Bandon goals key to denying Tones U-15s a county title

Bandon 3-13 Wolfe Tones 3-6

A STORMING spell in the first half of extra-time paved the way for Bandon to overcome Wolfe Tones in a thrilling Rebel Óg Co. U15 ‘A’ FC Final in Macroom.

The battling traits of both sided surfaced to a contest that held quality performances and excitement to it in abundance. However, a masterly display of finishing by Bandon full forward Daithí Collis proved the difference, his two goals in the first period of extra time helped sway matters thus allowing Bandon complete a county final double in both hurling and football.

Bandon had dominated the opening half through the workrate of Tim Twohig, Cian Burke, Tom Desmond, Cathal Lynch and Charlie Long. The West Cork boys kicked four consecutive points before Tones settled into the proceedings.

As the game developed, the Kanturk and Lismire combination grew into the contest and a penalty converted by Sam Hopkins cut the leeway 0-5 to 1-1 at the break. At times, both sides were left to bemoan wasted opportunities before points from Wilson and Fionn Harrington saw Bandon maintain a narrow hand.

Still Tones remained gritty and determined, guided by the play of Tommy Walsh, Brian O’Sullivan, Eamon Hayes and Colin Walsh. And a great move involving Tommy and Alan Walsh allowed Dylan O’Connor net to switch the lead.

The sides swapped points for parity to ensure terrific excitement during the closing exchanges. Tones appeared to land a matchwinner after O’Sullivan halted a Bandon attack and moved in support to regain the ball and point.

Back came Bandon, Long pointed a free to claim deadlock 0-11 to 2-5 at the end of the hour. Into extra time, Bandon restarted with a flourish, Dollis and Lynch pointed prior to an all important goal, Gavin Lowney saw his effort well saved by Tones ‘keeper Niall Breen only for Collis to pounce on the rebound and net.

And Bandon appeared to be into seat once Collis netted again to stretch their position 2-13 to 2-6 at the break. Tones attempted a recovery, Tommy Walsh netted to keep their hopes

Millstreet v Mitchelstown, Churchtown 5pm flickering.

Crucially Bandon saw their task to a successful conclusion culminating on a late Wilson goal.

BANDON: O Doyle; O O’Mahony, T Twohig, R O’Mahony; C Burke, C Twomey, T Desmond; C Lynch (0-2), N Desmond (01); G Lowney, C Long (1-5), F Harrington (0-1); J Lillis (0-1), D Collis (2-2), B Twohig (0-1). Subs: R Murphy, L Quinlan.

WOLFE TONES: N Breen; O O’Connor, E McAuliffe, B Healy; E Hayes, T Walsh (1-1), J O’Connor; B O’Sullivan (0-1), A Walsh (01); D Grey, D O’Connor (1-0), C O’Sullivan, C Carroll, C Walsh, S Hopkins (1-3). Subs: J Sheahan, R Cashman, C Vaughan.