Footballers take part in Munster U12 Fun Blitz in Páirc Uí Chaoimh

The U12 footballers had a great trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday, July 25^th for the Munster U12 Fun Blitz. They had games against Ballyporeen of Tipperary, Spa of Killarney, Eire Óg and Canovee. Afterwards the lads got to meet Cork county star Paddy Kelly and they were taken on a tour of the Páirc Uí Chaoimh dressing rooms and gym. Players who travelled were Matthew Harley, Daniel Downey, Billy Foley, Ayrton Doyle, Mel Deasy, David O’Sullivan, James Crowley, Charlie Lavin, Shane Crowley, Shane Buckley, Liam Deasy, James O’Shea, Cillian Ó Crulai, Luke O’Shaughnessy, Shane Murray, Kevin Clifford and all played.

On Saturday evening last Blues U14 footballers came away from Skibbereen with a win but struggled for much of the game to stay in touch. O’Donovan Rossa had knocked over four points before Daniel Murray opened Bantry’s account. Jack O’Neill, Dylan Carthy (F), Patrick Casey and Daniel Murray (F) tacked on points without reply but Skibbereen hit 1-1 to put them back in front. Pointed frees from each team left the halftime score O’Donovan Rossa 1-06, Bantry Blues 0-06.

The home team scored 1-03 to a single point from Daniel Murray in the opening period of the second half to take an eight point lead. However Bantry upped a gear and a goal from Shane McSweeney and two points from Patrick Casey and substitute Savo Dragos narrowed the gap. Blues continued to push and when they were awarded a penalty Daniel Murray dispatched it to the net. A goal from play minutes later from the same player levelled matters at 3-09 apiece. The sides exchanged points before James Lavin put Blues into the lead with a goal and when Ronan O’Mahony clipped over another two points it left the final score Bantry Blues 4-12, O’Donovan Rossa 3-11.

Team: Barry O’Sullivan, Kevin Coakley, Gavin Cronin, Sean Thornton, Robyn McCarthy, Eoghan O’Shea, James Lavin (1-0), Jack McCarthy, Ronan O’Mahony (0-2), Aiden O’Sullivan, Daniel Murray (2-4), Shane McSweeney (1-0), Dylan Carthy (0-2,F), Patrick Casey (0-2), Jack O’Neill (0-1). Savo Dragos (0-1), Russell Barry, Eoghan Minihane.

The U13 football league home fixture between Bantry and O’Donovan Rossa was played in Skibbereen on Monday evening last due to pitch maintenance in Wolfe Tone Park. Blues won by the narrowest of margins but looked rusty as they had not played for a few weeks and this was reflected in their kicking for scores throughout the game. Team captain Dylan Carthy and midfield partner Eoghan Minihane won a lot of possession the first half and Blues had lots of scoring chances. Points from Eoghan Minihane, Shane McSweeney, Liam De La Cour, Dylan Carthy and free taker Matthew Barry put Bantry into a half time lead of nine points to three. Blues were well on top for the opening period of the second half and Dylan Carthy goaled to put his side further in front. However O’Donovan Rossa were always dangerous in attack and stayed in the game. In the last ten minutes they scored 1-02 to come within a point of Bantry but with great defensive work the Blues held on to win. Final score Bantry Blues 1-15, O’Donovan Rossa 3-08.

Best for Bantry were Kevin Coakley, Shane McSweeney, Dylan Carthy, Liam De La Coeur and Matthew Barry was on top form with his free taking. Man of the match for Bantry was Eric Dowling who put in a great performance at wing back throughout the game.

Team: Sean O'Regan, Michael Hanley, Kevin Coakley, Jack Maguire, Eric Dowling, Liam De La Cour (0-1), Eoin Black, Eoghan Minihane (0-1), Dylan Carthy (1-4,2F), Liam Coakley, Shane McSweeney (0-4), Billy Foley (0-1), Sean Downey, Matthew Barry (0-4,3F), Shane Murray. Subs David Clifford, Liam Clifford, Tom O’Regan, David O Sullivan, Dean Horgan, Ronan Shiels

U14 Hurlers brave bid for West Cork ends in Skibbereen

Having led up to until seven minutes from the end, Blues U14 hurlers lost their West Cork final replay to Argideen Rangers in an intense contest in Skibbereen on Saturday last.

The exchanges were close from the throw in and Bantry appeared to be on top going into a two point lead from placed balls by James Lavin. The sides exchanged points with Bantry’s scores coming from another James Lavin free and one from play by Barry O’Sullivan. Argideen pointed from play to make the tally four points apiece but Bantry took the lead again when Tom Daly shot to the net. Rangers replied with a point but James Lavin cancelled this with another pointed free. When Argideen’s free-taker pointed his third of the first period to leave the half-time score Blues 1-05, Rangers 0-06, Bantry looked to be fully deserving of their lead.

From the restart the boys in blue continued to attack and when Daniel Murray was fouled in possession James Lavin put over the free. Tom Daly put Bantry four points ahead with a well taken score and at this stage Blues were looking good. However Argideen got back in the game, scoring the next four points, two from frees to level the match. Substitute Billy Foley shot Blues back into the lead but then disaster struck for Bantry. A long ball dropped into the Blues goalmouth and was deflected to the net. Rangers were lifted by this and went on to score the final three points of the game to close it out. In the final period Bantry pushed hard for the goal they needed, but the Timoleague defence held firm. In a game that had many talking points and was not without some controversy, the final score stood: Argideen Rangers 1-13, Bantry Blues 1-08.     

Although they lost this game Bantry had heroes all over. Every player was outstanding in their effort and workrate but special mention must go to Ronan O’Mahony who was immense. He dominated his man throughout and was covered every blade of grass over the hour. In the full back line Tadhg McCarthy was excellent as was his partner Robyn McCarthy. The half backs Dylan Carthy, James Lavin and Sean Thornton worked tirelessly and when Patrick Casey came into this line as a sub in the second half he made an impact. Jack McCarthy at midfield gave everything and all of the forwards ran themselves into the ground. Bantry can hold their heads high after this game and great credit is due to the entire squad for their attitude and work in training to get to this stage of the championship.

Team: Shane Murray, Tadhg McCarthy, Robyn McCarthy, Dylan Carthy, James Lavin (0-5,F), Sean Thornton, Ronan O’Mahony, Jack McCarthy, Daniel Murray, Shane McSweeney, Barry O’Sullivan (0-1), Tom Daly (1-1). Subs used: Billy Foley (0-1), Aiden O’Sullivan, Patrick Casey. Subs: Sean Cronin, Eoin Minihane, Matthew Barry, James McGlinchey, Mike Hanley, David O’Sullivan.

Blues minor hurlers progressed to semi-final stage of the championship with a good win over Kilbree on Monday night last in Dunmanway.

On a damp and misty evening first blood went to Bantry when Gerald O’Sullivan finished to the net when the ball broke in the Kilbree square. In difficult conditions scores were hard to come by and at half time the Blues led by 1-02 to 0-03, Bantry’s scores coming from Jack Hanley and a pointed free from Tim Foley.

Blues got the first break of the second half when a long free from Tim Foley went straight to the net. Further points from Anthony Hanley and Seánie O’Leary put some daylight between the teams. Kilbree had a brief resurgence when they scored three points without reply but Bantry went on to score the next six to win by 2-10 to 0-06.

Team: Cathal McCarthy, Joseph Murphy, James Foley, Colm James, Owen Lynch, Jimmy O’Leary, Noel O’Flynn, Seánie O’Leary, Jack McCarthy, Tim Foley (1-5,F’s), Gerald O’Sullivan (1-0), Gary Hurley (0-1), Jack Hanley (0-1)( John Lavin), Anthony Hanley (0-2), Shane McCarthy (0-1). Subs: Stephen Hanley, Shane Keevers, Owen Flynn.

In the minor football championship Bantry Blues lost to Bothar Buí by 15 points to 2-07 after extra time in Macroom on Wednesday, July 18^th. Missing members of the U21 squad on the evening they have a second chance as they now go into the “back door” draw.  

U14 Hurlers draw in thrilling West Cork final

Bantry’s U14 hurlers finished all square with Argideen Rangers in a thrilling West Cork final played in Skibbereen on Sunday evening last.

From the throw-in Blues were up for this and were two up with points from Barry O’Sullivan before Rangers got going. The Timoleague lads pushed hard for a goal, forcing two great saves from Shane Murray before they hit the net. Argideen followed up with a point before James Lavin steadied the ship for the Blues with converted 65. Ronan O’Mahony levelled matters with a pointed free but Rangers edged ahead with a point from play before the break.

Bantry needed a good start to the second half but it was Timoleague who pushed on to score 1-03 without reply and things were looking bleak for Bantry at this stage. James Lavin reduced the deficit with his second 65 and Bantry began press forward. Substitute Tom Daly finished to the net and suddenly there was a goal in it. Rangers got a point from play but Bantry’s second substitute Billy Foley was on hand to get Blues second goal. The game was at fever pitch at this stage as Timoleague put over another point. With time running out James Lavin dropped a long free into the area and Billy Foley got a touch on the sliotar to get the goal Blues needed to put them ahead by the minimum. Now it was Rangers turn to chase the equaliser and it came in the shape of 65 just before the final whistle.

Final score: Bantry Blues 3-05, Argideen Rangers 2-08.

In a game where no-one deserved to lose perhaps the draw was the fairest result and all who were there will look forward to the replay on Saturday next at 2.00.

Team: Shane Murray, Tadgh McCarthy, Robyn McCarthy, Gary Butler, James Lavin (0-2, 65’s), Sean Thornton, Ronan O’Mahony (0-1,F), Aiden O’Sullivan, Daniel Murray, Jack McCarthy, Barry O’Sullivan, Shane McSweeney. Subs: Tom Daly (1-0), Billy Foley (2-0). Sean Cronin, Eoin Minihane, Ronan Shiels, James McGlinchey, Matthew Barry, Kevin Coakley, Patrick Casey, Mike Hanley, Eric Dowling.  

On the previous Tuesday evening the U16 hurlers had a big win over Kilmacabea in the championship. They led by 2-9 to a goal at half time with John Lavin scoring 1-03, Tim Foley 1-1, Sean O’Leary 0-3 and Anthony Hanley and Shane McCarthy with a point apiece. Bantry emptied the bench in the second half and went on to record a 5-14 to 1-3 win over a Kilmacabea side who battled to the end but were up against a very strong Blues side.

Team: Cathal McCarthy, Killian O’Sullivan, Tim Cronin, Paddy O’Shea, Eoin Lynch, Owen O’Flynn, Sean O’Leary (0-3,1F, 1-65), Sean Hodnett, Tim Foley (2-4, 3F), Shane McCarthy (0-2),  Anthony Hanley (2-2), John Lavin (1-3). Subs: Shane Keevers, Kieran Hanley, Arthur Coakley, Stephen Hanley, James Lavin.

Monday evening last saw the visit of Clonakilty U16 footballers to Wolfe Tone Park for their league fixture. Blues were very sluggish in the opening half and were 0-9 to 1-3 behind at the interval, a Daniel Murphy goal just before the break keeping them in the game. They showed much more commitment in the second half and turned things around to run out 3-09 to 0-12 winners. Scorers: Daniel Murphy 2-1, Tim Foley 0-3,2F, Mark Keohane 1-0, Shane McCarthy 0-2, Arthur Coakley 0-1, Sean O’Leary 0-1.

U13 hurlers lose out to last minute Gabriels goal

Bantry Blues U13 hurlers lost by a single point in their game against Gabriel Og in Wolfe Tone Park on Monday evening last when the Ballydehob boys hit a last minute goal to take the league points.

Bantry had a healthy lead of 2-02 to 0-04 at half time, Owen Minihane and Tom Flynn the goalscorers. Billy Foley with a pointed free and one from play by Dylan Carthy had put the Blues ahead by double scores at the break. From the restart Gabriel’s upped their challenge and the exchanges were even between the teams. Dylan Carthy netted for Bantry and Billy Foley put over another free but with ten minutes to go the visitors had levelled matters on a scoreline of 3-03 to 2-06. Shane McSweeney looked to have done enough for a Blues win when he hit two great points from play but Gabriel’s continued to press. Goalkeeper Shane Murray made two great saves with time nearly up but was finally beaten at the death to give Gabriel Og the win by the narrowest of margins.

Final score: Bantry Blues 3-05, Gabriel Og 3-06.  Neither team could be faulted for lack of effort and this exciting contest was enjoyed by all who watched.

Team: Shane Murray, David O’Sullivan, Shane Buckley, Mike Hanley, Liam De La Cour, Dylan Carthy, Shane McSweeney, Billy Foley, Owen Minihane, Tom Flynn, Matthew Barry, Liam Coakley, James McGlinchey, Ronan Shiels.

On Sunday evening next the U14 hurlers play Argideen Rangers in the West Cork Final at 7.30 in Skibbereen. Please come out and support this team in their quest to bring home the cup.                 

U12 Hurlers Do Well Against Skib.

The U12 hurlers of O’Donovan Rossa were our guests for the league fixture played on Saturday morning last. This turned out to be a game with lots of goals with both teams preferring to shoot low and make the goalkeepers work. Nine goals were scored in the first half with Bantry ahead by 6-02 to Skibbereen’s 3-03 at the break. James Crowley hit three goals for the Blues, Luke O’Shaughnessy netted two, Tom Flynn scored 1-01 with Billy Foleys point making up the total for the half.

Bantry continued their scoring ways in the second half with James Crowley again ahead in the scoring stakes, hitting another 2-01 in the period. The Blues operated a rolling substitution system throughout the match to give everyone as much gametime as possible. The other scorers in the second half were Shane Crowley with a goal, Billy Foley hit one and James Buckley also found the net.

Bantry were comfortable winners but great credit must go to the hurlers of O’Donovan Rossa who kept going right to the end, scoring three goals in the second half. Among the lads who stood out for the Blues were David O’Sullivan, James O’Shea, Shane Crowley, Matthew Harley and Oisin Bennett but on a day when eighteen players fielded for Bantry there was lots of skill and determination shown by all. Final score: Bantry Blues 11-03, O’Donovan Rossa 6-03.

Bantry Blues: Conor O’Shea, Luke O’Shaughnessy, Thomas Flynn, Patrick Barry, Charlie Lavin, Paddy O’Neill, Matthew Harley, Michael Cronin, James Crowley, Shane Crowley, James Buckley, Cillian Crowley, Greg Cotter, Oisin Bennett, David O’Sullivan, Billy Foley, Shane Buckley, James O’Shea.