospect of
any forward trying to carry a ball around those two in a match and living to tell the tale.
Club Chairman Denis Lucey in his address wished the club every success in 2007 and hoped for more silverware for the club
in the coming year and he also wished St. Brogans under the stewardship of Nuala Meade every success.
Monsignor O Callaghan also wished the club well.
Medals were presented to the victorious West Cork U21 hurling champions and presentations were made to Cork Minor hurlers
Darren Crowley and Gavin O'Riordan.
Best wishes were extended to Darren Ryan a very exciting young hurler who it is hoped will be very close to making the Cork
minor team in 2007.
A presentation was also made to Kathleen Canty the long serving Pavilion Secretary.
Judge Con Murphy was congratulated on his posting to the Cork circuit court and club stalwart Don Desmond who recently
finished a very impressive second in the Veterans All- ireland 1500m in Nenagh.
Don is a fitness fanatic and recently retired from Iarnrod Eireann after over thirty years loyal service.
We wish him and his family well.
The dinner was organised by Martin Kelly, Noel McNamara, Kieran Doyle, Tom O'Donoghue and Cha Dullea and they can be very
proud of their efforts.
Many thanks to Valley's man Don O' Sullivan and his staff in the Munster arms Hotel for their contribution to a great night.
Club merchandise is still available and can be purchased through the club Secretary.
If anyone has any photos of the dinner dance or of anything club related they would like to share on the website please click here to email them.
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