West Cork Final Match report

A day to savour for Bantry hurling

THIRTY years is a long time to wait for a junior hurling championship cup when back in 1982 you had the likes of Conway, Collins, Barron and O’Sullivan just naming a few of that team who brought back championship glory to Bantry, but last Saturday that drought was ended with a team blended of veterans and youth against a bogey team for the Blues over recent years, Randal Óg.

The Bantry Blues team celebrate after defeating Randal Óg in the Kinetica Junior B Hurling Championship Final at Newcestown.

In a sunset Newcestown pitch the Blues were behind by four points at half-time on a score of 0-7 to 0-3. Shane O’Neill with a brace and Ruairí Deane struck the Blues points.

The second half saw a big transformation however as the Blues added 1-6 to their tally without any reply from their opponents inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half. The Blues then added a further 1-4 to their opponents tally of two points to enable the Blues emerge triumphant on a score of Bantry Blues 2-13, Randal Óg 0-10.

The Blues boasted a team of heroes. John Connolly lorded his goal very well and his puck-outs were very effective. Experienced duo Gerdie Barry and Joe O’Donnell kept good composure in the defence whilst Kevin Harrington excelled at full back.

Connie O’Leary and Jack McCarthy lorded the midfield slots while Declan Barron, Shane O’Neill and Ruairí Deane were the main point scorers. The Blues’ goals came from another veteran former Eire Óg man Killian Sheehan.

Bantry hurling appears to have a bright future with the youthful Jimmy O’Leary, Colm James, Gary Hurley and Stephen Coughlan all playing memorable roles in this victory.

Bantry Blues 2-13 Randal Og 0-10

Big boost for hurling in Bantry

After a hesitant start, Bantry Blues eventually settled into their stride and scored a comprehensive victory over Randal Óg in the SW Kinetica Junior B Hurling Championship Final at Newcestown on Saturday.

Bantry Blues’ Shane O’Neill cuts inside Randal Og’s Kieran O’Brien in the Kinetica Junior B Hurling Championship Final at Newcestown on Saturday. (Photo: Paddy Feen)

It was a great boost for the promotion of hurling in Bantry, a club that this year celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Playing with a strong breeze, Randals led at the break by 0-7 to 0-3, but they wasted quite a few chances in that period and could have had a bigger cushion at the break.

Blues upped the tempo considerably on the resumption and in a purple patch between the 32nd and 43rd minutes when they shot an unanswered 1-6; they effectively put the game to bed.

As the second half wore on, Blues pulled away and got stronger and stronger and were comfortable at the end. The final score was Bantry Blues 2-13, Randal Óg 0-10.

For comprehensive reports, post-match reaction and photographs from the SW Kinetica Junior B Hurling Championship Final see this Thursday’s Southern Star.

West Cork Junior B Hurling Champions

Bantry Blues 2-13 Randal Og 0-10

West Cork Junior B Hurling champions, Congratulations to Joe and all the lads. Match report to follow...

Bantry Blues 3-7 Killbrittan 2-8

Bantry Blues booked their place in their first junior B  West Cork Hurling Final in many a year with a hard fought win over Killbrittan in this semi final replay.
They were helped on their way with a brace of goals from Ruairi Deane, who shook off the effects of his 21st the week previous!, and with another goal from the impressive Stephen "CROUCH" Coughlan.
Outstanding, also for the blues were Joe Murphy, Jimmy O' Leary and Connie O' Leary.
The final takes place on the 29th of September in Newcestown at 3pm. Please come out and support this young team in their quest for some silverware

Bantry Blues 1-11 Killbrittan 1-11