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Archived News

2009

GAA Club Notes & Local Newspaper Reports

 
 
Southern Star 5th December
A very well attended annual Mass for deceased members took place last Friday night in the Pavilion The Mass had been postponed from the previous week due to the dreaded flooding which has decimated local community.

The Mass was celebrated by the local Parish Priest Fr.Denis O'Leary and in his homily he remembered all the deceased Club members and in particular the late Sean Crowley and Denis O'Donovan who truly gave a life-time of service to Bandon GAA Club.

A big well done to the Ladies for the excellent catering which was enjoyed by all and especially to Essie O'Leary and Kathleen Canty for their organisational skills.



Fr. O'Leary went on to draw the winning ticket in the Club Development Draw as the Club celebrated a resounding fund-raising success.

This Draw has been easily the most successful fund raising activity undertaken by the Club since the early 1980's.

The spread of prize winners gives a good indication of effort put in by Club members, Players and Officers. As Club Chairman Denis Lucey said in his address prior to the Draw taking place, selling tickets door to door is a thankless, difficult job, but the generally friendly faces that greeted the sellers certainly made the job much easier.

The Chairman thanked the hard working Finance Committee and all the sellers for their tremendous work since mid-August. It is believed that Danny Corcoran and Roy Payne may soon write a book detailing their lives as door to door salesmen and the wonderful "talent" you get to meet on the door-step.

The Draw results were :
  • 1st Prize - A brand new Ford Fiesta: Agnes O'Brien, Bandon
  • 2nd Prize A holiday or €3,000 cash : Jerry O' Leary, Rossmore
  • 3rd Prize €2,000 : James J. Murphy People,Leitrim Street, Cork
  • 4th Prize €1,000 : Glaslyn Veterinary Clinic, Bandon
  • 5th Prize Flat screen LCD TV : Cormac and Colm Cuinnea, Rosscarbery
  • 6th Prize Laptop computer : Tom Wilson, Derrycool, Bandon
  • 7th Prize €500 : Michael Lombard, Ballinhassig
  • 8th Prize €500 : Vincent O' Donovan, Barryroe
  • 9th Prize €500 : Conchur O' Leary, Ballingeary
  • 10th Prize €500 : Dicey O'Rielly, Innishannon
All winners have at this stage been notified and the prizes are on the way.

Bandon GAA Club would like to place on record it's thanks to all the people of Bandon and all over West Cork, Mid-Cork, and South East Cork, and indeed ticket purchasers much further afield for their generosity, kindness and courtesy in contributing so generously to the success of the Draw.



This Friday night December 04th at 8.30 p.m.in the Pavilion the legendary former Cork footballer and Coach Billy Morgan will sign his recently launched book "Rebel Rebel : The Billy Morgan Story".

The book signing will be staged in conjunction with Gerry Fitzgerald the owner of the Bandon Books book-shop.

Anyone who wants to buy the book and wants to meet the man in person is more than welcome to attend.
Southern Star 21st November
The Mass for deceased members will take place on Friday night next November 20th at 8.00p.m.in the Pavilion.

The celebration of the Mass will be followed by the holding of the much awaited Club Development Draw.

The Club wishes to thank the Finance Committe who spent so much time organising the Draw and all those Club Officers and members who gave so generously of their time and effort to make this venture such a resounding success.

The results will be published next week here in the Bandon GAA notes and will also be available on the Club web-site.

Former Cork footballer and Coach billy Morgan will launch his book in the GAA Pavilion on December 04th. The launch will be held in conjunction with Gerry Fitzgerald of Bandon Books.
Minor A county football title win for Bandon - MAFC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 14-11-09
Bandon 3-12
Clyda Rovers 2-06

Boys hurrah! Smooth, svelte and sophisticated with a rapier-like attacking sextet, dominant in the vital midfield diamond and possessing an overall maturity in defence that belied their tender years, Bandon effectively repulsed and repelled the stern first-half challenge offered by a committed Clyda Rovers fifteen in the Cork county Ulster Bank minor A football championship decider played before a big attendance at Cloughduv on Sunday afternoon last.

Performing to the pinnacle of their undoubted football ability in the second half as they upped the ante considerably, they eventually overwhelmed their gallant opponents in the last quarter as they raced to an emphatic and richly deserved victory, two magnificent majors from flamboyant centre-forCward Fionn O'Leary inside the space of three minutes the key scores that made all the differCence.

There was little early eviCdence to suggest that Clyda would be overcome so decisively at the finish as, aided by the stiff breeze, they started in a blaze of glory. A fabulous strike by right corner forward Sean O'Connell after intermediate star Conor Flanagan had fed a high delivery into his path as early as the second minute got them off to a dream start.

Playing the flanks effectively and with full back Chris Buck-ley, pivot Kenneth Fitzgerald and wing-back Donal O'Callaghan reading the play well, they added to their tally a minute later when Cian O'Sul-livan availed of a short 45 from Flanagan to raise the white flag.

Bandon had yet to settle, but a fine run up the left flank by the industrious Jamie Crowley helped them do just that as he struck over a glorious point. Flanagan pointed a free, before three unanswered points on the trot by Bandon courtesy of brilCliant midfielder Mike Mini-hane, classy full forward Philip Crowley and the dynamic Barry Collins gave a barometer that they were beginning to motor nicely.

Two pointed frees by FlanaCgan in the 15th and 20th minutes respectively left a goal between the teams, 1-4 to 0-4, something that on the run of play was a justified differential. Fionn O'Leary and Conor O'Sullivan traded points as the half drew to a conclusion, but the dominance of particularly Minihane and Colin Swanton at midfield augmented by solid defending from Joe Harrington, Peter Murphy, Eoin O'Mahony, Eoin Jackson, Rob Long and outstanding skipper Eoin Sug-rue who collectively gave great cover to able custodian Stephen Murphy, resulted in much more pressure on the Clyda defence as Bandon poured forward in wave after wave of attacking sallies.

The losers' responded well with their blanket-style defence, especially effective was captain Chris Kenny, Chris O'Donnell, Chris Buckley (who moved put to the middle of the park with positive results), and Kenneth Fitzgerald.

Mark Sugrue who tormented the Clyda defence with his snipCping sallies into attack pointed in the 28th minute, as the for-aging Philip Crowley had previously seen his fabulous drive parried against the crossbar by Eoin Meaney, the rebound falling kindly to Sugrue who made no mistake. Barry Collins added a further point, Jack O'Neill instrumental in the lead-up to the score as Bandon edged ever closer. Finally, the unrelenting pres- sure imposed by Jamie Crowley, Sugrue, O'Leary, O'Neill, Collins and Philip Crowley brought a justifiable reward.

Fionn O'Leary dovetailed sweetly with Jamie Crowley and when the latter was tumCbled, excellent match official Miah Moynihan from Grenagh pointed to the 'spot'.

A crucial time to register a goal three minutes into injury-time before the break. UnerrCingly, Philip Crowley strode purposefully forward and bilClowed the Clyda net with a stunning drive. A deficit had been turned into an interval advantage, 1-7 to 1-5, as the Lily Whites faced the restart with added and renewed confiCdence.

Any notion that Clyda was going to capitulate easily was soon repelled on resuming as Michael Linehan gave a posiCtive reply to a delightful Mark Sugrue white flag. In fact a susCtained bout of Clyda pressure, instigated by Kenneth FitzgerCald, Chris Buckley, Conor Flanagan and Conor O'Sulli-van, had the Bandon backs working overtime. But Sugrue, Peter Murphy, Joe Harrington and their defensive cohorts were giving away nothing easily.

Then, just when it seemed that a pulsating finale might be a possibility! akin to the Walls of Jericho Clyda's positive chalClenge came tumbling down inside the space of three minCutes as they conceded two vital majors.

Firstly, a sublime delivery by Philip Crowley was powered home with great panache and precision by a rampant Fionn O'Leary. Less than three minCutes later the 'terrible football twins' attacking ability had weaved another web of football magic and tapestry as they interlinked before O'Leary had the unfortunate Eoin Meaney picking the ball out of his rigCging for a second time.

RAMPANT. Devastating blows from which Clyda was never to subCsequently recover. Only a fanCtastic block by the same Meaney deprived Philip Crow-ley of another goal two minutes later as rampant Bandon turned the screw. Jamie and Philip added two more points as what up to this juncture had been a positive Clyda challenge now began to wilt.

Michael Linehan did come close with a snap shot as Clyda craved for the so necessary goal they now required. It did come in the 54th minute as effective substitute Daniel O'Callaghan saw his first-time drive take a wicked deflection off a Bandon defender en route to the net.

It was too little, now the proverbial mile too late as the Lily Whites sailed into now serene and untroubled waters, Santa Claus coming that bit early as effective substitute Chris O'Donoghue and who else but Philip Crowley iced the pre-made Christmas cake with two absolute beauties of points.

Our verdict: Bandon showed with this performance that their victory over Valley Rovers was far from a flash in the pan. In a spot of bother early on when Clyda Rovers took the game to them and scored a tonic goal, they calmly and colClectively absorbed the pressure, footballed their way out of trouCble and by the interval had given positive vibes that even better was to come.

It duly arrived courtesy of a virtuoso second-half performCance culminating in two peachCes of majors by Fionn O'Leary that put the Bandonians in pole position and consequently left Clyda chasing the game for the remainder of the hour.

This is a Bandon fifteen rich in football ability, possessing a rare attacking flair allied to excellent teamwork and overall co-ordination in defence. They last won this title back in 2005 and now take the step with conCfidence to a higher grade to ply their undoubted skills.

Clyda Rovers lost no caste in a sporting defeat and their first half performance augurs well for a side that has no less than twelve players eligible again in 2010.

Several players were in conCtention for our 'man of the match' award, including Eoin Sugrue, Peter Murphy, Mike Minihane, Joe Harrington. Jamie Crowley, Mark Sugrue and Philip Crowley but the two goals by Fionn O'Leary were crucial in this win.

After the game vice-chairman of the County Minor Board Peter Hogan, presented the cup to a delighted Eoin Sugrue, capCtain, Bandon, as their supportCers savoured a great win.

Man of the match: Fionn O'Leary, Bandon.

Scorers - Bandon: Fionn O'Leary 2-1, Philip Crowley Philip Crowley 1-3,1-0 penalty, Jamie Crowley 0-2, Barrv Collins 0-2, Mark Sugrue 0-2, Mike Minihane 0-1, Chris O'Donoghue 0-1.

Clyda Rovers: Daniel O'Callaghan 1-0, Sean O'Connell 1-0, Conor Flanagan 0-3, frees, Cian O'Sulhvan 0-1, Conor O'Sullivan 0-1. Michael Linehan 0-1.

Bandon: Stephen Murphy, Rob Long, Eoin Sugrue. Eoin Jackson, Eoin O'Mahony. Peter Murphy, Joe Harrington. Mike Minihane, Colin Swanton, Jack O'Neill, Fionn O'Leary. Jamie Crowley, Barry Collins, Philip Crowley, Mark Sugrue. Subs: Chris O'Donoghue. Matt Mc-Namara. Eoin Ryan, Paul McCabe.

Clyda Rovers: Eoin Meaney, Chris O'Donnell, Chris Buckley, Chris Kenny, David Madden, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Donal O'Callaghan, Conor O'Sullivan, Conor Flanagan, Michael Linehan, Robert Walsh, Maurice Clark, Sean O'Connell, Sean Ronayne, Cian O'Sullivan. Subs: Daniel O'Callaghan, Diarmuid O'Shea and Jerry Carey.
Southern Star 7th November - Minor A County Champions
Bandon 3-12
Clyda Rovers 2-06

Bandon won their second County Minor A football title in four seasons when they overcame a game Clyda Rovers on Sunday in Cloughduv by 3.12 to 2.06.

In a game played in splendid autumnal conditions on a lively pitch Bandon played most of the good football over the hour and ran out worthy winners.

Bandon led at half-time against the wind by 1.07 to 1.05 with a coolly taken penalty from the best penalty taker in the Club Philip Crowley, this score just on the stroke of the short whistle gave Bandon the lead for the first time.

Bandon had trailed throughout the half having conceded a goal and a point in the first five minutes. Bandon's attacking football, and their ability to pick out team mates while travelling at pace was a joy to watch in the second- half and the contest was over with ten minutes remaining thanks to two sublime goals from Foinn O'Leary, set up by the full-forward.

Goal-keeper Stephen Murphy is developing into an excellent goal-keeper and organised his defenders superbly. The full-back line of Rob Long, Eoin Sugrue and Eoin Jackson hardly put a foot wrong all through with the ultra dependable team captain Sugrue really catching the eye with his tenacious play.

One of the Club's really outstanding young prospects Peter Murphy anchored the back-line superbly at centre-back and went forward at every opportunity. When he did Eoin O' Mahony and Joe Harrington did a great job "minding the house" and were virtually impossible to pass.

Mike Minihane was excellent in mid-field all through and is turning into a real leader on the pitch and he dominated the middle together with the hard-working Colin Swanton who has really blossomed in this championship campaign.

Centre-forward Fionn O' Leary scored two brilliant second half goals and was the hero of the hour, he was ably assisted by wing men Jack O' Neill and particularly Jamie Crowley who revelled in the open spaces on the wing and whose forceful running made him a constant threat.

The inside forward line led by the very skillful Philip Crowley were a real handful scoring 1.07 and really tormenting their opposite numbers. Young Barry Collins is a lesson in efficient use of possession and never puts a ball astray, while the equally young and talented Mark Sugrue showed superbly for the ball all through and was a constant threat.

Indeed Philip Crowley's performance was all the more remarkable considering he was injured very early on in the game, went on to play a blinder, and was later detained overnight in hospital because of his injury.

Chris o' Donoghue played very well when he was introduced as did Eoin Ryan, Matthew McNamara and Paul McCabe.

This team has scored 2.11 against Dohenys, 5.11 against Valley Rovers and 3.12 against Clyda in the final and as a unit Bandon move the ball at real pace which is the way football should be played.

Team: S. Murphy, R.Long, E. Sugrue, E. Jackson, E. O’Mahony, P. Murphy, J. Harrington, C. Swanton, M. Minihane, J. O’ Neill, F. O’Leary, J. Crowley, B. Collins, P. Crowley, M. Sugrue.

Subs. : Matthew McNamara, Eoin Ryan, Chris O' Donoghue, Paul McCabe, Aidan Dullea.

A huge well done to John Collis and James Milner who spent so much time grooming and developing this team over the summer and they deserve so much credit for their efforts.

Results in the second half of this decade are certainly marking Bandon down as a real potential force again in under age football, and indeed as a thriving dual Club. Credit here must go to all the Coaches and mentors involved.



The Club Development Draw goes ahead on the 20th November and there is a big push with ticket sales over the next week. Anyone who can help out is more than welcome.
Southern Star 7th November - Minor Footballers beat Valleys to reach County Final
Bandon 5-11
Valley Rovers 1-07

Only last week we were warmly congratulating Valley Rovers on their unprecedented success in 2009 on the field of play and expressed the wish that we would have to follow their example going forward. Well our minor footballers did exactly that on Sunday beating Valley's on a final scoreline of 5.11 to 1.07. Their motto apparently being "If you can't join them beat them".

The game played in Mourneabbey was dominated by a much sharper Bandon from start to finish.

Although they have under-achieved since winning the Premier U14 football title in 2005 this team, despite losing key personnel over the last four years has shown signs of a welcome return to form this year.

Best in outstanding team performance were Stephen Murphy, Mike Minihane, Colin Swanton, Philip Crowley, Joe Harrington Fionn O' Leary and Peter Murphy.

Team : Team : S. Murphy, R.Long, E. Sugrue, E. Jackson, E. O’Mahony, P. Murphy, J. Harrington ,C. Swanton, M. Minihane, J. O’ Neill, F. O’Leary ,J. Crowley, B. Collins, P. Crowley, M. Sugrue

Subs. : Matthew McNamara, Eoin Ryan, Chris O' Donoghue, Paul McCabe, Aidan Dullea.

Well done to John Collis and James milner who are doing a fine coaching job.

The County final against a very promising Clyda Rovers team will be played on Sunday at 2.30 p.m. in Cloughduv. Supporters intending to travel are advised to keep an eye on the Club web-site as last Sunday's game wound up being played in Mourneabbey due to pitches being unplayable.
Southern Star 31st October
Ballinhassig 2-17
Bandon 1-15

Bandon's brave U21's came to the end of the road on Sunday when they lost the County hurling semi-final to Ballinhassig on a final score-line of 1.15 to 2.17. The game which was mainly dominated by Ballinhassig was played in Pairc Ui Rinn in splendid autumn conditions.

The loss of Roy Payne to last weeks injury was to prove vital as was the awarding of some very bizarre frees to Ballinhassig in eminently scoreable positions.

The half-time score was 0.05 to 0.13 and all through the half Bandon were having to work so much harder to make any openings.

Philip Crowley who played very well all through scored a cracking goal just after half-time which brought Bandon well back into the game, just five points in arrears. Unfortunately Ballinhassig responded with two killer goals and Bandon were left chasing shadows as their nine second-half wides meant they could never reduce the defecit enough in that vital third quarter.

Credit Bandon with a great recovery as they owned the ball for the last fifteen minutes when their opponents failed to register a score, but the damage was done with the two goals conceded and an eleven point mountain to climb.

Bandon scored 1.10 in that second-half revival but again the harmless wides proved very costly.

Best players on the day were Peter Murphy who had a truly outstanding first-half at corner-back, Jason McCarthy and Eoin O'Donovan, with Darren Crowley contributing nine points and Ronan Crowley three scores from play.

Team : S.Murphy, P.Murphy, J.Walsh, J.Harrington, M.O' Leary, D.Ryan, E.O'Donovan, R.Crowley, G.O'Riordan, Darren Crowley, T.O'Donoghue, David Crowley, J.McCarthy, P.Crowley, T.Barrett.

Subs.: R.Wilmot, D.Kelly.

Well done to team Coach Padraig Crowley and his excellent back-room team, Brian McCarthy, Kieran Doyle and Cathal Moloney for their great work.



Club chairman Denis Lucey was featured on local radio last Saturday promoting the Development Draw which is in full swing. Anyone willing to help with this hugely successful fund-raiser, please contact a Club member.



Those who watched Valley Rovers Intermediate footballers defeat Newcestown in Bandon in the Premier Intermediate quarter-final over two months ago will not be surprised that Valley's will be playing Senior football in 2010.

We yet again salute their latest schievement and wish them well as they celebrate a tremendous year for their Club.

Now hopefully we in Bandon can follow their inspirational lead as one of the few true dual Clubs left in the County.
Ballinhassig's ace is Daniel - U21AHC - Sarah O'Donovan - Evening Echo 26-10-09
Ballinhassig 2-17
Bandon 1-15

SOUTH EAST champions Ballinhassig secured their place in the Evening Echo sponsored U21 A championship final with victory over West Cork rivals Bandon at Pairc Ui Rinn.

Ballinhassig had to withstand a resilient Bandon effort to ensure victory but a contribution of 2-11 from half-forward Daniel O'Callaghan did much to cement the dominance of the Carrigdhoun side during the course of the game.

Bandon were forced to line out without the experience of Roy Payne, injured in the side's im-pressive victory over Newtown-shandrum and lacked the killer instinct in front of goal as a result.

The West-Cork side opted to start with full-forward Philip Crowley as a sweeper alongside centre-back Darren Ryan but the move allowed the Ballinhassig defence to dominate the opening exchanges.

Daniel O'Callaghan, injured for much of the year, showed his class with two points from the throw-in and a further point from a placed ball settled the Carrigdhoun side.

Paul Coomey and O'Callaghan added further points before Jason McCarthy brought Bandon back to within two points but Ballinhassig pressed for points with O'Callaghan and Liam Grainger proving accurate to lengthen the deficit to five points.

Bandon's Darren Crowley sought to close the deficit with his 21-yard free on the quarter-hour mark but the Ballinhassig defence proved equal to the task.

Despite their dominance, Ballinhassig received little in the way of change from a Bandon defence where Peter Murphy and Eoin O'Donovan hurled well but significant pressure prior to half-time garnered points through O'Callaghan (2), Ray McCarthy and Michael Sheehan.

Bandon attacked from the first whistle in the second half and Ron-an Crowley's probing ball was turned expertly beyond Matthew Collins by Philip Crowley to give Bandon a boost but it proved short lived as Daniel O'Callaghan pounced for two goals in as many minutes to give Ballinhassig an in-surmountable lead.

Crowley kept Bandon in pro-ceedings with further points but O'Callaghan and half-back Padraig Brennan emphasised Ballinhassig's superiority with points to maintain an eight-point lead.

A second 21-yard free from Crowley failed to cross the Ballinhassig goal line as Finn, Stephen Sheehan and Brennan continued to dominate with time running out and astute play from Michael Sheehan saw a second Bandon opportunity go awry on the final whistle.

Ballinhassig must now await the outcome of both the quarter-final and semi-final of the other side of the draw but Cork senior prospect and Ballinhassig coach Fintan O'Leary intends to maintain the side's focus.

"We never envisaged at the start of the year that we would be in a county final but the effort has been phenomenal and we intend to enjoy tonight and go back to the drawing board this week.

"Ballymartle were our focus from the outset because they were the favourites and getting over that was a big confidence boost to the team.

"We've seen the Glen play last week and they were a serious outfit so we won't be taking anything for granted regardless of who comes through the other side."

Scorers for Ballinhassig: D O'Callaghan 2-11 (0-7f), P Coomey 0-2, M Sheehan, P Brennan, R McCarthy, L Grainger 0-1 each,

Bandon: D Crowley 0-10 (0-6f), P Crowley 1-0, R Crowley, J McCarthy 0-2 each, E O'Donovan 0-1.

BALLINHASSIG: M Collins; J Riordan, E Finn, S Sheehan; M Sheehan, M Desmond, P Brennan; S McCarthy, R McCarthy; D O'Callaghan, P Coomey, D O'Donovan; E Heffernan, B Holland, L Grainger. Subs: J Kiely for L Grainger (56), K Walsh for E Heffernan (58).

BANDON: S Murphy; P Murphy, J Walsh, J Harrington; M O'Leary, D Ryan, E O'Donovan; G O'Riordan, R Crowley; D Crowley, T O'Donoghue, D Crowley; J McCarthy, P Crowley, T Barrett. Subs: R Wilmot for T Barrett (46), D Kelly for D Crowley (56).

Referee: C Lyons (Nemo Rangers)
Crowley is elated after testing victory - U21AHCC - John Horgan - Evening Echo 19-10-09
A GOOD day at the office for everyone connected to Bandon and no wonder team boss Padraigh Crowley was delighted at the final whistle.

Taking the very considerable scalp of Newtown represented good work, something that Crowley was quick to acknowledge afterwards.

"It was a good win and, obviously, we are very pleased with it. "We knew that we were going well coming down here today and the fact that Newtown won the senior title last Sunday was a lift as well for us because we knew we would have to play really well to beat them.

"Overall, I thought we did quite well although we had some very bad wides in the first-half and we had far too many of them.

"I thought our tactics paid off well too and I suppose we got a bit lucky with one or two of the goals," Crowley added.

He was slow to single out individual players but paid tribute to the work-rate of Ray Payne around midfield and the goal touch of Jason McCarthy up front.

"Roy did very well for us but it now looks like he has broken his collar bone there near the end and that would be a huge blow for us.

"Jason is a bit of a poacher and he got the goals for us but everybody played their part out there.

"I am delighted overall with the out-come but we have another tough game coming up now against Ballinhassig in the semi-final."
Bandon have way too much for Newtown - U21AHC - John Horgan - Evening Echo 19-10-09
Bandon 4-07
Newtownshandrum 2-05

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM were unable to transfer their scintillating senior form down to their U21s and they were comprehensively beaten by Bandon in the quarter-final of the Evening Echo county championship at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday.

In fact if it wasn't for two consolation goals in the final few minutes of a game that never really ignited, the scoreline against the North Cork champions would have been very embarrassing.

For the most part this was a poor contest, particularly in the first half when both sides could hardly buy a score.

Between them they shot 17 wides in that period, nine for Bandon and eight for Newtown and after 18 minutes they had conjured up just four points between them, 0-2 apiece.

However, Bandon eventually came good, thanks to a bit of help from poor Newtown goalkeeping, and a brace of goals in the final ten minutes of the half gave them a half-time advantage of seven points, 2-4 to 0-3.

Newtown's senior stars on duty failed to impact on this occasion and they had only one scorer in the entire opening 30 minutes, wing-forward Richard Farrissey claiming their paltry total of 0-3.

Bandon used full-forward Roy Payne very effectively around the middle of the field all through al-though there was great cause for concern right at the final whistle when he was taken off with what looked like a very serious shoulder injury.

The West Cork champions, besides Payne, had Jason McCarthy in sublime form in front of goal and his final tally of 3-2 illustrated his contribution to the victory.

Darren Ryan was hugely effective at centre-back while the Crowleys Ronan, at midfield, and Darren up front also chipped in with a decent innings although the latter shot few poor first-half wides.

Newtown never really made an impression on this contest with only Jack Herlihy of their senior player making any headway at all at centre-back.

Senior forwards Ryan Clifford, Michael Bowles and Jamie Coughlan just couldn't get into the game and to compound matters they ended up with 14 players after full-back Billy Clifford was red carded in the second half for a wild pull.

Bandon's opening goal arrived in the 21st minute, Newtown 'keeper Shane Sheerin dropping a long delivery from Payne and corner-forward Trevor Barrett was on hand to capitalise on the mistake.

Seven minutes later the West Cork lads were troubling the umpire again with the green flag again, this time Darren Crowley providing Mc-Carthy for the finish and goal num-ber two.

On the turnover Darren Crowley embellished the advantage with a point and the game ended as a con-test in the 41st minute when Mc-Carthy goaled again after another goalkeeping error.

Farrissey was still the only New-town scorer after 42 minutes when he pointed again and things went from bad to worse for his side in the 45th minute when McCarthy notched his hat-trick of goals.

As events transpired that was Bandon's last score of the game with all of 15 minutes remaining and that, along with their tally of 12 wides will be something to be addressed on the training ground this week.

Ryan Clifford got a goal back for Newtown in the 53rd minute from a 20 metre free and two minutes later a small bit of gloss was put on their day's work when full-forward David O'Connor got on the end of a 65 from Mattie Ryan to notch a second goal.

It was far too little and far too late to have any effect on the outcome and Bandon deservedly went through to a semi-final showdown with Ballinhassig.

Newtown might point to the concession of a few poor goals but, in truth, they were always second best on this occasion and their lack of firepower was very evident.

Bandon: J McCarthy 3-2, D Crowley 0-3 (0-2f), T Barrett 1-0, R Crowley 0-2. Newtownshandrum: R Farrissey 0-5, R Clifford 1-Of, D O'Connor 1-0.

BANDON: S Murphy; P Murphy, J Walsh, P Crowley; J Harrington, D Ryan, E O'Donovan; R Crowley, G O'Riordan; D Crowley, T O'Donoghue, D Crowley; J McCarthy, R Payne, T Barrett. Subs: M Minihane for Barrett.

NEWTOWNSHANDRUM: S Sheerin; M Ryan, B Clifford, T Buckley; S O'Riordan, J Herlihy, S Young; K O'Connor, L Clarson; R Clifford, M Bowles, R Farrisey; J Coughlan, D O'Connor, E Doyle. Subs: T Browne for Clarson inj, N Thomson for K O'Connor, P Noonan for Browne, C Lyons for Coughlan.

Referee: C McAllister (Aghada.)
Southern Star 24th October - U21's reach County Semi Final
Bandon 4-07
Newtownshandrum 2-05



Bandon U21 hurlers have continued on their winning way and now face Ballinhassig in the Cork County U21 hurling championship semi-final at 2.00 p.m. on Sunday in Pairc Ui Rinn.

Come out and give deserved support to this team as they bid to reach our first County U21 final since the 1970's.

On Saturday last in Pairc Ui Chaoimh Bandon were full value for their 4.07 to 2.05 win over Newtownshandrum who had five of their County Senior winning side of the previous week in action.

In truth it was only Bandon's irritating wides tally and the drooping of possession into the goalkeepers hands which kept Newtown in the game. This was also an unwelcome feature of their earlier games against Kilbrittain and Newcestown.

However this malaise is nothing players taking one or two extra steps and a small bit more composure won't cure.

Stephen Murphy never put a foot wrong over the hour between the posts. Excellent full-back James Walsh was flanked by two players who are minor again next year, Peter Murphy and Philip Crowley and all three contested every ball as if their lives depended on it.

Bandon were driven on throughout the game by their inspirational half-back line of the ever consistent Joe Harrington, the sublime Darren Ryan, and the exceptional Eoin O'Donovan who bettered a series of opponents.

Ronan Crowley and Gavin O'Riordan dominated the mid-field exchanges helped in no small way by Roy Payne who played as a third mid-fielder.

Tomas O'Donoghue was probably man of the match using his power and energy to good effect, beside him David Crowley worked hard throughout and Darren Crowley was a constant threat.

Jason McCarthy who has only just recovered from injury, showed his true value to the team and lead the two man full-forward line brilliantly finishing the game with 3.02 all from play. Trevor Barrett was a constant threat and took his mandatory goal well.

Team: S.Murphy, P.Murphy, J.Walsh, P.Crowley, J.Harrington, D.Ryan, E.O'Donovan, R.Crowley (0.02), G.O'Riordan, Darren Crowley (0.03), T.O'Donoghue, David Crowley, J.McCarthy (3.02), R.Payne, T.Barrett (1.0) Subs.: M. Minihane, E.Sugrue.

Well done to team Coach Padraig Crowley and his excellent back-room team, and keep up the good work.

Contrary to a Monday newspaper report and the only picture carried of the game there was nothing "venomous" about Bandon's performance. The only impression to be taken from the article in question and more particularly the disgraceful choice of the accompanying "action" picture is that Bandon were in some way "over the top" in their approach to the game. Nothing could be further from the truth and unlike their opponents, Bandon had no player sent off during the game and scarcely a caution was issued throughout.

The picture carried is not a true reflection of the game overall where Bandon hurled with great spirit, agression and no little skill, to which Newtownshandrum for whatever reason had no answer.

The Evening Echo reporter on the same day must have been at a different game as he makes no mention whatsoever of even a physical contest. A small bit of balance in the earlier match report would not have gone astray.
Southern Star 17th October
The Bandon U21 hurlers face the daunting prospect of meeting Newtownshandrum on Saturday next in the County championship first round fixed for Pairc ui Chaoimh at 2.30 p.m.

Newtown will be raging favourites with five of their hugely impressive Senior hurling team on view, but this Bandon team has great heart and a few players who are either regulars on, or are knocking on the door of our Intermediate team.



Fermoy 0-14
Bandon 1-10

Meanwhile Bandon's second hurling team were decidedly unlucky not to win their Cork County Junior A hurling quarter-final played on Saturday against Fermoy at Caherlag.

Bandon were leading by a point two minutes into injury-time when Fermoy scored two unanswered points to swing the tie 1.10 to 0.14.

Bandon struggled in the first-half and Fermoy stormed into an early four point lead. They held onto that advantage for the entire half and Bandon were still behind at half-time by 0.05 to 0.09. Ultimately Bandon's slow start would prove to be their downfall.

In the second half a much improved Bandon team stormed into the game and looked to have won the day very late on when Trevor Barrett "ghosted in" for his trademark goal.

This team certainly lost no honour in their narrow defeat and can be very proud of their efforts.

Best were James Walsh, Ian McCarthy, Kevin Walsh, David Lehane, John O'Regan, Vincent Goggin and young Philip Crowley who was again outstanding.

Team : J. Crowley, I. McCarthy, J.Walsh, J.McCarthy, K.Walsh, K.Doyle, K.Lucey, D. Lehane (0.05f), V.Goggin (0.01), J. Milner, P.Prendergast, J.O'Regan (0.01), P. Crowley(0.02), D. Burke (0.01), T.Crowley.

Subs. : T. Barrett (1.0) ,A.Nyhan , R.Moloney

When one considers this team were "relegated" from the Junior A hurling championship last year, in what should be said were very controversial circumstances, and that they only competed in the West Cork Junior A championship thanks to a welcome change of heart by the West Cork Board, their success this season has been all the more praise-worthy and their progress was little short of remarkable.
Southern Star 10th October
Bandon 1-10
Clonakilty 1-09

Bandon have achieved the impossible and are the West Cork Junior A hurling champions for 2009 after yet another outstanding performance by an unbelievably committed bunch of players. This is a team with no stars, but they are totally devoted to the cause have and they have truly reached their "Holy Grail" .

In the final on Sunday played in Barryroe before a huge crowd, Bandon overcame Clonakilty on a final scoreline of 1.10 to 1.09.

Make no mistake Bandon were worthy winners as their hurling was slicker and more comfortable throughout while it took Clonakilty longer to settle as evidenced by their having to wait almost nineteen minutes to register their first score. Despite this, at half-time Bandon only led by 1.05 to 1.04 as Clon had come storming back into the match.

Overall the Club used twenty three players in this years Intermediate hurling championship making this win a tremendous achievement and it is right up there ranking in importance with any of the many West Cork championships ever won by the Club.

Ironically last Sunday's win was achieved exactly one hundred years after our first West Cork hurling win.

Bandon certainly won this championship the hard way, beating St. Colums, last years beaten County finalists Diarmuid O Mathuna's, Ballinascarthy, Newcestown after a replay and finally on Sunday, Clonakilty in the final.

John O'Regan and Donnacha Burke were winning their third Junior A West Cork hurling medals some fourteen years apart, 1995, 1999, and 2009. Pat Prendergast and Kevin Walsh were winning their second medals ten years apart.

There has been a bit of steel and back-bone shown in the performances of the minor hurlers of last year, also this years under twenty-one winning side, and most of all shown by this Junior A team who have had character in abundance all the year and on Sunday it was again there again for all to see.

John Crowley was soundness personified in goal. The McCarthy brothers Ian and Joe were rock solid in the corners. There was a sense of destiny that it woud be Joe McCarthy who would captain this team because he has given great service to Bandon Club and is a born leader who is never beaten.

Full-back James Walsh won the coveted "man of the match" award. James is only just turned twenty one and already we are running out of superlatives for his displays, he looks a player that will have some career ahead of him in both codes.

Mark O'Leary never put a foot wrong on the wing, while Kieran Doyle at centre-back led the line superbly, with his effortless striking off left and right he was one of the best hurlers on the pitch.

Kevin Lucey on the other wing had a great game, but he had been ill all week and understandably ran out of steam. The quality and strength in depth of this panel is best illustrated by his replacement, Kevin Walsh who is another natural leader and he really "steadied the ship" in the stormy waters of the last ten minutes. Kevin was completing a three in a row of West Cork Junior A championships as was James walsh, Kevin Lucey, Pat Prendergast, James Milner and Robert Moloney, two in football and one in hurling.

David Lehane has been inspirational all through this championship and Vincent Goggin contributed handsomely with two excellent points from play in his best position at mid-field.

James Milner worked himself to a standstill, and John O'Regan and Pat Prendergast brought all their experience to bear on proceedings.

Philip Crowley was playing under sixteen hurling last year and he belied his youth with his mature display, he was ably assisted by Robert Moloney in the other corner.

Over the years Donnacha Burke has always played his best hurling at full-forward and this game was no exception. So "cometh the hour cometh the man", Clon had just goaled to go into the lead when a strong run and cross by young Philip Crowley was met and buried by substitute Trevor Barrett who was scarcely out of his track-suit. It wasn't as good a goal as his winner against Newcestown in the semi-final, but he will hardly score a more important one.

Tim Crowley used his pace to good effect when he came on and was unlucky for a goal.

Spare a thought for luck-less Cathal Moloney who was the team full-back before breaking a bone in his leg in a challenge game. Thankfully he is well on the road to recovery, and a West Cork Junior A medal in his back pocket should help with the rehabilitation.

The first, and up to now only time that a second team has won the West Cork Junior A hurling championship it was Bandon in 1975,and that achievement has at last been equalled.

The Club is indebted to the entire panel ,and to the management team who have worked tirelessly Niall O'Donovan, Kieran Doyle, Brian McCarthy, Coach Niall O' Halloran (his role in this win was immense), Niall Geary, and Physio Paul Grey who has been with the team all year.

Needless to say on Sunday night the Pavilion was "buzzing" and it was "party time".

Now with the development of the second pitch gathering pace and the Junior A's going a long way towards making up for two County final losses it's "onwards and upwards" for the Club. Did we say a year ago "the darkest hour is always just before the dawn"?

The first round of the County Junior A hurling championship against Fermoy has been provisionally fixed for Saturday at 4.00 p.m.in Ballygarvan.

Scorers for Bandon: D Lehane 0-4f, T Barrett 1-0, V Goggin 0-2, P Prendergast, J O’Regan, P Crowley, D Burke 0-1 each.

Clonakilty: D Fitzpatrick 0-4 (0-3f), M Nolan 1-0, D Murphy, P O’Regan 0-2 each, T Clancy 0-1.

BANDON: J Crowley; I McCarthy, J Walsh, J McCarthy; M O’Leary, K Doyle, K Lucey; D Lehane, V Goggin; J Milner, P Prendergast, J O’Regan; P Crowley, D Burke, R Moloney. Subs: T Barrett for Moloney (26), K Walsh for Lucey (35), T Crowley for Milner (47).

CLONAKILTY: M Harrington; D Harrington, J O’Donovan, G Lehane; D O’Regan, Tony Anglin, K Hurley; D O’Brien, J Forristal; D Murphy, Timmy Anglin, D Fitzpatrick; J Forristal, M Nolan, P O’Regan. Subs: T Clancy for Hurley (14), A Murphy for Nolan (40), M Sheehy for O’Donovan (inj, 55), B Daly for Murphy (57).

Referee: E Sheehy (Newcestown).
Lehane relieved to hang in there - JAHC - Denis Hurley - Echo 05-10-09
SCORING four points from frees, the input of midfielder David Lehane to the Bandon win was of huge importance.

He felt that Bandon were going in as underdogs, especially as it was Clonakilty’s first team the Lilywhites were playing, but it was just a matter of showing the same spirit they had all year.

“It was a great win now in fairness,” he said.

“We knew it’d be tough coming out against Clon’s first team, they’re flying in the football.

“We were up against it from the start, but from the start of the year we took every game as it came, we said before the game today that this was the last one and we would give it absolutely everything.”

Up five points to nil early on, the good opening was a massive benefit to Bandon.

“Oh definitely, the good start helped us,” Lehane said.

“We were a bit behind when they got the goal, but in fairness the lads responded well, we couldn’t ask for more.

“The forwards did well, kept getting points to keep the scoreboard ticking over, nobody gave in, the effort was absolutely excellent.

“We were trying to give away as little as possible in defence and thankfully it all managed to come together in the end.”

It was a tense end to the game though as Clon threatened to make a draw of it, and Lehane admitted that the nerves on the banks were felt by those on the field too.

“It was, we were getting fairly nervy,” he said.

“We were up three points, I think I gave away the last two frees and they brought it back to a point.

“Things were getting a bit hairy but thanks be to God there was only a minute left and we held out.”
Bandon got off to a Flyer 10 years on - JAHC - Denis Hurley - Echo 05-10-09
Bandon 1-10
Clonakilty 1-09

THEY WERE hanging on in the end, but Bandon prevailed to beat Clonakilty in the Clona Milk South West JAHC final at Barryroe yesterday afternoon.

It was the first time in 10 years that the Flyer Nyhan Cup made its way back to the town, but what made the victory the more noteworthy was that it was the first time since 1975 that a club’s second time had won the title, Bandon also being the last side to do so.

Five survivors of the 1999 team were part of yesterday’s panel, and provided some invaluable experience to see the Lilywhites over the line in the face of late Clonakilty pressure.

No doubt it was difficult for Clon to turn around and face into this game only a week after the heroics in the Evening Echo SFC final – eight of that team were in the panel, with five starting – but they put up a brave fight and, as Bandon captain Joe McCarthy said in his speech after, the fact that Bandon have only been focused on hurling for the past while was a help to them.

Nonetheless, Clon will count themselves unlucky not to have got more from the game, as the sides were level with nine minutes left, and a three-point gap as the game went into injury time was almost eradicated.

However, an incident when the sides were deadlocked on 1-7 apiece in the 51st minute will go down as the turning point.

Clon free-taker Danny Fitzpatrick was lining up a free just inside the Bandon but he failed to pick up properly and then played the ball on the ground, resulting in a Bandon free.

After David Lehane aimed that in the direction of the Clon goal, Philip Crowley latched onto the breaking ball to point, and Pat Prendergast and Lehane added further points to make it 1-10 to 1-7 as the clock struck 60, Clon suffering from the loss of full-back John O’Donovan through injury moments earlier.

Fitzpatrick, with two long-range efforts, clawed the deficit back to a point, but Clon could not find the equaliser.

It will go down as a famous win for Bandon, and much of the credit for it has to go to their defence. Full-back James Walsh was a deserving recipient of man of the match, while centre-back Kieran Doyle, also a selector of the team, was extremely solid too.

The whole defence worked hard as a unit, pressing in swarms, and they served to keep Clon scoreless for the game’s opening 19 minutes.

By that time, Bandon were five to the good, Lehane and Vincent Goggin making hay at midfield (they would combine for six points in all) while Donnacha Burke, captain in ’99, contributed an excellent point on 16.

Bandon also had to be thankful to goalkeeper John Crowley, who like Burke played in the last two county IHC finals for the club’s first team, for a wonderful save from Patrick O’Regan, but even though Denis Murphy got Clon off the mark, Bandon still looked comfortable.

However, in the space of two minutes, they would find themselves behind. First Fitzpatrick sent a free over on 24, and then, from his delivery outside the 65, full-forward Martin Nolan got his stick to the ball to send it past Crowley to level before Fitzpatrick followed that up with one from play to make it 1-3 to 0-5.

To Bandon’s credit, though, the response was as swift as it was impressive. Corner-forward Philip Crowley made a great run down the right before cutting in and playing a low ball across, and there to meet it first-time to put it in the net was Trevor Barrett, introduced as a sub only minutes beforehand.

These two goals caused the atmosphere at the well-populated venue to pick up and, when Clon sub Thomas Clancy pointed from a tight angle, a close second half looked in store as Bandon went in a point ahead, 1-5 to 1-4.

When Murphy, who played such a part in Clon’s win over St Finbarr’s last week, pointed in the 34th minute, it looked as if their strength was starting to show, this view reinforced by Patrick O’Regan putting them in the lead and Timmy Angling unlucky not to score another goal.

Bandon were made of tough stuff though, Lehane pointing a close-range free to equalise before Goggin handed them the lead again as the third quarter began.

O’Regan, after winning a good Denis Harrington sideline, levelled the game again in the 48th minute, before the drama of the final 10 minutes saw Bandon end their 10-year wait.

Scorers for Bandon: D Lehane 0-4f, T Barrett 1-0, V Goggin 0-2, P Prendergast, J O’Regan, P Crowley, D Burke 0-1 each.

Clonakilty: D Fitzpatrick 0-4 (0-3f), M Nolan 1-0, D Murphy, P O’Regan 0-2 each, T Clancy 0-1.

BANDON: J Crowley; I McCarthy, J Walsh, J McCarthy; M O’Leary, K Doyle, K Lucey; D Lehane, V Goggin; J Milner, P Prendergast, J O’Regan; P Crowley, D Burke, R Moloney. Subs: T Barrett for Moloney (26), K Walsh for Lucey (35), T Crowley for Milner (47).

CLONAKILTY: M Harrington; D Harrington, J O’Donovan, G Lehane; D O’Regan, Tony Anglin, K Hurley; D O’Brien, J Forristal; D Murphy, Timmy Anglin, D Fitzpatrick; J Forristal, M Nolan, P O’Regan. Subs: T Clancy for Hurley (14), A Murphy for Nolan (40), M Sheehy for O’Donovan (inj, 55), B Daly for Murphy (57).

Referee: E Sheehy (Newcestown).
Burke is a link to Bandon's last win - JAHC - Denis Hurley - Echo 05-10-09
WHEN Bandon last won the Flyer Nyhan in 1999, Donnacha Burke was the captain of the side as a fresh-faced 23-year-old.

Ten years on, having played in the county intermediate final losses in 2007 and ’08, he was an integral part of the junior side that won yesterday and he hailed the effort put in by the side.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to win this again 10 years later,” he said.

“Last year our juniors were actually relegated but the west Cork board decided to do away with that in the end, and it was great to come back this year.

“We took things step by step and found ourselves in the final and to be honest this is a massive win, especially considering it’s our second team.”

Having Niall O’Halloran join the team as its trainer was a big factor, in Burke’s view as he reflected on the campaign.

“Once we got over the first hurdle we just said we’d take it one game at a time and see how it went,” he said.

“After beating St Colum’s, we had Diarmuid Ó Mathuna’s, who won it last year and got to the county final and we said we’d have a cut off it and after that everything seemed to fall into place.

“Niall O’Halloran came on board as our trainer, he’s a Ballinhassig man but we’re telling him he’s an honorary Bandon man now, and his sessions were fantastic, he brought new ideas to it.”

The benefits of all that training were there to see in the closing stages, which Burke felt was paramount.

“We knew Clon would be fierce fit from the football so we said we had to dig deep for the last 10 minutes,” he said.

“In fairness, every fella gave it his all we got there in the end.”

And now for the county?

“We’ll celebrate this today and tomorrow anyway, and then we’ll worry about how the county goes!” he laughed.
Brilliant Bandon repeat '75 heroics - JAHC - Michael Ellard - Examiner 05-10-09
Bandon 1-10
Clonakilty 1-09

BANDON repeated their 1975 achievement at Barryroe yesterday when their second string won the South West JHC title with a thrilling one-point victory over Clonakilty in a superb showpiece, denying their opponents the chance of adding the John "Flyer" Nyhan Cup to their Cork SFC trophy.

Bandon made all the early running and three points in the opening seven minutes from Vincent Goggin, John O'Regan and David Lehane, who sent over a free, gave them the perfect start. Oozing with confidence, a much sharper and more focused Bandon side opened up a five-point lead before Clonakilty finally ended their drought with a splendid point from team captain Denis Murphy in the 18th minute.

This score proved to be a real morale-booster for Clon who came roaring back into contention and levelled matters in the 25th minute when full-forward Martin Nolan got the final touch to a long range free shot from wing forward Danny Fitzpatrick to flick home a fortuitous goal.

It was mp-and-tuck stuff with "man-of-the-match" James Walsh, Kieran Doyle and Kevin Lucy out-standing at the back for Bandon and John O' Donovan performing heroically at full-back for Clon. A minute before the break, however, the tide again swung in the victors' favour when corner-forward Phillip Crowley raced on to a long clearance from James Walsh and soloing through set up substitute Trevor Barrett for a peach of a goal with a delightful pass to edge Bandon into a 1-5 to 1-4 interval lead.

However, following the change of ends, Clonakilty enjoying their best period of the game, hit the front with two points in rapid succession from Denis Murphy and Patrick O'Regan and they were extremely unlucky not to have added a goal when a great solo effort from centre-forward Timmy Anglin went agonisingly wide of the post.

The sides were level for the fourth time at the three-quarters stage but then Bandon made their surge for glory and three unanswered points from Phillip Crowley, Pat Prendergast and ace free-taker David Lehane put them into a commanding situation with time running out.

But in typical fashion Clonakilty fought to the death and two pointed frees from Danny Fitzpatrick left the bare minimum between them in injury time. But Bandon doggedly held on to register another famous victory in a final that will linger long in the memory of the big attendance privileged to have witnessed a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable south west hurling showdown.

Scorers for Bandon: D Lehane 0-4f, T Barrett 1-0, V Goggin 0-2, P Prendergast, J O’Regan, P Crowley, D Burke 0-1 each.

Clonakilty: D Fitzpatrick 0-4 (0-3f), M Nolan 1-0, D Murphy, P O’Regan 0-2 each, T Clancy 0-1.

BANDON: J Crowley; I McCarthy, J Walsh, J McCarthy; M O’Leary, K Doyle, K Lucey; D Lehane, V Goggin; J Milner, P Prendergast, J O’Regan; P Crowley, D Burke, R Moloney. Subs: T Barrett for Moloney (26), K Walsh for Lucey (35), T Crowley for Milner (47).

CLONAKILTY: M Harrington; D Harrington, J O’Donovan, G Lehane; D O’Regan, Tony Anglin, K Hurley; D O’Brien, J Forristal; D Murphy, Timmy Anglin, D Fitzpatrick; J Forristal, M Nolan, P O’Regan. Subs: T Clancy for Hurley (14), A Murphy for Nolan (40), M Sheehy for O’Donovan (inj, 55), B Daly for Murphy (57).

Referee: E Sheehy (Newcestown).
Southern Star 3rd October
Bandon Junior A hurlers contest their eagerly awaited West Cork Junior A hurling final on Sunday at 3.30 p.m. against high-flying Clonakilty in Barryroe.

This team has given great enjoyment all year and deserve the town’s support for the final.

We wish the lads and their mentors the very best of luck.



Bandon 2-11
Sam Maguires 1-09

On Friday night last in Barryroe under lights, a very well prepared Bandon football team won an exciting West Cork Minor A Championship final defeating Doheny’s by 2.11 to 1.09.

The foundations were well and truly laid for this win in the first half with Bandon leading at half-time by 2.06 to 1.02 and Dohenys not registering their first score until the twentieth minute.Bandon were helped in no small way with great goals from Barry Collins and Philip Crowley.

In the second half Bandon were outscored by 0.05 to 0.07 but with their defense outstanding they managed to grind out a great result.

Outstanding for Bandon were our very own “terrible twins” Peter Murphy at centre-back, and Philip Crowley who scored 1.04 from play at full-forward , while also very prominent were Mike Minihane, Mark Sugrue, Barry Collins, Eoin Sugrue, Eoin Jackson, Jack O’ Neill and Eoin O’ Mahony.

Team : Stephen Murphy, Rob Long, Eoin Sugrue, Eoin Jackson, Eoin O’Mahony, Peter Murphy, Joe Harrington, Colin Swanton, Michael Minihane, Jack O’ Neill, Fionn O’ Leary, Mark Sugrue, Barry Collins, Philip Crowley, Jack Crowley Subs. : Matthew McNamara.

A big well done to the entire panel and to John Collis and James Milner for all their hard work.



Heartfelt congratulations to the new County Senior football champions Clonakilty and to their outstanding manager Haulie O’ Neill.

Clon are a tremendous example to any Club, especially with their capacity to recover from championship set-backs.

There have been time’s over the years the Club has struggled to compete at Senior level but true to form they never ”threw in the towel” and just dusted themselves down, and bounced back the next year stronger and harder to beat than ever.

Clon have always played a great brand of attacking football and the Club have always stayed true to their great tradition.

Last Sunday their supporters unbelievable faith in the famed green and red jersey was again rewarded and we salute them as worthy County champions.

No Club followers bring more numbers, colour and atmosphere to the Senior football championship.


Southern Star 26th September
Bandon 1-16
Newcestown 1-08

Bandon U21 hurlers regained the West Cork championship last won in 2006 with a very spirited and commited display against Newcestown in Castletownkennigh.

In truth Bandon should have won this final by far more and were easily the best team competing in this years West Cork U21 hurling championship.

The final score was 1.16 to 1.08 with Bandon also having ten second half wides and not converting several goal scoring chances.

When they played Kilbrittain in the semi-final and now against Newcestown, wides have been this teams "achilles heel" and they had fourteen in all in this final.

At half-time Newcestown actually led by 1.05 to 1.06 in what was a very entertaining if somewhat "tetchy" first half.

Bandon's second-half team performance was as good as any given by the Club this year and they really "drove for home" in the last ten minutes.

They completely outscored Newcestown by 0.11 points to 0.02. in that second period and dominated all over the pitch.

Goalkeeper Stephen Murphy was outstanding, as were James Walsh who was unbeatable at full-back, flanked by the excellent Peter Murphy and Rob Wilmot. Darren Ryan was dominant at centre-half back and together with Eoin o'Donovan and young Joe Harrington they never put a foot wrong. The testament to the entire back-line is that only one Newcestown forward scored from play over the hour.

At mid-field Gavin O'Riordan had a brilliant second half, and how fitting given his service to Bandon since U12 that he would finish off his under-age career captaining this championship winning team.

Mark O'Leary , his mid-field partner was solid all through.

Tom O' Donoghue led the line very well at centre-forward and worked hard throughout, his wing men, Darren Crowley was the classiest hurler on the pitch scoring 1.10, while Ronan Crowley played his best hurling at mid-field in the second half when the need was greatest.

Only a week ago the name of Philip Crowley was mentioned as an outstanding young prospect and hopefully the newly appointed Cork Minor Selectors will have a good look at him for inclusion in their panel next year.

He played a great hours hurling in this final and he has skill, strength and plenty pace. The two corner men were Roy Payne who was a constant threat, though recovering from injury, and the most improved hurler in the Club this year Trevor Barrett.

Jason McCarthy lost out on the final through an unfortunate hand injury but he will be available for the County championship and his return will further strengthen the team.

Team: S.Murphy, P.Murphy, J.Walsh, R.Wilmot, E.O'Donovan, D.Ryan, J.Harrington, G.O'Riordan (0.02), M. O'Leary, D. Crowley (1.10), T.O'Donoghue, R.Crowley (0.01), R.Payne (0.01), P.Crowley(0.01), T.Barrett(0.01).

A big well done to Coach Padraig Crowley,and selectors Brian McCarthy, Kieran Doyle and Cathal Moloney. Bandon had plenty of "fire in their bellies" for this final and similar to last years minor final success, and indeed this years Junior A team's great run, there is a bit of steel in these players and they refuse to lie down and die easily.

It augurs well for the future. Team captain Gavin o' Riordan dedicated the win, the Club's first trophy won in their absence, to the late Sean Crowley, the former Club President, and to the late Denis O'Donovan the former Club Vice-President.
Southern Star 19th September
Bandon U21 hurlers face Newcestown on Friday night next in the West Cork final to be played in Castletownkenneigh at 6.15 p.m.



In the drawn West Cork Junior A hurling semi-final on Sunday last played in miserable conditions on a very playable Castletown pitch, Bandon were the better team for most of the encounter.

The final score was 1.10 to 2.07 with our nearest rivals levelling at the death to earn a replay. James Milner had a fine game for Bandon ably assisted by Joe McCarthy, James Walsh and David Lehane

Team: S. Murphy, I. McCarthy, J. Walsh, R. Wilmot, M.O'Leary, K.Doyle, J. McCarthy, D. Lehane (1.04), J. Milner (0.03), K. Lucey, R. Moloney, T. Crowley, D.Burke, P. Prendergast(0.01), V. Goggin (0.01). Subs: J. O'Regan, P. Crowley (0.01), T. Barrett.



In the replay played again in Castletown on Wednesday evening, in excellent conditions far removed from three days earlier, Newcestown dominated the game for long stages and a superb goal from substitute Trevor Barrett right at the death was the all important score.

The most telling statistic of the replay is that Bandon had only two wides for the hour to their opponents seven.

Things looked bad for Bandon when Newcestown raced into a four point lead with only ten minutes remaining but two points from David Lehane who has caught the eye all summer, and has been coolness personofied in his free-taking kept Bandon in contention.

The final score was 1.10 to 1.09 and the result put's Bandon's second string in the West Cork Junior A final for the first time since 1975.

Pat Prendergast, John O'Regan, Kevin Walsh and Donnacha Burke are the remaining links with Bandon's West Cork and County Junior winning team of ten years ago.

There is little doubt that the quality of Bandon's substitutions were the winning of this replay as all replacements acquitted themselves very well particularly young Philip Crowley, what a great prospect he is turning into in both hurling and football, and the goal scorer Trevor Barrett.

Team: J. Crowley, I. McCarthy, J. Walsh, R. Wilmot, M.O'Leary, K.Doyle, J. McCarthy, D. Lehane(0.05), J. Milner, K. Lucey, R. Moloney (0.01), J.O'Regan, V. Goggin, P. Prendergast(0.01), D.Burke, (0.01).

Subs: P. Crowley (0.01) ,T. Barrett (1.0).

Overall this was another fine victory for Bandon and their mentors Niall O' Halloran, Brian McCarthy, Niall O'Donovan and Kieran Doyle can be justifiably proud of getting the clubs second hurling team to the West Cork Junior A final against all the odds.



Official sanction has arrived from Croke Park for the hugely exciting development of the "top pitch" and work will be commencing shortly. Meanwhile Draw ticket sales are excellent and well done to all those making the effort with sales. "Much done with much more to do" is the motto of Co-ordinator Michael Kelly and if you feel you can help out in the Draw effort, contact Mick or any Club member.



A big well done to neighbouring Valley Rovers on their fine win in the Intermediate hurling final and hopefully we will be joining them soon in the Premier Intermediate hurling ranks to renew "hostilities". However given their record over the last two years, and the under-age talent coming through, Valley's could well be a Senior hurling and football Club by then. The Club also wishes the Valley's lads, and all the other West Cork inter-County players and mentors the very best of luck on Sunday as the Rebel footballers bid for immortality.
Bandon leave it late to claim a place in junior final - JAHC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 10-09-09
Bandon 1-10
Newcestown 1-09

BANDON versus Newcestown hurling games should carry health warnings.

Last evening's South West JAHC semi-final replay continued the theme of nail-biting finishes.

Helped by a Donncha Desmond goal just after the break, Newcestown were a point to the good with time running out for Bandon.

Enter two of the winner's substi-tutes to take centre stage when needed most with Philip Crowley slipping over a point before Trevor Barrett netted just seconds before the end of normal time. In injury time the losers were awarded a long-range free and when that fell short Bandon's second team were through to their first Carbery final in this grade since 1975.

Their top team, before promotion to intermediate status, won 10 years ago but the strength of the club is such that team number two is now in the A grade divisional decider where they will take on Clonakilty on the first Sunday in October.

It could have gone either way at Castletownkenneigh last evening where the first half exchanges were highlighted by the teams being level on four occasions with a kicked effort from Newcestown corner forward Pat White being the closest either team got to goaling.

It contained one other telling statistic and that was the losers recording of seven wides to the winners' two which was to have a big bearing on the result of a contest that sprang to life in the opening minute of the closing half.

Newcestown half-time substitute Donncha Desmond goaled before Sean Twomey pointed to give Newcestown some breathing space at last.

Now four points to the good, New-cestown looked set to consolidate their advantage only for two expertly converted David Lehane frees help keep Bandon in the hunt.

With the Newcestown lead never dropping below the two-point mark, a 56th minute Alan O'Neill point opened up a one-goal gap before, in the tense closing exchanges, Bandon came good to triumph on this occasion but will the result be different when these two clubs meet in the U21 AHC final on Friday week?

The only thing one can say with any certainty is that it will be another encounter of the closest kind.

Scorers for Bandon: D Lehane 0-5 frees T Barrett 1-0, J O'Regan 0-2, R Moloney, D Burke, P Crow-ley 0-1 each.

Newcestown: D Desmond 1-0, S Twomey 0-3, A O'Neill 0-2 (0-1 free), D O'Driscoll 0-2 frees, B O'Donovan, T Ryan (free) 0-1 each.

BANDON: J Crowley; I McCarthy, J Walsh, R Wilmot; M O'Leary, K Doyle, J McCarthy; J Mil-ner, D Lehane; K Lucey, R Moloney, J O'Regan; V Goggin, P Prendergast, D Burke. Subs: T Barrett for K Lucey, P Crowley for J Milner, S Lynch for P Prendergast.

NEWCESTOWN;: G Courtney; F O'Sullivan, C Crowley, J Curran; C White, C Ryan, R Bradfield' T Ryan, B O'Donovan; C Twomey, J Walsh, H Curran; A O'Neill, S Twomey, P White. Subs: D Desmond for J Walsh, D O'Driscoll for C Twomey.

Referee: Michael O'Mahony, (Kilbrittain).
Newcestown refuse to give in and earn replay - JAHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 12-09-09
Bandon 1-10
Newcestown 2-07

Another bite of the cherry, as semi-final ends in stalemate!

When effective substitute Philip Crow-ley whipped over a glorious point a minute into second half injury-time, it looked as if Bandon had finally repulsed a fantastic Newcestown comeback and cemented a place for themselves in this year's South West junior A hurling final.

However, doughty battlers that the St. John's lads are, they had other ideas and it was only correct and proper that their best forward on the evening, Alan O'Neill, would be the one to send this interesting tussle into a replay. With almost the last sequence of action he fastened onto a superb delivery from Rick Bradfield to gloriously bisect the Bandon uprights and ensure parity on the long whistle of excellent match official Seamus Crowley from Argideen Rangers.

While the monsoons of last weekend ensured that the going would be heavy and the standard never rising to Trojan heights, nevertheless, this keenly contested affair at an excellently prepared Castletownkenneigh venue on Sunday evening last contained more that its share of drama, while two fortuitous majors, one for each side in both halves, added to the sense of excitement that pervaded throughout.

Bandon got off to a flier and with a splendid half back division of Mark O'Leary, Kieran Doyle and Joe McCarthy providing marvellous cover for dominant midfielders Dave Lehane and James Mil-ner, they got two fine points on the board courtesy of the efficient Vincent Goggin and the hard-working Dave Lehane before Newcestown got their first wind.

But get it they soon did in no uncertain fashion as with Tadhg Ryan, Cathal Crowley and Finbarr O'Sullivan going into overdrive they stunned Bandon with two lightning fast scores from the prolific Alan O'Neill. Firstly, he flashed over their opening white flag after ten minutes. A minute later he had the umpire reaching for the green flag. Tadhg Ryan began the move parted to James Walsh and with the big centre forward running at the Bandon defence, O'Neill got inside the 'cover' to collect a peach of a pass and when surrounded by a wall of defenders, he deftly kicked the ball high into the Bandon rigging.

STUNNED. A somewhat stunned Bandon composed themselves and four minutes later James Milner forced a great stop from Stephen Murphy as the Bandon custodian tipped his vicious drive over the crossbar. Now the Lily Whites were in full flow as the experienced Donncha Burke added a peach of a point in the 16th minute. The best was yet to come, albeit Lady Luck was to play a leading role.

A long distance free by Lehane from almost seventy metres dropped into a crowded Bandon goalmouth and with backs and defenders struggling vainly for possession, the ball seem to get a touch off a defender's stick on its way to the back of the net. While Brian O'Donovan did give a good reply for Newcestown in the 25th minute, it was dominant Bandon who finished the half on a scoring high.

Indeed, they could have got two further first half majors but for the excellence of Newcestown goalie Graham Courtney allied to a helping hand from some water lodged near the Newcestown goalmouth area which took some of the sting out of two cracking drives by full forward Pat Prendergast.

Pat Prendergast, Dave Lehane (free), and another neat score from James Milner eventually enabling them to take a commanding five points' advantage, 1-7 to 1-2, into the interval break, a lead they richly deserved on the general run of play.

What a transformation we witnessed after the resumption. Newcestown upped the ante big time, fighting for possession vigorously, running at the Bandon defence and with renewed verve and tenacity in their overall play. Enter Hugh Curran as an impact substitute and he was soon to make a big impression. Cian Twomey reduced the deficit inside thirty seconds of play as six minutes later it was Newcestown's turn to enact a meeting with Dame Fortune. A free from Alan O'Neill from all of fifty metres dropped unhindered into the Bandon net.

When a now rampant O'Neill with splendid back-up coming from Chris White, Cormac Ryan, Cian Twomey, James Walsh, Brian O'Donovan, Tadhg Ryan and James Walsh smashed over a delightful score to level matters, 2-4 to 1-7, Newcestown had their tails up with Bandon yet to score in the closing moiety.

This they duly did courtesy of Dave Lehane from a free to inch ahead in the 39th minute, but the dominant team now was clearly Newcestown. Philip Crowley for Bandon and Donncha Desmond for Newcestown both entered the fray at this juncture and together with Hugh Curran all three proved vital cogs in the chain of subsequent events.

In fact, Donncha Desmond's first flurry of action saw him register a sublime score in the 50th minute. It was real down to the wire stuff now as Cormac Ryan and James Milner exchanged scores before the late, late drama ensured another day out.

VERDICT. Our verdict: A draw was a fair result to a lively game because in truth, both teams faded out of the equation to an alarming degree for periods of the match and also spurned some glorious scoring opportunities. In almost replicate mode to the match against Ballinascarthy, Bandon had a fantastic opening thirty minutes, but for large segments of the second half they were forced to bow the knee to a reorganised, revamped and rejuvenated Newcestown fifteen, only to come again with a brief flurry at the finish that eventually saved their bacon.

How often have we seen Newcestown teams to appear to be dead and almost ready for cremation at periods during matches this year? Again they rose Phoenix-like from the yet unburned ashes in this game when after a very mundane opening minutes of lethargic hurling they stormed into the game to fashion a magnificent comeback that at the end almost garnered the laurels for them. Had they done so it would have been some achievement, but in the overall context both teams were satisfied with the general outcome to a close, tense tussle.

The one thing that the result threw up was a nightmare scenario for the South West Board. In conclave after the game they indicated that the South West final may have to go back a number of days, but with finalists Clonakilty involved in the Cork County senior football final, a few complications arise to say the least.

Man of the match: Alan O'Neill, Newcestown.

Scorers — Newcestown: 2-3, 1-0 free, Brian O'Donovan 0-1, Cian Twomey 0-1, Donncha Desmond 0-1, Cormac Ryan 0-1.

Bandon: Dave Lehane 1-3, 1-2 frees, James Milner 0-3, Vincent Goggin 0-1, Donncha Burke 0-1, Pat Prendergast 0-1, Philip Crowley 0-1.

Newcestown: Graham Courtney, Fin-barr O'Sullivan, Cathal Crowley, James Curran, Chris White, Cormac Ryan, Rick Bradfield, Tadhg Ryan, Brian O'Donovan, Pat White, James Walsh, Donal Collins, Alan O'Neill, Sean Twomey, Cian Twomey. Subs: Hugh Curran for Pat White, Donncha Desmond for Donal Collins.

Bandon: Stephen Murphy, Ian McCarthy, James Walsh, Rob Wilmot, Mark O'Leary, Kieran Doyle, Joe McCarthy, Dave Lehane, James Milner, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Tim Crow- ley, Donncha Burke, Pat Prendergast, Vincent Goggin. Subs: Philip Crowley for Tim Crowley, John O'Regan for Robert Moloney, Trevor Barrett for Pat Prendergast.
Newcestown to get a second chance - JAHC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 07-09-09
Bandon 1-10
Newcestown 2-07

THE plans to hold the South West JAHC final next Sunday were thrown in disarray last night.

Clon are already through and appeared likely to be joined by Bandon who had substitute Philip Crowley slipping them a point ahead entering the closing seconds.

Then Newcestown star forward Alan O'Neill made his final and most telling contribution to the scoring when he hit the target in injury time to force a replay.

On a Castletownkenneigh pitch, playable when very few others were, it was Bandon who took control early on with points from David Lehane and Vincent Goggin steadying them in the battle of these clubs second teams.

Newcestown, and particularly Alan O'Neill, then flexed their muscles after an O'Neill point was followed by a 12th minute goal from the corner forward who was put through by James Walsh.

Unruffled Bandon came back to shade the remainder of the first half when their challenge was to receive the boost of a goal, eight minutes before the break.

A long-range David Lehane free appeared to go in off the hurley of a Newcestown defender and with their half-backs continuing to show the way, the lily whites were deserving of a five point half-time advantage.

O'Reilly and David O'Mahony were rock solid and up front Stephen O'Reilly and Eoin Sheahan scored 1-7 between them to seal their win.

Russell Rovers too had some good displays with Brian Hartnett, Daniel Moynihan and Aaron Beausang to the fore for them.

Hartnett opened the scoring for Russell Rovers with O'Reilly equalising for Croke. For the next 20 minutes it was all Croke as they started to dominate the game. Tomas O'Reilly put them in front with Stephen O'Reilly, Pat Egan, Eoin Sheahan, Kieran Sheahan and Mark Sheahan all on target as Croke led 0-7 to 0-1 with 22 minutes gone.

It turned out to he a different closing half after a Cian Twomey point restarted the Newcestown challenge which was enhanced by a second Alan O'Neill goal. His free deceived backs and forwards alike to end up in the net and when the same player followed with a point the sides were level just eight minutes after the restart.

David Lehane then pointed from a free to open Bandon's second-half account only for a well struck Donncha Desmond, just after his introduction to the action, first touch point to level matters once more.

In the closing quarter Cormac Ryan conjured up another excellent Newcestown point only for James Milner to pop over his third point and with two minutes remaining it was all to play for again.

It was there for the taking and it appeared as if Bandon had taken it when substitute Philip Crowley inched them back in front but with virtually the last puck of the game it was fitting that O'Neill should be the player to earn his side's salvation with an injury-time Newcestown point.

Scorers for Newcestown: A O'Neill 2-3 (1-0 free), C Twomey, D Desmond, B O'Donovan, C Ryan 0-1 each.

Bandon: D Lehane 1-4 (1-3 frees), J Milner 0-3, V Goggin, P Prendergast, P Crowley 0-1 each.

NEWCESTOWN: G Courtney; F O'Sullivan, C Crowley, J Curran; C White, C Ryan, R Brad-field; B O'Donovan, T Ryan; P White, J Wash, D Collins; A O'Neill, S Twomey, C Twomey. Subs: H Curran for P White, D Desmond for D Collins.

BANDON: S Murphy; I McCarthy, J Walsh, R Wilmot; M O'Leary, K Doyle, J McCarthy; D Lehane, J Milner; K Lucey, R Moloney, T Crow-ley; D Burke, P Prendergast, V Goggin. Subs: J O'Regan for R Moloney, P Crowley for T Crowley, T Barrett for P Prendergast
Southern Star 5th September
It is with great sadness that the Club reports the passing of two absolute legends of Bandon GAA Club, who have gone to their eternal reward in the past week.

The current Club President Sean Crowley and Vice-President Denis O'Donovan, both gave sterling service to Bandon GAA Club for over the last half century and longer, and they will be sorely missed.

Sean Crowley had been ill for the last couple of years but had been actively involved in the Club until 2003.

Sean sadly passed away at lunch time on Friday last.

His mark on the GAA in both Bandon and Cork is profound and he gave over sixty years of service both as player and administrator.

Sean was an outatanding hurler and footballer and won an All-Ireland Junior hurling medal with Cork and also represented Cork at Senior level.

He won County Championship medals with Bandon in both codes, 1949 in Junior hurling and 1952 in Intermediate hurling.

In football he won a County junior championship medal in 1953.

He represented both Bandon and Carbery at Senior level.

On retiring from playing, he served as Chairman of the Carbery West Cork Divisional Board for 17 years and went on to become the Carbery delegate to the Cork County Board.

He also served as Cork County Board Registrar for three years.

Sean later served on the executive of Cork County Board for 25 years until his retirement in 2004.

All the while he was deeply involved in the administration and day-to-day running of Bandon GAA Club.

Sean was a selector with the Cork footballers for eight years during which time Cork won an unforgettable All-Ireland Senior football title in 1973.

As well as being President of Bandon GAA Club, Sean was also President of the Carbery Division, and he was a Vice-President of Cork County Board.

Probably Sean's finest hour came in Croke Park in 2004 when he was the recepient of an inaugural Life-time Achivement award from the then GAA President Sean Kelly.

How ironic that on the week-end he died, that Cork Intermediate hurlers won the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny, having already won the football final, for this competition was re-instated at the instigation of the late Sean Crowley.

He is survived by his wife Noreen, daughters Noreen, Eilish and Marie, and sons Frank, Noel, Fr.Finbarr, Padraig, and Niall who have all given sterling service to Bandon Club over the years.

The late Denis O'Donovan who died on Sunday morning, was surely the most complete all-round sports-man Bandon has ever produced.

He excelled at football and hurling, road bowling and latterly golf.

He was also involved in hare coursing and greyhound racing.

He won a National football league medal with Cork in 1956 and regularly played for the County at Senior level.

Denis was a central figure along with Sean Crowley on the all-conquering Bandon teams of the 1950's.

He was a veritable colossus on the pitch and could play anywhere.

Later Denis was a Selector with Bandon teams right up to the 1970's and early 1980's and together with Joe Spillane and Paddy Keogh coached the brilliant West Cork and County Junior championship winning team of 1975.

His training sessions were legendary.

Denis was pre-deceased by his wife Peg, and is survived by his daughters, Ann, Lucy and Margaret, and his sons Anthony, Tim and Jerry, both of whom distinguished themselves playing with Bandon over many years.

Bandon GAA Club extends it's deepest sympathy to the Crowley and O'Donovan families on their great loss.

The Club is indebted to these men for their life-time commitment to Bandon GAA.

Their enduring legacy is best summed up in a quote borrowed from the late Jack Lynch "but more and more will be said of the m as long as young men will match their skills against each other on the green sward of Charlie Hurley Park, as long as the lily white jersey of Bandon, colours that Sean and Denis wore with such distinction, as long as we see those colours in manly combat, their memories will come tumbling back in profusion". "We will relish and savour them for we will hardly see their likes again. And we will tell children and grandchildren with pride of their legacy. The story will pass from generation to generation and so it will live...As long as gaelic games are played in their beloved Droichead na Banndan the stories of Sean Crowley and Denis O'Donovan will be told - and that will be forever".

Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anamnacha usal.
Southern Star 29th August - U21 A Hurling Championship win
The top-pitch has been ploughed as part of the on-going development and it is hoped that work will start on it over the next two weeks. The Pavilion has also been re-roofed over the past month so work is well advanced.



At the moment all roads lead to Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday evening when Carbery play St. Finbarr's in the County Senior football semi-final. We wish James O' Donovan and Robert Moloney well.



The award for the best text message after Cork's great All- Ireland football semi-final win on Sunday goes to an anonymous Bandon supporter.

The text which was sent in copious quantities across the County bounds on Sunday evening went something like this "with all yere legendary Kerry managers,ye had Paudie O'Shea, Jack O' Connor and Pat O'Shea all mauled by Tyrone, with no answer to the northern boys power play. Did it ever occur to any of the three wise men to play Tyrone with only fourteen players?"



Bandon 2-10
Kilbrittain 0-08

Bandon U21 hurlers had a very good win over Kilbrittain in the West Cork semi-final on Tuesday night in rain sodden Ballinascarty on a final scoreline of 2.10 to 0.08.

Bandon had a very good spine to their team and they were dominant in the central positions, with the backs excellent throughout.

Bandon were by far the better team over the hour but they hit numerous wides which kept Kilbrittain in the game.

This could have been costly had their opponents not missed a goal with the scores at 1.09 to 0.08.

The ball went straight down the field and Jason McCarthy put the game out of reach with a cracking goal for Bandon with only five minutes remaining, after being well set up by Trevor Barrett who got the other goal in the first half.

Best for Bandon were Stephen Murphy, James Walsh, Darren Ryan, Eoin O'Donovan, Gavin O' Riordan, Darren Crowley, Jason McCarthy and Trevor Barrett.

Team : Stephen Murphy, Philip Crowley, James Walsh, Peter Murphy, Joe Harrington, Darren Ryan, Eoin O'Donovan, Gavin O'Riordan, Mark O'Leary, Ronan Crowley (0.04), Tom O'Donoghue, Darren Crowley (0.05), Jason McCarthy (1.01), David Kelly, Trevor Barrett (1.0)

Subs.: M. Minihane

Well done to the team mentors Padraig Crowley, Cathal Moloney and Kieran Doyle for all their good work, and the team now await the winners of Newcestown and Argideen Rangers in the West-Cork final.
Caheragh dethrone champions - JAFC - John Bohane - Southern Star 22-08-09
Tadhg MacCarthaigh 1-11
Bandon 1-09

Tadhg MacCarthaigh dethroned the reigning junior football champions Bandon with a grandstand finish to eke out a narrow quarter-final victory after an entertaining game played in Sam Maguire Park last Thursday evening.

In a repeat of last year's junior A foot-ball final, Caheragh gained sweet revenge on the Lilywhites with a frantic final flourish which yielded two late points to signal an end to the Bandon men's aspirations of annexing the Mick McCarthy Cup for the third year in a row.

Caheragh have proved to be a most snigmatic and inconsistent outfit this pear producing a series of Jekyl and Hyde performances in their four cham-pionship ties this year. In the first round they succumbed to a shock opening round defeat against St. James before producing a devastating second half comeback to derail Kilmacabea's cham-pionship ambitions in the second round. They subsequently proceeded to narrowly overcome Bantry in the third round lespite producing a below par perform-mce.

INSPIRED. However they saved their best performance of the season thus far for this invigorating encounter shattering the aura of invincibility that previously surounded this all-conquering Bandon team as the Caheragh players visibly nspired and galvanised by their status if underdogs for this clash produced a sipirited perfomance to secure their semi-final berth against St. Mary's for the second successive year.

The exit of defending champions Bandon from this year's championship really opens up the competition for the remaining six teams with each side harbouring realistic dreams of annexing the Mick McCarthy Cup. However, based on this evidence Caheragh appear to be peaking it the opportune time as they attempt to capture their first junior A football since 2006.

A goal midway through the second half from Kevin O'Driscoll appeared to present them with the ideal opportunity to close out this game in comfort but Bandon showed all the hallmarks of true champions with a spirited comeback to level proceedings with three minutes remaining with a replay seemingly inevitable.

Caheragh however weathered the relentless Bandon pressure calling on all their renowned legendary spirit of yore with Carbery ace duo Colm O'Driscoll and Tadhg Deasy (enjoying a renaissance to a glittering career) notch-ing terrific late points to secure a thrilling triumph.

This defeat was cruel luck on a gallant Bandon outfit who contributed enor-mously to an exciting game. Bandon, who began this tie with eleven survivors from last year's starting final line-up, possessed a very experienced and phys-ical spine throughout their team but the enforced absences through injury of key attacking duo Alan Johnson and Roy Payne were most keenly felt as their attacking sextet threatened sporadically but never clicked into overdrive throughout the game. Bandon can take solace from the fact that this is a young, emerging and talented team with a number of their players members of their successful South-West under-21 team in 2008, who can now re-group before launching a renewed and sustained bid for championship success next year.

Bandon started brightly opening the scoring after two minutes with full forward Richard Milner pouncing on a loose pass out of the Caheragh defence before releasing Robert Moloney into space to strike over from close range. Caheragh levelled proceedings with Colm O'Driscoll operating at left corner forward converting from a free after he was fouled. It took a while for this game to ignite, with the early stages of this game being played at a pedestrian pace with both sides guilty of missplaced passes as they struggled to impose any semblance or authority on proceedings. Colm O'Driscoll, who was unerring from placed balls throughout, converted two successive frees to enable Caheragh to open up a merited two point lead after eleven minutes.

Caheragh were now enjoying a period of dominance courtesy of the midfield superioty established by Tadhg Deasy and Shane O'Driscoll at centrefield. Conor O'Regan, so often an unsung hero for Caheargh with his unselfish running and all round team play, demonstrated his immense value to this Caheragh team with two superb points in quick succession to open up a four point lead after 19 minutes. David Aherne and Colm O'Driscoll traded scores for their respective sides to maintain the status quo before Bandon now beginning to establish a foothold on proceedings struck for two consecutive points in the space of two minutes per Cian O'Mahony (free) and John O'Connell.

The game was finally after sparking to life in the closing stages of the first hah1'with both teams contributing to an exciting affair with exchanges between the two evenly matched sides nip and tuck. Colm O'Driscoll kicked his fifth point of the game after good approach play from Sean Murray, but this was quickly negated by a well taken point from experienced campaigner John O'Connell. Further points from Shane O'Driscoll and David Aherne from a placed ball ensured Caheragh enjoyed a two point interval lead with the game nicely poised for an enthralling second period.

Bandon started the second half in rejuvenated fashion drawing level within eight minutes of the second half resumption following points from Darren Crowley and impressive wing back Donagh Lucey. Caheragh's hopes of vic-tory received a major fillip when they struck for the opening goal of the game after 43 minutes. Cork under-21 star Kevin O'Driscoll reacted quickest to stab the ball home to the unguarded net after the initial shot from Colm O'Driscoll rebounded off the butt of the post. Colm O'Driscoll subsequently converted from a placed ball to open up a four point lead for Caheragh with ten minutes remaining.

Bandon shrugged off this temporary setback notching 1-1 in a spirited revival which enabled them to draw level with three minutes remaining. Darren Crow-ley struck for a peach of a goal after a glorious crossfield pass from Ronan McCarthy found the dual star on the edge of the square. Crowley now playing at full forward, engineered the space with a sharp turn before emphatically rifling a shot high into the top corner of the net past the despairing dive of Niall Murray. Donagh Lucey quickly levelled proceedings from a free to set up a pul-sating finale.

Caheragh finished strongly with Colm O'Driscoll despite being under intense pressure landing a magnificant point from an acute angle before Tadhg Deasy struck over from long range after engagining on a terrific solo run to propel Tadhg MacCarthaigh into a semifinal showdown with St. Mary's which promises to be a titanic encounter.

Scorers - Tadhg MacCarthaigh: Colm O'Driscoll 0-7, 0-4 frees, Kevin O'Driscoll 1-0, Conor O'Regan 0-2, Shane O'Driscoll, Tadhg Deasy 0-1 each.

Bandon: Darren Crowley 1-1, John O'Connell 0-2, David Aherne 0-2, 0-1 free, Donagh Lucey 0-2 frees, Robert Moloney 0-1, Cian O'Mahony 0-1 free.

Tadhg MacCarthaigh: Niall Murray, Patrick Connolly, William O'Sulli-van, John Ryan, Tony Herlihy, Damien Daly, Denis McCarthy, Tadhg Deasy, Shane O'Driscoll, Sean Murray, Kevin O'Driscoll, George Gill, Colm O'SuUivan, Conor O'Regan, Colm O'Driscoll. Subs used: Eddie Shiely, Kevin Barrett.

Bandon: Pat Prendergast, James Walsh, James O'Donovan, Niall Connor, Donagh Lucey, Michael Quirke, James Milner, Kevin Lucey, Jason Hickey, Dar-ren Crowley, David Aherne, Cian O'Ma-hony, John O'Connell, Richard Milner, Robert Moloney. Subs used: Eoin O'Donovan, Ronan Crowley, Ronan McCarthy, Tom O'Donoghue. Referee: Donie McCarthy, Dohenys
Bandon had too much power for gallent Kilbrittain - U21HC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 22-08-09
Bandon 2-10
Kilbrittain 0-08

OLD rivals cross paths yet again, as this time Bandon extract sweet revenge!

A lightning all-action phase of play with three minutes remaining of this entertaining South West under-21 A hurling semi-final played on the pristine surface of Henry Ford Park, Ballinascarthy, on Tuesday evening last between great adversaries Bandon and Kilbrittain graphically illustrates one of the main basic and important differences that lay between two committed sides.

Despite their almost total second half dominance when they shot an astounding tally of eleven wides against their opponents three, the Lily Whites had up to this juncture failed to put away a plucky and determined Kilbrittain side.

Suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, the destination of the laurels in this keenly contested local derby was decided. Jamie Wall, who more than anyone on the Black and Amber fifteen had worked tirelessly in the Kilbrittain cause, embarked yet again on a searing run deep into enemy territory. Eying up the opposition defence he let fly with a rocket of a drive that sound Bandon keeper Stephen Murphy did extremely well to parry. However, with the break-ing ball rebounding into the danger zone young Sean Hayes whipped first time only to see the leather fly just wide of the target.

Relieved by the reprieve Bandon swept downfield into yet another attack. Trevor Barrett, who had a fine outing for the winners throughout the game, sent an inch-perfect pass into the path of the industrious Jason McCarthy. The dapper corner forward neatly turned a Kilbrittain defender before unleashing a searing shot that flew past Robert Hayes and high into the Kilbrittain rigging. Bandon followers had at last reason to give vent to their emo-tions, the game was in the bag and gallant Kilbrittain had finally been overcome after a Titanic tussle.

When Wall put Kilbrittain in the driving seat early on with two peaches of points, the losers seemed to have made the perfect start. However, ominous from their viewpoint was the fact that their lighter forward sextet with the exception of the aforementioned Wall and fine play by Conor Moloney were making little scoring headway against a particularly superb Bandon full-back line comprising Philip Crowley, James Walsh and Peter Murphy. Positive vibes too were coming from further out with Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Ryan and Joe Harrington all in sparkling form.

BONUS. An added bonus was the superb play of team captain Gavin O'Rior-dan in the middle of the park who together with Mark O'Leary was providing a fine service to an attack that began to fire on all cylinders. Talented brothers duo of Ronan and Darren Crowley gave early barometers of what to expect with a brace of neat white flags, while Tomas O'Donoghue was leading the line competently with Jason McCarthy, Dave Kelly and Trevor Barrett three eager beavers in the final attacking zone. Still, Wall was keeping Kilbrittain in touch with a pointed free and Michael Deasy, Ivan Burke, Denis Twohig, Darren Hick-ey and Aidan Moloney were all in the thick of the action.

A long delivery from Darren Ryan was flicked over by namesake Darren Crowley after nine minutes as, two minutes later; Bandon received a massive boost with the opening major of the game. Midfield duo Mark O'Leary and Gavin O'Riordan were both involved as the powerful Trevor Barrett was at the termination of a fine move to crash the ball to the Kilbrittain net.

When Ronan Crowley effortlessly swept over a Bandon free in the 17th minute, visions of the Bandon boys beginning to dominate began to surface. Kilbrittain were having none of it. Clinging on like leeches they contested every ball with renewed vigour as they deprived this talented Bandon side of the opportunity to display their undoubted scoring wares and boundless ability.

In fact, a lovely point by Aidan Moloney supplemented by two delightful frees from the stick of Wall cut the deficit to the bare minimum, 1-4 to 0-6, as the half-time break dawned. Conor Moloney was now at midfield, Jamie Wall at centre forward with Tom Harrington operating on the 'mark' as Kilbrittain attempted to stymie the Bandon movements. A close in free from Ronan Crowley concluded a most enjoyable thirty minutes of committed play.

Michael Deasy had now moved out to keep tabs on Bandon danger-man Darren Crowley on the right flank as proceedings resumed with both Jamie Wall and Ronan Crow-ley squandering gilt-edged opportunities. It was to set the tone as particularly Bandon began to suffer from a bad bout of scoring sqtiander-mania.

It was all Bandon now as Ronan Crowley pointed two frees in the 33rd and 34th minutes to extend the lead, 1-7 to 0-6. A fabulous Wall shot in an isolated Kilbrittain raid did force a marvellous save from Stephen Murphy, but it was the exception rather than the rule. Maurice Fielding was now at full forward as Kilbrittain embarked on a flurry of positional changes. Jamie Wall from a free, a superb Jason McCarthy point and an even better long distance effort by Wall left this match still in the balance.

Bandon were now the clear mas-ters with the Crowley duo of Darren and Ronan, Gavin O'Riordan, Barrett, Joe Harrington, Philip Crow-ley, Jason McCarthy and Darren Ryan all hurling sweetly. Darren Crowley again performed the oracle in the 55th minute before those last defining moments signalled the beginning of the end for a gallant and never-say-die Kilbrittain outfit.

VERDICT. Our verdict: While it may have taken all of fifty-seven minutes for the two defining moments in this game to arrive, there can be little doubt but that the kudos went in the appropriate direction. The big surprise was the fact that this much more physically stronger, experi-enced, talented and craftier Bandon fifteen did not emerge victorious by a much more comprehensive margin.

Put that fact down to the splendid resistance provided by a young Kilbrittain team who fought to the last whistle and lost no honour in this sporting reversal.

Another thing as well and this must be a cause of some concern for the Bandon mentors was the spate of wides, sixteen in total that the Bandonians racked up over the hour. If they succeed in rectifying this situation before they meet the victors of the Argideen Rangers v Newcestown game in the final, then they will be a match for any opposition.

For now they can bask in the immediate glory that they have reversed the heartbreaking loss of the minor A hurling final recently to the same opposition and bucked the losing trend.

Man of the match: Gavin O'Riordan, Bandon.

Referee: Donal Shorten, St. Mary's.

Scorers - Bandon: Ronan Crowley 0-5, 0-3 frees, Darren Crowley 0-4, 0-1 free, Jason McCarthy 1-1, Trevor Barrett 1-0. Kilbrittain. Jamie Wall 0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65, Aidan Moloney 0-1.

Bandon: Stephen Murphy, Philip Crowley, James Walsh, Peter Mur-phy, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Ryan, Joe Harrington, Gavin O'Riordan, Mark O'Leary, Ronan Crowley, Tomas O'Donoghue, Darren Crow-ley, Jason McCarthy, Dave Kelly, Trevor Barrett. Sub: Michael Mini-hane for Dave Kelly.

Kilbrittain: Robert Hayes, Denis Twohig, Ivan Burke, Patrick Deasy, James Moloney, Michael Deasy, Maurice Fielding, Darren Hickey, Sean McCarthy, Conor Moloney, Tom Harrington, Aidan Moloney, Nigel Quinlan, Jamie Wall, Sean Hayes. Sub: Eamonn Moloney for Nigel Quinlan.
Southern Star 22nd August - Junior A Footballers lose to T.McCarthaighs
T.McCarthaighs 1-11
Bandon 1-09

The jinx of Caheragh came back to haunt Bandon's Junior A footballers one more time in Dunmanway last Thursday night when they were knocked out of the championship on a final scoreline of 1.11 to 1.09.

Revenge is a dish best served cold and this result was pay-back for Bandon's West Cork final win last September.

Time and again in the first- half Bandon's continous slow build up allowed their opponents to funnel ten and twelve players back behind the ball to defend in numbers and deny the champions scores. This short-coming also resulted in Bandon either being easily dis-possessed or shooting from too far out the field.

Bandon had played very poorly against O Mathuna's in the previous round and they were equally poor in this game, in what can only be described as a very disappointing season overall with little or no progress made.

For the first ten minutes of the second half Bandon owned the ball and failed to capitalise, with great chances resulting in the ball only being dropped into the goal-keepers hands, or being kicked harmlessly wide.

In truth it was only when Caheragh scored their goal half way through the second-half that Bandon started to speed up their play and succeeded to some degree in opening up the opposition defense.

The only highlight of this game from a Bandon view-point was a goal of exceptional quality from Darren Crowley which came with about ten minutes to go and should have signalled a Bandon take-over, the only response however was to come from Caheragh who added two further points, which proved enough to see them home.

Best on a night best forgotten were James O'Donovan, Donough Lucey, and Darren Crowley.

Team : P. Prendergast (Capt.), J.Walsh , J.O'Donovan, N.Connor, D.Lucey (0.02), M.Quirke, J.Milner, K.Lucey, J.Hickey, D.Crowley (1.01), D.Ahern (0.02), C.O'Mahony (0.01), J.O'Connell(0.02), R.Milner, R.Moloney (0.01)

Subs.:E.O'Donovan, R.McCarthy, R.Crowley, T.O'Donoghue.



Bandon GAA Club lost a great supporter recently when Ian Morgan succumbed to his hard fought battle against serious illness.

How proud the native of Ballinacurra near Midleton would have been to have seen his home Club win their County Junior hurling title at the week-end, but sadly for him, it was not to be.

Ian managed the Club Pavilion complex some years back and his honesty, constant good humour, and ability to deal with people and situations, endeared him to everyone.

No task was too great and Ian always had a friendly word and plenty of banter for all and sundry.

He is survived by his wife Anita, son Paul, and daughters Deirdre and Niamh and the Club extends to them our heartfelt sympathy at his untimely passing.
Southern Star 8th August 2009
Bandon 2-12
Ballinascarthy 1-14

The season just gets better and better for the Bandon Junior A hurlers after their hard earned 2.12 to 1.14 win over Ballinascarthy on Friday night last.

The match turned into a cracking West Cork quarter-final which was re-fixed very late in the day for Kilbrittain. We are aware that some supporters travelled in vain to Newcestown, and while we are sorry for the inconvenience, it is the Irish summer which continues to be the real villian of the piece.

Despite the incessant rain all day Friday, the pitch was in remarkably good condition and Bandon just about edged a thrilling contest, hanging on to win by the smallest of margins.

Bandon laid the foundations for their win with a storming first-half performance, when they were by far the better team and they led at half time 2.07 to 0.05. The goals coming from a long range effort from Kevin Walsh and Pat Prendergast (still lethal from two yards) continuing his recent good run.

As in previous rounds Bandon's half-back line was again the launch pad for this fine win, but the two first-half goals were the difference between the teams at the death, as we were out scored 0.05 to 1.09 in the second-half.

In that second-half Bandons goal had a somewhat charmed existence once or twice as Bal strove to take control. Crucially Bal only got their goal with the game heading towards injury time, when Bandon still had a five point advantage.

The introduction of young Philip Crowley certainly helped to steady the ship around the middle of the field in that crucial last fifteen minutes.

Best on the night were the outstanding Kevin Lucey, Kieran Doyle, Joe McCarthy, Kevin Walsh, Cathal Moloney, the industrious Robert Moloney and ever improving young goal-keeper Stephen Murphy.

Team : S.Murphy, I.McCarthy, C.Moloney, R.Wilmot, K.Walsh (1.0), K. Doyle, J.McCarthy, D.Lehane (0.03), J.Milner (0.01), K.Lucey (0.03), R.Moloney (0.01), T.Crowley (0.02), V.Goggin, P.Prendergast (1.01), D.Burke (0.01). Subs. : P.Crowley

In the recent history of clashes between Bandon and Ballinascarthy it is hard to believe both these teams fought out a relegation battle just twelve short months ago, or indeed that just ten years ago in Castletown when Bandon's first team emerged victorious in the Junior A championship after a replay, they had prevented Bal, then at the peak of their powers, from recording their third championship win in a row over Bandon's premier team.

Credit to the backroom mentors Niall O'Donovan, Brian McCarthy, and Kieran Doyle and the coaching of Niall O' Halloran who has recently joined the cause.
Bandon almost leave lead slip - JAHC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 01-08-09
Bandon 2-12
Ballinascarthy 1-14

COMFORTABLE after dominating the opening half, and still at ease with six minutes remaining, Bandon found themselves hanging on by their boot laces at the end of last evening's South West JAHC encounter.

With many venues unplayable Kilbrittain took this quarter-final game and the sod showed no ill-effects after a day of rain that luckily cleared up soon after the off.

This was Bandon's second string, who had defeated reigning champions Diarmuid 0 Mathuna's in the previous round.

They carried that form into the opening half of this contest where Bal were playing catch up most of the time, and indeed almost did catch up in a nerve-tingling finale to a lively contest. Bandon produced their two goals in a quick scoring burst during the first quarter.

Ricky O'Flynn, who as well as delivering from frees also showed up well in general play, opened the scoring with a point for Bal who then suffered two terrible blows which Bandon delivered in the form of a brace of goals in a short spell.

Their first came from powerful full-forward Pat Prendergast who sped in from the flank to rattle the net in the sixth minute and this was followed by a Donncha Burke point to settle the winners whose half-back division of Kevin Walsh, Kieran Doyle and Joe McCarthy was once more to distinguish itself. Against Mathuna's, this depart-ment, along with a consistent mid-field duo, was soundness personified and on this occasion again showed its class when acting as a springboard for many of the Bandon attacks.

However it was from a David Lehane free that the winners conjured up their second goal in the ninth minute and this time Vincent Goggin was the executioner. Ricky O'Plynn, the losers' lone opening half marksman, then cut over a sweet sideline ball in reply and it was his accuracy that kept Bal in touch in times of need.

At the break it was Bandon by eight points but a few positional switches and the introduction of substitute James Fitzpatrick benefited Bal but their recovery was slow despite some powerful play by Ricky O'Flynn, Brian Murphy, after his move to midfield, Willie Deasy, Denis O'Sullivan and JC O'Flynn. In fact, they were to lose more ground and with time running out they were still deep in strife after a brace of David Lehane pointed frees kept Bandon ticking over.

Then came a flurry of Bal points to make it a five-point game entering the closing quarter where an unruffled Bandon increased their advantage once more before the sparks flew from a gallant Bal recovery.

It was William Deasy who took centre stage in the losers' fightback with a brace of points followed by his injury-time goal set up by the influential Denis O'Sullivan.

With the Bandon scoring department closed down for some time Bal tried desperately to force the draw but left it too late against a nicely balanced Bandon side who now take on the winners of New-cestown and Colum's in the semifinal.

Scorers for Bandon: P Prendergast 1-1, V Goggin 1-0, K Lucey 0-3, D Lehane 0-3 f, T Crowley 0-2, D Burke, J Milner, R Moloney 0-1 each.

Ballinascarthy: Ricky O'Flynn 0-8 (0-4 f, 0-1 s, 0-1 65), W Deasy 1-4 D O'Sullivan, C Deasy 0-1 each.

BANDON: S Murphy; I McCarthy, C Moloney, R Wilmot; K Walsh, K Doyle, J McCarthy; J Milner, D Lehane; K Lucey, R Moloney, T Crowley; V Goggin, P Prendergast, D Burke. Sub: P Crowley for T Crowley.

BALLINASCARTHY: P O'Sullivan; B O'Flynn, K Ryan, JC O'Flynn; J O'Leary, B Murphy, J O'Sullivan; Ricky O'Flynn, E Deasy; Ryan O'Flynn, D Hennessy, D O'Sullivan; C Deasy, J Dineen, W Deasy. Subs: J Fitzpatrick for J Dineen, V O'Flynn for B O'Flynn, M Murphy for J O'Leary (inj), P Deasy (R) for D Hennessy.

Referee: Seamus Crowley (Argideen Rangers).
O Mathuna succumb too easily to Bandon - JAFC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 01-08-09
Bandon 1-08
Duirmuid o Mathunas 0-02

IT was a stroll in the park for champions Bandon, as Mathiinas succumbed all too easily in a one-sided encounter The scoring statistics in this downright poor South West Junior 'A' football championship encounter between current champions Bandon and Diarmuid O Mathuna, which was played at Enniskeane on Wednesday evening of last week, make for grim reading for the vanquished. No score from play over sixty-five minutes of football, two white flags - from Sean Crowley in the 25th minute of the first half and a second in the 50th minute by Sean Coughlan both from dead ball situations - was the paltry return the Castletownkenneigh lads could muster.

Not that the Lily Whites set the scene alight themselves with the quality of their football over the hour. Far from it, because - like their opponents - at times, they too played very poorly.

However, without ever getting out of second gear, they cruised to a most emphatic victory, brushing aside easily the powder-puff challenge presented by Mathiinas who never really emerged from traps. The extraordinary thing was that when these two sides have crossed paths in recent times the results have been very close.

It began to look that way early on when thanks to the prompting of Micheal Fehily in the middle of the park, Johnny O'Sullivan and Gerry Nyhan in defence and Sean Crowley up front, the losers were containing the Bandon scoring threat well. Unfortunately, once Bandon got through for the only 'major' of the game in the eighth minute, the Mathiinas graph commenced a downward spiral. A right good score the Bandon one proved to be as Robert Moloney fed the impres-sive Richard Milner and when his blazing drive was excellently parried by Mathiinas custodian Michael O'Callaghan, the rebound fell kindly to the wily and experienced John O'Con-nell who flicked it high in the rigging.

With James O'Donovan, Kevin Walsh and Donagh Lucey soundness personified in defence, Kevin Lucey and Jason Hickey masters of all they sur-veyed out around the middle and Roy Payne, Darren Crow-ley, Ronan McCarthy, O'Con-nell, Milner and Moloney all leading their opponents a merry dance up front, visions of the floodgates opening loomed.

Payne and Donagh Lucey pointed frees, Darren Crowley had a fine point, followed by a sweet score from the formidable Roy Payne off his left peg, but Mathiinas stubborn defensive resistance with Fehily, Kieran Fleming, Aidan Collins and Barry Lordan working hard ensured nothing soft ensued on the Scoreboard.

Sean Crowley broke the stalemate, but the point of the game was scored by O'Connell in the 25th minute with Jason Hickey, Robert Moloney, Richard Milner all involved in the initial execution. It propelled Bandon into a commanding interval lead while the losers' had seen the talismanic John Paul O'Callaghan depart the scene with a leg injury.

When Roy Payne extended the Bandon lead in the 31st minute it looked as if a rout was on the cards. However, to their eternal credit Mathiinas refused to throw in the towel and upped the ante in a desperate bid to get back into the match. With Sean Crowley making a few forceful sallies forward into attack, the big number eleven brought a fine save from Pat Prendergast after good work by cousin Patrick and Kieran Fleming.

He had the misfortune to miss a gilt-edged goal scoring opportunity soon afterwards and, with it, went the Castle-townkenneigh lad's chance of making a game of it. To com-pound the losers' misery, they lost Gerry Nyhan to a second yellow card offence in the 50th minute. It mattered not one whit, as further points by John O'Connell and Conor Sugrue copper-fastened the easiest of Bandon victories.

Our verdict: Mathiinas will be glad to see the back of the Bandon lads. Twice in a short space of time, the Lily Whites have got the better of them in both hurling and now football. While the small ball match was a tight one, a yawning chasm existed in this listless and lack-lustre game.

Pat Spillane recently coined a phrase about 'puke football' and, while it would be disingenuous of us to suggest that this affair was in that category, it was not too mighty far away. Bandon will point to a comfortable victor}', but call a spade a spade, this was one of the poor-est games we have seen for some time.

They need to improve consid-erably if they are to retain their title, as they face Tadhg Mac-Carthaigh in the quarter-final. For Mathiinas it has been a poor spell, now out of both championships, but surely better days lay ahead.

Referee Sean Nolan of Castle-haven had to quell a few bouts of 'handbag' bashing, but the game was generally played in a good sporting spirit on a billiard table-like surface. Our man of the match was Kevin Lucey of Bandon.

Scorers -Bandon: John O'Connell 1-2, Roy Payne 0-3, 0-1 from free, Darren Crowley 0-1, Donagh Lucey 0-1 from free, Conor Sugrue 0-1.

Diar-muid O Mathuna: Sean Crow-ley 0-1 from free, Sean Cough-Ian 0-1 from free.

Bandon: Pat Prendergast, Kevin Walsh, James O'Donovan, Niall Connor, Donagh Lucey, Michael Quirke, James Milner, Kevin Lucey, Jason Hickey, Roy Payne, Darren Crowley, Ronan McCarthy, John O'Connell, Richard Milner, Robert Moloney. Subs, Eoin O'Donovan for Niall Connor, Ronan Crowley for Robert Moloney, Conor Sugrue for Ronan McCarthy, Tomas O'Donoghue for James Milner, Dave Kelly for Roy Payne.

Diarmuid 6 Mathuna: Michael O'Callaghan, Johnny O'Sullivan, Aidan Collins, Brian Horgan, Gerry Nyhan, Kieran Fleming, Sean Fleming, John Roche, Micheal Fehily, Barry Lordan, Sean Crowley, Darragh O'Leary, John Paul O'Callaghan, Darren Coughlan, Patrick Crowley. Subs, Sean Coughlan for John Paul O'Callaghan (injured), Aidan O'Leary for Sean Fleming and Damien Shannon for Darragh O'Leary.
Southern Star 1st August 2009
On Friday night next July 31st Bandon Junior A hurlers face Ballinascarthy in the West Cork quarter-final in Newcestown at 7.30 p.m.

On Thursday week next August 6th the Junior A football championship quarter-final against Caheragh has been provisionally fixed for Dunmanway. There are numerous permutations and combinations with the staging of this fixture and we would urge supporters to talk to club members or keep an eye on the web-page or the local media for the final details.

In between the Minor hurlers are down to play Kilbritain at 7.30 p.m.on Wednesday August 5th, while the U21 hurlers are also down to play Kilbrittain on Wednesday August 12th. Watch Club web-page for venues.

The Club wishes all teams the very best of luck.





Monsignor Kevin O' Callaghan launched the Club Development Fund Draw on Friday night in a very enjoyable function held in the Pavilion. In a very rousing contribution the Monsignor urged people to support the Draw and the Clubs efforts. He stressed the amateur ethos of the GAA and reminded people never to forget the great contribution of past fund raisers and Club members who developed the Charlie Hurley Park and later the Pavilion. Many of these stalwarts who sadly are no longer with us. Club Chairman Denis Lucey and Bob Clarke of Bandon Motors who are providing the Ford Fiesta also addressed the large gathering.

The work of the Finance Committee now begins in earnest as the tickets will all be given out over the coming week. Tickets for the Draw are selling for €20 each, three for €50 or seven for €100 .



Well done to young Mark Sugrue who finished second in the Munster poc-fada final held before the recent Munster hurling final in Thurles. Mark was also on the successful Cork U16 football team recently together with Barry Collins and Michael Cahalane at U14.



Bandon 1-08
Diarmuid O Mathunas 0-02

The Bandon Junior A footballers advanced to meet Caheragh with a rather facile win over Diarmuid O Mathunas in Enniskeane.

The final score was 1.08 to 0.02. The half-time score was 1.05 to 0.01 and that best reflects the quality of this encounter.

The only highlights were the save of Pat Prendergast in the second-half and excellent points kicked by Darren Crowley and Conor Sugrue. Bandon seemed content in the second half to sit on their lead and defend in numbers.

The forwards never got enough ball to threaten in the last twenty minutes Ronan Mccarthy played very well in the first-half at wing forward in a welcome return to form with the entire back-line being very dependable as a unit.

Overall a massive improvement is needed for the Caheragh game, but the potential is definitely there.

Team : P.Prendergast (Capt), K.Walsh, J.O'Donovan, N.Connor, D.Lucey (0.01), M.Quirke, J.Milner, K.Lucey, J. Hickey, R.Payne (0.03), D.Crowley (0.01), R.McCarthy, R.Moloney, R.Milner, J.O'Connell (1.02).

Subs. : E.O' Donovan, R.Crowley, C.Sugrue (0.01), D.Kelly, T.O'Donoghue
Junior A Footballers through to West Cork quater final - JAFC - Derry - County Section 28-08-09
Bandon 1-02
Duirmuid o Mathunas 0-02

BANDON footballers have won the South West JAFC title two years in a row and now we find them in the quarter-final of this year's campaign. Their third-round win over Mathunas was fashioned in the opening 20 minutes but the defending champions were well below standard.

Credit Mathunas for the usual battling display, but when an attack fails to score from play over the hour then success isn't likely to appear on the menu for a while.

Sean Crowley did come close to goaling with two second half efforts, the first of which brought a great save from Pat Prendergast in the Bandon goal who then could only look on as the second went narrowly wide. A goal then might have made a difference for the losers who moved Johnny O'Sullivan to attack with some success only to then have to play the final quarter with 14 after Jerry Nyhan received a second yellow.

Long before that Bandon had laid the foundations for victory with an early John O'Connell goal, followed by four unanswered points arriving before Sean Crowley pointed a 22nd minute free to give the losers their lone first half score.

Matters didn't change much after the break as Bandon held on to their lead and clinch a date with Caheragh in the quarter final.

Bandon: P Prendergast; K Walsh, J O'Donovan, N Connor; D Lucey, M Quirke, J Milner; K Lucey, J Hickey; R Payne, D Crowley, R McCarthy; J O'Connell, R Milner, R Moloney. Subs; E O'Donovan for N Connor, R Crowley for R Moloney, D Kelly for R Payne, C Sugrue for R McCarthy, T O'Donoghue for J Milner.

Scorers: J O'Connell 1-2, R Payne 0-3 (0-1 free), D Crowley, C Sugrue, D Lucey (free) 0-1 each.

Diarmuid 6'Mathunas M O'Callaghan; B Horgan, A Collins, J O'Sullivan; S Fleming, K Fleming, J Nyhan; J Roche, M Fehily; B Lordan, S Crowley, D O'Leary; P Crowley, D Coughlan, JP O'Callaghan. Subs; S Coughlan for JP O'Callaghan, D Shannon for D O'Leary, A O'Leary for S Fleming.

Scorers: S Coughlan 0-1 free, S Crowley 0-1 free.

Referee: Sean Nolan, Castlehaven.
Kilworth's exciting victory over Bandon - IHC - YAS - Southern Star 25-07-09
Kilworth 2-13
Bandon 0-16

Kilworth hurlers are cer­tainly on a roll in inter­mediate hurling and their exciting victory over Bandon at Ballincollig on Friday evening last takes them to the semi-final of the Evening Echo intermedi­ate hurling champi­onship.

There was very little to choose between the contest­ants on Friday last and for most of the game, Bandon who contested the final of this com­petition for the past two years appeared more likely to garner the spoils. The North Cork side's ability to score goals was the vital factor in their exciting victory and they certainly left Ballincollig in a happy mood on Friday evening.

Bandon opened impressively and they were four points ahead in the early stages, as Darren O'Donoghue and the Crowley brothers, Darren and Ronan, were making their presence felt in their attack. Kilworth's first score, a point, was registered by Adrian Man-nix in the llth minute and a minute later the same player crashed the sliotar to the Ban­don net.

The West Cork side's defence was not inspiring confidence at that stage and it took a superb save from their Cul Baire to foil Kilworth's quest for a sec­ond 'major'. That save by Dion Duggan was a huge boost to Bandon's morale and, regain­ing the initiative, they enjoyed a territorial advantage for the remainder of the opening moi­ety.

The Bandon men were two points ahead at the interval and they were not flattered by their position bearing in mind that they had the edge in the outfield exchanges. The North Cork side stayed in touch mainly through the oppor­tunism of right corner forward Paudie Lynch who sent the sliotar between the uprights on a few occasions.

The game was, consequent­ly, wide open at the break with the score reading 0-11 to 1-6 in Bandon's favour and the sec­ond period was eagerly await­ed. The West Cork side contin­ued to have slightly the better of the exchanges when play resumed and they appeared to be in the driver's seat when they were three points ahead entering the final quarter.

That lead increased to four in the 48th minute when sub­stitute Roy Payne scored Ban­don's 15th point, but there was an immediate effective response from Kilworth. A long range point from Mark O'Con-nor reduced the arrears and the opportunism of Adrian Mannix and Paudie Lynch then came to the forefront when they both raised white flags. The minimum now sep­arated the sides and Kilworth realising that victory was well within their grasp went strong­ly on the offensive. The North Cork side were behind for most of the action but five minutes from full time they took the lead when they secured their second 'major'.

A well-struck sideline by Paudie Lynch put the Bandon defence under pressure and the sliotar broke kindly for midfielder Mark O'Connor. The latter availed of the goalscoring opportunity that was presented to him, so Kil­worth were ahead and shaping like winners.

Bandon still had the time to avoid a disappointing defeat and they managed to reduce the arrears to the minimum when Ronan Crowley sent the sliotar between the uprights from a long range free. There were three minutes still to be played at that stage so the West Cork side could at least take the game to a replay. Kil­worth were not be denied, how­ever, and they clinched victory with points from Liam Whelan and Adrian Mannix.

Scorers - Kilworth: Adrian Mannix 1-5, 0-2 frees, Paudie Lynch 0-4, Mark O'Connor 1-1, Shane O'Brien, Joe Cahill and Liam Whelan 0-1 each. Bandon: Ronan Crowley 0-7 frees, Darren Crowley 0-4, Darren O'Donoghue 0-2, Eoin Donovan, Roy Payne and Donough Lucey 0-1 each.

Kilworth: Kieran Walsh, Declan Tobin, Alan Kenny, Damian McNamara, Maurice McNamara, Will Twomey, Kieran Lane, Mark O'Connor, Dion Cahill, Brian Tobin, Adri­an Mannix, Joe Cahill, Paudie Lynch, Shane O'Brien, Liam Whelan. Subs used: Aidan Kenny for Brian Tobin, James Moakley for Maurice McNama­ra, John Hegarty for Alan Kenny.

Bandon: Eoin Duggan, Brian Hurley, Joe Burke, James Donovan, Eoin Dono­ van, Tom Bambury, Charlie Dullea, Donough Lucey, Kier­ an Hurley, Darren O'Donoghue, Niall O'Rourke, Darren Crowley, Niall Geary, Ronan Crowley. Subs used: Jason Hickey for Niall O'Rourke, Gavin O'Riordan for Tom Bambury, Roy Payne for Niall Geary, Robbie Wilmot for Darren O'Donoghue, Tom Bambury for Brian Hurley.

Referee: G. O'Connell, Lis-goold.
Southern Star 25th July
Kilworth 2-13
Bandon 0-16

Bandon Intermediate hurlers are out of the championship after their 0.16 to 2.13 defeat to Kilworth on Friday night in Ballincollig.

Bandon led nearly all the way in this game and only surrendered the lead when Kilworth goaled with three minutes remaining.

The Bandon goal lived a somewhat charmed life in the first half however with Kilworth spurning two gilt edge goal chances and Eoin Duggan forced to make an heroic save.

Once again Bandon's attack never looked like raising a green flag.

It was noticeable throughout the game that aside from the twin threats posed by the two Darren's, the other Bandon forwards struggled manfully to make any impact.

Bandon led at half-time by 0.11 to 1.06 but crucially scores dried up in the second half, and only five points were added as the forwards continued to struggle to win primary possession and the Bandon backs came under increasing pressure.

Central to Bandons second-half demise were the hamstring injury sustained by Darren O'Donoghue and a later accidental injury to Brian Hurley.

The in-form Darren Crowley was also curtailed by a severe blow in the closing stages. He was the victim of a very dangerous and aggressive foul as he contested a high ball, the offense was punished only with a yellow card, when the rule book explicitly states the censure should have been far greater. Surely any attempt to pull down on a players head, irrespective of whether or not he is wearing a helmet is still a red card offence in hurling? In this instance no attempt whatsoever was made to play the ball and the obvious inent was to take the player, Bandon's most effective forward, out of the game. Thankfully that was the only unsavoury incident in what was overall a very sporting game.

Best on the night were the outstanding Eoin Duggan, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Crowley, Ronan Crowley, and Darren O'Donoghue

Team : E.Duggan, B.Hurley, J.Burke, J O'Donovan, E O'Donovan (0.01), T. Bambury, C. Dullea, D. Lucey (0.01), K. Hurley, D. O'Donoghue (0.03), D. Crowley (0.03), N. O'Rourke, N. Geary, R. Crowley (0.07), Jason McCarthy.

Subs: J.Hickey, G.O' Riordan, R. Payne (0.01).

Well done to all involved, players, trainers and selectors for all their hard work during the year.



The Club Development Draw is being launched this Friday night in the Pavilion at 9.30 p.m. by Monsignor Kevin O' Callaghan.

All members past and present are welcome to attend.
Late patch helps gallant Kilworth advance to last four - IHC - Therese O'Callaghan - Irish Examiner 19-07-09
Kilworth 2-13
Bandon 0-16

THIS was a cracking Cork County IHC tie in Ballincollig last night, in which Kilworth dramatically snatched a quarter-final victory with just three minutes remaining.

Last season's beaten county finalists Bandon looked set to advance but Kilworth midfielder Dion Cahill found himself all alone at the edge of the square and when he rifled the net the north Cork side edged in front for the first time. And in spite of relentless pressure from Bandon, they managed to hang on to their three-point lead leaving the south-west side frustrated following a marvellous hour's hurling which was decorated with some tremendous point scoring and tough defensive play.

Bandon started brightly and playing with the breeze they had four points on the board in the opening 10 minutes. Eoin Donovan was cleaning up at wing back and overall they were competing well.

But Kilworth, with Adrian Mannix operating to great effect on the 40 and Paudie Lynch shining nearer the goal, hit a purple patch. Mannix and Lynch combined brilliantly for Kilworths opening goal on 11 minutes.

This was the spark that ignited Kilworth, and from there to the break this was as competitive fare as one would see in the championship. Five times during the half the teams were locked — indeed the Avondhu men could have had a second goal only for the alertness of Eoin Duggan in the Bandon goal — he delighted the big crowd with his flying acrobatic save.

The Crowley brothers, Darren and Ronan, found the target for Bandon accruing seven of their half-time total, with Darren O'Donoghue another to impress. By the interval they had edged 0-11 to 1-6 ahead, but with Kilworth turning to play with the elements this was anyone's game.

Bandon, who were forced through the back door this year, tightened their defence after the break with Gavin Riordan coming into the half-back line, while Ronan Crowley adopted a deeper role. The margin remained the same 10 minutes inside the restart, despite the best efforts of Kilworths Brian Tobin to find the net.

Bandon introduced Roy Payne and his point moved them four clear with the fourth quarter left to play. Strangely, an attack that had been productive all evening ran dry. Admittedly, the loss of O'Donoghue and Brian Hurley to injury in the closing 10 minutes did upset their confidence.

Full praise though to Kilworth, who showed massive will to win. They outscored Bandon 1-5 to a point with each score better than the previous. Backed by captain Damien McNamara they smacked over three quick points from Dion Cahill, Mannix and Lynch to come within one point.

Then came the major turning point. A superb sideline cut from Lynch flew all the way in front of goal, and Cahill was on hand to do the honours.

Kilworth led for the first time, 2-11 to 0-15. In a hugely exciting finale, Ronan Crowley narrowed the gap to two points with a long-range free, but Kilworth replied immediately through Liam Whelan.

Two minutes into stoppage time, Mannix fired over a free after Joe Cahill was fouled. Their tentative three-point margin held them out for the win.

Scorers for Kilworth: A Mannix 1-5 (0-2 frees), D Cahill 1-1, P Lynch 0-4, S O'Brien, J Cahill and L Whelan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Bandon: R Crowley 0-7 (frees), D Crowley and D O'Donoghue 0-3 each, E Donovan, D Lucey and R Payne 0-1 each.

KILWORTH: K Walsh; D Tobin, A Kenny, D Mc¬Namara; M McNamara, W Twomey, K Lane; M O'Connor, D Cahill; B Tobin, A Mannix, J Cahill; P Lynch, S O'Brien, L Whelan.

Subs: A Kenny for B Tobin (39 mins), J Hegarty for A Kenny (47), J Moakley for M McNamara (50).

BANDON: E Duggan; B Hurley, J Burke, J Dono¬van; E Donovan, T Bambury, C Dullea; D Lucey, K Hurley; D O'Donoghue, D Crowley, N O'Rourke; N Geary, R Crowley, J McCarthy.

Subs: J HickeyforN O'Rourke (21), G Riordan for T Bambury (ht), R Payne for N Geary (40), N Geary for D O'Donoghue (50 inj), T Bambury for B Hurley (54 inj).

Referee: G O'Connell (Lisgoold).
Southern Star 18th July
On Friday night next at 7.30 p.m. in Ballincollig the Intermediate hurling re-fixture between Bandon and Kilworth takes place.

On Wednesday night next the Junior A footballers play the second round of the championship in Newcestown against Diarmuid O Mathunas.



Bandon 1-10
Diarmuid O'Mathunas 0-11

Pride of place this week goes to our marvellous second hurling team who are going from strength to strength. In a marvellous exhibition of grit and determination, and no little skill, Bandon's Junior A hurlers continued against Diarmuid O Mathunas where they left off against St.Colums in the West Cork Championship by winning 1.10 to 0.11.

Last years West Cork champions and beaten County Junior finalists O Mathunas are a huge scalp, they have won four West Cork's in the last eight years and this is as good a win as Bandon have had in any hurling grade over the last ten years.

Best on the night were Ian McCarthy, Cathal Moloney, Kevin Walsh, Kieran Doyle, Joe McCarthy, James Milner, and David Lehane, with Pat Prendergast the goal-keeper turned goal poacher netting the all important goal in the first half. On Monday night Pat missed an open goal in football training and there is now a dispute whether Prender actually ever touched the ball for the vital goal.

Team : S.Murphy, I.McCarthy, C.Moloney, R.Wilmot, K.Walsh, K.Doyle, Joe McCarthy, D.Lehane (0.04), J.Milner (0.01), K.Lucey, R.Moloney (0.01), T.Crowley (0.01), V.Goggin (0.01), P.Prendergast (1.0), D.Burke (0.01).

Subs : S.Lynch (0.01),P.Crowley

Bandon go on now to play Ballinascarthy in a repeat of last years highly controversial relegation play-off. Great work is being done with this team by Niall O'Donovan, Kieran Doyle and Brian McCarthy and their commitment to the cause is being borne out by the results they are getting.



In Bandon on Sunday next Castlehaven play St. finbarr's in the Cork County Senior football championship and help will be needed.

Over the last number of years the Club has spent a significant amount of money in draining and sanding the main Pitch. There were those who questioned whether it could ever be got right. If proof positive was ever needed of the success of this venture then the staging of the Newcestown versus Valleys game on Sunday has justified all the work. The Pitch was in truly excellent condition and was the subject of much positive comment from all and sundry. The amount of surface water that drained off the Pitch in eighteen hours had to be seen to be believed. Credit to Noel McNamara and especially Brian McCarthy for the incredible work they put in on both Saturday and early Sunday ensuring the pitch was playable. Brian was out on the Pitch on Saturday evening in the pouring rain ensuring that all the Pitch drains were doing their job and carrying away the floods of continiously falling water. In hindsight the pitch was in incredible condition for Sunday's game and Noel and Brian can certainly take a bow. Then we all arrive at the game on Sunday, little knowing what has gone on behind the scenes to make it all happen, well done to both of you the Club is indebted to you.
Prendergast's goal helps Bandon victory - JAHC - Derry Farr - County Section 14-07-09
Bandon 1-10
Diarmuid O'Mathunas 0-11

GIVEN that Mathuna's, in reaching this third round stage, hadn't hit anything like the form that took them to the county final last year this Bandon victory wasn't totally 'unexpected.

However for a club's second team to knock out a club that has won the South West JAHC title four times in the last eight years, it was a tremendous achievement and threw the race wide open in this year's championship where Bandon now play Bal in the quarter final.

They do so on the back of an excellent second half display in this Sunday evening game at Enniskeane.

Credit the winners' out-standing halfback department and midfield pairing that really got going after an opening half where the Lily Whites produced a superbly taken second minute goal against the breeze. Vincent Goggin provided the delivery which was doubled on by Pat Prendergast to leave Johnny Nyhan helpless in the loser's goal. It was game on as the challengers threw down the gauntlet and Mathiinas responded to level matters by the 0th minute when Patrick Crowley cut over a superbly struck sideline ball.

The Sean Crowley got in on the scoring act for the defending champions as they cruised four points clear before Bandon ended a barren 14-rninute spell with a Tim Crowley point, that was deflected over by a fine save from Johnny Nyhan in the Mathuna's goal.

At the other end Pat Crowley effort rebounded off the butt of the upright before being cleared. At the break it was Mathunas by three points but, apart from Darragh O'Leary, their attack failed to raise their game in the closing half when they could only muster up just two points.

Contrast that with Bandon who were restarted by a well struck James Milner point be-fore his midfield partner David Lehane converted a free. This duo was to go from strength to strength as the game progressed but the strongest line was in the winner's halfback division.

A Donncha Burke score in the 39th minute got Bandon back in front. Despite some outstanding play by corner backs Jerry Nyhan and Johnny O'Sullivan the tide could not be stemmed by the defending champions who recorded some bad wides at crucial stages.

Sean Crowley did haul them back on terms 18 minutes from time but with substitute Stephen Lynch contributing a well-taken point it was Bandon who finished the stronger to finally bring to an end, for now, a mighty Mathunas,reign.

Bandon; S Murphy; I McCarthy, C Moloney, R Wilmot; K Walsh, K Doyle, J McCarthy; D Lehane, J Milner; K Lucey, R Moloney, T Crowley; V Goggin, P Prendergast, D Burke.

Subs; S Lynch for T Crowley, P Crowley for K Lucey. Scorers: D Lehane 0-4 (0-3frees), P Prendergast 1-0, J Milner, T Crowley, V Goggin, D Burke, S Lynch, R Moloney (free) 0-1 each.

Mathunas: J Nyhan; J O'Sullivan, A Collins, J Nyhan; M McCarthy, S Nyhan, B Morgan; D Nyhan, M Fehily; D O'Leary, P Crowley, S Crowley; S Coughlan, JP O'Callaghan, T Lordan.

Subs; D Coughlan for M McCarthy, J Dineen forT Lordan. Scorers JP O'Callaghan 0-4 (0-2frees), P Crowley 0-4 (0 Ifree, 0-1 sideline), S Crowley 0-3.

Referee: Con Murphy, Kilbree
Bandon end reign of the O'Mathuna's - JAHC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 13-07-09
Bandon 1-10
Diarmuid O'Mathuna's 0-11

GIVEN that Mathnna's, in reaching this third round stage, hadn't hit anything like the form that took them to the county final last year this Bandon victory wasn't totally unexpected.

However for a club's second team to knock out a club that has won the South West JAHC title four times in the last eight years it was a tremendous achievement and threw the race wide open in this year's championship where Bandon now play Bal in the quarter-final.

They do so on the back of an excellent second half display in this Sunday evening game, at En-niskeane, when containing the losers to just two scores while they themselves clocked up enough points to deservedly advance.

Credit the winner's outstanding half-back department and midfield pairing that really got going after an opening half where the Lilywhites produced a superbly taken second-minute goal against the breeze.

Vincent Goggin provided the delivery which was doubled on by Pat Prendergast to leave Johnny Nyhan helpless in the loser's goal. It was game on a's the challengers threw down the gauntlet and Mathuna's responded to level matters by the tenth minute when Patrick Crowley cut over a superbly struck sideline ball.

The Sean Crowley got in on the scoring act for the defending champions as they cruised four points clear before Bandon ended a barren 14 minute spell with a Tim Crowley point, that was deflected over by a fine save from Johnny Nyhan in the Mathuna's goal.

At the other end a Pat Crowley delivery had Stephen Murphy in a spot of bother as the ball rebounded off the butt of the upright before being cleared.

At the break it was Mathuna's by three points but, apart from Darragh O'Leary, their attack failed to raise their game in the closing half when they could only muster up just two points.

Contrast that with Bandon who were restarted by a well struck James Milner point before his mid-field partner David Lehane converted a free. This duo was to go from strength to strength as the game progressed but the strongest line was in the winner's half-back division where McCarthy, Doyle and Walsh hurled independently.

Cathal Moloney also caught the eye at full-back in a contest where a Donncha Burke score, in the 39th minute, had Bandon back in front. Despite some outstanding play by corner backs Jerry Nyhan and Johnny O'Sullivan the tide could not be stemmed by the defending champions who recorded some bad wides at crucial stages.

Sean Crowley did haul them back on terms 18 minutes from time but with substitute Stephen Lynch contributing a well taken point it was Bandon who finished the stronger to finally bring to an end, for now, a mighty Mathuna reign.

Scorers for Bandon: D Lehane 0-4 (0-3 f), P Prendergast 1-0, J Milner, T Crowley, V Gog-gin, D Burke, S Lynch, R Moloney (f) 0-1 each.

Mathuna's: JP O'Callaghan 0-4 (0-2 f), Crowley 0-4 (0-1 f, 0-1 sideline), S Crowley 0-3.

BANDON: S Murphy; I McCarthy, C Molone* R Wilmot; K Walsh, K Doyle, J McCarthy; D Lf hane, J Milner; K Lucey, R Moloney, T Crov ley; V Goggin, P Prendergast, D Burke. Subs: Lynch for T Crowley, P Crowley for K Lucey.

MATHUNA'S: J Nyhan; J O'Sullivan, Collins, J Nyhan; M McCarthy, S Nyhan, 6 Ho gan; D Nyhan, M Fehily; D O'Leary, P Crowle' S Crowley; S Coughlan, JP O'Callaghan, Lordan. Subs: D Coughlan for M McCarthy, Dineen for T Lordan.

Referee: Con Murphy (Kilbree).
Southern Star 11th July
All roads lead to Pairc ui Chaoimh on Saturday night July 11th for the Intermediate hurling quarter-final against Kilworth. The throw in is at 6.30 p.m. We wish Red Crowley, Mick Mangan and the other selectors and the players well in their quest for a third successive semi-final appearance.

While not much is known about Kilworth, they were very impressive against Kilbrittain and will be expected to test Bandon to the limit.



Plans are well advanced for a massive Club Draw to help fund the development of our second or top pitch. The pitch will be sand based and floodlit, and the Development sub-Committee led by John Ahern are busy finalising the awarding of Contracts.

The Club Draw will be co-ordinated by Michael Kelly, and the Finance sub-Committee having been working hard since February formulating their plans for the running of the Draw, and ensuring it is a success.

The first prize on offer will be a Ford Fiesta and there are numerous smaller prizes and the Draw will be officially launched in the coming weeks.

Interestingly this is the first major fund-raising by the Club since the clearing of the Pavilion Loan over twenty five years ago. Exciting times ahead.

Anyone wanting to help in the fund raising effort should contact Mick Kelly or a Club member.



There are some very big Club fixtures coming up in the Charlie Hurley Park, starting this week-end with a local derby in Premier Intermediate football championship, Newcestown v.s the current County champions Valley Rovers. Help will be needed at the grounds on Sunday.
Kilworth should just have the edge - IHC - John Horgan - Evening Echo 10-07-09
Evening Echo IHC. Kilworth v Bandon. Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 6.30pm.

BANDON are back again trying to succeed where they have failed over the past two years, writes JOHN HORGAN.

Losing two finals on the trot cannot have been easy to take and a lesser unit would have folded up the tent altogether.

However, there was never the slightest chance of that happening although their path to this assignment has not been easy.

They lost the first round to Eire 6g but came bouncing in the back door to get the better of neighbours Barryroe.

Now they will believe that they can move forward again and put themselves in a challenging position to try and compensate for the heartbreak of the past two years.

Kilworth have Jack Russell steering the ship this year and there's not a better motivator in the business.

Throw in former Cork selector Fred Sheedy and you have a lot of knowledge on the sideline.

Kilworth got past Milford in their opening round and in the process got revenge for losing to the same opposition at the third round stage last year.

The side has a very solid backbone to it and Will Twomey and Damien McNamara are two of the most experienced defenders around in front of excellent net-minder Kieran Walsh.

Up front it's a similar story with Adrian Mannix and Paudie Lynch, two forwards who will punish if the service is right.

Bandon have Mick Mangan at the helm and he'll spare nothing in his attempts to get them into serious contention again.

Most of the side that reached the two finals is still there or thereabouts and a lot will depend on the experience of Don-agh Lucey, Donncha Burke, Darren O'Donoghue and Darren Crowley.

Maybe losing the first round was a blessing in disguise because it gave them an extra game to get last year out of the system and the second round game will have restored a lot of confidence.

Again, this is one of those games that is almost impossible to nail down but if Mannix and Lynch are fed properly up front, Kilworth might, just might shade it.

Verdict: Kilworth.
Will it be 3rd time lucky for Bandon - IHC - John Horgan - Evening Echo 10-07-09
THE age old saying that if you don't succeed at first, try again certainly applies to the intermediate hurlers of Ban-don more than most. Where they are concerned it's a case if you fail on the first two occasions, try again.

They have suffered the acute disappointment of losing the last two county titles and a lesser bunch of players might well have thrown their hat at it. But their cause endures, the hope lives on and the dream will never die.

They are back again this year in the chase for the big prize that has eluded them in 2007 and 2008 and after a slow beginning when they lost to Eire 6g they bounced back to secure their place alongside Kil-worth in tomorrow night's third round by seeing off Barryroe in round two.

Red Crowley has done a wonderful job for the past couple of years in guiding them to two finals and he's still the team manager with a new coach, Mick Mangan alongside him.

A hurling man through and through, he has coached extensively around the county and is now enjoying the Bandon experience. "I went down there on the 13th of March to give a hand as Red was out of action for a while and I am still there. He's the manager and I do the coaching and it's working out well, but it's all about Saturday night now against a very experienced Kilworth team.

"We hadn't a great start, losing to Eire Og, but the players showed a great attitude by coming back and beating Barryroe." It cannot be easy going forward on the back of two county final losses, but the new coach has nothing but admiration for them. "No, it can't be easy losing two finals, but there is still an inner belief that they can come back and win it. "But it's very much a case of taking each game as it comes and it's Kilworth now. The way we look at it now is that every game in this championship is 50/50. "Kilworth have some very good hurlers, but so have we. We have trained very hard and I know these fellows are not going to fall short where endeavour is concerned."

A few yards up the sideline in Pairc Ui Chaoimh tomorrow night will be another very experienced coach, Jack Russell, a former Cork player of note and the man who masterminded the elevation of Bride Rovers to the top flight.

He has added considerably to the fortunes of Kilworth since taking the reins, according to club chairman Fergus Flynn. "Jack has brought a different education to the set up. He knows what the requirements are and he is a very good motivator that the players respond to. We have had a few good wins this year and the first round win over Milford was very important for us because they beat us last year. "I think the thing with all teams now is getting over that first round which allows you to move forward because if you lose it all of a sudden the spectre of relegation looms large."

Kilworth has always been one of those sturdy North Cork hurling homes, a place that always produced good hurlers. They have enjoyed the ups and the downs over the past couple of years and county glory came their way in 2006 when they pipped Dungourney in the junior final The previous year they had lost in the final to Fr O'NeiU's and the East Cork club came back to haunt them again in the 2007 intermediate semi-final, a game they probably should have won only for some very poor finishing which cost them dearly. "We have played a lot of hurling over the past couple of years and we had some great times, but I think it took its toll on us last year when we really didn't perform at all.

"We had only one win in the second round against St Vincent's and to be honest we were lucky to win that. We know we'll be up here because Bandon have proved what a good side they are by getting to two county finals.

"They still have belief in them-selves and we know that there will be hardly no margin at all for error.

"Look, this competition is wide open. On any given day any team can beat the next and the line between success and failure is very thin. It's all about on the day, going out there and doing the job."

Wise words, but when you have men on the line like Russell, Fred Sheedy and Mick Twomey, it's a good starting off point.
St. Brogan's shade a thriller - U14WCHC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 04-07-09
Bandon 0-14
Newcestown 3-04

The under-14 hurlers of Bandon and Newcestown came face to face in Enniskeane for the second time in five days when they replayed the South West A final in perfect conditions on Friday evening last.

The drawn game, a real thriller, saw Newcestown snatch a deserved draw when a last-gasp shot flew over off the crossbar. It could so easily have been in the net for a sensational win and, amazingly, the replay, another real thriller, almost had an identical finish.

With 61 minutes gone and Brogan's hanging on to a single-point lead, Newcestown launched one last fierce attack. From a huddle of players 30m out from the Brogan's goal, Newcestown corner forward Cian Healy let fly. The ball seemed destined for the back of the net but goalie, Colm Fogar-ty, became the hero of the hour when he somehow got his hurley behind the shot and the slio-tar was cleared.

Brogan's mentors and support-ers could breathe at last. Nobody would have argued with another draw and extra-time, but going on their second-half comeback and never-say-die spirit, Brogan's just about deserved to finish in front.

Once again this was a game full of thrills and spills, daring deeds, courageous performances and top-class hurling from both sides. For a long time it seemed the goal-scoring ability of the Newcestown lads would prove just too much for a Bandon side which concentrated on taking their points. Brogan's led for the opening eight minutes with points from Mike Cahalane, play and free, but when Cian Healy's shot was deflected to the Brogan's net in the ninth minute Newcestown were in the lead and gallantly held on right up to the 58th minute when Brogan's grabbed the winning point. It was a real heart-breaker for the St. John's youngsters.

HEROES. There were heroes of all shapes and sizes in this absorb-ing contest but the accolade of man-of-the-match had to go to Brogan's centre forward, Mike Cahalane. Big and strong, and a class hurler, he had caused wreck in the drawn game and was much more closely marked emerged with ten points to his credit, six from superb free-tak-ing. It was to the credit of a tight Newcestown defence that he never got a shot at a goal during the hour.

Newcestown followed that early goal with another a minute later from a deflected 65 by Trevor Horgan, to open up a five point gap, 2-1 to 0-2 by the end of the first quarter. Ryan Collins at full back, Greg Mur-phy at centre back, Michael McSweeney and Murt Kenneal-ly at midfield and Trevor Horgan, Niall Murray, and Cian Healy in attack were hurling very well for Newcestown but Brogan's clawed their way back in the second quarter with points, 2, from the outstanding Oisin Healy at full forward, and Mike Cahalane, play and free.

Murt Kenneally, who had moved successfully to full for-ward, answered with a point and just when it seemed that Brogan's might draw level by half-time, Newcestown struck again when Kenneally finished to the net in the 29th minute. Mike Cahalane pointed a free and it was 3-2 to 0-7 at the break. With the breeze in the second half stronger Brogan's began to take control but scores were hard to come by against a tiger-ish Newcestown defence. Andrew O'Connell at full back,

O'Brien in the half line and midfielders Conor Lynch and Rory Fogarty drove on the Lily Whites while Cahalane, Healy and Oisin Twomey fought hard in attack. Points from Cahalane, Twomey and Healy closed the gap to a single point by the end of the third quarter and when Mike Cahalane levelled from a free in the 47th minute Brogan's seemed set to sprint to the finish line.

Gallantly Newcestown began to recover in the last quarter and when Trevor Horgan pointed a free in the 52nd minute, they were back in front again. The huge crowd was really in full voice now and Cahalane pointed a free to again tie the scores.

SPOILED. The outstanding Murt Ken-neally hit a great point for New-cestown with five minutes to go and their supporters were believing that they were going to pull off a famous win against their town rivals. It was that lad Cahalane who spoiled the party when he levelled from a free in the 57th minute and a minute later repeated the dose to put his side in front for the first time since the eighth minute.

Then came Newcestown's last-gasp effort which was just foiled by the goalkeeper and Brogan's were champions by a single point, 0-14 to 3-4.

There were tremendous scenes of delight among the Bandon contingent after this tremendous win, but spare a thought for gallant Newces-town, so near and yet so far. Marvellous entertainment.

Referee: Connie Murphy, Kil-bree.

The cup was presented to St. Brogans' captain, Andrew O'Connell by Aidan O'Rojurke, chairman, SW Bdrd na n6g.

Scorers - St. Brogan's: Mike Cahalane 0-10, 0-6 frees, Oisfn Healy 0-3, Oisin Twomey 0-1. Newcestown: Murt Kenneally 1-2, Trevor Morgan 1-2, 1-0 a 65, 0-2 frees, Cian Healy 1-0.

St. Brogan's: Colm Fogarty, Jonathan Mulcahy, Andrew O'Connell, Timmy McCarthy, Edward Aherne, Patrick O'Brien, John O'Donovan, Conor Lynch, Rory Fogarty, Oisin Twomey, Mike Cahalane, Mike O'Donoghue, David O'Neill, Oisfn Healy, Sean Allen. Subs: Elton Asetoma, Jack O'Connell.

Newcestown: Jonathan McCarthy, Paul O'Sullivan, Ryan Collins, Jason Gordon, Luke Meade, Greg Murphy, Liam O'Mahony, Michael McSweeney, Murt Kenneally, Jack O'Toole, Trevor Horgan, Niall Murray, Lee O'Donovan, Cathal Clarke, Cian Healy. Subs Marshal Kingston, Shane O'Donovan.
Ilen turn on the style - U21FC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 04-07-09
Ilen Rovers 1-18
Bandon 2-10

IF one could only bottle the excitement of the final ten minutes of this cracking South West under-21 A football semifinal in Rosscarbery on Wednesday of last week, and sell it abroad, then the recession would surely be over in twelve months and the national debt wiped out.

The doubters who were forecasting the demise of Hen Rovers as a senior power as the veteran stars retire should have been present at this game as the Church Cross side looked absolutely brilliant for three-quarters of the hour. Have no fear either for the future of Bandon in adult football as their coming young stars possess heart and guts in abundance.

Bandon came within seconds of rescuing a draw which seemed totally out of their reach the more the second half progressed. In the face of a superb Hen display, Bandon could do little as the westerners raced away to an eight point lead with only twelve minutes remaining on the clock.

Then the game, which had already provided top-class entertainment, really exploded into action. When the electric Danny O'Donovan raced forward in the 48th minute to kick a great point, opening up an eight-point gap, it was no more than rampant Hen deserved. Two minutes later it definitely seemed all over for Bandon when top forward, Roy Payne, blazed across the Hen goalmouth and wide.

With five minutes left on the clock Payne decided to take his point from a free as the supporters shouted for a goal attempt and, incredibly, revitalised Bandon swarmed all over the opposition in search of more scores. Fifty eight min-utes gone as Cian O'Mahony drives a low shot into the goalmouth and in the twinkling of an eye it was in the back of the Hen net, courtesy of sub, Philip Crowley.

Four points in arrears as the clock ticked into injury time, Bandon refused to accept the inevitable and Roy Payne again wisely opted to tap over a close in free. A single goal between the sides now as lien seemed helpless in an all-engulfing Bandon tide.

Surely Bandon couldn't pull off a great escape? Three minutes into injury time came one of the best goals of the season when Darren Crowley rifled a low ball through the heart of the lien defence and in a flash, the outstanding Eoin O'Donovan grabbed the leather, swivelled and buried a rocket in the back of the net. All square as Bandon supporters went wild and Hen supporters were stunned into silence.

Everybody expected referee, Michale Collins, to blow the final whistle on the kickout, with a replay scheduled for the following Sunday, but, amazingly it wasn't over yet. From the kickout lien broke quickly upfield and the inspiring Conor O'Driscoll was at the end of a great move to fist over a lead point. Now who was shouting? Still the action went on but it was Hen who won the vital kickout and the irrepressible Alan Holland lofted over a mar-vellous insurance point.

Sixty-six minutes gone and the final whistle signalled the end of a contest that literally left everybody exhausted. What marvellous excitement and entertainment the under-21 grade has provided down the years and this finish was one of the greatest we have ever seen in any grade.

While Bandon almost pulled off the great escape, they were the first to admit afterwards that they had been well outplayed on the night and that it would have been rough justice had lien somehow lost this game. The Church Cross club badly needed a win here to lift their sagging fortunes, following their senior defeat by Rossas and their date with relegation destiny, and for the opening twenty minutes it seemed their poor run of fortune was about to continue.

Playing with the breeze, they kicked two early points from centre forward Damien O'Sulli-van, frees, who, despite carrying an injury into the game was simply outstanding, kicking a magnificent 1-7 before retiring injured just as the fireworks began at the end, and from Conor O'Driscoll, whose powerful play at midfield all through, with great support from Peadar, was the rock that Bandon really perished on.

Hen, however failed to build on the lead and Bandon struck back with a point from Eoin O'Donovan, flying on the right wing, and in the seventh minute he combined with strong full forward, Ciaran Essex, to crash home the first goal of the game.

Bandon, with James Walsh and Darren Ryan anchoring the defence very well, Tom O'Donoghue and David Kelly hitting a good patch at midfield, and Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Crowley and Roy Payne causing problems up front, dominated the next ten minutes and Payne scored three points in a row, one a free and one fisted, with a single reply from Conor O'Driscoll, to open a four-point gap, 1-4 to 0-3, as the second quarter began.

Credit the O'Driscolls, Conor and Peadar, at midfield for initiating an Hen comeback which saw Alan Holland pointing and Damien O'Sullivan rifling home a precious goal in the 20th minute to level the scores. Damien O'Sullivan, free, and Eoin O'Donovan swapped points but it was noticeable that lien were getting more dominant, with their strong players down the centre causing Bandon lots of problems.

Ilen goalie, Daniel Hickey, earned his keep in the 26th from strong full forward Ciaran Essex, and it was Hen who finished the half on top with a point from Danny O'Donovan, who had switched very effec-tively to wing back to curb Eoin O'Donovan, and a brace from the ever-improving Damien O'Sullivan.

DIVIDENDS. It was 1-8 to 1-5 for lien at the break and with the switch of centre forward Damien O'Sullivan and full forward Alan Holland paying rich divi dends, they went from strength to strength in the second half.

Frees by Brian O'Driscoll and Damien O'Sullivan, plus a superb effort from play by the whole-hearted Peadar O'Driscoll, opened a six point gap after only four minutes but Bandon were unlucky when Essex was again denied a goal by a great save from Hickey in the 37th minute.

There were scores aplenty in the next ten minutes, Hen outscoring Bandon 0-4 to 0-3, with points from Brian O'Driscoll, free, Damien O'Sullivan, free, Alan Holland and Damien O'Sullivan, and Bandon replies from Roy Payne, play and free, and Darren Crowley.

Mike Coughlan, Paddy Hickey and Paddy Minihane were playing great football in the Hen defence in support of their stars further outfield and despite the best efforts of the hard-trying Tom O'Donoghue, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Crow-ley, Roy Payne and Ciaran Essex, Bandon looked down arid very out as the game entered the closing twelve minutes.

Then came Bandon's magnificent comeback, which was cruelly denied at the finish, and it was lien who deservedly advanced on a 1-18 to 3-10 scoreline, to meet St. Mary's in the final. Maybe this was the win that will change their fortunes for this season.

Referee: Michael Collins, Clonakilty.

Scorers - Hen Rovers: Damien O'Sullivan 1-7, 0-4 frees, Conor O'Driscoll 0-3, Alan Holland 0-3, Danny O'Donovan 0-2, Brian O'Driscoll 0-2 frees, Peadar O'Driscoll 0-1. Bandon: Eoin O'Donovan 2-2, Roy Payne 0-7, 0-3 frees, Philip Crowley 1-0, Darren Crowley 0-1.

Ilen Rovers: Daniel Hickey, Mike Coughlan, Cian O'Driscoll, Kieran Keohane, Keith Hickey, Paddy Hickey, Paddy Minihane, Conor O'Driscoll, Peadar O'Driscoll, Kieran McEvoy, Damien O'Sul-livan, Danny O'Donovan, Brian O'Driscoll, Alan Holland, Tadhg Collins. Subs, Martin Murphy, Shane Evans.

Bandon: Jack Donegan, Gavin O'Riordan, James Walsh, Peter Murphy, David Crowley, Darren Ryan, Jason McCarthy, Tom O'Donoghue, David Kelly, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Crow-ley, Darren Murray, Cian O'Mahony, Ciaran Essex, Roy Payne. Subs: Michael Minihane, Philip Crowley, Mark
U21 footballers suffer a heartbreaking defeat - Southern Star 4th July 2009
Ilen Rovers 1-18
Bandon 3-10

Bandon U21 footballers suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Wednesday night in the West Cork semi-final, losing to Ilen Rovers on a barely believable football scoreline of 3.10 to 1.18.

In a pulsating tie played in Rosscarbery, you would really have to go back a long way to find a Bandon team in any code score 3.10 and lose.

Truth to tell though Ilen were full value for their win and obviously used their long break since the quarter finals to good effect as they were literally flying for most of the game.

They surged forward in numbers and picked off great scores.

There is certainly no disgrace losing to a team playing the text book football Ilen produced and they were easily the best team Bandon played all year in this grade.

Bandon on the other hand had great difficulty getting to the pace of the game and the intensity and drive so evident against Carbery Rangers was sadly missing for most of this encounter.

Bandon were eight points down with five minutes to go and their recovery was truly heroic.

Driven forward by midfielder Tom O' Donoghue they scored two points and two goals through sub Philip Crowley and a fine effort from Eoin O'Donovan. The sides were level four minutes into injury time, and heading for a replay, when Ilen scored two superb points in the last ninety seconds to wrap up the tie and secure their place in the final.

Bandon had also struck the post and had a couple of other great goal scoring opportunities but all to no avail.

Aside from Tom O'Donoghue who on this form should make an important contribution to the Junior A team, best on the night were Eoin O'Donovan who scored 2.02, Gavin O' Riordan, Roy Payne and young Peter Murphy who hardly put a foot wrong.

Team : J.Donegan, P.Murphy, J.Walsh, G.O'Riordan, D.Crowley, D.Ryan, J.McCarthy, D.Kelly, T.O'Donoghue, E.O'Donovan(2.02), D.Crowley (0.01), D.Murray, C.O'Mahony, K.Essex, R.Payne(0.07) Subs.: M.Minihane,P.Crowley (1.0),M.Muir,

Listening to Ilen mentors after the game, the Club are really going all out to win this U21 championship and they also used their ongoing Senior relegation battle as a motivating factor.

On the evidence of this performance they need have little worry for their future.

Bandon need only look to our own Intermediate hurlers in Ballinascarthy two weeks ago to see what that kind of motivation comes from fighting for your very existence. An awful lot of time and effort went into training and preparing this U21 team over the last eight months, with over a dozen matches played. You train as hard when you win as when you lose, and credit to Colm Ahern and John Wilmot for their great efforts with this fine panel of players. Twelve of this years panel are under age next year so the future is very bright.



On Thursday night the Bandon Intermediate hurlers scored a fine win in the league over a disappointing Newcestown at home. The final score was 1.20 to 0.10.

Darren O' Donoghue was outstanding with Donough Lucey and Joe Burke very prominent.

Team: E.Duggan, B.Hurley, J.Burke, G.O'Riordan, E.O'Donovan, T.Bambury, C.Dullea, K.Hurley, D.Lucey, Jason McCarthy. N.O'Rourke, D.O'Donoghue, D.Crowley, N.Geary, J.Hickey

Subs.: R.Payne.



On Saturday night in Bandon the Intermediate hurlers were well beaten by Tracton 1.16 to 4.18.in the league.

The home side were very understrength but played very poorly in the second half.

The half-time score was 0.10 to 2.04 with Bandon going two goals down very early on and dominating for the rest of the half.

Bandon had no answer to Tracton's superior hurling in the second half Darren O'Donoghue, Donough Lucey,and Joe Harrington were best for Bandon on the night.

Team: E.O'Donovan, B.Hurley, D.Ryan, G.O'Riordan, J.Harrington, T.Bambury, C.Dullea, K.Hurley, D.Lucey, Jason McCarthy. N.O'Rourke, D.O'Donoghue, D.Crowley, D.Burke, J.Dullea. Subs.: R.Payne,J.Hickey.

The Intermediate hurling championship quarter-final game against Kilworth has been fixed for Saturday July 11th in a double header in Pairc ui Chaoimh. -->
Rovers return in time to survive late-gasp Bandon drive - U21FC - Derry Farr - County Section 30-06-09
Ilen Rovers 1-18
Bandon 3-10

ROVERS return came just in time to prevent defending champions Bandon from profiting from a late comeback in this nail-biting South West U-21 AFC: semi-final at Ross-carbery.

With an eight-point advantage entering the final 111 tnintites the challengers from Hen looked set to, easily advance to a final date with St Mary's. That was until Bandon tired home two late goals to equalise in injury time but this game was far from over. Hen came with a defiant late-late charge to score the winning points deep into injury time in a contest where there was no doubting their right to victory.

Bandon made a desperate bid to hold on to their crown and looked to have achieved the impossible until the best player on the field, Cork U~21 star Conor O'Driscoll, took it upon himself to save his side.

This he did with a sixty-fifth minute solo point which was fol-lowed immediately by one from Alan Holland another influential performer for llen.

His switch with centre forward Damien O'Sullivan was the one that unhinged Bandon at the back after the loser's defence had started confidently. With James Walsh taking up Holland and Darren Ryan successfully policing O'Sullivan, Bandon, helped by a superbly struck Eoin • O'Donovan goal, looked the part in the early stages. Slowly the O'Driscoll brothers, Conor and Peadar, began to win the midfield battle but it wasn't until Holland moved out and O'Sullivan moved in that the harvest was reaped. Danny O'Donovan also benefited from his move to wing-back, from where he contributed a brace of points and all was right in the winner's camp, particularly after the outstanding Damien O'Sullivan goaled 10 minutes before the break.

At half-time it was lien by three points, an advantage they had doubled within five minutes of the resumption. Then we had a brief Bandon rally when Kieran Essex was denied by the winner's keeper, Daniel Hickey, who had also brought off a fine double save earlier on. Bandon were in big trouble but with James Walsh and Gavin O'Riordan refusing to give up the defending champions set about re-ducirtg an eight-point deficit in a short space of time. The only way it was possible was to go for goals and that's what they did. With Tom O'Donoghue and David Kelly finally wresting midfield control from the losers, Bandon put in a tremendous finish.

Substitute Peter Crowley diverted the ball to the net to be followed by a second goal from Eoin O'Donovan who along with Ray Payne troubled the lien defence most. When O'Donovan netted the sides were level and four minutes of injury time had elapsed, but with another 9(1 seconds to go, Hen weren't prepared to let all their hard work go for nothing.

To their eternal credit they mounted a comeback of their own to fashion out a badly needed win and qualify for the final of a championship which, they have never won, having lost both of their previous final appearances.

llen Rovers: D Hickey; M Coughlan, Cian 0'Dri$coH, K Keohane; P Minihane, P Hickey. K Hickey; P O'Driscoll, C O'Driscoll; K McEvoy, D O'Sullivan, D O'Donovan; B O'Driscoll, A Holland, T Collins. Subs; M Murphy for T Collins; S Evans for D O'Sullivan (inj); C Collins for K Keohane.

Scorers: D O'Sullivan 1- 7 (0-4 frees); C O'Driscoll 0-4; A Holland 0-3; D O'Oonovan 0-2; B O'Driscoll 0-2 frees.

Bandon: J Donegan; G O'Riordan, J Walsh, P Murphy; David Crowley, D Ryan, J McCarthy; t O'Donoghue, D Kelly; E O'Oonovan, Darren Crowley, D Murray; R Payne, K Essex, C O'Mahony. Subs; M Minihane for D Ryan (Inj); P Crowley for J McCarthy; M Muir for David Crowley.

Scorers: t O'Donovan 2-2, R Payne 0-7 (0-4 frees), P Crowley 1-0, D Crowley 0-1.

Referee: Michael Collins, Clonakilty.
Depleted Bandon still hold all the aces - IHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 20-06-09
Bandon 0-19
Barryroe 0-13

A White tsunami engulfs disap-pointing Barryroe, as depleted Bandon fashion a tremendous victory against the odds!

Hats off to the intermediate hurlers of Bandon. They were forced to line out minus a number of key players for this eagerly awaited local derby third round clash in the Cork county intermediate hurling championship with Barryroe at Henry Ford Park, Ballinascarthy, on Fri-day evening last.

A team of lesser calibre might have wilted, but not alone did they have the ability and hurling finesse to overcome the potential adversity that threatened them, they exhibited the power and panache within their ranks to put on an excellent second half display of magical point-taking that surely marks them down as serious contenders for this cham-pionship.

Make no mistake about it, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. That is exactly what the Lily Whites did. After a shaky enough beginning, when, against the slope and slight breeze, they fell three points in arrears early in the opening moiety, they proceeded to storm into the match, get a vital foothold in the midfield fulcrum, where Gearoid Holland had started with rich promise for the Blues, but consequently the power hurling of Kieran Hurley and Donagh Lucey swung the pendulum of ascendancy in the Bandonians direction.

This crucial factor, allied to the mag-nificence of a forward sextet that sparkled as brightly as a rare gem, with the crown in the jewel being a virtuoso performance from young starlet Ronan Crowley who helped himself to an astounding ten pouits total, was more that a fragmented Barryroe outfit could cope with. With the Blues first half prodigality in front of the opposition goal when they hit a stagger-ing seven wides against a solitary one for their opponents doing little to help their cause, they were always going to be fight-ing a second half rearguard action.

That is exactly what transpired as the more the game progressed, the more marked the Bandon dominance became in the closing half with Crowley, Darren O'Donoghue, the Dullea cousins, James and Charlie, Lucey and Niall Geary all enjoying a scoring ball. In marked contrast, the Barryroe attacking machine stuttered and spluttered along on a couple of cylinders.

But for the scoring accuracy of prolific marksman Kieran Griffin allied to a couple of neat scores by John O'Donovan and Ciaran Hurley thrown in, the Scoreboard operator was hardly working overtime from a Blues perspective. Hence long before the final whistle this so eagerly awaited game was done and dusted, that much sought after Barryroe major never likely to materialise. Tadhg Harrington did make the long trek upfield to take a close-in free in the dying moments. How-ever, in keeping with the day his blasting drive was parried out for a 65 by excellent Bandon keeper Eoin Duggan and that was that, the show was well and truly over.

Duggan emerged as one of the unsung Bandon heroes with his firm catching a marked feature, fronted by a full back line comprising Brian Hurley, Joe Burke and James O'Donovan who collectively did not put a foot wrong over the hour.

Further out, Joe Harrington, the vastly experienced Tomas Bambury and Charlie Dullea made clearing their lines look so easy. Midfield was a powerhouse of dom-inance, bar that shaky start, with Hurley and Lucey masters of all they surveyed in this vital zone.

FLOWED. Up in the engine room the points flowed with clockwork regularity. The old maestro Darren O'Donoghue rolled back the years to prove he still has a lot to offer, Niall O'Rourke led the line with power and panache, while Jason McCarthy made an invaluable contribution.

Inside, Niall Geary and James Dullea were a constant threat, while Ronan Crowley was the real ace in a lethal Ban-don scoring pack.

The post mortems will surely rage long and loud within the Barryroe camp. The bottom line is that, bar the opening quarter they rarely got out of second gear. Their attack was lacklustre and disappointing, too often players going it alone. The classy Kieran Griffin could not be faulted, while John O'Donovan and Denis Harrington had their moments and Kevin McCarthy started well. Jason Fleming worked hard when introduced with Ciaran Hurley getting a nice point. However as a collective unit they failed badly to ignite.

Gearoid Holland had a bright opening quarter in the middle of the park where Barryroe failed to get any sort of substan-tial or productive possession return. In a beleaguered defence, Ger O'Leary, Tadhg Harrington, Kevin O'Driscoll and Ger Coleman did their best to stem the Bandon scoring tide. With Kevin McCarthy getting scoring proceedings under way early on and a brace by Kieran Griffin supplementing the white flag, the portents looked positive for Barryroe.

Faulty shooting allowed Bandon off the hook and with every indiscretion pun-ished severely by Ronan Crowley, the sides were level, 0-3 to 0-3, at the close of the opening quarter. Crowley had given Bandon the minimum edge, 0-5 to 0-4, by the 21st minute, but a fabulous free by Tadhg Harrington from all of eighty metres levelled up matters soon after-wards.

Two superb scores by Niall Geary and Ger Coleman were other features of this closely contested half. With the Bandon full-back division clamping down on the Barryroe full forward line, the Blues introduced Jason Fleming at centre for-ward, moved Denis Harrington to the 'mark' with long serving Paudie Collins called ashore. In a general context, while it did improve the position marginally, overall it failed in the desired effect. Two delightful frees from Griffin brought the half to a conclusion, 0-8 to 0-8, still all to contest for.

When Lucey found O'Donoghue to raise the white flag forty seconds after the resumption, the Bandon intentions were crystal clear. Ronan Crowley and Hurley swapped scores, but a deluge of white flags by Crowley (free), a beauty by James Dullea and another from Charles inside the next minute set the agenda. While Barryroe continued to fight the good battle, the Bandon scoring attempts were all too comfortable and cohesive. Towards the end Crowley even had the audacity and courage to kick a peach of a score when surrounded as the game now moved to a predictable conclusion with Bandon in rampant scoring mood.

Our verdict: Will it prove third time lucky for resilient Bandon? Any lingering doubts about the courage and commitment of this Lily Whites side were surely dispelled after this fantastic victory. With their terrible twins attacking hurling duo of Payne and Darren Crowley to name just two of a number of players who were unavailable for this vital match, one would think that the potency of their attack would suffer. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, Bandon is now faced with the happy dilemma of who to leave out the next day such was the abundance of riches that they appear to possess. For now they can bask in the glory of a facile victory, richly deserved on the evening and every bit as consummate as the final tally indicates. Of course there is the small matter of bragging rights as a bonus, Barryroe yet to buck the trend with the Lily Whites.

OFF KEY. Barryroe were totally off key and form in this match. Given the depleted Bandon side that lined out; they had a glorious chance to lower their colours. They failed badly to do so and this defeat will surely lead to much soul searching on the probable causes. Certainly the inability to take the early scoring opportunities allied to a poor second half hastened their demise.

We had a brief first half bout of handbag bashing, but the match was generally a fine sporting one. Peter Downey from Inniscarra was an impartial official, but his failure to keep up with the play on occasions did not help his performance.

Dan Murphy, Edward and Pat O'Flynn, Patrick Nyhan, Leo Meade and company did an excellent job with the match arrangements.

Man of the match: Ronan Crowley, Bandon.

Scorers - Bandon: Ronan Crowley 0-9, 0-7 frees, Donagh Lucey 0-4, Niall Geary 0-2, James Dullea 0-2, Charles Dullea 0-1, Darren O'Donoghue 0-1.

Barryroe: Kieran Griffin 0-8, 0-7 frees, John O'Donovan 0-1, Tadhg Harrington 0-1 free,Ger Coleman 0-1, Kevin McCarthy 0-l.Ciaran Hurley 0-1.

Bandon: Eoin Duggan, Brian Hurley, Joe Burke, James O'Donovan, Joe Harrington, Tomas Bambury, Charlie Dullea, Donagh Lucey, Kieran Hurley, Darren O'Donoghue, Niall O'Rourke, Jason McCarthy, Niall Geary, Ronan Crowley, James Dullea.

Barryroe: Ger Keohane, Ger O'Leary, Danny Murphy, Timmy Carroll, Ger Coleman, Tadhg Harrington, Kevin O'Driscoll, Clive Cahalane, Gearoid Holland, Ciaran Hurley, Kevin McCarthy, Kieran Griffin, John O'Donovan, Paudie Collins, Denis Harrington. Subs: Jason Fleming, Michael O'Brien and Martin Finn.
A performance of true grit - Southern Star 20th June 2009
Bandon 0-19
Barryroe 0-13

A performance of true grit and no little character gave Bandon Intermediate hurlers a truly memorable win against Barryroe in the championship played in Ballinascarthy on Friday night.

Though seriously understrength with seven first team players unavilable through a combination of injury and holidays, Bandon played as well as at any time over their last ten championships in the Intermediate grade to eventually win by 0.19 to 0.13.

The half-time score was 0.08 points each but Bandon were far superior in the second-half outscoring their opponents by 0.11 points to 0.05. Ronan Crowley continued where he left off with his free-taking exhibition and severely punished any Barryroe indiscretion landing points from all angles and distances and missing nothing.

Eoin Duggan's puck-outs were almost landing in the Barryroe square with the wind and helped put Barryroe under real pressure.

Bandon's total commitment to the cause is illustrated by the fact they only registerd two wides for the entire game, one in each half.

Credit to the back-room team of Red Crowley, Mick Mangan and the selectors for turning what was becoming a real negative into something so positive that this team can truly build on for the rest of the campaign.

The number of Bandon people who applauded the players on their way to the dressing rooms at the final whistle showed how important this win with a depleted panel really was to everyone.

Pride of place in this win goes to the replacements who lined out, from the evergreen Brian Hurley, young Ronan Crowley who incredibly contributed ten points and lined out despite being in the middle of his Leaving Certificate examination and James Dullea who carried his great form with the Junior hurlers onto the Intermediate stage and also young Jason McCarthy who is starting to really fulfill his potential in both codes this year.

Donough Lucey as against Delaneys the week before,was the best player on the pitch by some way and on this form is becoming a real team leader, as is team captain Joe Burke who anchored the defense and never put a foot wrong throughout.

Every player stood up and was counted Eoin Duggan, James O'Donovan, the old heads Tomas Bambury and Kieran Hurley, Cha Dullea and Niall Geary, while young Joe Harrington is fast becoming the find of the season. Together with the other veterans Darren O'Donoghue and Niall O'Rourke all fifteen were true heroes on the night and can be very proud of their performance.

Team : E.Duggan, B.Hurley, J.Burke, J.O'Donovan, J.Harrington, T.Bambury, C.Dullea(0.01), D.Lucey(0.03), K.Hurley, J.McCarthy, N.O'Rourke, R.Crowley(0.10), R.Payne(0.04), D.O'Donoghue(0.01), N.Geary(0.02), J.Dullea(0.02).



Bandon 1-21
Delaneys 2-07

One week earlier Bandon easily defeated Delaneys in a farcical encounter by 1.21 to 2.07 with two of the opposition booked before the game began. The defeat consigned Delaneys to the dreaded relegation battle.

Played in Brinny Bandon led by 0.16 to 0.02 at half-time with points being scored for fun.

In the second half Bandon were outscored by 1.05 to 2.05 but never looked in trouble.

Team : E.Duggan, G.O'Riordan, J.Burke, J.O'Donovan, J.Harrington, T.Bambury, D.Ryan, D.Lucey(0.06), K.Hurley, D.Crowley(0.08), C.Dullea(0.01), R.Payne(0.04), E.O'Donovan(1.00), N.Geary, D.O'Donoghue(0.02)



Bandon now await the winners of the drawn Kilbrittain versus Kilworth encounter in the quarter-final
Brilliant Crowley points way for depleted Bandon - IHC - Brendan Larkin - Irish Examiner 13-06-09
Bandon 0-19
Barryroe 0-13

A MAGNIFICENT exhibition of points scoring by Ronan Crowley powered depleted Bandon to an em-phatic victory over Barryroe in last nights Evening Echo IHC second round tie at Baflinascarthy.

A member of last year's county minor team, Ronan hit 9 points as Bandon won the bragging rights in this hotly contested local derby game to keep their hopes alive of winning this particular grade of championship after failing in the last two finals.

Barryroe won the toss and elected to play with the tall of ground in the first halt but hit two wides in as many minutes before Kevin McCarthy opened their account with a point after four minutes and were three points to the good by the seventh minute.

Bandon were in danger of being swamped as a highly charged Barryroe were completely on top but they lost the initiative at midfield, after Kieran Hurley and 1 )onagh Lucey began to come more into the game.

With Ronan C >owley unerring from frees, Bandon were level at the end of the opening quarter, Crowley scoring two excellent points from played balls, and he gave his side the lead for the first time in the 18th minute.

The game developed into free taking contest between Ronan Crowley and Kieran Griffin but the Bandon youngster showed remarkable coolness to hit a litany of points which had the sides level at 0-8 apiece at the end of a mediocre first half.

Bandon wasted little time in stamping their authority on the change over and hit a purple patch scoring six points in 10 minutes to put daylight between the teams and they were never going to be beaten.

Barryroe needed a goal if they were to have any hope but a resolute Ban-don defence in which full back Joe Burke and centre back Tom Bambury were majestic, gave nothing away.

The brilliance of Donagh Lucey at midfield kept the pressure on the Barryroe defence and with Ronan Crowley continuing to show uncanny accuracy both from play and frees, the points continued to flow and Bandon led by six coming as the game went into injury time.

In a last ditched effort for a goal Barryroe won a 20 metre free but to sum up their night Tadgh Harrington's effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Eoin Duggan for a fruitless 65 and Bandon were safely through to round three while their opponents are now a dreaded relegation dogfight.

Scorers for Bandon: R Crowley 0-09 8f Lucey 0-4; N Geary, C Dullea 0-2; D O'Donoghue 0-1.

Scorers for Barryroe: K Griffin 0-8 (7f); I K Carthy, T Harrington (f), C Coleman, G Hurley, J Donovan, 0-1 each.

BANDON: E Duggan; B Hurley, J Burke, J Donovan; J Harrington, T Bambury, C Dullea; D Lucey, K Hurley; D O'Donoghue, N O'Rourke, J Carthy; N Geary, R Crowley, J Dullea.

BARRYROE: G Keohane; G O'Leary, D Mur| T Carroll; G Coleman, T Harrington, K O'Driscoll, C Cahalane, G Holland; C Hurley, K McCarthy, Griffin; J O'Donovan, P Collins, D Harrington. Subs: J Fleming for P Collins (22); M O'Brier K McCarthy (40); M Finn for Cahalane (55); K Carthy for O'Donovan (60)

Referee: P Downey (Inniscarra).
Experienced Bandon to confirm superiority - IHC - Mark Woods - Evening Echo 12-06-09
Evening Echo Cork County. IHC: Bandon v Barryroe, at Ballinascarthy, 7.30pm.

THESE south-west neighbours meet in the championship for the second consecutive season with Bandon holding bragging rights from 2008, writes MARK WOODS.

On that occasion they had three points to spare and so began a campaign which carried them all the way to the final. There, alas, Carrigaline proved a bridge too far for Bandon, who are back on the trail again, though in different circumstances.

A shock two-goal defeat by Eire 6g in round one meant a last chance opportunity against Delanys, otherwise it was curtains for their hopes of going one better this term.

Bandon, however, had the game wrapped up by the interval after scorching to a whopping 0-16 to 0-2 interval lead with the city side paying heavily for conceding too many frees.

Darren Crowley and Roy Payne punished them with a succession of points and with Donough Lucey razor sharp from play Bandon had the game in the bag at half-time.

Delanys managed to halve the deficit early in the second-half, but Bandon steadied once more and a late goal by Eoin O'Donovan applied the gloss to an impressive performance.

Bandon's form in division two of the league is patchy, two wins and four defeats, but the experience gained last season is a major plus.

Barryroe avoided the trip through the back door by ac-counting for Blackrock by a goal in the first round.

Despite playing against the wind the men from Carbery still managed to lead by 1 -5 to 0-6 at half-time, Paudie Collins pouncing for the all-important goal. Dan Murphy was an inspirational full-back and captain, receiving good assistance from corner-back Ger O'Leary, while Kieran Griffin was the outstanding forward on view.

Barryroe didn't have matter all their own way, though, b« cause the Rockies made it one-point game entering th closing quarter.

But, they couldn't add to the tally as Griffin came into h own by scoring points froi placed balls and play.

A heavy defeat by divisic three leaders Valley Rovers n cently doesn't augur well f their prospects and Bandt should advance.

Verdict: Bandon
Bandon back in the groove - IHC - Edward Newman - Southern Star 13-06-09
Bandon 1-21
Delaneys 2-07

DESPITE a jittery third quarter where they lost control of a contest they'd virtually wrapped up at the break, Bandon finished strongly to seal a appear to be back in business and can look forward confident-ly to the next round of the championship.

And what an intriguing third round it should be. There, Ban-don will find West Cork neigh-bours, Barryroe, waiting in the long grass, a side that has failed to make a mark in this grade since winning promotion in 2007. However, derbies bring the best out of teams and this Carbery showdown should be no different, and is likely to deserved victory over Delanys in this Cork county intermediate hurling championship second round tie at Brinny.

Bandon exorcised the ghosts of their shock first round defeat to Eire Og and appear to have found their groove after victory in this back-door match, the foundations of which were laid in a superb first half perform-ance. Last year's runners-up draw a huge crowd to which ever venue is appointed.

Bandon will surely start as clear favourites but they should expect nothing easy from a Bar-ryroe side that'll be keen to make a statement in the 09 championship.However, they'll have to improve 100% if they fancy overcoming a Bandon side that produced passages of brilliant hurling here against Delanys, and will probably not deliver a more complete opening 30 minutes than they did here against the city side.

However, it could be argued that they came up against a club in freefall. Delanys' star has fallen rapidly over the last few seasons, and now the Dublin Hill side lies perilously close to losing their intermediate status heading into the dreaded relegation play-offs.

So, can Bandon read too much into this result? On the one hand they can. Their ability to pick off points from a variety of angles and distances was a clear positive while their first half performance hardly produced a single error.

The half forward line consisting of Darren Crowley, Charles Dullea and Roy Payne won everything that came their way but it was their ability to pick off scores with ease that really caught the eye. Barryroe's selectors will also have noticed that the likes of Crowley and Payne have the ability to convert frees from anywhere inside the 65m line. Midfielders, Donough Lucey and Kieran Hurley, hardly put a foot wrong with Lucey in par-ticular lighting up the first half with a succession of inspiring scores. Tomas Bambury and Joe Burke mopped up a lot of ball during the opening moiety while Eoin O'Donovan took his goal brilliantly near the finish.

Bandon's only worry will be their third quarter display where they completely lost their shape and composure in front of goal. Delanys, in fairness, came quickly out of the blocks, and, thanks to a couple of positional changes, reduced the margin to seven points. It stood at 14 points at the break. If Bandon could no wrong in the opening half, for 15 minutes of the second half they strug-gled to hit the target, shooting five successive wides during their worst spell.

Referee Donncha O Laoire did well to quell all-out anarchy in the opening minutes of a match that threatened to boil over. The unsavoury off-the-ball incidents and bouts of wild pulling didn't go unpunished with O Laoire remaining on top of matters - though Delanys in particular were mostly culpable and their first half indiscipline proved extremely costly.

It was severely punished by the impeccable free-taking of both Darren Crowley and Roy Payne as Bandon coasted into a 0-7 to 0-1 lead inside the first quarter. Spraying the ball around effortlessly, Bandon dis-played a ruthless streak in front of goal with Lucey in par-ticular in brilliant form. The midfielder landed three succes-sive points from a variety of angles and distances while the ageless Darren O'Donoghue also chipped with two as Ban-don looked to have the game wrapped up at the break.

If they looked ragged and disorganised in the first half, Delanys resumed a more deter-mined and cohesive unit after the break with a few positional changes working to their advantage. With Paul Finnegan now on the 40, and Kevin Foley moved to the right wing, Delanys scored 1-4 without replay inside ten minutes.

Gavin Quinlan latched on to an outfield Finnegan free to goal in the 34th minute before Kevin Foley struck three beauties from the right side to put the Seandun 0-16 to 1-6 in arrears. Now it was Bandon who lacked composure, racking up five successive wides inside 14 minutes, before eventually find-ing the range thanks to Darren Crowley (2) and Charles Dullea. Delanys were reduced to 14 men in the 52nd minute when Quinlan got his marching orders for a second bookable offence, but the Seandun men did heap more pressure on Bandon, winning a 58th minute 20 metre free, hammered home by Finnegan.

Bandon finished with a flourish when Eoin O'Donovan showed nice ball control and cool finishing technique when planting the ball to the bottom corner.

Scorers — Bandon: D. Crowley 0-7 (0-4 frees), D. Lucey 0-6, R. Payne 0-5 (0-3 frees), E. O'Donovan 1-0, D. O'Donoghue 0-2, C. Dullea 0-1.

Delanys: P. Finnegan 1-2 (frees), K. Foley 0-4, G. Quinlan 1-0, E. Culli-nane 0-1.

Bandon: E. Duggan, G. O'Ri-ordan, J. Burke, J. O'Donovan, J. Harrington, T. Bambury, D. Ryan, D. Lucey, K. Hurley, D. Crowley, C. Dullea, R. Payne, E. O'Donovan, N. Geary, D. O'Donoghue. Subs: J. McCarthy for Geary (60).

Delanys: G. Maher, E. O'Brien, R. Foley, G. Spriggs, P. Blake, P. Finnegan, L. Keane, K. Foley, D. O'Connor, C. Foley, M. O'Driscoll, A. Cafferkey, P. O'Connell, G. Quinlan, E. Cul-linane. Subs: S. O'Connor for Cafferkey (51), C. McCarthy for O'Connell (55), M. McElhinney for Cullinane (57)

Referee: D. O Laoire (Glenville).
Opening blast puts Bandon on their way - IHC - Edward Newman - Irish Examiner 06-06-09
Bandon 1-21
Delaneys 2-07

A SPLENDID opening 30 minutes from Bandon laid the foundations for a deserved victory over Delanys in the second round of the Evening Echo Cork county IHC at Brinny last evening.

Producing a fluent brand of hurling on a perfect surface for it, the west Cork side posted 16 points to Delanys' two in a near-flawless first-half performance.

Darren Crowiey, Roy Payne and Donough Lucey played leading roles as Bandon punished Delanys' indisci-pline, and the 14-point deficit left the latter with a virtual Everest to climb after half-time.

But inspired by Kevin Foley and Paul Finnegan. the city side sparked a revival of sorts, with goals from Gavin Quinlan and Finnegan bringing them within seven points at one stage.

Bandon's victory, however, has set up a mouth-watering west Cork showdown with neighbours Barryroe in round three, and last year's beaten finalists can have every confidence of progressing should they reproduce the flowing hurling of their exhibition-like first half.

They were solid in defence, where Joe Burke and Tomas Bambury kept the lid on a nervous-looking Delanys forward unit, and led in midfield by the skilful Donough Lucey and Kieran Hurley, Bandon kept the Scoreboard ticking with a rush of scores in the early heated exchanges.

Referee Donncha O'Laoire did well to quell all-out anarchy but Delanys' first-half indiscipline proved costly. They were severely punished thanks to the impeccable free-taking of both Darren Crowiey and Roy Payne, as Bandon coasted into a 0-7 to 0-1 lead inside the first quarter.

Spraying the ball around effortlessly, Bandon displayed a ruthless streak in front of goal with Lucey in particular in brilliant form. The midfielder landed three successive points from a variety of angles and distances, while the ageless Darren O'Donoghue also chipped with two as Bandon looked to have the game wrapped up at the break.

If they looked ragged and disorganised in the first half, Delanys resumed a more determined and cohesive unit after the break with a few positional changes working to their advantage.

With Finnegan now on the '40' and Kevin Foley moved to the right wing, Delanys scored 1-4 without replay inside ten minutes.

Gavin Quinlan latched onto an outfield Finnegan free to get a goal back for the city side in the 34th minute, before Kevin Foley struck three beauties from the right side to put them 0-16 to 1-6 in arrears.

Now it was Bandon who lacked composure, racking up five successive wides inside 14 minutes, before eventually finding the range thanks to two Darren Crowiey points and an ef-fort from Charles Dullea.

Though Finnegan goaled from a 20-metre free in the 58th minute, Bandon finished with a flourish when Eoin O'Donovan showed nice ball control and cool finishing technique when planting the ball to the bottom corner.

Scorers for Bandon: D Crowley 0-7 (0-4 frees), D Lucey 0-6, R Payne 0-5 (0-3 frees), E O'Donovan 1-0, D O'Donoghue 0-2, C Dullea 0-1.

Scorers for Delanys: P Finnegan 1-2 (frees), K Foley 0-4, G Quinian 1-0, E Cullinane 0-1.

BANDON: E Duggan; G O'Riordan, J Burke, J O'Donovan; J Harrington, T Bambury, D Ryan; D Lucey, K Hurley; D Crowiey, C Dullea, R Payne; E O'Donovan, N Geary, D O'Donoghue. Sub: J McCarthy for Geary (60).

DELANYS: G Maher; E O'Brien, R Foley, G Spriggs; P Blake, P Finnegan, L Keane; K Foley, D O'Connor; C Foley, M O'Driscoll, A Cafferkey; P O'Connell, G Quinlan, E Cullinane. Subs: S O'Connor for Cafferkey (51), C McCarthy for O'Connell (55), M McElhinney for Cullinane (57)

Referee: D O'Laoire (Glenville).
Things unlikely to get easier for Delaneys - IHC Preview - John Horgan - Evening Echo 05-06-09
VERY difficult days for the Dublin Hill club and the likelihood is that things won't be any easier when the hour is up here, writes JOHN MORGAN.

Last year they were involved in a relegation battle before they saw off the challenge of St Finbarr's after a replay to stay alive in the grade.

The previous year they were re¬legated from the top flight, getting trounced by Mallow in the game to decide who went down.

In that game they scored just three points. To be fair to them, however, they did well last year to stay afloat and there were some encouraging signs a few weeks ago in their defeat to Dromina.

They lost out in that game on a scoreline of 2-14 to 0-15 and it took a late rally by the North Corkmen to secure their place in the third round.

On that evidence there is room for some optimism going in here against a team that has heartbreak-ingly lost the last two finals in this grade.

Those defeats were killer blows and it showed when they lost out to Eire 6g in their first round opener a few weeks back.

Now they must rise again to this challenge or almost sensationally find themselves immersed in a battle tor survival in the grade.

They will be hot favourites to see off the challenge of the city team but there are no certainties in sport as we all know.

The side will be backboned again by the vast majority of the team that lost those two finals and in players like Donagh Lucey, Donnocha Burke, Darren O'Donoghue and Darren Crowley, they have experi¬ence and top class hurlers.

Crowley got a run with the Cork seniors earlier in the year and he carries on a great family tradition in this club.

The one thing that they should guard against here is complacency because Delanys too have good hurlers in Paul Finnegan, Gavin Quinlan and the Foley boys, Conor, Ronan and Kevin and Mark McEI-hiney.

They will have been encouraged by their performance against Drom¬ina and the big thing here for them will be to build on that.

However, everything points to Bandon progressing but at the same time they will have to do much better than they did against Eire 6g.

Verdict: Bandon by six points.
Southern Star 6th June 2009
All roads lead to Brinny on Friday night for Bandon Intermediate hurlers eagerly awaited championship back-door encounter with Delaneys.

For the winners there is the mouth watering prospect of a second round clash with Baryroe, for the losers we won't even contemplate.



Bandon Intermediate hurlers scored a good win over Kilbrittain in the intermediate hurling league on Sunday on a scoreline of 0.16 to 0.14.

Jason Hickey was in outstanding form against a variety of opponents at centre-forward and Joe Burke was very good at full-back.

Team: J.Crowley, B.Hurley, J.Burke, G.O'Riordan, J.Harrington, T.Bambury, K.Hurley, C.Dullea, D.Lucey, R.Payne, J.Hickey, E.O'Donovan, D.Crowley, N.Geary, J.McCarthy Sus.: Joe McCarthy



In the minor non-exam hurling league Bandon scored a fine 2.10 to 1.09 win over Douglas.

Team: S.Murphy, P.O'Leary, E.Sugrue, A.Daley, E.Jackson, J.Harrington, E.O'Mahony, M.Sugrue, P.Murphy, J.McSweeney, P.Murphy, R.Long, S.Hickey, S.Lynch, F.O'Leary. Sub.: P.O'Neill



On Sunday the same team drew with Sliabh Rua and were unbeaten in the competition until defeated by Kilbrittain in mid-week by two points.
Victory a boost to morale for Bandon - JAHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 16-05-09
Bandon 1-14
St Colums 1-09

FORTUITOUS goal plays a key role, as Bandon hurlers get back to winning ways!

To a certain extent, Bandon junior A hurlers were on a mis-sion of atonement at Castle-townkenneigh on Saturday evening last. Their task, to restore badly needed morale to the Bandon camp, following the disappointing reversal of their more illustrious intermediate counterparts on the previous night. They certainly succeeded in that respect, but it was never going to be an easy task to get past the stiff challenge posed by doughty battlers St. Colum's, in this South West junior A hurling championship first round tie.

With the sides level on three occasions during an evenly con-tested first moiety where the sole and able marksman for the Lily Whites was James Dullea who provided all of their six points on the board, four from frees and two neat efforts from play, the spread of scores amongst the opposition was of a more even nature.

Stephen Cronin, Denis McSweeney (free), Shane McSweeney and Cork senior footballer Alan O'Connor accounted for the St. Colum's quartet of white flags. So to the interval and with this score per-taining prospects of a close and exciting last thirty minutes were on the cards. In a general context St. Colum's were playing second fiddle around the middle of the park where Dave Lehane (who also excelled from dead ball sit-uations) and partner James Milner were giving Bandon a marked advantage while in attack, St. Colum's, bar the odd burst by the experienced Stephen Cronin, enjoyed few advantages to this juncture.

So St. Colum's mentors were forced into remedial action in an effort to rectify the situation. Alan O'Connor went to centre forward, Stephen Cronin to midfield, where he was joined by substitute Sean Harrington, with Tony Harrington reverting back to defence at left halfback.

Initially, it did not seem to have an effect, James Dullea extending the Bandon advantage from a free after some intense pres-sure was exerted.

However, when Denis McSweeney pointed a further free and O'Shea slipped over a lovely point, the Bandon advan-tage was now down to the bare minimum, 0-7 to 0-6, with just eight minutes having elapsed. The Kealkil changes seemed to be working a treat, but them calamity befell them and they never really recovered their composure afterwards. Dave Lehane faced up to a free some sixty metres from the losers' goalmouth after an isolated Lily Whites raid. His delivery seemed a trifle short, but amaz-ingly, backs, forwards and goalie all got their lines crossed and in a tangle as the ball flew unhindered into the back of the net.

BOOSTED. In fairness, St. Colum's again fought back well and the deficit was cut to a meagre three points, 1-8 to 0-8, by the close of the third quarter. But Ban-don, boosted by the benevolence of that vital goal had their tails up as they went from strength to strength. James Milner, the excellent Kevin Lucey and Stephen Lynch all registered magnificent scores. While Ger McCarthy for St. Colum's did hit the target, Bandon with an unbeatable halfback division of Kevin Walsh, Kevin Doyle and captain Joe McCarthy easily repelling the western onslaughts were now the clear masters.

Lehane pointed a free and two sublime efforts by Lucey and able substitute Philip Crowley saw them cross the line clear and deserving win-ners. St. Colum's substitute Gene McCarthy did force home a consolation major in the dying moments, but the honours clearly went where they belonged.

Our verdict: While this may not be exactly a quantum of solace as far as Bandon is con-cerned, it was nevertheless, a major morale booster and just the stuff to give the troops. Indeed the intermediate side could do well to take a leaf out of the juniors book; such was the cutting edge, panache and commitment that the second string displayed. There can be little doubt that the goal proved the turning point, but in an overall context, Bandon was clearly the more cohesive, co-ordinated and better hurling team.

To me, St. Colum's were disappointing on the night. While the spirit was certainly not found wanting, their first touch seemed poor at times and they were too individualistic and weak up front. However, consolation and atonement still beckons as they face the result of permutations involving the tri-angle of Kilbree v St. Mary's and Ballinascarthy.

Mick O'Leary from the host club refereed a sporting contest well without fuss or favour.

Man of the match: Kevin Walsh, Bandon.

Scorers - Bandon: James Dullea 0-7, 0-5 frees, Dave Lehane 1-1 frees, Kevin Lucey 0-2, Stephen Lynch 0-2, James Milner 0-1, Philip Crowley 0-1. St. Colum's: Denis McSweeney 0-3 frees, Gene McCarthy 1-0, Sean O'Shea 0-2, Stephen Cronin 0-1. Alan O'Connor 0-1, Shane McSweeney 0-1, Ger McCarthy 0-1.

Bandon: John Crowley, Ian McCarthy, Cathal Moloney, Robbie Wilmot, Kevin Walsh, Kieran Doyle, Joe McCarthy, Dave Lehane, James Milner, Kevin Lucey, Robert Moloney, Donncha Burke, James Dullea, Niall Geary, Stephen Lynch. Subs: Pat Prendergast for Niall Geary, Philip Crowley for James Dullea.

St. Colum's: Alan O'Sulli-van, Seamus McHugh, Mike Cronin, Ger O'Sullivan, Michael O'Sullivan, Wesley O'Connor, Adrian O'Connor, Alan O'Connor, Tony Harrington, Ger McCarthy, Stephen Cronin, Denis McSweeney, Sean O'Shea, Tim O'Sullivan, Shane McSweeney. Subs: Sean Harrington for Adrian O'Con-nor, Gene McCarthy for Tim O'Sullivan, Mick O'Sullivan for Ger McCarthy.
Bandon go down tamely - IHC - West Cork Gael - Southern Star 16-05-09
Eire Og 2-10
Bandon 0-10

MAJESTIC Eire Og prove a class act, but disappointing Bandon succumbs all too tamely!

Much was expected of this clash between Bandon, beaten county finalists over the last two years and Mid Cork kingpins, Eire Og, in the first round of the Cork intermediate hurling championship.

However, this game, which was played in near perfect conditions at a superb Cloughduv venue on Friday evening of last week, never really rose above the realms of mediocrity principally because of the marked dominance of Eire Og, which saw them fashion a comprehensive trap to line richly deserved victory.

Smooth, svelte and sophisticated in a lethal attack, where full forward John Dineen, right corner Kevin Hallisey and centre forward John Crowley all played major roles, with Cork senior footballer Daniel Gould-ing splendid in the holding role of sweeper, they weaved early intricate patterns of delightful hurling tapestry as they swept into a commanding two goals and three points to nil lead, barely ten torrid minutes for the Bandon defence having elapsed.

John Dineen was at the heart and soul of all the scores and having flashed over the lead point following a sideline by Donal O'Flynn, he collected a marvellous defensive clearance by football captain Shane McCarthy to deliver an inch perfect pass into the path of Kevin Hallisey, who made no mistake to beat Eoin Duggan from close range in the third minute.

Bandon were struggling hard to come to grips with the situation and seemed to be finding it hard to fit into their new team formation that saw James O'Donovan and Kieran Hurley both normal defenders, handed attacking roles in the team-sheet, while Eoin O'Donovan normally up in attack, was pencilled in at left corner-back.

Their citadel was breached again in the seventh minute when Hallisey spotted out-standing midfielder Dermot O'Herlihy unmarked at the edge of the square and he blasted the ball high into the Bandon rigging. When John Dineen and Timothy O'Leary both added white flags in rapid succession, Bandon was already in big trouble, albeit playing against a strong wind.

They had the misfortune to loose powerful wing forward Alan Johnson with a leg injury and midfielder Niall O'Rourke soon afterwards, but both replacements, Ronan Crowley and Jason Hickey did not let the side down. Despite the promptings from Donagh Lucey, the spirited play of full back Joe Burke and the hard grafting of Darren O'Donoghue, Darren Crowley, Roy Payne and Eoin O'Donovan (now much more comfortable in his normal attacking role), Bandon's attack was making few inroads against an absolutely rock-solid Eire Og defensive sextet, where Alan O'Mahony was simply magnificent in the pivot role and Barry Corkery, Donal Keane and Shane McCarthy personified.

Indeed all Bandon had to show at the break for their endeavours was a meagre four points' return, a free each from Darren Crowley and Roy Payne and a point apiece from Darren O'Donoghue and Eoin O'Donovan. In marked contrast at the other end, John Dineen alone had bagged five points, with Hallisey and O'Herlihy raising both green flags and Timothy O'Leary and John Crowley accounting for the remainder, a real barometer to the enormous scoring gap between the two teams.

On resuming, Daniel Gould-ing now began to act as a third midfielder against the wind, while the Eire Og defence hustled and harried the Bandon forwards into hurried scoring attempts. The Lily Whites upped the tempo and ante now considerably but bar the lively Darren Crowley and to a lesser extent brother Ronan and Jason Hickey, together with the spirited play of Charlie Dullea and James O'Donovan, were making very limited scoring progress.

The continued resistance by midfielder Donagh Lucey was rewarded when he forced Paul Ryan to tip his long range effort over the bar in the 42nd minute. Together with a Roy Payne attempt that saw the Mid Cork side's defence scramble the ball to safety for a 65 in the 49th minute, which was subsequently converted by Darren Crowley, it was the closest that Bandon came to getting the major they so earnestly craved for and which would have been of paramount importance.

Instead, it was Eire Og, who could afford the introduction of injured Cork under-21 football star Ciaran Sheehan in a cameo role with nine minutes left and with midfielders Tony Dineen and Dermot O'Herlihy monarchs of all they surveyed, who closed the game down as a con-test and coasted to a comfort-able victory.

VERDICT. Our verdict: The ratings for this game are at the opposite ends of the performance spec-trum. Eire Og came, saw and easily shrugged aside the meek challenge posed by disappoint-ing Bandon with a five star per-formance, exemplified by that wonderful opening scoring blitz that effectively paved the way for this scintillating win. They hardly displayed a weakness from able custodian Paul Ryan to dapper corner forward Tim-othy O'Leary over the course of an hour's splendid hurling dis-play and will surely be in the concluding shake-up of this prestigious championship.

Nothing seemed to go right for Bandon on the night. They lost O'Rourke and Johnson early on, their unusual starting team placement seemed to backfire against them to an extent and while the spirit and commitment did not seem to be lacking or questioned, scoring power, or rather the absence of it, did little to help their cause in the long run.

Over the course of much of the hour they played second fid-dle, but will have another chance to make amends as they face the scenic backdoor route and a meeting with Delanys. But they will be the first to admit that major surgery is required if further progress is to be achieved.

Referee, Colm McAlister, Aghada.

Man of the match: John Dineen, Eire Og.

Scorers - Eire 6g: John Dineen 0-6,0-1 free, Kevin Hal-lisey 1-2, Dermot O'Herlihy 1-0, Timothy O'Leary 0-1, John Crowley 0-1.

Bandon: Darren Crowley 0-5, 0-3 frees, 0-2 65s, Darren O'Donoghue 0-1, Roy Payne 0-1, free, Eoin O'Dono-van 0-1, Ronan Crowley 0-1, Donagh Lucey 0-1.

Eire Og: Paul Ryan, Aidan Keane, Donal Keane, Shane McCarthy, Barry Corkery, Alan O'Mahony, Cian O'Mahony, Dermot O'Herlihy, Tony Dineen, Donal O'Flynn, John Crowley, Daniel Goulding, Kevin Hallisey, John Dineen, Timothy O'Leary. Sub: Ciaran Sheehan for Donal O'Flynn.

Bandon: Eoin Duggan, Gavin O'Riordan, Joe Burke, Eoin O'Donovan, Joe Harring-ton, Darren Ryan, Charlie Dul-lea, Donagh Lucey, Niall O'Rourke, Darren Crowley, James O'Donovan, Alan John-son, Roy Payne, Kieran Hurley, Darren O'Donoghue. Subs: Ronan Crowley for Niall O'Rourke, Jason Hickey for Alan Johnson, Jason McCarthy for Darren O'Donoghue.
Bandon survive Colums late rally - JAHC - Derry Farr - County Section 12-05-08
Bandon 1-14
St. Colums 1-09

A LATE goal by Colum's put a bit of gizz into the final stages of what had up to then had been a run-of-the-mill South West JAHC, first round game at Castletownkenneigh. The late Colum's goal, netted by substitute Gene Mc-Carthy, left just a puck of a ball between the teams until points from Philip Crowley and Kevin Lucey heralded an instant Bandon reply and eased them home. Colum's now enter the losers round, where any one of three teams could provide the opposition, knowing that it will take a much improved display to keep them in the reckoning in a championship won last year by Mathunas.

This was the Bandon second team and in the opening 25 minutes they were matched by the losers before a couple of James Dullea scores (he secured all six of their first half points), left them 0-6 to 0-4 to the good at the interval. Halftime changes served to strengthen the Kealkill side and, after conceding a fortuitous David Lehane Bandon goal, they recovered well. When Gene McCarthy netted for them there was still enough time left for the losers to inflict even more damage. However they were again pegged back by a strong finishing Bandon.

Bandon: J Crowley; I McCarthy, C Moloney, R Wilmot; K Walsh, K Doyle, J McCarthy; D Lehane, J Milner; K Lucey, R Moloney, D Burke; J Dullea, N Geary, S Lynch. Subs; P Prendergast, P Crowley. Scorers: J Dullea 0-7 (0-5 frees), D Lehane 1-1 frees, K Lucey, S Lynch 0-2 each, J Milner, P Crowley 0-1 each.

St Colum's: A O'SuIlivan; S McHugh, M Cronin, G O'SuIlivan; M O'SuIlivan, W O'Connor, Adrian O'Connor; Alan O'Connor, T Harrington; Ger McCarthy, S Cronin, D McSweeney; S O'Shea, T O'SuIlivan, S McSweeney. Subs; S Harrington, Gene McCarthy, M 'Sullivan. Scorers: Gene McCarthy 1-0, D McSweeney 0-3 frees, S O'Shea 0-2, S Cronin, Alan O'Connor, Ger McCarthy. Referee: Michael O'Leary, Mathuna's.
Southern Star 16th May 2009 - GAA Notes
Eire Og 2-10
Bandon 0-10

Bandon Intermediate hurlers completely underperformed on Friday night against Eire Og and paid the price losing on a scoreline of 0.10 to 2.10 in the Intermediate championship first round played in Cloughduv.

Bandon had been unbeaten in the early rounds of this championship since losing to Ballymartle in 2006.

The damage was done here in the opening ten minutes with Bandon left chasing Eire og's two relatively soft goals all night long. Especially as the Bandon forwards goal touch appears to have deserted them for the moment.

Bandon had to work far too hard for their few scores and we certainly have no complaints with the better team winning relatively comfortably.

Eire Og played with the strong wind in the first half and made full use of it, in a performance that closely resembled their football demolition job of Bandon last September.

Some poor wides prevented Bandon getting close enough to ask any serious questions of Eire Og.

Bandon lost Alan Johnson and Niall O'Rourke to injury and they would have both been invaluable in the second-half with wind advantage and the half-time score 0.04 to 2.07.

Young Joe Harrington can be quite pleased with his championship debut, while James o'Donovan was excellent when he was moved back to the full-back line and Donough Lucey won some good ball over the hour. Joe Burke also played well when he settled and Cha Dullea had some good moments.

Team: E.Duggan, G.O'Riordan, J.Burke, E.O'Donovan(0.01), J.Harrington, D.Ryan, C.Dullea, N.O'Rourke, D.Lucey(0.01), A.Johnson, J.O'Donovan, D.Crowley(0.05), R.Payne(0.01), K.Hurley, D.O'Donoghue(0.01). Subs.: R.Crowley(0.01), J.Hickey, J.McCarthy.

The club wishes Alan Johnson a speedy recovery and hopefully his injury will not prove that serious. Bandon will now play Delaneys in the back door in what will be a real "do or die" struggle.



Bandon 1-14
St Colums 1-09

In general Bandon are "never down long" and true to form the Junior A hurlers scored a great win over St. Colums on Saturday night in Castletownkennigh on a scoreline of 1.14 to 1.09.in the first round of the South West Junior A hurling championship.

There were some truly outstanding performances on the night with Kieran Doyle, Kevin Walsh, James Dullea and Kevin Lucey to the fore and Rob Wilmot, Cathal Moloney, Joe McCarthy, James Milner, David Lehane and young Stephen Lynch not far behind.

The team proved to be a great mix of former Intermediates and some up and coming young players.

The half-time score was 0.06 to 0.04 with James Dullea getting all Bandon's first half scores.

Though the beneficiaries of a somewhat fortitutous goal scored direct from a free by David Lehane Bandon were full value for their win and St. colums goal only came at the death to be followed by the hurling score of the year so far from Kevin Lucey who brilliantly fielded a puck out and soloed a full forty yards to score with half of Kealkill in hot pursuit.

Team: J.Crowley, I.McCarthy, C.Moloney, R.Wilmot, K.Walsh, K.Doyle, J.McCarthy, J.Milner (0.01), D.Lehane (1.01), K.Lucey(0.02), R.Moloney, D.Burke, J.Dullea(0.07), N.Geary, S.Lynch(0.02)

Subs.:P.Crowley(0.01),P.Prendergast



La na gClub was a great success

Bandon celebrated a very successful La na Gclub on Sunday May 10th with one of the highlights being a well attended photographic and memorabilia exhibition held in the Pavilion hall.The exhibits stretched back over the last hundred years or more.

The flag to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the G.A.A. was raised after a parade on the main pitch by Club Chairman Denis Lucey. The current Chairman also delivered an oration tracing the Clubs proud history and music was provided by the excellent Bandon and District Pipe Band.

Many thanks to those who helped organise the event and to John O'Donovan who is always available to provide the accoustics for occasions such as these.

One interesting coincidence was that the day the event was held was exactly the fiftieth anniversary of the Clubs last game as a Senior football team. That Bandon Senior team were defeated by reigning County Champions Macroom on the 10th May 1959 on a scoreline of 1.02 to 1.11 in the first round played in Clonakilty. Bandon had been beaten County Senior football semi-finalists in 1958 losing to St. Finbarrs in Kinsale. The game was a tight dour affair with Macroom who fielded five Cork seniors, goaling very late on to ensure victory against a very young transitional Bandon team with Brendan O'Neill only seventeen years old and also featuring two nineteen year olds. Thankfully thirteen of the team are alive and well,and still with us today. The Bandon team as per the Cork Examiner of Monday May 11th 1959 (that should jog a few memories out there) was: Donie Crowley, Jackie Walsh R.I.P., Barry O'Neill R.I.P., Tim Joe (Mackey) Collins, Vincie Collins, Denis O'Donovan, Finbarr O'Neill, Liam Deasy, Kevin Callanan, Denis O'Driscoll, Joe Kelly, Brendan O'Neill, Raymond O'Neill, Con Tobin, and Raymond O'Donovan.

After this defeat Bandon re-graded to Junior A in football, as there was no Intermediate championship and they went on to win the hotly contested West Cork championship one year later after a replay.
Southern Star 2nd May 2009
Bandon 4-09
Inniscarra 3-10

Bandon defeated Iniscarra by 3.10 to 4.09 in a hard fought encounter in the Minor hurling league. Eoin Jackson made a welcome return after injury though the team were missing several regulars.

Team: S.Murphy, P.O'Leary, E.Sugrue, A.Dullea, E.O'Mahony, P.Murphy, E.Jackson, M.Sugrue, C.Swanton, F.O'Leary, P.crowley, P.O'Neill, R.Long, S.Lynch, S.Hickey



On Friday night in Newcestown at 7.30 p.m. the Bandon Intermediate hurlers begin their quest to make their third County final in a row when they take on Eire Og in the first round. We wish them well together with new Coach Mick Mangan, Team Manager Red Crowley and Selectors James Deasy, Don McCarthy and Joe Crowley. Bandon are unbeaten in championship in 2009 so hopefully it will be onwards and upwards on Friday night. Great to see Red Crowley back on the side-lines after his recent absence through illness. Red who is looking fitter and fresher than ever has been a huge addition to this backroom team and his presence should give the lads a huge lift against Eire Og who are doughty Intermediate championship campaigners.



Sunday next is La na gClub to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Cumann Luth Chleas Gael. Charlie Hurley Park will host a fun day for adults and children commencing at 2 p.m. Entertainment will be provided and everyone is welcome.
Bandon finally put an end to an epic drama - U21FC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 02-05-09
Bandon 1-10
Carbery Rangers 1-09

It was thrills galore, especially in the second half of this under-21A football replay in wintry Ballinascarthy on Wednesday of last week.

Even though the game took a while to get going, by the end of the hour both sets of supporters, mentors and players were absolutely drained as drama piled on drama in a marvellous second half. Rarely have we seen a winning team in a quarter-final celebrate a win like Bandon did this one but who could blame them because they looked dead and buried with fifteen minutes remaining in the game.

Playing into the strong breeze, Bandon had seen their four-point half-time lead disappearing in the third quarter and when John O'Rourke buried the ball in the Bandon net in the 45th minute to put Rangers a point in front, it seemed Bandon's goose was well and truly cooked and that the Ross lads were on their way to a comprehensive win.

That they didn't pull away, with the wind, after the goal was due to Bandon's great fighting spirit and also to some very poor play from Ross when they were on top. The direct ball to rampant full forward John O'Rourke was obviously the ploy to win the game for Rangers but for some unknown reason they began to hang onto possession in the midfield area and this allowed Bandon to regroup at a vital stage and with the aid of a few positional changes the champions gallantly fought their way back into contention.

The first half had been quiet enough with Brian Shanahan, always looking threatening, and Darren Crowley, Bandon's best forward on the night, sharing four points before a Crowley goal in the 20th minute gave Bandon the edge. It hardly looked sufficient with the breeze which was growing stronger and after the lively Shane Goggin had cut the lead to two, Roy Payne, quiet up to that, sprang into action for Bandon with two late points to give his side a lead of 1-4 to 0-3 at the break.

It was all Ross in the third quarter after James Fitzpatrick and James Walsh had swapped points. With Fitzpatrick and Michael Mennis taking over at midfield and Sean O'Neill, Brian Shanahan and John O'Rourke looking sharp up front, points from Shanahan, sideline, John O'Rourke and Shanahan again closed the gap to a single point.

Eoin O'Donovan, coming more into the game, got one back for Bandon before O'Rourke's goal, from a long ball, in the 45th minute put Rangers in front by a point. It looked good for Ross at that stage but they failed to press home their advantage.

With James Walsh thundering into the game at midfield, well aided by Tom O'Donoghue, Darren Ryan, Jason McCarthy, Darren Crowley and Roy Payne, Bandon hauled themselves back from the brink. Payne, causing lots of problems, levelled the scores and Shanahan shoved Rangers back in front again. Darren Crowley pointed a free to tie the scores for the fourth time and, once again, Ross hit the front with a Fitzpatrick free six minutes from time. Excitement was at a fever pitch now as the play swung from end to end and it was all square again when Eoin O'Donovan pointed.

It looked like another draw and extra-time as the supporters anxiously scanned their watches but Bandon had the bit between their teeth now and surged forward. A close-in free was missed but back they came again and impressive wing back, Jason McCarthy, became the hero of the hour with a great point to put the Lily Whites in front in the 60th minute.

Rangers gave it their all in injury time to save the game and were given one last chance when they won a free, 35m out from goal, slightly to the right. It had to be a draw now, or so we thought, but to the conster-nation of the Ross supporters and the delight of the Bandon contingent, James Fitzpatrick sliced his free kick and Bandon cleared the ball.

The final whistle sounded and Bandon really celebrated a great win, 1-10 to 1-9. They now meet Ilen Rovers in the semifinal, with St. Mary's waiting in the final.

Referee: Pat Lawton, Barryroe.

Scorers - Bandon: Darren Crowley 1-3, 0-2 frees, Roy Payne 0-3, Eoin O'Donovan 0-2, James Walsh 0-1, Jason McCarthy 0-1. Carbery Rangers: Brian Shanahan 0-5, 0-2 frees, 0-1 sideline, John O'Rourke 1-1, James Fitzpatrick 0-2, 0-1 free, Shane Goggin 0-1.

Bandon: Jack Donegan, David Crowley, Michael Minihane, Peter Murphy, Gavin O'Riordan, Darren Ryan, Jason McCarthy, James Walsh, Tom O'Donoghue, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Crowley, Darren Murray, Ronan Crowley, David Kelly, Roy Payne. Subs: Cian O'Mahony, Philip Crowley.

Carbery Rangers: Ronan Milner, Killian O'Riordan, Micheal Kelly, Michael Cussen, Owen Kelly, Michael Mennis, Peter Nagle, James Fitzpatrick, Nicholas Peters, Paudie Ahern, Brian Shanahan, Daniel Kelly, Sean O'Neill, John O'Rourke, Shane Goggin. Sub, Padraig Hicks.
Southern Star 25th April 2009
Bandon 1-17
Randel Og 2-11

Bandons talented second football team accounted for Randall Og in the first round of the West Cork championship last Wednesday night in Enniskeane.

The final score was 3.14 to 2.04 with the half-time score 2.03 to 0.03.

Tomas O'Donoghue and Ronan McCarthy dominated the mid-field area for much of the hour. Goalkeeper Jack Donegan saved a penalty and was ably assisted by Darren Crowley, David Kelly, Darren Murray and Ronan Crowley who contributed all the scores.

It shows the way sport is going when the oldest man on the team was Joe McCarthy at right corner back and still in his mid-twenties he is still some way off being in the veteran category.

Team: J.Donegan, Joe McCarthy, D.Ryan, T.Crowley, M.Muir, M.Minihane, J.McCarthy, T.O'Donoghue, R,McCarthy, D.Murray(0.03), D.Crowley(1.04), D.Kelly(1.03), D.Corcoran, K.Doyle, R.Crowley(1.04).



Kilbrittain 0-12
Bandon 0-08

The minor hurlers were beaten by Kilbrittain in the league in an away fixture on a scoreline of 0.08 to 0.12. Bandon were again misssing several regulars but had to paly second fiddle almost throughout. The side was bolstered however by some very talented young players from the U15 ranks.

Team: S.Murphy, P.O'Leary, E.Sugrue, C.O'Donovan, M.Beecher, P.Murphy, E.O'Mahony, J.Harrington, S.O'Donoghue, J.McSweeney, P.Crowley, J.Crowley, F.O'Leary, S.Lynch, S.Hickey

Subs.: J.O'Leary, R.Long, A.Dullea



Plans are well under way for an open day in the Club on Sunday May 10th to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Hopefully our gates will be open to the local Community and there wil be something for people of all ages. Croke Park has decreed that no games will be played on that Sunday to allow clubs celebrate.



The recently well attended Club Annual General Meeting saw Denis Lucey re-elected as Chairman for another year. Denis welcomed some new as well as some young and not so young blood being added to the Officership ranks.

The personable Jimmy Deasy is the new Club Vice-Chairman, replacing Brian Desmond who gave sterling service over the last couple of years.

Don Desmond takes over from Mick Kelly as Club Secretary and no doubt Don will bring the same commitment and single-mindnedness to his new posting as he brought to the playing pitches over his long and very successful career with the club. Don, prior to his appointment had written his first book, and he has denied that he is considering writing his next publication will be a "no holds barred" book about about out-going Secretary Mick Kelly. Mick did not seek re-election and he can hold his head high, safe in the knowledge that he was one of the best and most efficient in a long line of extremely able Secretaries of the Club.

Anthony Nyhan in an infusion of young blood is the new Club Registrar and is actively seeking membership.

Charles Lucey continues as club Treasurer as does Kathleen Canty in the Pavilion and they are joined by Louise O' Regan.

Noel McNamara continues as Development Officer and given the major undertaking with the pitch this year, his, may be the most important job of all, ably assisted by Brian McCarthy.

Gerald Collins continues as our County Board Representitive.

Donnacha Lehane continues to take responsibility for the Club web-page, and what a tremendous job he is doing.

A big well done to all those who assisted with the two Senior football championship matches which the Club successfully staged this week-end .
Bandon sound a strong warning - JAFC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 18-04-09
Bandon 1-11
St Colum's 0-10

CHAMPIONS, Bandon, sounded a strong warn-ing to all challengers in this first round, junior A football championship game, under lights in rain-swept Castlehaven on Wednesday of last week.

In appalling weather condi-tions, with the rain lashing down throughout the game, they survived an early Colum's surge, and a comeback from the Kealkil side in the third quarter, to emphatically stamp their class on proceedings before the finish.

Over the previous few sea-sons Colum's have really tested Bandon in the championship and were quietly confident of lowering their colours this time out. It looked early on as if they might do just that as they dom-inated the game against the wind and rain. However, all their hard work was undone in the 18th minute when Bandon struck for the only goal of the game, through Ciaran Muir, and a vital goal it proved to be as Colum's never subsequently succeeded in regaining parity.

That goal separated the the break, not a great lead in view of the elements, and when Colum's closed the gap to a single point by the 42nd minute, it did look as if Bandon were s that Colum's could go on to win the game. It was not to be as Bandon upped their game considerably in the last quarter, showing the stuff of champions, and Colum's had no answer to them in the closing stages.

The winners clearly showed that they have no intention of relinquishing their title this season without a fight, as they go for three in a row, and with their passage now safely booked to the third round, they will have time to concentrate on their hurling.

The strength of this Bandon side is that they play as a team, with no super-star, but all contributing to the cause. They also possess a good bench, with a number of subs who have played championship in recent seasons. Experienced Pat Pren-dergast was totally dependable in goal while the half back line of Donagh Lucey, James Walsh and Eoin O'Donovan may not be the biggest on the team but are full of energy and running.

SUPPORT. They are also highly efficient at providing support for the attack and were the mainspring for this victory. James O'Donovan had a fine game at full back while midfielders, James Mil-ner and Kevin Lucey worked very hard against a strong Colum's pairing. Up front, Alan Johnson again led the attack in style from the 40, while young Roy Payne caused all kinds of trouble in the corner. Ciaran Muir and Richard Milner also worked hard.

Colum's must be wondering what they have to do to beat Bandon in the championship but they will have to admit that they were beaten by the better team on this occasion. They battled well throughout the pitch but, again, found the massed Bandon defence too much to overcome. They had the possession but failed to convert it into enough scores to win the game.

Cork player, Alan O'Connor, gave it his all at midfield but could not be every place, while Shane McSweeney and Wesley O'Connor were the pick of a defence that was stretched by Bandon's pace. J.P. O'Sullivan, Brian O'Sullivan and Denis McSweeney tried hard up front but the attack lacked the cutting edge to raise green flags.

Referee, David White of St. Mary's, had little trouble from two teams which concentrated on football on a bad night.

THE PLAY. Despite playing into the wind and driving rain, Colum's had the best of the first quarter, with O'Connor dominating mid-field. Although Ciaran Muir opened the scoring with a Bandon point, it was the Kealkil men who were doing all the pressing. Alan O'Sullivan lev-elled from a free, Alan O'Con-nor put them ahead with a great point on the run, and Denis McSweeney added a free to open a two-point gap by the 13th minute.

Bandon looked out of sorts in the opening exchanges but slowly began to settle and points from Robert Moloney and wing back, Donagh Lucey, had the sides level by the 16th minute. The crucial goal arrived in the 18th minute when Roy Payne, causing problems in the corner, fed Ciaran Muir who buried the ball in the corner of the net for a cracking score.

It was tit-for-tat in the closing minutes of the first half as Alan O'Sullivan, free, and Roy Payne swapped points and then Alan Johnson and Sean O'Shea did likewise to leave a goal between the sides at the break. 1-5 to 0-5.

Colum's must have been happy at half-time, with the wind and rain to their backs in the second half and even though Bandon again struck first with a free from Robert Moloney, Colum's soon took up the attack. J.P. O'Sullivan and Donagh Lucey swapped points but then, three Colum's points in a row from Denis McSweeney, Alan O'Connor and Alan O'Sullivan had the lead down to the bare minimum, 1-7 to 0-9, by the 42nd minute.

This Bandon team is made of stern stuff and just when it seemed their crown might slip from their heads they raised their game again. Roy Payne forced a great save from Micheal Cronin in the Colum's goal with Richard Milner pointing the rebound and it was Bandon two points in front, 1-8 to 0-9, as the game entered the last quarter.

When sub, Mike O'Sullivan, pointed for Colum's the lead was down to the minimum again and the game was up for grabs. Bandon were out of luck when they saw a Donagh Lucey free coming back off the crossbar but sub, David Aherne, pointed the breaking ball in the 55th minute.

There was no holding Bandon in those closing minutes, looking the fitter side and they made the game safe with points from frees from Ciaran Muir and Roy Payne. It finished 1-11 to 0-10 with Colum's now having to contest the losers' group if they hope to advance in the championship while Bandon can be satisfied with a job well done again.

Scorers - Bandon: Ciaran Muir 1-2, 0-1 free, Donagh Lucey 0-2, Robert Moloney 0-2, 0-1 free, Roy Payne 0-2, 0-1 free, Richard Milner 0-1, Alan Johnson 0-1, David Ahern 0-1. St. Colum's: Alan O'Sullivan 0-3 frees, Alan O'Connor 0-2, Denis McSweeney 0-2, 0-1 free, J. P. O'Sullivan 0-1, Mike O'Sullivan 0-1, Sean O'Shea 0-1.

Bandon: Pat Prendergast, Niall O'Connor, James O'Donovan, Kevin Walsh, Eoin O'Donovan, James Walsh, Donagh Lucey, James Milner, Kevin Lucey, Ciaran Muir, Alan Johnson, Robert Moloney, Roy Payne, Richard Milner, John O'Connell. Subs, Mick Quirke, Jason Hickey, David Ahern, Conor Sugrue, David Crowley.

St. Colum's: Micheal Cronin, Shane McSweeney, Sean Harrington, Jason Wycherley, Liam O'Sullivan, Wesley O'Connor, Michael Casey, Alan O'Connor, Shane McCarthy, Stephen Cronin, J. O'Sullivan, Denis McSweeney, Alan O'Sullivan, Brian O'Sullivan, Sean O'Shea. Subs: Gene McCarthy, Mike O'Sullivan, Gerard McCarthy.
Southern Star 18th April 2009
The replay of the West Cork U21 football quarter-final against Carbery Rangers has been fixed for Ballinascarthy on the 22nd April.



Meanwhile the Bandon Junior A footballers stretched their unbeaten record in this championship in a rain and wind-swept Castlehaven last wedenesday night. No fault to the hosts for their excellent facilities however in a game played under lights. The final score in their latest hard fought instalment against St.Colums, who must be sick to death of the sight of Bandon at this stage was 1.10 to 0.09.

In the very difficult conditions Bandon served notice that particularly with the strength of the panel available to them they could be very hard to beat again this year.

The half-time score was 1.05 to 0.05 with a cracking goal by new boy Ciaran Moore the highlight. St. Colums had wind advantage in the second half and despite loads of possession they could not break down the Bandon rear-guard.

Donough Lucey had his best football game for Bandon since his U21 days,and James Walsh was again outstanding it is hard to believe he is still playing U21 football, and they got great support mainly from James O'Donovan, Eoin O'Donovan, Roy Payne and Richard Milner.

Team:P.Prendergast, K.Walsh, J.O'Donovan, N.Connor, D.Lucey(0.02), J.Walsh, E.O'Donovan, K.Lucey, J.Milner, R.Moloney(0.03), A.Johnson, C.Moore(1.02), R.Payne(0.02), R.Milner, J.O'Connell. Subs.: M.Quirke, D.Aherne(0.01), J.Hickey, C.Sugrue, D.Crowley

Well done to new team Coach Denis Hayes, though living in Bandon for well over twenty years this is Denis's first involvement with the Club and we are delighted to have him on board, also to Selectors Jimmy Gabriel and Colm Aherne .



The minor hurlers continued on their winning way against Aghabullogue in the league on a scoreline of 2.10 to 0.09. Bandon were misssing several regulars they recorded their second straight win in the competition

Team: S.Murphy, P.O'Leary, E.Sugrue, C.O'Donovan, C.Swanton, P.Murphy, E.O'Mahony, J.Harrington, S.O'Donoghue, S.Lynch, P.Crowley, J.Crowley, A.Dullea, J.O'Neill, S.Hickey

The evergreen Denis McCarthy and his side-kick Brian McCarthy look after this team .



St. Brogans the under-age arm of Bandon G.A.A. broke with a long term tradition in the Club Pavilion recently. Their 2008 Celebration Day was purposefully moved to Sunday afternoon from it's annual Saturday night slot.

The change was meant to herald "a new beginning", and what a resounding success it proved to be. The brain-child of St. Brogans Michael Beecher who co-ordinated the event, medal presentations to U8, U10, U12, U14,and U16 hurlers and footballers were combined with Player Registrations for 2009, the display of club jerseys, hurleys and merchandise and a general party atmosphere.

Proudly on display were the many trophies won by St. Brogans teams in 2008 in U12, U14,and U16 hurling and football.

Mick Beecher in a hugely impressive St. Brogans Club Profile using a Powerpoint presentation, outlined the aims and aspirations of St. Brogans Club for 2009 and going forward. Mick sketched a brief history of the St. Brogans club and emphasised it's continuing role as an umbrella group of Bandon G.A.A. Club and a feeder of players through to the Adult teams. He also set out in detail the goals and targets of St. Brogans for the future his slogan "much done with much more to do." In his wide ranging contribution he touched on St. Brogans administration, parental involvement, financing and coaching. Most of all he urged parents to become involved in "their club." Mick stressed to the gathering of almost three hundred Bandon people that St. Brogan's is putting increased, and almost exclusive emphasis on enhancing and improving the coaching of all the young players in the club from six years old and upwards. He outlined that the under-age Club is updating all it's Coaches using the best and most scientific new training methods available. It is hoped these Coaches in turn will improve the technique to the young players coming through in the club. He also also stressed that St Brogans Coaches will be putting increased emphasis on targetting the potential hurlers and footballers coming through from the schools in the locality. Mick was congratulated on his excellent Presentation by the Adult Club and it was very universally very well received by the attentive audience. "Mol an oige agus tiocfaidh si" was certainly the predominant theme for the day.

After Mick's presentation medals were then presented to the victorious youngsters by Cork Senior hurler and home grown Bandon talent Darren Crowley. Darren is proving to be a great role model for these young players with his outstanding displays in both hurling and football for Club and County over the last couple of years. Liam Calnan, Dominic Collins, Paddy Murray, Donal O'Donovan, Robert O'Mahony and Anthony Nyhan introduced the various Championship and League winning teams. Pride of place on the day however went to the very successful U14 age group whose hurlers and footballers who won West Cork doubles,league and championship in both codes. The hurlers eventually lost the U14 County Hurling final to Blackrock after a replay. Special presentations were made to the St. Brogans players who represented Cork at inter-county level in 2008, James McSweeney and Padraig O'Leary in U14 hurling, Barry collins U14 football and Peter Murphy for U16 football.

The adult club Vice-Chairman Jimmy Deasy also made a presentation to Darren Crowley. While the under-age enjoyed a barbecue, plaudits must go to the various ladies responsible for the splendid catering provided to all and sundry. All in all a very informative, worthwhile and enjoyable afternoon.
Bandon and Carbery Rangers must meet again after draw - U21FC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 11-04-09
Bandon 1-09
Carbery Rangers 0-12

THERE was just no separating champions Bandon and challengers, Carbery Rangers, in perfect conditions in Balli-nascarthy on Saturday evening last in this cracking under-21 A football quarter-final.

Level at half-time, level at the end of the hour and level again after extra-time, both sides were happy to go home with a draw because at various stages both sides seemed to be heading for victory, or defeat, in this most-entertaining encounter. This game was clearly a case of 'I step out and you step in again, you step out and I step in again.'

Rangers did the early step-ping in, taking the game to the Bandon lads and posting three points on the board. Hero of the hour for the Ross side was Brian Shanahan, who kicked a magnificent nine points of their total, eight from frees.

Ross looked a class side in those early minutes as Shanahan converted two frees and then kicked one from play but Bandon are made of stem stuff and responded well, inspired by Ronan Crowley and Roy Payne up front and by a rampant Tom O'Donoghue and Michael Mini-hane at midfield, where they really came to grips with the early strong challenge of county player, James Fitzpatrick.

Two frees by the classy Payne closed the gap to one before Shanahan closed the first quarter scoring with a free, 0-4 to 0-2. Bandon continued their improvement into the second quarter with James Walsh, Gavin O'Riordan and Darren Ryan showing up well in defence. Points from Payne, Minihane and Ronan Crowley, free, had the champions in front for the first time, with Payne kicking just wide of the goal after being set up by Ronan Crowley. Rangers had the last say of the half when Fitzpatrick levelled the scoring. It was 0-6 each at the break.

There was little between the sides in the early stages of the second half as Brian Shanahan and Ronan Crowley swapped frees but then Ross became to take control. John O'Rourke, out of it in the first half, moved out the field and won a huge amount of ball through sheer hard work, while Fitzpatrick thundered into the fray at mid-field.

The high fielding of Fitzpatrick and Shanahan was a joy to watch and gained a lot of possession for the Rangers. They swept forward in search of scores and were rewarded with points from Shanahan, free, and O'Rourke.

Bandon's cause wasn't helped by kicking some bad wides. It was beginning to look like Rangers' game, two points in front with only four minutes remaining. Then came the score of the game which really turned it on its head when a sweeping Bandon movement, that went the length of the pitch, saw Roy Payne smashing the ball to the Ross net and the Bandon supporters were in high glee, their side a point in front against the run of play with only three minutes left.

In a fine hard-hitting but sporting encounter, we then had the only blow-up of the hour involving players and mentors but order was soon restored and the teams got on with the business of winning the game. It was backs to the wall for Bandon as Ross went in search of an equaliser and Brian Shanahan became the hero when he cooly slotted a free to bring the sides level, 0-9 to 1-6. Two minutes' injury time failed to produce a winner and so it was on to twenty minutes extra tune.

The first half of extra-time was all Bandon, playing some determined football, and they surged into a tree-point lead with scores from Ronan Crow-ley, Roy Payne and Eoin O'Donovan. On the stroke of half-time, Payne blazed a shot across the bows of the Ross goal and wide at the far side. A goal then would surely have finished the game as a contest but let off the hook, back came Ross in the second half of extra time.

HERO. With sub, Brian Hayes, making a big impression and Shanahan and Fitzpatrick taking control of the midfield area, Rangers came looking for the levelling scores. Points from Shanahan, two frees, cut the lead to the minimum and Sean O'Neill, very involved at corner forward, became the new hero when he lofted over the equaliser, amid tremendous excitement.

There was time for one more piece of drama as Bandon were awarded a free, 35m out near the left side line. Eoin O'Donovan took the kick and, agonis-ingly, saw it strike the goal post and drop wide.

It finished, after extra time. Bandon 1-9, Carbery Rangers 0-12, and gives a chance to see it all over again in the replay. Once more the under-21 grade put all others in the shade.

Referee: Sean Nolan, Castle-haven.

Scorers - Bandon: Roy Payne 1-4, 0-2 frees. Ronan Crowley 0-3, 0-2 frees, Eoin O'Donovan 0-1, Michael Minihane 0-1. Carbery Rangers: Brian Shanahan 0-9, 0-8 frees, James Fitz-patrick 0-1, John O'Rourke 0-1, Sean O'Neill 0-1.

Bandon: Jack Donegan, David Crowley, James Walsh, Mark Muir, Gavin O'Riordan, Darren Ryan, Jason McCarthy, Michael Minihane, Tom O'Donoghue, Eoin O'Donovan, Darren Murray, Roy Payne, Cian O'Mahony, Darren Crow-ley, Ronan Crowley. Subs: Peter Murphy, David Kelly, Philip Crowley and Darren Murray.

Carbery Rangers: Ronan Milner, Killian O'Riordan, Micheal Kelly, Michael Cussen, Owen Kelly, Paudie Hodnett, Peter Nagle, James Fitzpatrick, Nicholas Peters, John O'Rourke, Brian Shanahan, Kieran Fitzpatrick, Sean O'Neill, Shane Goggin, Danny Kelly. Subs: Padraig Hickey, Brian Hayes.
Southern Star 11th April 2009
Bandon 1-09
Carbery Rangers 0-12 aet

Bandon had a somewhat lucky escape in their U21 West Cork championship quarter-final against Carbery Rangers on Saturday night in Ballinascarthy.

The final score was 1.09 to 0.12 with Carbery Rangers getting both equalisers at the death of normal time and extra time.

While Bandon could and probably should have won the game in extra-time it would have been rough justice on their opponents who dominated most of the match itself. Carbery Rangers probably would have won but for a brilliant goal from Roy Payne with ten minutes to go, in what was easily Bandon's best move of the match.

Bandon's cause was not helped by the concession of twenty six frees to Ross's eleven over the eighty minutes of game time.This includes conceding an incredible fourteen frees in a row in the second half of normal time.

James Walsh and Roy Payne were outstanding for Bandon and best supported by David Crowley, Jason McCarthy and Eoin O' Donovan.

CARBERY RANGERS: R Milner; C O'Riordan, M Kelly, M Cussen; E Kelly, P Hodnett, P Nagle; N Peters, J Fitzpatrick; J O'Rourke, B Shanahan, K Fitzpatrick; S Goggin, D Kelly, S O'Neill. Subs: P Hicks, B Hayes.

BANDON: J Dpnegan; David Crowley, J Walsh, M Muir; G O'Riordan, D Ryan, J McCarthy; T O'Donoghue, M Mini hane; E O'Donovan, D Murray, R Payne; C O'Mahony, Darren Crowley, R Crowley. Subs: D Kelly, P Murphy, P Crowley, D Murray.

Referee: Sean Nolan, (Castlehaven).



The Bandon Minor hurlers beat Ballincollig in the Carbery Muskerry minor hurling league on a scoreline of 3.23 to 1.04.

Best were Stephen Lynch who scored 0.11 at full-forward and Mark Sugrue who contributed 1.04,also Joe Harrington, Philip Murphy and Philip Crowley.

Team :S.Murphy,R.Long.E.Sugrue,C.O'Donovan,E.O'Mahony,P.Murphy,C.Swanton,C.O'Donoghue(0.01),J.Harrington(0.03), M.Sugrue(1.04),P.Crowley(0.02),J.crowley,S.Hickey(1.01),S.Lynch(0.11)F.O'Leary(1.01)
Extra time fails to separate sides - U21FC - Derry Farr - Evening Echo 06-04-09
Bandon 1-09
Carbery Rangers 0-12 aet

BANDON, the defending champions, were pushed to the limit in this drawn Saturday evening South West U21 AFC quarter-final game at Ballinascarthy, writes DERRY FARR.

It went to extra time where the holders built up a three-point advantage only for Rangers to bounce back in the second period leaving Sean O'Neill to send over the equalising point to end a rip roaring contest.

Roy Payne was the holder's top scorer in the opening half of normal time where Brian Shanahan kicked most of the Rangers scores that helped them go in level, on five points apiece, at half-time.

After the break the lads from Ross slowly eased ahead and were two points to the good with time running out.

Then the woodwork de-prived them of a score and from the resultant down field break Roy Payne served up a brilliant goal to put the hold-ers ahead.

Then almost three minutes into injury time Brian Shanahan kicked over a pressure point to send the game into extra time where Bandon were first to gain control.

Points from Ronan Crowley, Roy Payne and Eoin O'Donovan left Bandon 1-9 to 0-9 clear as the teams changed sides for the last time. Once more the pendulum was to swing as Rangers finished with a flourish that was topped off with the equalising Sean O'Neill point that makes for another meeting which causes serious headaches for the GPC.

CARBERY RANGERS: R Milner; C O'Riordan, M Kelly, M Cussen; E Kelly, P Hodnett, P Nagle; N Peters, J Fitzpatrick; J O'Rourke, B Shanahan, K Fitzpatrick; S Goggin, D Kelly, S O'Neill. Subs: P Hicks, B Hayes.

BANDON: J Dpnegan; David Crowley, J Walsh, M Muir; G O'Riordan, D Ryan, J McCarthy; T O'Donoghue, M Mini hane; E O'Donovan, D Murray, R Payne; C O'Mahony, Darren Crowley, R Crowley. Subs: D Kelly, P Murphy, P Crowley, D Murray.

Referee: Sean Nolan, (Castlehaven).
Southern Star Notes 04-04-09
Bandon U21 footbllers play their West Cork championship quarter-final against Carbery Rangers on Saturday night.

The game is fixed for Ballinascarthy and promises to be another stern test of Bandon's championship credentials.

In a surprise fixture the Bandon Junior A footballers will open their championship account against St. Colums on Wednesday night next April 8th in Castlehaven under lights.

If Bandon or Colums don't play their next championship game until late June or July this will indeed be the West Cork championship "gone mad". It is worth remembering that last years West Cork Junior A football final was played in early September with a subsequent five week break to await the Muskerry representatives in the County championship.

If necessary extra-time will be played in both games.

The Bandon Junior A hurlers played two games over the last week losing to Barryroe and drawing with Clonakilty. The score in the Barryroe game was 1.07 to 3.04 with the concession of soft goals proving Bandons downfall.

Team :P.Prendergast,I.McCarthy,C.Moloney,T.Canniffe,J.Harrington,K.Doyle,J.McCarthy,D.Lehane,K.Walsh,K.Lucey, F.O'Sullivan,J.Milner,A.Nyhan,N.Geary,D.Corcoran.

Against Clonakilty the final score was 1.09 to 1.09 with Bandon leading at half time by 1.06 to 0.08.

Team :S.Murphy,I.McCarthy,C.Moloney,R.Wilmot,J.Harrington,K.Doyle,C.Dullea,D.Lehane,K.Walsh,K.Lucey,F.O'Sullivan J.McCarthy,A.Nyhan,R.Moloney,D.Corcoran. Subs. :D.Burke,B.Hurley,J.Dullea,J.Burke,T.Canniffe

The Bandon Intermediate hurlers made the trip to Aghada worthwhile in the Intermediate hurling league defeating their hosts 3.19 to 2.18 in a great game of hurling played under lights.

The half-time score was 2.09 to 0.07.

Team: E.Duggan,E.O'Donovan,T.Bambury,G.O'Riordan,K.Hurley,D.Ryan,J.Burke,N.O'Rourke,D.Lucey,D.Crowley,A.Johnson, J.Hickey,R.Payne,D.Burke,D.O'Donoghue Subs. :B.Hurley,J.McCarthy
Champions Bandon take their scores - U21WCFC - Cois Farraige - Southern Star 21-03-09
Bandon 1-09
Clonakilty 0-06

REIGNING U21A football champions, Bandon, safely negotiated the opening round of this year's championship when they proved too accurate and too pacy for challengers, Clonakilty, under lights in Aughaville on Saturday last.

There was little between the teams in actual terms of play but whereas Clonakilty kicked a number of wides in both halves, Bandon made full use of their chances and grabbed the only goal, a vital score in the 54th minute.

Overall Bandon fully deserved this win. They were better-balanced than the Clon lads and showed much greater pace, especially in attack. They also possessed the best footballer on the pitch in the person of Roy Payne and Clon had no forward to match him. His scores in the second half were the winning of the game. In contrast Clon only scored twice from play and even their freetaking was faulty in the third quarter. This was a cracking game of football, played at breakneck speed and, even though numerous mistakes were made, the entertainment value was topclass.

There was little between the sides in the opening quarter, but it was obvious that Bandon's pace, especially in breaking forward, was causing Clon trouble. Clon's innate football abilities compensated for their lack of speed and it was score for score in the opening quarter. With young minor Michael Minihane dominating midfield early on, Bandon had the opening point from Darren Crowley, who fought a great duel with Clon full back, Mark Sheehy. Clon were back on level terms with a free from Ciaran Calnan before Roy Payne showed his hand when racing through only to kick wide.

Bandon hit a good patch with points from Payne and elusive wing forward, Eoin O'Donovan, but back came Clon to level with a free from Calnan and an opportunist white flag from Barry O'Mahony. The pace was ferocious as the game entered the second quarter and it was Bandon who grabbed the initiative with points from Roy Payne, Eoin O'Donovan and Gavin Riordan, to lead by 0-6 to 0-3 at the break.

Clon put in a determined rally after the break with Mark Sheehy, Thomas Clancy, Danny Fitzpatrick, Eugene McCarthy, Ciaran Calnan and Ger McCarthy prominent, but their inability to score from play and frees proved their downfall and they raised only one white flag from a Calnan free. Having weathered the storm and with James Walsh, Gavin O'Riordan, Tomas O'Donoghue, Roy Payne, Darren Crowley and sub, Cian O'Mahony to the fore, they showed Clon how it was done with three points in five minutes. Michael Minihane first and then it was Payne's game as he erupted on the scene with two great points.

Clon had a mountain to climb now and try as they might they just couldn't break down the tough Bandon defence. They were lucky when Darren Crowley blazed wide across the goal after a great solo effort, following which Calnan pointed another Clon free to cut the lead to four points again.

Whatever chance Clon had was finally scuppered in the 54th minute when Roy Payne took a return pass to bury the ball in the Clon net and even though Tomas O'Donoghue got his inarching orders a minute later for a second yellow card, all Clon could muster was a Ger O'Donovan point. Final score was 1-9 to 0-6, with the winners advancing to a semi-final meeting with the winners of Bantry and Carbery Rangers.

Scorers Bandon: Roy Payne 1-4, Eoin O'Donovan 0-2, Michael Minihane 0-1, Darren Crowley 0-1, Gavin O'Riordan 0-1.

Clonakilty: Ciaran Calnan 0-4 frees, Barry O'Mahony, Ger O'Donovan 0-1.

Bandon: J Donegan; A Tobin, J Walsh, David Crowley; G O'Riordan, D Ryan, J McCarthy; T O'Donoghue, M Minihane; E O'Donovan, D Murray, D Kelly; R Payne, Darren Crowley, R Crowley. Subs: M Muir, C O'Mahony, P Crowley, P Murphy.

Clonakilty: J O'Brien; T Clancy, M Sheeny, G Twohig; Hayes, D Fitzpatrick, S O'Connell; L Cahill, C Cullinane, A Murphy, G O'Donovan, G McCarthy, B O'Mahony. Subs: L White, J Cullinane, C O'Sullivan, G Lehane.

Referee: Donal Shorten, St Mary's.
Bandon defend title with good win - U21WCFC - Derry Farr - County Section 17-03-09
Bandon 1-09
Clonakilty 0-06

BANDON were impressive winners against Clonakilty in the first defence of their South West U21 AFC campaign at Aughaville under lights on Saturday evening. Physically stronger, the defending champions still had to work hard against a youthful Clonakilty, who were in with a chance until the winner's clocked up the only goal of the game, in the 54th minute.

Roy Payne was the man who did the damage, when he first timed the ball to the net to put daylight between the teams, in a contest where Bandon had Payne and Eoin O'Donovan twice on target each in the opening half, while Ciaran Cullinane scored twice for the losers, who trailed by three points at the break.

The early stages of the closing half belonged to Clon who had only a point, from Cullinane, to show for their efforts, and it wasn't enough. Bandon also struggled until a Michael Minihane point restarted their surge in the 42nd minute. Further points flowed, from Darren Crowley and Darren Murray, before Payne netted to put them out of reach and into the next round.

Scorers Bandon: Roy Payne 1-4, Eoin O'Donovan 0-2, Michael Minihane 0-1, Darren Crowley 0-1, Gavin O'Riordan 0-1.

Clonakilty: Ciaran Calnan 0-4 frees, Barry O'Mahony, Ger O'Donovan 0-1.

Bandon: J Donegan; A Tobin, J Walsh, David Crowley; G O'Riordan, D Ryan, J McCarthy; T O'Donoghue, M Minihane; E O'Donovan, D Murray, D Kelly; R Payne, Darren Crowley, R Crowley. Subs: M Muir, C O'Mahony, P Crowley, P Murphy.

Clonakilty: J O'Brien; T Clancy, M Sheeny, G Twohig; Hayes, D Fitzpatrick, S O'Connell; L Cahill, C Cullinane, A Murphy, G O'Donovan, G McCarthy, B O'Mahony. Subs: L White, J Cullinane, C O'Sullivan, G Lehane.

Referee: Donal Shorten, St Mary's.