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2007

GAA Club notes - Southern Star

 
 
Southern Star 22nd December 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Southern Star 24th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Hat-trick of titles for Bandon - JCFL - West Cork Geal - Southern Star 24-11-07
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


Bandon does the business to bring home cup - JCFL - Derry Farr - County Section 20-11-07
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


Double for Bandon - JAFL - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 13-11-07
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


Southern Star 17th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Ahern goal sets Bandon on way to league victory by Derry Farr - JFL - County Section 13-11-07
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


Bandon unlucky in U21 West Cork Final by WEST CORK GAEL - U21HC - Southern Star 10-11-07
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).


Southern Star 10th November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Gabriels in charge this time - JFC 'C' - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 03-11-07
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).


Southern Star 3rd November 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Rampant Rangers win - JFC 'C' - Derry Farr - IE County Section 27-10-07
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).


Heartbreak for Bandon - IHC - Noel Horgan - Southern Star 27-10-07
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).


Southern Star 27th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
O'Leary delivers for O'Neills - IHC - Michael Ellard - Irish Examiner 22-10-07
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).


Southern Star 20th October 2007 - Bandon Notes
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.
Kanturk unable to breach the buffer zone - IHC - Fintan O'Toole - Evening Echo 08-10-07
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, ba