BANTEER GOES DUCK CRAZY

DUCK RACE FUNDRAISER IN AID OF BANTEER COMMUNITY SPORTSFIELD

FAVOURABLE weather greeted the annual Banteer Duck Race for its traditional August Bank Holiday Monday staging.

That allowed families convene on the banks of the Glen river to support the Banteer Community Sportsfield Ltd inn its ongoing development of the Sportsfield and Pondfield area. The project started 18 years ago with in excess of €1m spent on a series of phases. Over the past year work completed includes the upgrade of pitches, outdoor gym and tarring of walks.

Spokesperson Denis Withers says the amenities are a worthy investment for the needs of the people of Banteer and surrounding areas.

“Over the years, a number of project incoroporated a childrens’s playground area, extended walks, dressingrooms, toilets for the public and disabled, better spectator viewing and access. The adjacent and scenic Pondfield is equally an impressive development and is at the centre of favourable comment for its central pond with landscaping, pathways, seating, fishing stands and lighting”, he said.

“Thanks to the support from the draw and grants from IRD Duhallow, the Department of Sports and Cork County Council, all work during the past year is complete with no debt”.

“Over the past 50 years Banteer Sportsfield has been the venue for many an important GAA match and sports meeting. The name of Banteer is synomonous with sports meetings which were held in Banteer from as early as May 1886, when the inaugural sports meeting was held”, said Mr Withers.

Recent rains ensured a decent flow on the Glen River thus adding to the excitement of the hosting and it made for an exciting afternoon.

Winners included €250, Raymond Walsh, Nadd; €100, Calum O’Shaughnessy, Lyre; €20 each to Trevor Twohig, Elle Buckley, Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Daniel Curtin(Meelin), Conor Óg O’Keeffe and Martin Murphy, Killarney.

Special thanks were extended to landowner Seamus O’ Keeffe for use of the venue and IRD Duhallow for cleaning river bank in time for the duck race.

Photo by John Tarrant Paul Moynihan and Luke O’Sulivan Collins from Meelin enjoyed a perfect view at the Banteer Duck Race.

FAR LEFT: Tom O’Keeffe brought his duck to the Banteer Duck Race.

Photos by John Tarrant LEFT: Eileen, Trisha and Una Twohig joined by Debbie, Liam and Shane O’Connor at the Banteer Duck Race.

The adjudicating panel await the early finishers in the Banteer Duck Race.

RIGHT: Mary Cahill got an elevated view.

John O’Shaughnessy coming to terms with flying ducks!

Darragh McHugh and his grandad Dermot.