Football Minor County League Semi Final
Bandon 3-10
Ballygarven 2-08

This very entertaining County Minor Football league semi-final was played on Sunday morning on a remarkably good Ballygarvan pitch.

The home side looked by far the more likely winners of this game for more than forty minutes. Now where have we read that script before?

The home team appeared to be very up for their clash with the newly crowned County champions. They were also much stronger than they were when Bandon accounted for them in the championship semi-final and they had Bandon on the back foot for almost two-thirds of the game.There was however a very strong wind which favoured Bandon in the second half.

Bandon's half back line were struggling big time,, and our mid-field and half-forwards were unable to win enough primary possession. All the in-roads were being made by the home team. Assisted by that wind Ballygarvan led at half time 1.01 to 1.07.

Bandon were able to reduce the deficit to two points mid-way through the second half but then conceded a lazy penalty and Ballygarvan were suddenly looking quite comfortable again five points to the good.

Two very good saves in the closing stages from Ciaran McCarthy in goal awoke Bandon from their slumber and we charged to the finish line leaving Ballygarvan in their wake.

When last weeks County winners put on the after burners from there to the finsh they added 2.04 without reply. Full forward Adam Murphy was un-markable in that second half comeback when he kicked and made some great scores. He was a real handful in the first half too but had to come too far outfield for possession.

Fifteen year old Gavin O' Connell had a great game against much bigger and more physical opponents and he kicked two fine points.

David Behan is developing into a real leader, surging forward from the back line and he never gives up.

Eoin O' Sullivan kept it together in mid-field particularly in the second half ably assisted by Timmy McCarthy. Bandon's struggles around the middle illustrate how important team Captain Joe O' Mahony is to the team. He had to line out at full-back and while he more than acquitted himself playing there, his football, strength and pace were sorely missed out the pitch.

Mark O' Regan led the forward line very well at number eleven and kicked some good frees to keep Bandon in touch.

Gearoid Collins had his best game of the year, took his goal very well and was a real handful throughout , while Brian O' Connell also caught the eye.

Six weeks ago Joe, Timmy and some others had never won a medal at Club level with Bandon in any grade. They will now leave the Minor ranks with winners medals at West Cork Minor and Junior A level and a West Cork Minor football league, to be added to County Junior A, and Minor Football championship medals. They also have a County league final to play. There are currently three Minor trophies located in that proud O' Mahony household. The stuff of dreams.

Well done lads, ye're perseverence is an example to the entire Club and shows what sticking with it, single mindedness and hard work can achieve.

Team: Ciaran McCarthy, Aaron Byrnes, Joe O ' Mahony capt., Kieran Walsh, Jordan Fenton, David Behan, Eoin Hurley, Timmy McCarthy, Eoin O' Sullivan, Gavin O ' Connell, Mark O ' Regan, Eoin Nolan, Colm Minihane, Adam Murphy, Gearoid Collins.

Subs. : Brian O' Connell

Don't forget to give your support to the Bandon team on Saturday at 02.00 p.m in Clonakilty for the Munster Semi-Final against a fancied Templenoe team from Kerry.