Banteer celebrate after banishing 11 years in the dark
LOCALS COME OUT IN FORCE TO CELEBRATE HISTORIC HURING WIN
ROARS of approval and chants of delight saluted a new destination for the John Joe Brosnan Memorial Cup this winter after Banteer folk celebrated a terrific win in the Duhallow Junior A Hurling Championship Final last Saturday.
The picturesque square outside Banteer Church turned red and white, and fortunately the winds from the weekend subsided for a time to acknowledge a historic Banteer victory in a side captained by Richard O’Connor.
Earlier in the day, Banteer had upset the form book to upstage defending holders Kilbrin in Newmarket, paying little heed to the outsider tag to claim the silverware for the first time since 2006.
On hand to add to the atmosphere were Millstreet Pipe Band leading a victory parade to an official reception.
A large attendance heard plaudits from Banteer hurling chairman and team goalkeeper Kevin Roche, team manager Noel Kearney, county development officer Richard Murphy and Fr. William Winter in a ceremony compered by John Joe Roche.
Masterminding the triumph behind the scenes was team coach Eoin O’Mahony, who also extended plaudits to his charges.
“It’s a tremendous win, the attitude was perfect on the day and there was a positive sense in the village all week. Kilbrin are an outstanding side, we prepared very well on this occasion, the lads are fantastic warriors and they kept the scoreboard ticking over,” he said.
“The past week was all about the village, rightly acknowledging a great win eleven years on from the previous triumph”, said Eoin.
Far from finished, the Banteer squad returned to the training ground earlier this week in preparation for a county engagement in the opening round against Brian Dillons on Friday night.
“Brian Dillons are a formidable side, a bit unlucky in the city final but if we give 110% we’ve a great chance of progressing”, said Eoin.