Bantry Blues U16 footballers made the long
trip to Blarney on Sunday last for their
league semi final fixture against the home team. While they were slow to get
going, they kicked a couple of points and were back in the game after the first
quarter. With Eoin Lynch and Tim Cronin impressive at the back and Seánie
O’Leary leading with his imposing strength at midfield, Bantry looked to have
gained control. However, a defensive error led to the concession of a soft goal
just before half time which set them back, and they found themselves behind by
1-02 to 3 points at the break.
They now had a battle on their hands as
scores were proving hard to come by for both teams. Mark Keohane in the goals
was commanding and did not make a single mistake. Tim Foley kicked three great
points from midfield and up front Anthony Hanley and Shane McCarthy led the
line well. The biggest cheer of the day was when Arthur Coakley fired a goal
with ten minutes to go. Blarney had penalty
appeals waved away towards the end but Bantry carried the day on a scoreline of
1-08 to 1-05.
They now await the winners of Glanmire and
Valley Rovers and the final is due to be played on December 8th.
Team: Mark Keohane, Owen O’Flynn, Eoin
Lynch, Kieran Hanley, Brian Murphy, Tim Cronin, Killian O’Sullivan, Seán
O’Leary, Tim Foley (0-3F), Anthony Hanley (0-2), Shane McCarthy (0-2), Shane
Keevers, Aaron Barry, Brian Murphy, Arthur Coakley (1-01)
Subs (all used) Nicholas O’Sullivan, Paddy
O’Shea, Michael Healy, Sean Hodnett.
The U16 hurlers play Banteer next weekend
in the County League Final, venue and time yet to be announced.