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2008

GAA Club Notes & Local Newspaper Reports

 
 
Southern Star 4th October
Bandon 1-18
Valley Rovers 2-11

Bandon have qualified for the County Intermediate hurling final for the second year in a row.

On Sunday last in Pairc Ui Chaoimh they scored a merited 1.18 to 2.11 victory over arch rivals Valley Rovers. It was the teams fifth championship meeting in four years and like all the other games was played in a great spirit.

Bandon now play Carrigaline in the final which has been fixed for 2.15 p.m on Sunday October 12th in Pairc ui Chaoimh.

The half-time score was 1.08 to 0.05 and it was Bandon's fine work in the last ten minutes of the opening half that ultimately set them on the road to victory. A fine opportunist goal from the hard working Eoin O'Donovan being the highlight. That score gave Bandon a very commanding lead which they never relinquished.

Another of the U21 contingent Darren Crowley was scoring points for fun as Bandon were superior to their opponents virtually all over the pitch.

So dominant were Bandon in that first half that even our veteran centre-back almost scored. In fact he had a perfectly legitimate point waved wide.

The consensus on Sunday night was that the error could be attributed to the umpires expecting his effort to sail either side of the uprights as has been consistently happening to him for the last fifteen years.

In the second half, a fine save from John Crowley an unbelievable hundred yards plus point from James O'Donovan, to restore Bandon's four point advantage, together with the sublime point scoring of the ageless Darren O'Donoghue were the highlights.

What a shining example the older Darren is to the young players playing around him and as well the younger Darren who is having an incredible season in both codes.

Central to Bandon's win was the resolute defending of John Crowley and the entire back-line when Valleys really came at them particularly in that last quarter.

Overall the game was remarkably similar to last years quarter-final in Newcestown with Bandon on top in the first half and goaling just before half-time and then having to hang on in the end as Valley's came storming back into the game.

Best on the day were goal-keeper John Crowley, James O'Donovan, Tomas Bambury, Donough Lucey, Eoin o'Donovan, the irrepressible Alan Johnson and our own "twin towers" Darren Crowley and Darren O'Donoghue.

Well done to all the players and to Red Crowley, Joe Crowley, James Deasy ,Don McCarthy and Robert Wilmot as their hard work is paying off.

Credit to Valley Rovers for their part in another fine sporting game. Valley's are still in the Intermediate Football Championship and we wish them well in their bid for County honours.

Valley Rovers: E. Collins 1-5 (1-0 pen, 0-2 sidelines, 0-1 '65, 0-1 free), K. Canty 1-0, J. Hurley 0-2, S. O'Sullivan, E. Manning, K. White, J. Burke 0-1 each.

BANDON: J. Crowley; B. Hurley, J. Burke, J. O'Donovan; K. Hurley, T. Bambury, D. Ryan; D. Lucey, N. O'Rourke; E. O'Donovan, A. Johnson, J. Hickey; D. Crowley, D. Burke, D. O'Donoghue. Subs: C. Dullea for O'Rourke (56m), R. Crowley for O'Donoghue (60m).

VALLEY ROVERS: J. Ryan; R. O'Donovan, C. O'Riordan, S. Manning; J. Hurley, C. O'Donovan, D. Lynch; E. Collins, S. O'Sullivan; J. Burke, T. Burke, F. Coughlan; J. Walsh, K. Canty, K. White. Subs: E. Manning for Coughlan (24m), R. Lehane for S. Manning (ht), N. O'Donovan for Walsh (46m), J. Crowley for O'Riordan (48m).

Referee: C. McAllister (Aqhada).



Important club games are coming hard and fast now, but we won't complain, and next up is the County Junior Football Quarter-Final against newly crowned Muskerry divisional champions Eire Og.

This game has been fixed for this Saturday evening October 4th at 5.30 p.m. in Newcestown.

We wish Seamus McCarthy, Jimmy Gabriel, John Collis and all the lads well as they strive for a place in the County semi-final.

Hopefully the rising tide will carry us through as we face our fourth adult County quarter-final of the year.



Tickets for the forthcoming County Board Draw are available from club members.
O'Donoghue wants to 'make things right' in final - IHC - Denis Hurley - Evening Echo 29-09-08
One of the elder statesmen on the Bandon team, Darren O'Donoghue, a great performance for the Lilywhites at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday.

The corner-forward, a veteran of Carbery's 1993 county title-winning said that he was impressed he way the side withstood Vally Rovers' pressure in the closing stages.

"Yeah, it's excellent, a great day for us" he said.

"These are the days you want to be playing hurling, in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on a big day like this.

"We were under pressure a bit alright coming towards the end, but thankfully we held on." Valleys came back strongly at Bandon in the final quarter, but O'Donoghue said that that was not something he had been surprised with, given the way that previous encounters between the sides had gone.

"This has happened before," he said.

"This is the fourth year in a row that we've played Valleys in the championship and there's never been anything between us.

"Today was always going to be a battle and we came out the right side of it, which was great."

While happy with his own haul of seven points, Darren modestly affirmed that the result was more important than feats of individual brilliance.

"It is a team game, but everyone likes to play well themselves, and I'm no different," he said.

"I was pleased with my contribution, but I'm just delighted that we got the win."

Bandon are now back in the final, looking to atone for last year's defeat to Fr O'Neill's when they come up against Carrigaline.

"Yeah, it's fantastic," Darren said.

"It was a tough day for us last year, things didn't go right for us in the second half, we've a chance to put that right now, and hopefully we can do the business."
Bandon book a final date after win - IHC - Denis Hurley - Evening Echo 29-09-08
Bandon 1-18
Valley Rovers 2-11

LAST YEAR'S beaten finalists Bandon made it back to the Evening Echo IHC decider with a four-point win over neighbours Valley Rovers at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday.

While the Lilywhites were deserving of the win as they were the better side for most of the game, Valleys stayed in contention, aided by a 51st-minute Eamon Collins penalty which brought them to within four points.

However, Bandon defended with great discipline in the closing stages and had reason to be thankful to goalkeeper John Crowley for a great save from Kevin Canty with seven minutes left.

Crowley had earlier proved his worth with a fine double save from John Burke and Canty, just prior to the penalty.

Bandon had heroes all over the pitch, though — up front, Darren O'Donoghue rolled back the years with seven points from play and .Barren Crowley was almost unerasing for placed balls.

Alan Johnson at centre-forward did well to curb the influence of rhris O'Donovan, while James Donovan policed Kevin Canty brilliantly, with the Cork panellist's only score a goal in the 39th minute, though it was of the highest quality.

Valleys started the better, leading three times in the opening 12 minutes no doubt aided by Bandon's lay-off of over two months since their quarter-final win over Milford, but once the Carbery side got a handle on proceedings they never relinquished their lead.

Three quick points between the 16th and 18th minutes, two from Crowley and one from O'Donoghue, had them 0-6 to 0-3 ahead, and though Valleys had it back to 0-7 to 0-5 by 26, Eoin O'Donovan then struck for a goal, swinging one-handed after a Darren Ryan ball in had broken, to open up a five-point lead.

Though sub Eoin Manning replied immediately for Valleys — the only forward to score in the first half for the Innishannon side — further scores from O'Donoghue, Crowley and Johnson had it 1-10 to 0-6 at the break.

Valleys, with Eamonn Collins their brightest light in the first half, needed a good start to the second, but it wasn't until Canty's goal in the 41st minute that they made any real inroads into the lead.

The goal itself was excellent, Canty getting the better of James O'Donovan after a great high, dropping ball in by Chris O'Donovan and giving Crowley no chance with his shot.

This put the pressure on Bandon now, but their defence really stepped up the plate, Kieran Hurley and Joe Burke in particular giving very little away, while at the other end, O'Donoghue was sending over the points with ease.

With 10 minutes left, though, Valleys were handed a lifeline when sub Joe Crowley was brought down in the large rectangle, and Collins made no mistake, absolutely roofing the penalty to make it 1-16 to 2-9.

James O'Donovan responded well from Bandon, hitting over a point from somewhere in downtown Blackrock and then, following his double save just before the penalty, Crowley earned his spurs, saving brilliantly from a well-struck Canty shot, though Keith White did point for Valleys soon after.

Bandon withdrew goalscorer O'Donovan deep in the closing stages, and he was to have an impact there, picking up a lot of loose ball and easing some of the pressure on the defence.

However, when Valleys' John Burke pointed in the third minute of injury time, there was only a goal between the sides, but Bandon defended well, and Darren Crowley $e-up brother Ronan, only just on as c sub, for the insurance point to send Bandon back to the final.

There they will meet Carrigaline, and few would bet against the West Cork men atoning for last year's heartache and making the leap to the premier intermediate grade.

Scorers for Bandon: D. Crowley (0-4 frees) and D. O'Donoghue 0-7 each, E. O'Donovan 1-0, A. Johnson, D. Lucey, J. O'Donovan, R. Crowley 0-1 each.

Valley Rovers: E. Collins 1-5 (1-0 pen, 0-2 sidelines, 0-1 '65, 0-1 free), K. Canty 1-0, J. Hurley 0-2, S. O'Sullivan, E. Manning, K. White, J. Burke 0-1 each.

BANDON: J. Crowley; B. Hurley, J. Burke, J. O'Donovan; K. Hurley, T. Bambury, D. Ryan; D. Lucey, N. O'Rourke; E. O'Donovan, A. Johnson, J. Hickey; D. Crowley, D. Burke, D. O'Donoghue. Subs: C. Dullea for O'Rourke (56m), R. Crowley for O'Donoghue (60m).

VALLEY ROVERS: J. Ryan; R. O'Donovan, C. O'Riordan, S. Manning; J. Hurley, C. O'Donovan, D. Lynch; E. Collins, S. O'Sullivan; J. Burke, T. Burke, F. Coughlan; J. Walsh, K. Canty, K. White. Subs: E. Manning for Coughlan (24m), R. Lehane for S. Manning (ht), N. O'Donovan for Walsh (46m), J. Crowley for O'Riordan (48m).

Referee: C. McAllister (Aqhada).
Crowley and O'Donoghue Bandon aces - IHC - Bob Tester - Irish Examiner 29-09-08
Bandon 1-18
Valley Rovers 2-11

THEY'RE back and meaning business.

After the heartbreak of last year's final defeat by Fr. O'Neill's, Bandon are back in the Evening Echo Cork Co IHC final and a tilt with Carrigaline after a rousing semi-final victory over great rivals Valley Rover at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday.

This is the second year Bandon have put one over on their neighbours and this time coach and former Glen stalwart Red Crowley in hell bent on going all the way. "I'm delighted, I thought we played great hurling in the second-half. We really defended well when they came at us and I thought Eoin O'Donovan was superb, cleaning up a load of ball. Carrigaline are a bit of an unknown quantity for us, it will be a novel pairing, but we'll be ready for it."

Some of Bandons hurling yesterday was top class - as was Cathal McAllister's refereeing — with their lethal strike force of Darren Crowley and Darren O'Donoghue splitting 14 point between them, a huge contribution to their cause. And when they had to defend, when Rovers came at them strongly in the final quarter, they were strong and composed and ultimately deserved their victory.

Rovers needed midfielder Eamonn Collins to be on his game quickly and he didn't disappoint, firing over two subline points — one a peach of a sideline cut. But Bandon also had an ace in Crowley, who scored all four points as they led 0-4 to 0-3 after the opening quarter.

Bandon, wind assisted, were well clued in. Crowley and O'Donoghue continued to punish Rovers up front though Rovers wing back Jeremy Hurley did score his second superb point from the right wing to keep his side in touch.

Kevin Canty was getting nothing from James O'Donovan and although Collin continued to impress for Rovers they were hit hard in the 25th minute when Darren Ryan's speculative delivery was hammered to the net by Eoin O'Donovan.

And Bandon weren't finished yet as points from O'Donoghue, Crowley — his sixth — and Alan Johnson gave them a commanding 1-10 to 0-6 interval lead.

A brace of points from Collins — one another sweet sideline cut — after the break kept Rover in touch and they were right back in the hunt in the 39th minute when Canty got on the end of a huge delivery by Chris O'Donovan and he fired home a fine goal to leave just four points between the sides.

In fairness to Bandon they kept their composure well and points from Donagh Lucey and two cracking O'Donoghue scores had them 1-15 to 1-9 clear entering the final quarter.

Rovers pumped everything at Bandon in the last 15 minutes. Twice they were denied goals by some super defending but, in the 49th minute, substitute Noel O'Donovan was upended and Collins fired home a super penalty to give them life again. They battled bravely as points from Kevin White and John Burke again brought the deficit down to just three points and time running out.

But substitute Ronan Crowley had the last say for Bandon, a sweet insurance point and a place in the final was assured.

Scorers for Bandon: D. Crowley (0-4 frees) and D. O'Donoghue 0-7 each, E. O'Donovan 1-0, A. Johnson, D. Lucey, J. O'Donovan, R. Crowley 0-1 each.

Valley Rovers: E. Collins 1-5 (1-0 pen, 0-2 sidelines, 0-1 '65, 0-1 free), K. Canty 1-0, J. Hurley 0-2, S. O'Sullivan, E. Manning, K. White, J. Burke 0-1 each.

BANDON: J. Crowley; B. Hurley, J. Burke, J. O'Donovan; K. Hurley, T. Bambury, D. Ryan; D. Lucey, N. O'Rourke; E. O'Donovan, A. Johnson, J. Hickey; D. Crowley, D. Burke, D. O'Donoghue. Subs: C. Dullea for O'Rourke (56m), R. Crowley for O'Donoghue (60m).

VALLEY ROVERS: J. Ryan; R. O'Donovan, C. O'Riordan, S. Manning; J. Hurley, C. O'Donovan, D. Lynch; E. Collins, S. O'Sullivan; J. Burke, T. Burke, F. Coughlan; J. Walsh, K. Canty, K. White. Subs: E. Manning for Coughlan (24m), R. Lehane for S. Manning (ht), N. O'Donovan for Walsh (46m), J. Crowley for O'Riordan (48m).

Referee: C. McAllister (Aqhada).
Bandon to get bragging rights in semi - IHC Semi Final Preview - John Horgan - Evening Echo 26-09-08
A CHANCE at redemption here for the Innishannon men, writes JOHN HORGAN.

When these two collided last year in the quarter-final Bandon did the business by two points, 1-12 to 0-13 after leading by 1 -8 to 0-2 at the break, a half hour that Valley's have consigned to the scrapheap.

Now they meet again, local rivals desperate to secure the bragging rights on offer and with the prize of a tilt against Carrigaline in the final the huge prize on offer.

Bandon of course have an added incentive after los¬ing to Fr O'Neill's in last year's final, a game many be¬lieved that they deserved a draw out of at the very least.

But they are back on the trail again against a Valley's side that have been involved more recently, defeating Eire 6g the weekend before last in a fairly searching ex¬amination.

Eire 6g were tough opponents that day in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and eventually they surrendered by just two points.

A game like that, however, is worth its weight in gold to any team, especially one that was ideal for a team idle for so long.

Valley's will be mindful too of what happened last year, an atrocious first-half performance saw them trail¬ing to their neighbours on a scoreline of 1-8 to 0-2, something that even surprised their opponents.

Once more they will be looking to their twin strike force of Eamon Collins and Kevin Canty to produce the goods on the board, Collins with seven points the last day against Eire 6g and Canty with 1-1.

Out the field there will be a heavy reliance on talented youngster Chris Donovan and Jeremy Hurley as they set out on this revenge mission.

Bandon will be relying heavily on the bulk of the team that went so close last year and in Darren Crowley they have a very good forward.

Donncha Burke, Donagh Lucey, Tom Bambury, Joe Burke and Darren O'Donoghue will be well versed on the requirements here.

The fact that it is a local derby and with so much at stake might prevent it from being a flamboyant, open game, however.

Bandon haven't played for some time since taking care of Barryroe, Kilbrittain and Milford in previous rounds.

Verdict: Bandon.
Bandon blitzed by powerful Sliabh Rua showing - MAHC - Denis Hurley - Evening Echo 24-09-08
Sliabh Rua 4-15
Bandon 0-07

SLIABH RUA were always in control of this MAHC quarter-final clash at Cloughduv last night as they recorded a 20-point victory over Bandon.

It was almost a complete team performance from the Ballymartle-Belgooly combination, as all six starting forwards, plus both midfielders, got on the scoresheet while their watertight defence failed to cough up a score from play.

It must be pointed out, however, that Bandon, who relied on intermediate star Ronan Crowley for all of their points from placed balls, were missing six regulars, four due to suspension after an ill-tempered South West final against Newcestown.

Nonetheless, it would have been difficult for most teams to keep pace with this clinical performance from Sliabh Rua, for whom Jamie Dwyer scored 1 -4 in a blistering first-half display.

The goal came in the 10th minute, when he kicked to the net after being initially hooked, to make it 1 -3 to 0-2. Up until then, Bandon had been competitive, but the goal ushered in Sliabh Rua's period of dominance and they powered on to lead 1-9 to 0-5 at the break, and it could well have been more as they shot eight wides in the first half and Darren McCarthy had a 20m free saved when he went for goal. After a long-range score from Daniel O'Leary in the fourth minute of the second half, Gary Murphy effectively put the game to bed when he shot home after a Bandon defensive mix-up for 2-10 to 0-5.

From there, it was pretty much target practice for Sliabh Rua.

Credit Bandon, they never gave up, with Crowley and Jason McCarthy their brightest performers.

Scorers for Sliabh Rua: G Murphy 2-1, J Dwyer 1-4, K Fitzpatrick 1-0, D O'Mahony 0-3, D McCarthy (0-1 651, J Coleman (0-1f), D O'Leary 0-2 each, S O'Mahony 0-1.

Bandon: R Crowley 0-7 (0-5f, 0-2 65).

SLIABH RUA: P Alien; C Coleman, G Webb (capt), TJ Murphy; J Vaughan, S Corry, D Dwyer; S O'Mahony, D McCarthy; D O'Mahony, J Dwyer, D O'Leary; K Fitzpatrick, J Coleman, G Murphy. Subs: D Kelly for C Coleman, J Daly for Fitzpatrick, A Daly for J Dwyer, D O'Leary for Murphy, C Keogh for Murphy.

BANDON: C Collins; E Sugrue, P Murphy, M Muir; C Swanton, J Har-rington, E Jackson; C O'Mahony, R Crowley (capt); F O'Leary, J McCarthy, M Sugrue; C O'Donovan, S Murphy, A Linehan. Subs: J Crow-ley for Linehan, A Dullea for Murphy, E O'Mahony for O'Donovan.

Referee: J Dorgan (Nemo Rangers).
Southern Star 27th September
On Sunday next all roads lead to Pairc ui Chaoimh for Bandon's Intermediate hurling semi-final against Valley Rovers.

The game is the curtain raiser to the Cork County Senior hurling final between Sarsfields and Bride Rovers.

Best of luck to Red Crowley and his backroom team, Don McCarthy, Joe Crowley, Robert Wilmot and James Deasy and especially to the players who have put in a tremendous effort.

A place in the final against Carrigaline beckons for the winners.



Bandons Junior A hurlers lost agonisingly to Ballinascarthy 1.13 to 0.17 last Friday evening in Barryroe in their relegation play-off.

Their Junior A status was ultimately decided by the awarding and conversion of some hotly disputed late frees.

Team: E.Duggan,I.McCarthy,C.Moloney,J.McCarthy,J.Harrington,D.Lehane,J.walsh,K.Lucey,J.O'Regan,Jason McCarthy, D.Cronin,R.Moloney,A.Nyhan,N.Geary,D.Kelly, subs.:J.Milner,P.Taylor



Anyone wishing to join the forthcoming Cork County Board GAA Draw should contact a club officer.
Ballinascarthy stay up and send Bandon down - JAHC - Derry Farr - County Section 23-09-08
Ballinascarthy 0-17
Bandon 1-13

BANDON needed to win this Friday evening, South West JAHC relegation game, at Barryroe, for their second team to preserve their status in the top grade in the Carbery division. When two points to the good, with as many minutes left to play in normal time, it appeared the Lily Whites would survive, but Ballinascarthy, needing a draw"to survive, had a lot to play for in this demotion battle.

So, they went all out in the hectic closing stages, when three late points guaranteed they would avoid the drop, a fate that has now befallen Bandon and Kilbree. It had been a mighty relegation tussle, made even more difficult by the fact that just one of the trio involved would retain A status.

That distinction fell to Ballinascarthy, after last evenings game, with every ball contested and every chance, particularly from frees, taken. Ballinascarthy had free-taker Ricky O'Flynn in unerring form, while Diarmuid Cronin missed nothing for Bandon, who retired at the break with a one-point advantage, thanks to a magnificent injury-time score from Diarmuid Cronin. Just before the interval, Bandon goalkeeper Eoin Duggan was at his magnificent best, saving a blistering Denis O'Sullivan shot, taken after a great solo run.

Within a minute of the resumption, Diarmuid Cronin extended his side's lead, and, with Kevin Lucey doing well at midfield, the loser's, helped by a scrappy goal compliments of Niall Geary (ably assisted by David Kelly), managed to increase their advantage to two goals, entering the final quarter. Slowly, but surely, Ballinascarthy ate into the lead, and, when substitute Tim Cof-fey, within a minute of his introduction, levelled matters it appeared they would at least produce the draw that would earn their salvation. They did even better, when Ricky O'Flynn fittingly served up the last score of a frenetic encounter to bring the curtain down on what had been a series of games in which winning was everything.

Ballinascarthy: P O'Sullivan; J O'Sullivan, K Ryan, M Deasy; R O'Flynn, E Deasy, M Murphy; B Murphy, D Hennessy; C Deasy, D O'Sullivan, R O'Flynn; P Deasy, K Dineen, W Deasy. Subs; J Ryan, JC O'Flynn, T Coffey.

Bandon: E Duggan; I McCarthy, C Moloney Joe McCarthy; J Harrington, D Lehane, J Walsh; K Lucey, J O'Regan; Jason McCarthy, D Cronin, R Moloney; A Nyhan, N Geary, D Kelly. Subs: M Milner, P Taylor.

Referee: Pat Lawton (Barryroe).
Southern Star 20th September - Junior Hurling Draw
Bandon 1-10
Kilbree 1-10

Bandons Junior A hurlers drew with Kilbree in their relegation play-off at the week-end in one of the few games to go ahead in the rain soaked division.

The final score was 1.10 each with Bandon leading by 1.06 to 0.05 at half-time and unfortunate to concede a goal and a point very late on when the game looked to be won.

Best on the day were the returning Eoin Duggan, Cathal Moloney, young Joe Harrington further illustrating his great potential, Tadgh Canniffe, Kevin Lucey, the evergreen John O'Regan, and Diarmuid Cronin.

Team: E.Duggan,J.McCarthy,C.Moloney,I.McCarthy,J.Harrington,D.Lehane,T.Canniffe,K.Lucey (0.03),J.O'Regan,Jason McCarthy, D.Cronin (0.06),R.Moloney(0.01),A.Nyhan,N.Geary(1.00),D.Kelly



This team now goes on to play Ballinascarthy in a game that will decide the second team to be relegated to Junior C.



Valley Rovers win over Eire og sets up yet another meeting between the clubs, this time in the Intermediate hurling semi-final which is down for decision on the 27th September.



The Junior A footballers meanwhile await the conclusion of the Mid-Cork Junior A football championship and will probably be playing on the week-end of the 05th October.
Bandon Minors triumph despite late melee - MAHC - Derry Farr - County Section 16-09-08
Bandon 1-13
Newcestown 0-10

THE ending wasn't pretty, but it shouldn't take from an exciting MAHC decider at Ballineen. Until the final minute referee Martin Collins encountered very few problems with just a few yellow cards handed out in a game where Bandon midfielder Chris O'Donoghue did receive two yellows, and with them his marching orders in the 57th minute. At that stage Bandon were four points to the good, but when Eoin Kelly converted a free it left just a puck of the ball between them facing into what was to turn out to be a tempestuous ending. On the stroke of normal time corner forward Fionn O'Leary finished a Ronan Crowley delivery to the net to guarantee Bandon victory, but then came a somewhat unsavoury scene that was deplored by South West Board chairman Seamus Coakley in his presentation speech.

Matters erupted immediately after O'Leary's decisive goal when a melee developed in the middle of the field and unpleasant scenes, not helped by mentor involvement, unfolded. When order was restored, Eoin Kelly, Newcestown, along with Bandon's Stephen Lynch and Philip Crowley were dismissed while a Newcestown player was stretchered off with a leg injury.

When the dust settled the remaining minute of added time passed, free of incident, or any addition to the scoreline. The game itself was a close encounter with the losers doing particularly well when opening up a three-point lead, helped by a point from a splendid Daniel Twomey sideline cut, nearing the end of the opening quarter.

By half-time Bandon had nosed two-points clear. They managed to stay ahead in the closing half, but with only a goal between the teams it was all to play for until O'Leary's goal ended the game.

Bandon: C Collins; E Sugrue, P Murphy, M Muir; P Crowley, J Harrington, E Jackson; C O'Donoghue, R Crowley; M Sugrue, J McCarthy, C O'Mahony; F O'Leary, S Lynch, S Murphy. Scorers: R Crowley 0-6 (0-1 '65, 03f), F O'Leary 1-0, J McCarthy 0-3, S Lynch 0-2, S Murphy, M Sugrue 0-1 each.

Newcestown: G Courtney; M Courtney, C Ryan, B Foley; C O'Leary, J Desmond, P O'Donovan; D Twomey, A Phelan; C O'Sullivan, C Twomey, D O'Driscoll; C Duggan, E Kelly, S Ryan. Subs; K Kelleher for C Duggan. Scorers: E Kelly 0-6 (0-5f), D Twomey 0-2 (0-1 s), C Twomey, J Desmond (f) 0-1 each.

Referee: Martin Collins, Clonakilty.
St. Brogan's capture minor title - MAHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 13-09-08
Bandon 1-13
Newcestown 0-10

Lethal O'Leary clinches it for St. Brogan's with late goal, as minor final has torrid ending!

The clock was just ticking over into injury-time at Ballineen, on Tuesday evening last, in this keenly contested South West minor A hurling championship final and St. Brogan's were hanging on grimly to a three points' advantage against old adversaries Newces-town who were pulling out all the stops in their quest to gain parity.

Then, following a tremendous delivery out of defence by the outstanding Barren Crowley, Fionn O'Leary got possession, rounded his marker and fired an unstoppable drive past reliable Newcestown goalie Graham Courtney to seal victory. Suddenly, out of the blue, in the middle of the park an unsavoury and quite nasty melee developed and continued for several minutes. When referee Martin Collins from Clonakilty restored order after much difficulty, fourteen man Bandon, already shorn of the services of midfielder Chris O'Donoghue (sent to the line following a second yellow card offence in the 57th minute), had seen their forces depleted by a further two players by the match official, as Stephen Lynch and Philip Crowley had fit their marching orders as well, while oin Kelly from Newcestown suffered a like fate.

It all made for a frantic, frenetic and tense further short sequence of play, that saw Newcestown come with a last burst, but St. Brogan's custodian Cian Collins was equal to the task and when Mark Muir diverted the goalbound shot to safety, the curtain fell on an entertaining game that made the headlines at the finish, but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. It was a pity really, because for practically all of this match it was fought out in a fine manly spirit, but the tension that started to become evident in the last quarter spilled over into that final, late, late unwanted burst-up.

Newcestown must have been the slight favourites coming into the game, but even against the wind, the Lily-whites with Peter Murphy, Joe Har-rington, Jason McCarthy, Mark Sugrue, Stephen Lynch and the talented Ronan Crowley were really putting it up to the opposition. However, the fine play of midfielder Daniel Twomey, augmented by good support from Cormac Ryan, James Desmond and Cian Twomey saw the St. John's lads hit the front, three neat scores by Eoin Kelly and the Twomey duo Cian and Daniel giving them a narrow advantage 0-3 to 0-1 by the 10th minute.

What followed was really an all-out action scoring sequence as St. Brogan's set about narrowing the margin, two fine points by Stephen Murphy and the lively Mark Sugrue leaving it 0-5 to 0-3 by the close of the opening quarter. Features of that close first half included a delightful point from Ronan Crowley and an equally fine score by Jason McCarthy who was really on top of his game. With both defences apt to concede frees under pressure, the respective free-takers had ample opportunities to display their wares.

Unfortunately, the usually clinical Eoin Kelly was off target on a few occasions, while in general Newcestown was left to rue a succession of misses, not that St. Brogan's were entirely blameless as well.

As the second half progressed St. Brogan's began to impose their will on affairs and with Cian O'Mahony, Jason McCarthy, Chris O'Donoghue, Mark Sugrue together with Joe Harrington and Crowley really hurling well the tally mounted considerably, 0-12 to 0-7 by the 50th minute.

However, Newcestown was far from a spent force and with the pace of speedy corner forward Sean Ryan opening up the St. Brogan's defence and Daniel Twomey, Eoin Kelly, Denis O'Driscoll, Aidan Phelan and Cian Twomey all making supreme efforts, the margin quickly narrowed to just 0-13 to 0-10 with two minutes left.

In fact, the brilliance of Cian Collins thwarted both Adrian Phelan and Daniel Twomey in the interim period as Newcestown came really close to that elusive goal. Unfortunately, from their point of view it came at the other end from O'Leary to see St. Brogan's safely home.

VERDICT Our verdict: While their were handshakes all around at the final whistle after all the drama and no doubt a lot of these lads are classmates and will be regretting their actions when they ponder on what happened, it in no way excuses the tempestuous behaviour in the proceeding minutes which is not tolerable on any pitch. Particularly with minors it sets a bad example and must not be repeated in the future by any team.

It was a pity that it occurred, because this clash of neighbours' children was an exciting tussle, with St. Brogan's all-round hurling ability and scoring finesse just that bit more co-ordinated than the efforts of a more individualistic Newcestown fifteen that must have rued the loss of some glorious gilt-edged chances. Seamus Coakley, chairman, South West Board, presented the cup to St. Brogan's captain, Ronan Crowley, after the match. Also in attendance was Ms. Teresa Cadogan from sponsors Clona Milk. Congratulations to St. Mary's on . the wonderful condition of the pitch after all the monsoons.

Man of the match: Ronan Crowley, St. Brogan's.

Scorers — St. Brogan's: Ronan Crow-ley 0-6, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65, Fionn O'Leary 1-0, Jason McCarthy 0-3, Mark Sugrue 0-1, Stephen Lynch 0-2, Stephen Murphy 0-1. Newcestown: Eoin Kelly 0-6, 0-5 frees, Daniel Twomey 0-2, 0-1 free, Cian Twomey 0-1, James Desmond 0-1 free.

St. Brogan's: Cian Collins, Eoin Sugrue, Peter Murphy, Mark Muir, Philip Crowley, Joe Harrington, Eoin Jackson, Chris O'Donoghue, Ronan Crowley, Mark Sugrue, Jason McCarthy, Cian O'Mahony, Fionn O'Leary, Stephen Lynch, Stephen Murphy.

Newcestown: Graham Courtney, Mark Courtney, Cormac Ryan, Brendan Foley, Chris O'Leary, James Desmond, Paraic O'Donovan, Daniel Twomey, Adrian Phelan, Colm O'Sullivan, Cian Twomey, Denis O'Driscoll, Cathal Dug-gan, Eoin Kelly, Sean Ryan. Sub: Kier-an Kelleher.
Southern Star 13th September - St Brogans
THE under-16 hurlers progressed in the first round of the county B hurling. They beat Ballincollig by 2-17 to 2-5 and will now meet Courcey Rovers in the next round. This game has been provisionally set for Tuesday, September 16.

Good luck also to the under-16 footballers who meet Clan-na Gael in the West Cork semi-final. Time and date of this game have not yet been fixed.

The under-8 and under-10 hurlers entertained teams from Newcestown at the Bandon pitch on Wednesday, September 3. The younger age group had a convincing victory while the under-10 match ended in a draw. Excellent attendances watched both games. Outdoor training will continue for these age groups until the end of September. There will then be a short break before the indoor season commences.

The under-12 hurlers completed their programme with a loss in the first round of the county A grade at Inniscarra on Saturday, September 6. If success is measured in victories then this was not a great year for this group but there were many encouraging aspects to the season and they should not be too downhearted.

A great number of parents attended home and away matches to the end. The support from the sideline, despite often heavy defeats, was greatly appreciated by players and mentors. It is so much easier to continue to follow a winning team and undoubtedly the perseverance of these parents will be rewarded next year. Many of the team are under age again in 2009 and all will certainly benefit from the number of matches played in this campaign. Hurling training for this group will now take a break for a few weeks until the all-weather season commences.
Southern Star 13th September - Minor Hurling West Cork Champions
Bandon 1-13
Newcestown 0-10

Bandons Minor hurlers scored a somewhat unexpected victory over near neighbours Newcestown in what was until the death a very sporting West Cork final played in Ballineen on Tuesday night. In the process Bandon gained sweet revenge for Newcestown's win in the U21 hurling championship. Well done to the local club St. Mary's as there was hardly a pitch in the division playable.

The final score was 1.13 to 0.10 with Bandon leading at half-time by 0.08 to 0.06.

A very well taken goal from Fionn O'Leary with five minutes to go sealed the contest. Best on the night for Bandon were Peter Murphy at full-back who was outstanding, Joe Harrington, Ronan Crowley, Jason McCarthy, Cian O'Mahony and Steven Lynch.

At the end of the final, with the game effectively over as a contest, there was a rather un-edifying spectacle that should not have occured, or for that matter, been allowed to develop.

Bandon and Newcestown are steeped in tradition and have been great sporting rivals on the pitch, and best of friends off it for many years. This was an unfortunate isolated incident, when common sense on all sides "went out the window".

It should not under any circumstances be allowed to damage the great ongoing relationship between both sets of players and both clubs.

Well done to Referee Martin Collins who handled the situation as best he could.

A big well done to team mentors Padraig Crowley,Frank long and Joe Harrington for their tremendous efforts with these young men.

Team: C.Collins, M.Muir, P.Murphy, E.Sugrue, P.Crowley, J.Harrington, E.Jackson, C.O'Donoghue, R.Crowley (0.06), C.O'Mahony, J.McCarthy (0.03), M.Sugrue (0.01), S.Murphy (0.01), S.Lynch(0.02), F.O'Leary(1.0).



Tim Buckley of Buckley Financial Services made a welcome return to the club to present the Junior A football West Cork championship winners with the team of the month award.The reception was held in the Pavilion and fingers crossed that we will see Tim at least once more before 2008 draws to a close.



On Sunday next Valley Rovers and Eire Og finally meet in the Intermediate hurling quarter-final with the winners meeting Bandon.
Southern Star 6th August 2008
Bandon are South West Champions
Bandon 1-13
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 0-11

Bandon are the West Cork Junior A football champions for 2008 and for the second year in a row.

Excellent team captain Kevin Walsh mentioned about buses arriving in his acceptance speech, in another context, but here we now are after waiting eighteen years for one,and two come along together.

Is it too soon to ask has the sleeping giant of West Cork football finally awoken from it's slumber? Two West Cork Junior A football championships in a row, two West Cork U21 football titles in four years from three finals, a West Cork and County Minor football championship in 2005.

No-one will know better than excellent Coach seamus mcCarthy that surely now is the time to push on for that County Junior A football title that has eluded the club since 1975.

Bandon won on a scoreline of 1.13 to 0.11 with the half-time score deadlocked at 0.06 points each.

Bandon were the better team but were slightly flattered by the final score as the wides tally was three to Bandon and eleven to a very capable and sporting Caheragh outfit.

The Westerners wont begrudge Bandon their victory as they have been our nemesis in the West Cork championship for many years.

It was evident all through this championship that Bandon have learned from their experience of last year and are becoming a very difficult team to beat, with an excellent defence.

Credit the forwards in this final though as they have seldom played better as unit than over the last two games.

Darren Crowley gave an exceptional performance scoring four points from play and he has been truly inspirational all season. He improves with every outing, scoring freely with both feet and is becoming a real leader on the pitch.

Best on the night were team Captain Kevin Walsh who led by example, Alan Johnson who was outstanding when the need was greatest together with James o'Donovan, James Walsh, Robert Moloney had his best game since his U21 exploits, and Eoin O'Donovan and John O'Connell. David Crowley had a very good second half.

A big well done to the back room team, Seamus McCarthy, John Collis, Jimmy Gabriel and Colm Ahern, and to Ray Payne and Danny Lynch for their work behind the scenes.

Scorers for Bandon: R Moloney 0-5 (0-3f), D Crowley 0-4, R Milner 1-0, A Johnson, J O'Connell 0-2 each.

Scorers for Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: C O'Driscoll 0-7 (0-4f), K O'Driscoll 0-2, T Deasy, C O'Sullivan (f) 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, J O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke, David Crowley; J Milner, K Lucey; Darren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, R Milner, E O'Donovan. Subs: Aherne for K Walsh, T O'Donoghue for J Milner.

TADHG MAC CARTHAIGH: A Collins; D Harring-ton, S O'Sullivan, J Ryan; T Herlihy, D Daly, D McCarthy; T Deasy, M Barrett; S O'Driscoll, K O'Driscoll, K Barrett; C O'Sullivan, S Murray, C O'Driscoll. Subs: J Herlihy for S O'Driscoll, W O'Sullivan for D Harrington, D O'Brien for K Barrett.

Referee: Pat Lawton, Barryroe.


St. Brogans
Congratulations to James McSweeney and Padraig o'Leary who were on the Cork U14 hurling team that won the Tony Forristal Hurling Tournament played in Waterford over the week-end.This keenly contested competition is effectively the All-Ireland for this age group.

Well done also to team Selector Michael Beecher from the Deise for helping Cork to win the tournament for the first time in eight years and only the third time overall.



We wish Mick and another Bandon GAA man ex-Garda Jim O'Riordan the very best of luck on Sunday next.No-one deserves to see Waterford win an All-Ireland more,and certainly they have followed the Deise through thick and thin and are true supporters. Hopefully on Sunday they will see them finally reach the promised land.

We extend similar good wishes to anyone at all from Tyrone living in Bandon for the other final.
St. Brogan's GAA Club Notes - Southern Star 6th August 2008
THE under 14 footballers lost to Valley Rovers in the county semi-final in Ballinspit-tle on Saturday, 23rd August.

The match was played in dreadful weather and the Innishannon boys were able to adapt to the conditions better. This has been a long season for these players and they have turned in so many excellent performances during the campaign. There are still a few unplayed league matches to complete and then the GAA season will commence in the schools.

The under-12 hurlers surrendered their West Cork title to Newcestown in Ballineen on Monday, 1st September. This was played on a mini-league basis with Kilbrittain also in their group. Some local bragging rights were earned the previous Thursday when Brogan's beat Kilbrittain but the last word was definitely had by Newcestown who were very impressive in the final match of the series.

Congratulations to James McSweeney and Padraig O'Leary who played in the victorious Cork under-14 hurling team over the last weekend of August. Competition for places at this age group is fierce and great credit is due to this very talented pair. We look forward to seeing them involved with the county teams for years to come.

A note of support also to Ban-don adopted Mick Beecher who was a selector for the Cork side. Mick, of course, was an ex-Waterford inter-county player but wore his Cork shirt with pride over the week-end. The least we can do is wish his other team well against Kilkenny on Sunday.

The under 16 footballers played Bantry in the West Cork quarter-final on Tuesday, 2nd September, and won a tremendously exciting game by just one point. Good luck to them in their next match and also their upcoming West Cork final hurling match against Kilbrittain. The under-8 football team returned to winning ways against Ballinhassig on Thursday, 28th August, and the under-10 hurlers put up a brilliant performance before eventually losing to Dunmanway the previous night. This was played in front of a fine attendance and all were impressed by the skills on display.

Training for 6-10 year olds continues on Wednesdays and we are very pleased with the attendance on these nights. New players are always welcome and should come along.
Bandon Boys Hurrah! - JFC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 06-09-08
Bandon 1-13
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 0-11

WITH the teams level on seven occasions during the first fifty minutes one might get the impression that this South West junior A football final in the Sam Maguire Park on Saturday evening last, was a rip-roaring contest between the top two teams in the grade.

However, while the entertainment value was reasonable, this clash was far from the thriller we expected. Whether it was the unusual starting time and the decision to play this important final on a Saturday, or whether it was the small crowd, probably the smallest we have ever seen at a junior A final, or whether it was the complete lack of atmosphere for most of the way, but this was a most disappointing contest.

No fault to Bandon who emerged from a first quarter slumber to gradually take control, eventually leaving no doubt as to the masters in the last quarter.

Once they got the feel for the game after the opening quarter Bandon began to show a huge appetite for victory. Chasing, harassing, blocking and annoying, they totally knocked MacCarthaighs out of their rhythm and the Caher-agh side, after their very bright opening and plenty honest endeavour, had little to offer as the game drew to a conclusion. The clinching goal didn't arrive until the 55th minute but Bandon were shaping as clear winners by then and were bidding fair to retain the Mick McCarthy Cup for the second year in a row.

The football on show was nothing to write home about and the first quarter saw Bandon plagued with unexpected nerves, while Caheragh, who went two points clear, dominated early but showed far to much haste in their play. The second quarter showed a gradual improvement in play, especially from Bandon who upped their workrate considerably, and it was no surprise when the teams retired on level terms.

RELYING Bandon had the advantage of a freshening breeze in the second half but there was nothing between the sides on the score-board as they were again level at the three-quarter mark. It was noticeable that Caheragh were relying to a great extent on Colm O'Driscoll for scores, and he kicked some sweet points, but in the last quarter he was forced to move out from the goal area to seek possession and this fell into Bandon's lap as he was too far out from goal to threaten the scoreboard.

Slowly but surely the Bandon defence began to choke the life out of the Caheragh attack as the game drew to a conclusion and, at the other end of the pitch, the Bandon forwards were threatening much more as a unit. A few substitutions and positional changes helped Bandon's cause greatly in the closing sequences and they were two points to the good, looking all over winners, when Richard Milner added to his goal-scoring reputation by raising the only green flag of the game five minutes from time.

There was no way back for Caheragh after that and the Bandon keeper was never really under threat throughout the game.

Barren Crowley deservedly took the Man of the Match award at the finish with his all-round contribution at wing forward and his four points from play, but a number of other Bandon players could equally have lifted that award. John O'Connell, one of the most experienced players on the team but not setting the world on fire this season, picked this game to give his best display of the season at corner forward and he finished a fine hour with two points to his credit, as well as setting up the goal.

Not far behind was the hardworking Alan Johnson, whose all-action contribution on the forty was again vital to this win. Robert Moloney had one of his finest hours in the corner and fought for every ball that came near him while contributing three vital points from frees and two from play.

The light Eoghan O'Donovan started at wing forward where he was very lively and finished at wing back where he cleared some great balls in the last quarter. The strong Richard Milner at full forward used his size well and his goal was the clinching score.

While the Bandon attack was firing on all cylinders they got fine contributions from midfielders James Milner and the hard-grafting Kevin Lucey, while sub, Tom O'Donoghue, did his bit in the last quarter.

PLAUDITS The Bandon attack may have taken the plaudits again in this game but on reflection, it was upon their sound defence that this victory was built. Slow to settle and losing some of the man-to-man battles early on, they improved considerably as the hour went on, being complete masters at the finish. Pat Prendergast saw little action in goal but his kickouts were long and well-aimed. James O'Donovan was again in total control at the edge of the square while corner backs, James Walsh, saddled with the onerous job of shackling Colm O'Driscoll, and, especially Niall Connor, were solid and sensible.

Centre back Michael Quirke had a shaky first half but thundered into the game after the break while Kevin Walsh and David Crowley closed off the two wings. Sub, David Ahern, did well when he came on and the move of Eoghan O'Donovan to wing back was very effective.

Tadhg MacCarthaigh started well and were looking good until Bandon began to employ pressure all over the pitch, disrupting their running game. Colm O'Driscoll almost won this game on his own and was again their main man with some lovely scores but the usually effective Colm O'Sullivan in the other corner saw little of the ball throughout the game. Kevin O'Driscoll had a great first half on the forty, winning a lot of ball, but faded after the break while Sean Murray tried hard at full forward and on the wing but achieved little on the scoreboard.

Tadhg Deasy played his heart out at midfield, getting good support from Mark Bar-rett but they were met by some very solid tackling from the Lilywhites.

Donal O'Regan was the most effective of the backs in the first half but had his hands full with O'Connell after the break. Denis McCarthy at wing back certainly didn't let his side down and gave as good as he got all through, especially in the third quarter. Sean O'Sullivan and Damien Daly also tried hard in a defence that came under a lot of pressure in the second half.

The Sam Maguire Park was in splendid condition for this final and the stewarding was top class but the attendance of little over 500 was disappointing.

Referee, Pat Lawton, Barry-roe,

THE PLAY The game got off to a very slow start, in a surreal lack of atmosphere, and it was Caher-agh who took early command against a very nervous Bandon side. Colm O'Driscoll pointed a free in the second minute for the first of his seven points and in the fourth minute Kevin O'Driscoll shot narrowly wide from an acute angle. Alan Johnson opened Bandon's account in the fifth minute following an O'Connell pass but it was Caheragh who were doing the pressing, resulting in points from Kevin O'Driscoll and Colm O'Driscoll, following good work from Mark Barrett.

Caheragh were dominating midfield at this stage but then a bad mistake allowed Robert Moloney in for a snap Bandon point and this seemed to shake the Lilywhites out of their early jitters. Moloney then pointed a free and it was all square at the end of the first quarter, 0-3 each.

The rampaging Darren Crowley put Bandon in front for the first time in the 17th minute, with the Bandon forwards doing great work now in harassing the Caheragh backs and preventing them from building attacks, but back came Caheragh to level with a Colm O'Driscoll free. The same player took a pass from namesake Kevin, to kick his side in front again with a sweet point and then he increased the lead to two from a free. But just as they seemed to be slipping, back came Bandon to register the last two scores of the half from Rob Moloney, free, and Darren Crowley after a lovely move.

It was 0-6 each at the break and one felt Bandon could be in the driver's seat with the breeze beginning to freshen. When Darren Crowley and the rejuvenated John O'Connell pointed after the interval it was looking ominous for Caheragh but they showed great resilience as they fought back with a great point from Tadhg Deasy and another from Colm O'Driscoll to level the scores for the fifth time.

John O'Connell shoved Bandon back in front again and when a high centre from Darren Crowley hopped in the goal area, Robert Moloney blazed just wide. Denis McCarthy was starring at wing back for the Caheragh men as they drew level at the end of the third quarter with a Colm O'Driscoll free, 0-9 each.

The last quarter began as Kevin O'Driscoll raced through for a Caheragh point to put them in front and for a brief couple of minutes they looked to be gaining control but full credit to Bandon who went up through the gears in the closing stages in a fighting effort to defend their title. Robert Moloney levelled from a free, 0-10 each, the last time they were on equal terms and then he fastened onto a great centre from Eoghan O'Donovan to blast his side into the lead. They weren't to look back again as they put the boot to the floor and drove hard for the finish line.

CLINCHER Darren Crowley made it a two-point game with a marvellous point and then, in the 55th minute, came the clincher when Richard Milner rose high on the edge of the square to fist home a John O'Connell centre. Caher-agh, with a few substitutions, tried hard in the closing minutes but the Bandon defence was in control and all they could manage was a Colm O'Driscoll free. It wasn't the last score as that fell to the hard-working Alan Johnson who kicked a fine point in the 62nd minute to put the seal on a well-deserved win, 1-13 to 0-11.

The Man of the Match award, sponsored by O'Neill Sports, Clonakilty, was won by Barren Crowley, Bandon.

After the game the Mick McCarthy Cup was presented to Bandon captain, Kevin Walsh, by Sean de Barra, riinai of the SW Junior Board.

Scorers for Bandon: R Moloney 0-5 (0-3f), D Crowley 0-4, R Milner 1-0, A Johnson, J O'Connell 0-2 each.

Scorers for Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: C O'Driscoll 0-7 (0-4f), K O'Driscoll 0-2, T Deasy, C O'Sullivan (f) 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, J O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke, David Crowley; J Milner, K Lucey; Darren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, R Milner, E O'Donovan. Subs: Aherne for K Walsh, T O'Donoghue for J Milner.

TADHG MAC CARTHAIGH: A Collins; D Harring-ton, S O'Sullivan, J Ryan; T Herlihy, D Daly, D McCarthy; T Deasy, M Barrett; S O'Driscoll, K O'Driscoll, K Barrett; C O'Sullivan, S Murray, C O'Driscoll. Subs: J Herlihy for S O'Driscoll, W O'Sullivan for D Harrington, D O'Brien for K Barrett.

Referee: Pat Lawton, Barryroe.
Caheragh men battle 'til the end - JFC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 01-09-08
Bandon 1-13
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 0-11

IT DOESN'T happen often but when a forward division wastes little, like the Bandon attack did in this final of the South West Junior A Football Championship, there's little the opposition can do except try to the end.

That's what Caheragh did at Dunmanway last Saturday evening.

Despite 11 shots off target, they were still involved until Richard Milner served up a mortal blow with a 57th-minute Bandon goal.

This guaranteed the Lilywhites a second successive Mick McCarthy Cup triumph after a campaign plagued by inconsistency.

Several times their crown tottered on the way to this decider, where everything went right for them.

Their forwards served up just four wides during an hour where Darren Crowley gave a man-of-the-match display on the wing.

Alan Johnson was irrepressible in the centre and Robert Moloney missed nothing on the left flank, and that was only the half-forwards.

Inside Richard Milner served up a crucial goal, in a game of very few opportunities.

Eoin O'Donovan likewise roamed to good effect and John O'Connell returned to his brilliant best.

Altogether they were too potent for Caheragh, but credit the challengers for trying.

With Mark Barrett and Tadhg Deasy winning the midfield battle, as they would in most games in this grade, Caheragh were handed an early advantage — but how they toiled to conjure up their scores!

Not once did they look likely to goal and constantly seemed under pressure when attempting to take their points.

They didn't always make the most of Kevin O'Driscoll's ability to regularly win possession.

Inside, Colm O'Driscoll was smothered at times but he still managed three points from play in a contest where Sean Murray also showed up well after moving to the wing.

Caheragh were individually dangerous but collectively were clamped down by Bandon.

James O'Donovan and James Walsh maintained the high standard in the Bandon rearguard.

Their defensive colleagues were consistent rather than spectacular and as a unit they effectively limited the potentially explosive Caheragh.

Despite their shortcomings up front Caheragh were in this game right to the end of a contest where Bandon overcame midfield problems by bringing Eoin O'Donovan out to pickup the breaks. He did this efficiently.

The losers twice opened up a two-fcoint lead in a sluggish opening half;where Bandon served up two important scores in injury-time.

Robert Moloney and Barren Crowley both hit the target in quick succession to send the winners in on level terms at the interval.

Crowley and an emerging John O'Connell then propelled Lilywhites ahead with points soon after the resumption, and the ease with which they were served up contrasted sharply to the struggle Caheragh had in hitting the target.

Going for their sixth title in this championship, the losers weren't afraid of hard wok.

This was particularly true of John Ryan and Tony Herlihy in defence.

Though renowned man marker Dens McCarthy was on Darren Crowley, Caheragh failed to subdue the Bandon dual star, even after handing Damien Daly the task. Caheragh were brought level by Colm O'Driscoll for the fourth time in the eighth minute of a second half where the standard rose to a more acceptable level. With Caheragh continuing way-ward shooting, they made life very difficult for themselves.

But points from Colm O'Driscoll and Kevin O'Driscoll brought them to the front for the last occasion with 13 minutes of normal time left.

Bandon then introduced David Aherne and Tom O'Donoghue to the action and O'Donoghue's direct methods worked well for a team that had Robert Moloney on target to square matters for the sixth, and final, time after 49 minutes of honest endeavour.

A great Eoin O'Donovan delivery was caught and dispatched with some aplomb by an in-form Moloney to ease Bandon in front once more.

And when Darren Crowley slipped over a pass from David Aherne, the winners were back with a two-point gain.

That's a dangerous lead in any game, but when Richard Milner punched James O'Connell's delivery to the net three minutes from time, the danger finally passed.

Bandon tightened their grip on a title that had been in jeopardy so many times this year.

Scorers for Bandon: R Moloney 0-5 (0-3f), D Crowley 0-4, R Milner 1-0, A Johnson, J O'Connell 0-2 each.

Scorers for Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: C O'Driscoll 0-7 (0-4f), K O'Driscoll 0-2, T Deasy, C O'Sullivan (f) 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, J O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke, David Crowley; J Milner, K Lucey; Darren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, R Milner, E O'Donovan. Subs: Aherne for K Walsh, T O'Donoghue for J Milner.

TADHG MAC CARTHAIGH: A Collins; D Harring-ton, S O'Sullivan, J Ryan; T Herlihy, D Daly, D McCarthy; T Deasy, M Barrett; S O'Driscoll, K O'Driscoll, K Barrett; C O'Sullivan, S Murray, C O'Driscoll. Subs: J Herlihy for S O'Driscoll, W O'Sullivan for D Harrington, D O'Brien for K Barrett.

Referee: Pat Lawton, Barryroe.


Man of the match
It had to be to wing forward barren Crowley who has been their star turn in attack all year. He rose to the occasion once again as he sidestepped his markers with consummate ease to contribute four crucial scores.

Turning point
IT CAME very late in the game when a goal would have won it for any side. It fell to Bandon and it gave them a five-point advantage that left Caheragh with little or no time in which to recover.

Ref watch
PAT LAWTON, in his efforts to let the play flow, was a bit hesitant to blow in the early stages. By keeping up with the play however he was in position to get most of his calls right and can be well pleased with his contribution.

Score of the game
IT CAME in the first minute of the second half when a neat Darren Crowley side-step left his marker floundering in his wake only able to watch, on the seat of his pants, as the Bandon attacker nonchalantly kicked his side ahead.

Three reasons why Bandon won
1. THEIR ability to take their points was admirable in a game where just four wides, one in the first half, was testament to an attack that was able to make the space and convert the chances that they were given the opportunity to take.
2. A LATE Richard Milner goal that killed off the vibrant Caheragh challenge. In a game of few goal scoring opportunities Milner's punched effort (he almost scored a second) hammered the final nail in the loser's coffin.
3. THEIR consistency over the whole hour that contrasted sharply with games in the previous rounds where they regularly took time out. Luckily they managed to recover each time but in this final they were involved from start to finish.

McCarthy praises his long-serving players - WHAT THEY SAID
BANDON coach, Seamus McCarthy in his first venture into football in Carbery was cool calm, but obviously elated, after watching his charges retain their title. "We scored two crucial points just before half-time and, after a dour opening half struggle the play opened up and suited us in the closing half.

'The ability of our wingers to cut through was another plus factor in a game where the leadership of long-serving players like John O'Connell and Alan Johnson also contributed hugely," declared a man who made a name for himself in Tipperary football and has the nous to take Bandon much further in a county championship where they fell a week after winning last year's divisional title.

Team captain Kevin Walsh attributed his side's victory to a couple of factors, not least their cutting down the involvement of dual players.

"We have only about five hurlers playing football this year and it allows for more concentration.

"We needed to be at our best as this was a very good Caheragh side and we couldn't afford to fall asleep like we did in some of our previous games. We were also mindful of the fact that we had to take our chances and cut down on shooting from impossible angles.

"This had a double edged affect as a bad wide disheartens a team and gives away possession," stated the wing back who was glad that there will be a little respite before they take on the Mid-Cork champions in the quarter-final of the county.
Forward thinking seals title for Bandon - JFC - Derry Farr - Irish Examiner 01-09-08
Bandon 1-13
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 0-11

BANDON retained their South West JAFC title with an impressive attacking performance at Dunmanway on Saturday.

A late Richard Milner goal sealed victory over a Caheragh side that hit 11 wides but were always in contention.

The losers held an early two-points lead but the roaming Eoin O'Donovan and centre forward Alan Johnson began to exert authority. Free taker Robert Moloney began to hit good form for the winners while man-of-the-match Darren Crowley also started to find his feet. In first half injury time Moloney and Crowley slotted over a point a piece which, pulled Bandon level and give hope to the champions.

Two more unanswered minors after the break had Bandon back in front only for Caheragh, with John Ryan and Tony Herlihy prominent in defence, to level the scores for the fifth time in a game that was now living up to its pre-match billing. However a massed defence meant the losers laboured to score while Bandon were much more economical in their finishing .

Caheragh were just two-points in arrears before Milner rose highest to punch a John O'Connell delivery to the net, with three minutes remaining. It was game set and match to Bandon who now head into the county championship where their hurlers are also very much involved.

Scorers for Bandon: R Moloney 0-5 (0-3f), D Crowley 0-4, R Milner 1-0, A Johnson, J O'Connell 0-2 each.

Scorers for Tadhg Mac Carthaigh: C O'Driscoll 0-7 (0-4f), K O'Driscoll 0-2, T Deasy, C O'Sullivan (f) 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, J O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke, David Crowley; J Milner, K Lucey; Darren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Connell, R Milner, E O'Donovan. Subs: Aherne for K Walsh, T O'Donoghue for J Milner.

TADHG MAC CARTHAIGH: A Collins; D Harring-ton, S O'Sullivan, J Ryan; T Herlihy, D Daly, D McCarthy; T Deasy, M Barrett; S O'Driscoll, K O'Driscoll, K Barrett; C O'Sullivan, S Murray, C O'Driscoll. Subs: J Herlihy for S O'Driscoll, W O'Sullivan for D Harrington, D O'Brien for K Barrett.

Referee: Pat Lawton, Barryroe.
Bandon's late burst denies Kilmacabea - JFC - County Section 26-08-08
Bandon 4-08
Kilmacabea 1-13

ANOTHER cracking South West JAFC semi-final where Bandon, despite scoring three goals in the first half, only managed to book their place in the final with a late scoring burst.

A lot of teams would have been dead and buried had they conced¬ed so much in the early stages, but Kilmac stood up and were count¬ed when giving a magnificent dis¬play after the break.

Slowly they ate into the winner's lead and a John Christopher point, four minutes from the end of nor¬mal time, brought the challengers level. A defiant Bandon, holders of this title, then proved their worth with an Eoin O'Donovan point easing them back in front before an injury time Richard Milner goal guaranteed them a place against Caheragh in next Sunday's decider at Dunmanway.

The lily whites certainly earned their victory in this Friday evening game in Rosscarbery, where they used the long ball with devastating effect in the opening half.

The Kilmac defence came under severe pressure when Bandon adopted route one after the elusive Darren Crowley had served up a fine individual goal in the llth minute.

Kilmac, who had scored the first three points of the contest, were in a spot of bother as they struggled to get their play to match their spirit. Before they did they were stung by Bandon goals from Dar¬ren Murray and Richard Milner.

As it was, it took a brave Kilmac surge to produce three inspira¬tional late first half points in a pe¬riod when they were denied a goal by the excellence of Pat Prender-gast, the Bandon cul baire.

It was in the opening 20 minutes of the closing half that we saw Kil¬mac at their brilliant best. They pinned Bandon back in their own half and the points slowly trickled.

Then John Christopher Keo-hane added a 49th minute goal into the mix and soon after they deservedly drew level with a Ban¬don side that had to call on all its experience to produce the goods when needed most. This they did, leaving Kilmac devastated but with their heads held high after a mag¬nificent attempt to dethrone the champions.

Scorers for Bandon: R Milner 2-1, Darren Crowley 1-1, D'Murray 1-0, R Moloney 0-2 (0-1f), M Quirke, A Johnson, J O'Connell, E O'Donovan 0-1 each.

Kilmacabea: JC Keohane 1-1, Daniel O'Donovan 0-4 (0-1f), J O'Driscoll 0-3f, K Me Carthy 0-2, R Hourihane, D McCarthy, K O'Sul livan 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, j O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke. David Crowley; K Lucey, T O'Donoghue; Dar ren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Con nell, R Milner, D Murray. Subs: E O'Donovan, A Tobin, D Lucey, C O'Mahony, D Aherne.

KILMACABEA: T O'Donovan; M O'Donovan, N McCarthy, S O'Driscoll; C Sweetnam, C O'Donovan, T O'Mahony; T Sheehan, R Houri¬hane; K McCarthy, Diarmuid O'Donovan, D McCarthy; Donie O'Donovan, Daniel O'Donovan, J O'Driscoll. Subs: JC Keohane, N McCarthy, G O'Donovan, K O'Sullivan.

Referee: Donal Shorten (St Mary's).
Bandon show form of champions to make the final - JFC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 25-08-08
Bandon 4-08
Kilmacabea 1-13

BANDON'S South West JAFC crown tottered perilously after a tremend¬ous Kilmac rally had erased a two-goal interval lead in last even¬ing's semi-final at Rosscarbery, writes DERRY FARR.

With four minutes of normal time left, the sides were level and the challengers looked set to dethrone the holders in a battle where the ex¬perience of the champions emerged with their backs to the wall.

Having scored three goals in the opening half, Bandon looked the part until Kilmac tore into it after the break but just when they appeared set to take over Bandon showed their mettle.

A point from sub Eoin O'Donovan helped them regain their lead at the end of normal time but it was never going to be enough to guarantee suc¬cess and that's where the winner's experience told.

Instead of falling back and defend¬ing their advantage, the Lilywhites kept up the pressure and it paid off when outstanding full-forward Richard Milner cut through for an injury-time goal to set his team up for a final tilt against Caheragh at Dunmanway.

How they were made earn this privilege by a Kilmac outfit that opened up an early-three point ad¬vantage but before they were to dis¬play their worth, Bandon had .hit them with three opening half goals.

The first came from Barren Crow-ley, who had at least three different markers on him during the game, who cut in from the left before delivering low to the losers' net.

That was after 11 minutes of play but soon after they lost the services, through injury, of influential team captain Kevin Walsh. Undaunted, they continued to play route one and a 19th-minute delivery from centre-back Mick Quirke, already with a point, broke kindly for Barren Murray, who tucked it away without any fuss.

Bandon had twice netted and might well have added two more be¬fore their third goal arrived eight minutes before the interval. This time it was Richard Milner who did the damage after a Tom O'Bonoghue release, from midfield, had the losers' defence in a tangle.

Now nine points to the good, Ban¬don were in cruise control but three unanswered Kilmac points, and a point-blank Pat Prendergast save that denied John O'Briscoll an in¬jury-time goal, gave an indicator of what was to come.

The introduction of a few subs res¬ulted in a reshuffle that brought a Kilmac reformation that had the op¬position virtually a prisoner in their own half for the first twenty minutes after the resumption.

Slowly they reeled in a Bandon side that had to wait until the 16th minute of the closing half before John O'Connell added a point to their half-time tally. It only tempor¬arily stymied a Kilmac revival that was boosted by a John Christopher Keohane goal, after he ghosted in between a defender and the Bandon keeper in the 49th minute.

A Robert Moloney pointed free gave the winners a little more breathing space before substitutes Keohane and Kevin O'Sullivan were on target to level the match in the 56th minute. Just when they looked certain to go for the jugular, Kilmac were beaten by their lack of experi¬ence and a Bandon revival that proved that champions really do die hard.

Scorers for Bandon: R Milner 2-1, Darren Crowley 1-1, D'Murray 1-0, R Moloney 0-2 (0-1f), M Quirke, A Johnson, J O'Connell, E O'Donovan 0-1 each.

Kilmacabea: JC Keohane 1-1, Daniel O'Donovan 0-4 (0-1f), J O'Driscoll 0-3f, K Me Carthy 0-2, R Hourihane, D McCarthy, K O'Sul livan 0-1 each.

BANDON: P Prendergast; J Walsh, j O'Donovan, N Connor; K Walsh, M Quirke. David Crowley; K Lucey, T O'Donoghue; Dar ren Crowley, A Johnson, R Moloney; J O'Con nell, R Milner, D Murray. Subs: E O'Donovan, A Tobin, D Lucey, C O'Mahony, D Aherne.

KILMACABEA: T O'Donovan; M O'Donovan, N McCarthy, S O'Driscoll; C Sweetnam, C O'Donovan, T O'Mahony; T Sheehan, R Houri¬hane; K McCarthy, Diarmuid O'Donovan, D McCarthy; Donie O'Donovan, Daniel O'Donovan, J O'Driscoll. Subs: JC Keohane, N McCarthy, G O'Donovan, K O'Sullivan.

Referee: Donal Shorten (St Mary's).
Southern Star 30th August 2008
The Junior A football championship final between Bandon and Caheragh has been fixed for this Saturday evening August 30th in Dunmanway at 6.45 p.m.



Bandon 4-08
Kilmacabea 1-13
On Friday night last Bandon mixed the sublime with the ridiculous in defeating Kilmacabea by 4.08 to 1.13 in the new pitch in Rosscarbery. Bouquets to Carbery Rangers for the excellent condition of the pitch,given the inclement summer we are enduring,and also for their overall organisation of the fixture.

Bandon led by 3.05 to 0.05 half way through the first half and like our Kerry neighbours in Croke Park we appeared to sit back admiring our handiwork rather than pushing on for what appeared to be an inevitable victory.

Credit also to Kilmacabea who really stood up and were counted in the second half and drew level before the excellent Richard Milner scored his second goal with time virtually up.

Bandon stopped playing the direct football of the first-half and like the Cork footballers last Sunday forgot all about winning primary possession around mid-field until Alan Johnson came out there in the last five minutes to save the day.

You cannot point the finger of blame at your inside forward line when they are being starved of the ball. Most annoyingly they appeared to have the beating of the Kilmac full-back line, given a decent supply of ball.

Best on the night were Pat Prendergast, James O'Donovan, James Walsh, Darren Crowley and Richard Milner.

Team : P.Prendergast, J.Walsh, J.O'Donovan, N.Connor, K.Walsh, M.Quirke(0.01), David Crowley, K.Lucey, T.O'Donoghue, Darren Crowley(1.01), A.Johnson(0.01), R.Moloney(0.02), J.O'Connell(0.01), R.Milner(2.01), D.Murray(1.0), Subs.: E.O'Donovan(0.01), A.Tobin, D.Lucey, C.O'Mahony, D.Ahern



This sloppy second half performance will certainly not suffice against old rivals Caheragh who have made an unwelcome habit out of turning over Bandon in this championship over the last fifteen years. Very best of luck to all involved in the Junior A football team, Seamus McCarthy, John Collis, Colm Ahern, Jimmy Gabriel and the lads as they bid for two in a row.
U14s complete West Cork double - Brogans SS 30th Aug
ST. BROGAN'S GAA CLUB NOTES. FOLLOWING on the exploits of the hurlers, St. Brogan's under 14 footballers completed the West Cork double for the club when they defeated Bantry in the final.

This has been a marvellous year so far for this group. Many of the same players are involved in both codes and their enthusiasm continues despite a very busy season. Let's hope that the footballers will now do well in the county series.

Other age groups have also been performing with style. The under 8 footballers have had a few outings recently. They lost their unbeaten record in the Harvest Festival Blitz in Timoleague when they were just beaten by the home side. The standard of football played was excellent from both sides and all parents and spectators were enthralled by the fare.

St. Brogan's under 10 hurlers were just pipped by Eire Og in a recent league match but all connected with the group are delighted with their progress. They still have a few matches to complete before the season ends and hopefully they will be rewarded with some overdue wins.