Bantry Blues U16 footballers were crowned County League
champions when they overcame Valley Rovers by a scoreline of 3-09 to 0-09 in
the final played at Clonakilty on Sunday last.
Conditions were perfect at throw-in time
and Valley Rovers had a point on the board within a minute. Tim Foley equalised
and Bantry then enjoyed a fruitful period to go 3-1 ahead with further points
from Daniel Murphy and Shane McCarthy. Rovers looked to be getting on top when
they scored the next three points to take the lead again but Blues rallied and Shane
McCarthy finished a great run with a pass to Daniel Murphy who dispatched to
the net. Valley converted a free to reduce Blues lead but Tim Cronin, playing a
captains part from centre back ran at Rovers defence to pass to Mark Keohane
who slotted another point. The game was in the balance at this stage but as
half time approached, midfielder Tim Foley tore through the Valley Rovers
defence to drive a rasping shot to the net and put Blues five in front. Half
time score, 2-04 to 5 points.
Rovers were first off the mark from the
restart with a point but this was cancelled out by a fine score from Seán
O’Leary. Tim Foley followed up with a point from the narrowest of angles when
he shot from the left and the ball went over off the far post. Valley Rovers pointed
from a free but the Bantry defence had closed up shop with Eoin Lynch solid at
full back and Tim Cronin patrolling the half back line. Blues gradually put the
game beyond reach as Tim Foley hit two more points and Antony Hanley notched
one. As Rovers came looking for the goals they needed they won a free which was
scored, but Bantry finished in style when Daniel Murphy shot to the net after
his first shot rebounded to him off the post. Valley Rovers got the last score
of the game with another free but it was Bantry’s day as they finished the game
three goals in front at the final whistle.
This victory was just rewards for manager
Arthur Coakley and his team who have put in so much work in this year. All over
the field Blues stood up and were counted with a stout display of defending and
great link work from the forwards to carry the day. Goalkeeper Michael Casey was
sure and controlled his area well. Midfielders Seán O’Leary and man-of-the
match Tim Foley were everywhere and all the forwards worked well as a unit with
all the scores coming from play. Captain Tim Cronin thanked the team sponsors
Biggs Super Valu, the team trainers and his team mates in his speech and paid
tribute the gallant losers
Valley Rovers.
Team: Michael Casey, Owen O’Flynn, Eoin
Lynch, Sean Hodnett, Kieran Hanley, Tim Cronin (capt.), Brian Murphy, Tim Foley
(1-4), Seán O’Leary (0-1), Shane McCarthy (0-1), Mark Keohane (0-1), Anthony
Hanley (0-1), Darren Cronin(replaced by Shane Keevers after an early injury),
Daniel Murphy (2-1), Arthur Coakley. Subs: Killian O’Sullivan, John Lavin,
Nicholas O’Sullivan, Paddy O’Shea, Aaron Barry, Michael Healy.