2000 Notes

September - Declan Barron (Jnr) wins a Minor All-Ireland with Cork.

August - Bantry Blues Seniors get knocked out by Nemo Rangers after a repaly in the Cork Senior C'Ship.

BANTRY BLUES GAA NOTES from the Southern Star- 21st July 2000.

BANTRY Blues minor football star Declan Barron was a member of the Cork team which beat Kerry in the Munster final at Limerick on Sunday last. He scored a vital point from play at a crucial time of the game. This looks to be a very good Cork team. They should be difficult to beat. Last week, Gerard Hegarty of Bantry Blues played centre back on the Carbery U 16 football team which lost to Imokilly in the Cork county championship. On this Thursday evening in Cork he plays in the trials to select the Cork U 16 inter-county football team for the upcoming Munster championships. There are five Carbery players involved in the trials. On Wednesday 12th Bantry's senior footballers travelled to Castlehaven to take on the home team in the Kelleher Shield. In a close, sporting game, both teams had to settle for a draw, 1-13 to 0-16.

It is expected that Naomh Aban, Ballyvourney will play the Blues in their final game of the Kelleher Shield at Wolfe Tone Park, this week. Up to the time of writing, the day or the time were not finalised. Enquire locally for confirmation. Winter-like conditions did not deter U 14 hurlers of Bantry Blues and St. Colum's from providing a very entertaining championship encounter at Wolfe Tome Park, Bantry on last Friday night. Urged on by their very vocal supporters, both teams gave of their best. The Blues team had superior strength down the middle and availed of most of their first half chances and were leading by a comfortable margin, 5-1 to 1-1 at half time. The second half was more evenly contested and St. Colum's scored some great points. However, the Blues defence stood firm and the forwards scored some wonderful goals to maintain their dominance.

Bantry ran out winners by a comfortable margin at the end. Panel: D. Hurley, B. O'Donovan, M. O'Sullivan, K. Hourihane, P. O'Leary, K. Harrington, K. Barrett, K. Mulcahy, G. Carroll, S. O'Donovan, S. Murphy, J. Lynch, J. O'Sullivan, D. Sheehan, S. Egan, P. J. Kellacorn, A. Harrington. football

On Saturday last an excellent football blitz took place at Wolfe Tone Park, organised by Bantry Blues under age chairman, Henry Deane who was complimented for his excellent work. At U 10 grade, four teams took part, Bantry Blues, Castletownbere, Sam Maguires and Kenmare. Kenmare and Sam Maguires contested the final and Kenmare were victorious Player of the Tournament at U 10 was Christopher O'Sullivan, Kenmare. At U 12 grade, four teams competed, Bantry Blues, Castletownbere, Sam Maguires and Ilen Rovers.

Bantry Blues and Sam Maguires contested the final and the Blues were worthy winners of the Denis O'Kelly perpetual cup on the score 4-2 to 2-5. Shane Drummy was voted U 12 Player of the Tournament for his consistent, outstanding displays in all the games, especially in the final where he contributed three goals of the Bantry total.

Winning panel: Brian O'Sullivan, Muiris Buttimer, Pat Daly, Stephen Coughlan, Shane O'Brien, Patrick Delaney, Stephen Minihane, Paul Drummy, Stephen Kelly, Michael O'Sullivan, Shane O'Neill, John Connolly, Michael Hickey, Shane Drummy, Joseph Downey. Subs. Danny O'Sullivan, Paula McCarthy, Christine Power, Sinead Barry, Evan Duke, Kieran Desmond, Danny O'Sullivan, P. O'Leary.

The chairman, Henry Deane, thanked everybody, teams, mentors and those who helped make the blitz so successful. He also said a special thanks to the O'Kelly family, Bantry who presented the Denis O'Kelly perpetual trophy. Denis O'Kelly, an outstanding member of the Bantry Blues club for many years, passed away some time ago.

A Summer camp will take place in Wolfe Tone Park from Tuesday, August 8 to Saturday 12th from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. each day. Age group is from five to thirteen years. Those who wish to participate should ring H. Deane at 027/50864 or the club secretary, 027/52003.

The club lotto jackpot of £3,800 was not won on July 17. Consolation prizes to Kira Hill, 3 Market St.; Jim Sweeney, c/o Pat Joy; Christine Murray, Ballylickey; Tony O'Driscoll, Caheragh; Sean and Ross Casey, Newtown, Bantry. The new jackpot will be £4,000 on July 31 at Vickery's Inn.

14th of July 2000. BANTRY BLUES GAA - ON July 5, Bantry Blues' minor footballers played hosts to Kilmacabea in the league. The pitch had some excess water after a prolonged downpour. However both teams gave of their best in a very sporting game which finished in a draw, 1-11 each. The Blues could have won this game as they were four points clear in the second half and were on top at this stage. Kilmacabea never gave up and fought their way back to force a draw at the finish. Bantry: Alex Hamilton, Cathal Dullea, Ted Hurley, D. J. Murray, Cian Cronin, John Harrington, Mark Cronin, Martin Coppinger, Niall Canty, Ben Whooley 1-3; Brian Harrington 0-2; Gerard Hegarty, Ryan O'Neill 0-1; Mark Hunt 0-1; Alan White 0-4. Sub. Darren Clifford.

On July 6, at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, Cork minor footballers defeated Clare in the Munster semi-final, 1-12 to 3-5. Blues player, Declan Barron, was introduced as a sub. and contributed one point to the Cork tally. This young player has a lot of football in him and it has been remarked that Cork must have a very good team if he is on the bench. However, this may change for the Munster final game.

Bantry U 12 hurlers played a number of games in the past few weeks. First up was a league game and a visit to Kealkil, where Colum Og proved too strong for a young Bantry team, short a number of regulars. An away game at Kilmeen ended in a draw. The Drummy brothers, Shane and Paul, were the scoring forwards for Bantry. The visit to Timoleague came the following week and an entertaining game ended in a victory for the home team. Then came the championship encounter and a return visit to Kealkil.

Yet again Colum Og came out on top, despite a strong second half performance by the Bantry team. This is a very young, inexperienced Bantry side and it will take time and a lot of practice before results can be expected. It is hoped that the handball alley will be made available during the off season where the young players can learn the co-ordination and skills which are very much part and parcel of hurling. Team mentors Mark Foley and John Cronin are delighted with the effort and enthusiasm of all players involved. From little acorns great oaks grow.

Panel: Davis Power, Donagh O'Sullivan, Cathal Abbott, Conor Hennessy, Shane O'Neill, Stephen Coughlan, Paul Drummy, Paddy O'Sullivan, Danny O'Sullivan, Stephen Allen, Sean Burke, Patrick Delaney, Pat Daly, Paul White, Vincent Barry, Michael O'Sullivan, Joe Downey, Ciaran Cronin, Kieran Desmond, Don O'Sullivan, Dan O'Leary, Killian McCarthy, Bill Enright, John Connolly, Garret Murphy, Rory Deane, Brian O'Sullivan.

The Bantry Blues U 14 hurlers travelled to a sunny and windswept Ardfield for their last league game of the season the previous week. With the luxury of an almost full panel, which was welcomed by the Bantry mentors and playing with the wind in the first half, the Blues got off to a good start, scoring 1-1 without reply early in the half. After that they found it difficult to score and at half time the score was Blues 1-1, Ardfield 0-1. However, on the resumption, the Blues piled on the pressure and after a lot of near misses, were rewarded with two great goals. Ardfield scored four points and the final score read Bantry 3-1, Ardfield 0-5. This was a very good win for the young Bantry team.

Panel: D. Hurley, K. Hourihan, M. O'Sullivan, B. O'Donovan, G. Carroll, K. Harrington, K. Mulcahy, K. Barrett, L. Lynch, S. O'Donovan, S. Murphy, J. O'Sullivan, P. O'Driscoll, A. Harrington. D. Sheehan, P. Skellacorn. As a result of winning six of their seven games played so far in the league, Bantry have now qualified for the league play-offs. The first round of the championship against St. Colum's will be played at Wolfe Tone Park on Friday, July 14 at 7.30 p.m. The mentors and team are hoping that parents and supporters will turn out in support of this talented team. On Saturday next at 11am, Bantry under age committee is running a football blitz at Wolfe Tone Park. The under 12 football blitz is for the Denis Kelly Perpetual Cup. Four competing teams are Bantry, Sam Maguires, Kenmare and Castletownbere. The under 10 football teams are also Bantry, Sam Maguires, Kemare and Castletownbere.

7th of July - BANTRY BLUES GAA - At Wolfe Tone Park last weekend, Bantry Blues under 16 footballers played host to Castlehaven in the league. The game was played in very difficult weather conditions. The heavy rain, though unpleasant for the spectators, did not deter players from both sides from giving a great account of themselves under very trying conditions. The Blues were victors on the score of 5-10 to 4-8 for the 'Haven and have now tasted victory after a couple of narrow defeats. They look to be a team with potential.

Centre forward Mark Connelly scored a total of four goals in this game which was an outstanding achievement. He has already scored three goals in a previous game recently. He will be quite a handful for any centre back in future games. Team: A Power, Gerald O'Donovan, D.J. Murray, Brian Keohane, Sean O'Mahony, Mark Cronin, Alex Hamilton, Gerard O'Shea, Mark Hunt, Pádraig Sheehan, Mark Connolly, Keith Cotter, donagh Hurley, Joseph McCarthy, Seamus O'Donovan, and sub, Paul O'Shea. Last week, Bantry under 14 hurlers played two games, Skibbereen, away, and Kilmeen, at home.

At Skibbereen, the Blues togged out missing a lot of regular players due to injuries, holidays and some players, who for unforeseen reasons, were missing. With so many players of the original lineout in other games not present, the team never settled, looked uncomfortable for most of the game. However, the Blues played well in the last quarter and came away with a good won on a score of 2-1 to 1-1. Panel: D. Hurley, B. O'Donovan, K. Mulcahy, K. Hourihan, P. O'Leary, K. Harrington, K. Barrett, captain, S. O'Donovan, L. Lynch, G. Carroll, D. Sheehan, J. O'Sullivan, A. Harrington and P. Skellacorn.

On Friday night, June 30, the team played their last home game against Kilmeen. Again the Blues were understrength. Bantry were first to score and were never headed after this. They scored a total of 3-1 in the first half and added a further 2-3 to their total before the end. Bantry were very strong down the middle of the park and excellent goalkeeping by Kevin Barrett, captain, in the second half kept Kilmeen at bay. Panel: D. Hurley, B. O'Donovan, K. Barrett, captain, K. Hourihan, P. O'Leary, K. Harrington, G. Carroll, K. Mulcahy, L. Lynch, S. O'Donovan, P. Skellacorn, J. O'Sullivan, A. Harrington, D. Sheehan, P. O'Driscoll. The under 14 hurling team's last league game of the season is away to Ardfield on Friday, July 7. First round of the championship, against St. Colum's, is coming up in the near future. The Blues have already qualified for the league play-off and now the mentors and players are looking forward to the challenge ahead in the championship. Only players who turn up for training and league games will be considered for selection for the championship. Mentors are Tony O'Donovan, Brian Harrington and Derry Minehane.

The club lotto jackpot of £3,600 was not won. Numbers drawn on July 3 were 1, 2, 6 and 10. Consolation prizes were won by Geraldine Burke, Filekilla, Glenlough; Christine McCarthy, Blackrock Road; Kathleen McCarthy, Rock House; Ciara Twomey, 4 Town Lots, and Marian Browne, c/o Jean Barron. Next jackpot will be £3,800, on July 17, at Tobaireen Bar.

June 30 2000 BLUES GAA - On this Thursday night, 29th, 'Bantry Blues' take on Castlehaven at U16 football. This should be a very entertaining game. Venue, Wolfe Tone Park, at 8 p.m. One of the 'Blues' U16 footballers, Gerard Hegarty, Ardnageehy, son of James and Mary, has been selected to play on the Carbery U16 football team at centre back, which is a great honour for the young player. The 'Blues' U14 hurlers played four games during the month of June. They began with a home game against St. Gabriels. They played a very forceful game, took their scores well and came out on top against a very spirited St. Gabriels side.

They played their second game against Timoleague (away). Despite their best efforts the 'Blues' had to give best to a very skilful Timoleague side on the score 4-7 to 2-5. The third game was again against Ahiohill. This game is remembered for the impossible weather conditions. Standing at the centre of the pitch both goal posts were not visible due to severe fog. However with a slight improvement in the conditions both teams braved the elements and took to their task. The Bantry team emerged as victors in very trying conditions. (The appointed referee did not arrive as this game was taken on by one of the local club members, who did an excellent job).

The fourth game was at Wolfe Tone Park on the 24th, against near neighbours St. Colums. Again the nominated referee did not arrive and the task was taken up by a St. Colum's official who was very fair and efficient. As expected with local rivalry involved, both teams took to their task with determination and vigour and no little skill. At the end of a very entertaining game, Bantry's superior strength throughout was a major factor in a comprehensive home victory for the "Blues". The team have now won three of their four games to date and this is very encouraging for both players and mentors.

Panel of players, P. Skellicorn, A. Harrington, S. Sheehan, S. Egan, S. Hurley, B. O'Donovan, M. O'Sullivan, K. Hourihan, S. O'Donovan, K. Harrington, K. Mulcahy, K. Barrett, capt.; S. Murphy, L. Lynch, P. O'Leary, J. O'Sullivan, G. Carroll. Team mentors, T. Donovan, Jerry Minihane and Brian Harrington. The 'Blues' minor footballers had a very convincing win at home last week-end over Ilen Rovers. This looks a promising team who played very skilful and direct football under the able management of Fineen O'Sullivan and Paddy Minihane.

Bantry senior footballers played O'Donovan Rossa in the Kelleher Shield. Though five points ahead midway through the second half they succumbed to a late rally by Skibb. Score, Skibb 2-11, 'Blues' 2-9. The club lotto draw takes place next Monday night at 'An Glinic' for a jackpot of £3,600.

June 23 2000 BANTRY BLUES GAA - On Thursday evening last, 15th, at Wolfe Tone Park, Bantry, the Blues senior footballers played host to Clonakilty in the Kelleher Shield. Clon had won the previous encounter convincingly a couple of months back in Clonakilty. On this occasion, Bantry Blues were the victors on a score of 3-12 to 2-8. Bantry, short a number of their regular players, worked very hard, but two lapses in concentration in their defence, one in each half, proved costly and yielded two goals for Clon, which could have been prevented.

However, this was a very good display by the home team who are improving with every game. They scored three great goals and the points total was also encouraging. One source of worry for the Bantry mentors may be that the Blues, when ahead in the last quarter of a couple of games to date, seem to sit back on their lead as if the job was done. They take the foot off the pedal and this will cost them if the matter is not rectified by the team in future games. The 'man of the match' in last week's game was Paul O'Rourke, who scored a wonderful 1-5 from play. This was the player's best game for Bantry this year.

Timmy O'Mahony, Eric Sheehan, Steve Moloney and Gerdi Barry played well in the back line, both Damien O'Neill and Stephen Dineen dominated midfield, while Paul O'Rourke, Jeremy Canty, Deccie O'Shea and Donal O'Shea were the best of the Bantry forwards.

Team and scorers: Des McAuley, Timmy O'Mahony, Colman Keohane, Eamon McCarthy, Eric Sheehan, Steve Moloney, Gerdi Barry, Damien O'Neill, Stephen Dineen, Paul O'Rourke 1-5, Jeremy Canty 0-2, Donal McGrath 0-1, Donal O'Shea 1-0, Deccie O'Shea 1-1, and Padraig Hurley 0-2. Subs, M. Lynch, Alan Farrelly 0-1, John O'Shea and John Harrington.

Under 12 Following two great wins recently, the Bantry Blues under 12 footballers took on Skibbereen last Saturday morning. After beating Castletownbere and Clonakilty convincingly in their last two games, the tide turned against Bantry on this occasion and they lost to Skibb by 3-5 to 2-4. The next game is next Saturday, 24th, at Wolfe Tone Park against Dohenys, at 11 a.m.

Team: David Power, Tim O'Brien, Donagh O'Sullivan, Jason Coughlan, Tadg Downey, Killian McCarthy, Mark Delaney, Aidan Harrington, Killian McCarthy, Mark Delaney, Aidan Harrington, Killian Crowley, Shane Edgeworth, Ruirí Deane, Dan O'Leary, Adrian Hanrahan, Shane Casey, David McGrath, Michael O'Donoghue.

Bantry under 14 footballers played their last league game in Castletownbere against the locals recently. On a wet, miserable evening, both teams played a very close and entertaining game of football. Bantry began well, playing good, direct football and set up some good scores. They maintained the pressure for the first half and led by 0-9 to 0-8 at half time. The second half saw Castletownbere take the game to the Blues and scored some points without reply. A goal by Bantry was quickly followed b another from Castletownbere.

Then the game entered a crucial final period with the home team holding on for a win. In goal, Danny Murray had his best game so far and made some great saves. His full back line of Pádraig O'Driscoll, David Keohane and Kenneth Deane did well under pressure. The half backs, John O'Sullivan, Kevin Mulcahy and Liam Lynch had a good first half, but were under a lot of pressure in the second half. against Centrefielders Kevin Harrington and Brian Keohane (both back from injury) played well in the first half, but their lack of fitness through injury told against them in the second half. However, as this was their first game in some time, they did very well. The half forwards Brian Andrews, Roy Minehane and Donagh Hurley were always dangerous and willing to attack their opponents. The full forward line of Aidan Mullins, Seamus O'Donovan and Shane Drummy was always dangerous when given the right service. The league is now over and this young team has learned well from its games and looks forward to the championship later in the summer.

The Bantry GAA Lotto jackpot of £3,400 was not won in Monday night's draw. Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 3 and 13. New jackpot figure is £3,600 and draw will take place on Monday, July 3, at the Clinic Bar. Consolation prizewinners on Monday last were, Tom Dennehy, Bridge Street; John Foley, Garda Síochána, Bantry; B. Twomey, Scart Road; Sean Connolly, Cahernacrin, and Megan McCarthy, c/o Bantry Bay Hotel.

Bantry News Bantry Blues senior football star Damien O'Neill was awarded the 'Celtic Ross West Cork Sports Personality Award' for the month of April. It is a fitting and well deserved recognition of his two great football displays against the Dohenys in their recent championship clashes.

Dáithi O'Connell, Dromleigh and Donal Fitzgerald, Gurteenroe, were thanked for their very fitting contributions to the programme for the Cork v. Mayo senior football challenge recently at Wolfe Tone Park, Bantry. Dáithi, an old and vintage Blues supporter over the years, supplied the very historical and informative article 'A look at Bantry Blues' - a history of the GAA in Bantry which dated back to 1913. On the same programme, a very educational and precise history of "Bantry and Bantry Bay", was penned by local historian Donal Fitzgerald, (Bantry Historical Society). Donal, an avid 'Blues' fan over the years, spends much of his time collecting information about the history, heritage and culture of his beloved Bantry.

Numbers drawn were 2, 6, 10 and 18 (no jackpot winner). Consolation prizes: £50 Frank O'Mahony, Ards; £20, Sean Casey, Junior, Newtown; £10, Sean Casey, Kealkil; Kathleen Tessyman, Newtown East; Annette O'Donovan, c/o West Lodge Hotel. The new jackpot figure is £3,200 and the draw is on Tuesday June 6, 2000 at the 'Snug Bar', Wolfe Tone Square.

At Drimoleague on Monday night last, Bantry's under 12 footballers took on Dohenys in the semi-final of the West Cork football championship. Although they made their exit, there is a lot to be proud of in this very young but talented Blues team. They never gave up the fight, but finally had to succumb to a bigger, stronger Dohenys team on the score of 4-8 to 1-11. Michael Hickey, the Blues right corner forward hit the Dohenys crossbar twice with shots in the second half. Shane Drummy also saw his great shot rebound off the crossbar with the 'keeper beaten, also in the second half when Bantry had taken the initiative. Prior to this, at the beginning of the second half, Shane O'Neill had scored a great goal to bring the sides level at 1-4 each. Fortune, however, did not smile on the Blues forwards on this occasion. If those shots had gone in, Bantry would probably have shaded it, as they were getting the upper hand at this stage, playing with great skill and heart. This Bantry team, though some are small in stature, showed great skill and will to win. They can hold their heads up.

Team Danny O'Sullivan, Pat Daly, Chris Harrington, Stephen Coughlan, Kevin O'Brien, Stephen Kelly, Shane O'Brien, Shane Drummy 0-2, Patrick Delany 0-2, John Connolly 0-2, Killian Crowley 0-2, Michael O'Sullivan 0-1, Michael Hickey, Paul Drummy and Shane O'Neill 1-2. Sub: Brian O'Sullivan.

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