Bantry Blues minor footballers made the short journey out the road to take on our near parish neighbour's St Colums in what was a do or die for both teams. Such was the competitive nature of the group a win could see you top the group and a loss could see you finish bottom. With a lot of emotion and friendly banter occurring after the hosts had knocked the blues out in last year's championship, and members of both sets of panels playing hurling together for Cill Mochomog this fixture had been circled in the calendar along way out. The hosts were to hit the ground running from the start with the Blues cautiously finding their way into the game. St Colums took a 4 point to no score lead but then Bantry got off the mark from the impressive Dara Sheedy. Both teams traded points with Bantry's effort coming from Oisin Murphy. Then the game kicked in to action with St Colums attacking a goal seemed on but the crossbar absorbed the shot and the blues broke down field with a pass from Billy Sheehan to Oisin sent him in on goal for his shot to hit the crossbar but Ronan Keenan was on hand with the rebound to find the net. This score sprung Bantry to life and with wing back Chris Cronin attacking and getting on the score sheet and midfielder Eli Reynolds threading in some lovely passes to the full forward line, Dara Sheedy was able to time his runs to perfection and Bantry were able to tack on a few more scores to finish the half level. A great response after the original slow start.
The second half continued as first had finished with emotions at fever pitch, none more so than on the side lines. The game was turning into a real dog fight around the middle with whatever team was able to garner possession the break was on. Nip and tuck, score for score continued until Bantry started to believe this game was there for them, Eli crept forward to kick a huge score sandwiched with a flurry of unbelievable points from Dara Sheedy. Bantry were heading for the finish line when St Colums got in for a goal to make it a nervy finish. As it turned out the only ones nervous were on the sideline as the players showed tremendous heart and desire to ensure this day they were not going to be defeated. Throughout the game blocks from, James Murphy, Oran O Connell, Odhran Crowley, interceptions from Paddy Russell, Patrick Harrington, a huge defensive catch from Jack Manning, high fielding from Chris Cronin, the hard running from Oisin Murphy, Eoin Bowden, Billy Sheehan, Ronan Keenan, the selfless work from Shay o Donovan, Darragh Dullea, Ryan O Boy, and to ensure all the hard graft would result in something tangible, Dara Sheedy was the class apart up front. Gave an exhibition of point scoring. Every player introduced made a telling contribution which we knew would be required and with more days out these players can drive it on now and give the management headaches to worry about around selection.
Next up is a home semi final on the 11th Sept vs Tadhg Na nGael.
Bantry Blues Sponsored by OKeeffes Supervalu Bantry
