1928

The South-West Junior A Hurling Championship of 1928 was divided into two sections, East and West, because of travelling difficulties.

 

East Section Final 

Kilbrittain 3-3   Belgooly 0-2 

June 24^th  in Bandon

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G.A.A.

SOUTH-WEST CORK HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

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FINAL  -  EASTERN SECTION

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KILBRITTAIN v BELGOOLY

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      The above match was played on Sunday in Bandon, in the presence of a large crowd. Prior to the game, the local Pipers’ Band gave selections, and played the two teams onto the pitch. 

      Belgooly won the toss and elected to play with a slight wind in their favour towards the town goal. Kilbrittain attacked immediately, and were beaten off. Even play was then the order, and Belgooly came away on a raiding mission, but could not beat Kilbrittain’s first line of backs. Mulhall, at centre field, kept his team attacking persistently, and eventually O’Hea got in to raise the green flag. Almost immediately Crowley scored a great point. Belgooly got under the puck-out and forced a seventy, but nothing resulted. They kept up the pressure, and eventually Donovan scored a fine point. Kilbrittain went away, Mulhall doubling the puck-out, and Nolan sent over the cross-bar. Belgooly came away and had beaten all the backs, when Barrett, the Kilbrittain custodian, left his place and cleared to the left wing. Donoghue returned to his forwards and after a great tussle, an over resulted. With play at midfield, half time came with the score –

KILBRITTAIN – 1 goal 2 points.

BELGOOLY – 1 point.

      On resuming, Kilbrittain attacked, but had to retreat quickly, and were called upon to defend. P. Roche made a fine clearance and sent to his brother John on the left wing. The latter shot from far out and just missed by inches. Kilbrittain were pressing very much now, but could not beat A. Cronin. Donoghue was playing excellently at mid-field, and was spoiling Mulhall’s long drives. Belgooly went away but were held up by F. Roche and J. Barrett. Keeping up the pressure, they succeeded in getting through, but the custodian again saved and cleared to the left wing. At this stage the play was very even, both sides attacking in turn, and eventually Belgooly raised a white flag per Coleman, this being the first score in the second half. Mulhall had to retire owing to an injured knee, and C. Harrington took his place. Kilbrittain attacked immediately and E. O’Hea registered a second major. Kilbrittain were now leading by 2 goals 2 points, and the game appeared to be safe. Mulhall was missed from centre field, and Donoghue getting the ball in the air, transferred same to the goalmouth. A fierce struggle ensued, and eventually J. Barrett cleared, but was called upon to defend almost immediately. A goal seemed certain for Belgooly, but the forwards missed their chance, and P. Roche cleared to his brother once more, the latter shooting a great point from far out on the left wing. Full time came with the leather at mid-field. Result –

KILBRITTAIN – 3 goals 3 points.

BELGOOLY – 2 points.

Teams –

       Kilbrittain – James Barrett (capt..), Ed. Barrett (goal), John Roche, Pat Roche, Eugene O’Hea, Dl. O’Hea, David O’Hea, John Coughlan, Nicholas Mulhall, William Nolan, Con Crowley, Tim Murphy, Ml. Ryan, Jer. Ahern, John Barrett. Subs, Con Harrington, Joe Mccarthy, John Cummins.

       Belgooly -  Chris Bogue (capt..), A. Cronin (goal), John Cronin, John Donovan, Ml. Donovan, Ml. Dwyer, Con Dwyer, Tim O’Connell, Mce. Hayes, Donal Harrington, Thos. Cronin, Tim Buckley, Ml. Donoghue, Ml. O’Mahony, Mce. Walsh. Subs, Jer Coleman, Andrew Coleman, Ml. Buckley.

      Mr. Edmund Murphy, Bandon, refereed. 

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West Section Final

Skibbereen 4-2   Bantry 0-1  

July 22^nd in Dunmanway

 

 

SKIBBEREEN  -  4 goals 2 points.

BANTRY  -  1 point.

      The G.A.A.in West Cork touched the high places in Dunmanway on Sunday when the hurling final for the area was played off between Skibbereen and Bantry. The crowd was the largest that has attended any athletic fixture this season in the Carberies; and the display staged by the players was the best value for a tanner that could be obtained in Ireland today. The thrills were there in plenty and back of it all was sportsmanship that was altogether admirable.

      Skibbereen were altogether the better team in the first half; just the same they were real lucky to get away with the lead of 3 goals 2 points. To balance matters somewhat Bantry had them beaten good-looking for the first fifteen minutes of the second half, only they could not finish.  We have seen Bantry pull out before this and overtake arrears of five goals after half time, and they looked like doing something similar on Sunday. It was Timmy Regan who settled the toss, playing with desperation in midfield, he steadied his wavering side and after that first quarter of an hour in the second half it was nearly an even break between the teams, with Skibbereen always slightly the better side and Bantry the more unlucky.

       In Skibbereen’s period of stress, the ‘Belgian’ stood out next to Timmy Regan in determination and endurance.

       Equal to Timmy Regan on the Skibbereen team, was Ralph Keyes for Bantry. Here is a hurler with a hurling record on fields not far from Dunmanway, and on fields much farther afield.

      Amongst other prominent Gaels respected by everyone on the Dunmanway pitch and throughout Ireland, was Liam Deasy, formerly Brigadier-General of the I.R.A.

      The greatest credit is due to the Bantry team and supporters for the spirit in which they took the defeat. Mr. O’Sullivan N.T., did his team and his respected family credit when, after the match, speaking for the defeated team, he gave the Skibbereen side credit for the spirit in which they played the game.

Query. Why in the world do the Gaelic hurlers and footballers, alone of all athletes, wear headgear on the field of play? I was surprised to see several of the boys with their caps on in a broiling sun. What matter if they had not handsome heads of hair o show to the girls and give them a treat.

      The referee, Mr. J. Young N.T., Dunmanway. Handled the game impartially and capably.

 

 THE GAME

      The leather was not long in action until Jerry Mullan showed the stuff of which he is made. Running up the right wing, he beat the whole Bantry issue and scored a point from 50 yards out. There was a Skibbereen whisper that might have been heard on the Windmill. Skibbereen continued rampant, and only Wiseman’s dour defence saved another immediate score. The Ilen men were not to be denied, however, and goals followed fast from Fortune, Mullan and Cottam. Ralph Keyes, Wiseman and other stout fellows on the Bantry side put in heroic efforts to stem the Ilen tide but there was no holding of the Skibbereen boys back. The interval came with the score: -

       Skibbereen  -  3 goals 2 points.

       Bantry  -  Nil.

       Bantry just waited for the signal to resume when they proceeded to put in their supreme effort to win the game. Skibbereen did not seem to be on the pitch at all, until John Donovan saved temporarily. Back came the men of the west and lofted a point per Harrington. From the puck-out Bantry were again in possession and the ‘Belgian’ succeeded in putting Connor   out of position to send narrowly past. At this point excitement was intense and Skibbereen looked all over a beaten side. Bantry had the hardest luck not to register a goal, most of the onlookers being under the impression that the ball was through, until the umpires gave their decision.

      It was at this stage that Timmy Regan proceeded to pull the team together by sheer force of personality. John Donovan was the first to respond. Casey, who had been playing a clever, scientific game throughout began to get the mastery of his men, and Paddy Sullivan and O’Leary also started in to put paid to the Bantry rushes. The salvation of Skibbereen at this period was at mid-field and gradually they let their forwards away. Mullan showed up as everyone expected him to do, possibly the most artistic hurler in West Cork; but he was not as effective as usual owing to being capably covered. On the Bantry side Connor often succeeded in getting the pill down-field, but Crowley blocked perfectly. Keyes, trying desperately to pull the chestnut out of the fire, had a duel with Leary in which honours were about even; and following this, Skibbereen were well over their opponents until the final whistle went. O’Brien had bogey luck when he sent over for Bantry, and Connor and Minihane were also prominent whilst Wiseman gave Mullan as much trouble as he has had in any game in West Cork.

       The best of the Skibbereen forwards was Cottam, who, considering his weight, put up about the gamest display on the field. Mahony in the Skibbereen goal stopped a hot one, and Casey sent up-field. The leather went to Mullan, who tipped it neatly to Cottam. A struggle on the right ensued but Cottam beat his man and transferred to Sergt. O’Shea. The sergeant was robbed once but recovered and amidst cheers from the Skibbereen supporters, he smacked the ball between the uprights and under the cross-bar for Skibbereen’s fourth goal.

      This put the lid on it, though Bantry continued to play a dour game even in defeat; but Regan, principally in mid-field, nipped most of their attacks before they could develop. John Donovan, Crowley and Casey also held the fort against attacks by Keohane on the Bantry right wing. One of the best of the 30 until the end, in the writer’s opinion, was Cottam, who was insuppressible, though often beaten by height and poundage. Fortune did good work in blocking but seemed to tire after a strenuous first half.

       Referee Young whistled the boys off with the final score: -

       SKIBBEREEN -  4 goals 2 points.

       BANTRY  -  1 point.

     The Skibbereen team were as follows: - F. Mahony (goal), D. Crowley (capt..), J. Casey, P. Sullivan, P. Walsh, D. O’Leary, J. Donovan. P. McCarthy, P. Regan, Jerry Mullan, Tim Regan, Mick Donovan, Bill Fortune, T. Cottam, Sergt. O’Shea.

We regret that we cannot do much justice to the Bantry team as we would wish, owing to the fact that we do not have a full list of their names: but it can be said that the display of their team and the demeanour of their supporters was most sporting throughout.

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A SPORTSMAN

“In our report of the Skibbereen v Bantry hurling final on Sunday week in Dunmanway one fact was omitted: that the field was given for the occasion (as for many another) gratuitously and very readily by Mr, Edward Hubbert, victualler, Dunmanway. The pitch is one of the best in West Cork and Mr. Hubbert’s action in granting the use of it repeatedly for sporting fixtures shows the interest he takes in many pastimes and also in all activities which might, by attracting visitors, make for the benefit of the town.” (Dunmanway Notes, Southern Star, August 4^th)

 Bantry Junior Hurling Team 1928

BACK (L to R) Dave O'Mahony, Eddie McManus, Mr Riordan, Fr. Cashman, Pat Murphy, Ralph Keyes, Sonny Connor, Joe Keohane. 

MIDDLE (L to R) Cecil Keyes, Ted Vaughan, Jim Sullivan, Jack Vaughan, Ml. Keane, Tim Harrington, Jack Keane.

FRONT (L to R) Seán McCarthy, Johnny Wiseman, John Murphy, Tim Cotter. 

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ILLEGAL TEAMS?

Following the final, a meeting of the divisional committee was held in Dunmanway, Liam Deasy, chairman, presiding.

     The report of the referee for the final, Mr. J. Young, was read. The report stated that both captains protested to the referee as to the illegal players on the other team. Owing to the absence of Skibbereen delegates the matter was left stand. The referee also stated that he had to warn a number of the Skibbereen team.

     It was stated that the gate receipts at the match (6d a head) were £10 14s 6d.

Mr. O’Sullivan, Bantry, said on behalf of the defeated team he wished to say they had not any grievance except the length of the grass on the field. The game was played in a sportsmanlike manner but the Dunmanway people should have run a mowing machine over it the night prior to the match.

     The chairman requested the delegates to inform their committees of the necessity of fielding legal teams and hoped that in future there would be no transgressions in this respect.

       Having won the West Cork Final, Skibbereen were then billed to play Kilbrittain in what was called ‘The Inter-Area Hurling Final.’

 

‘The Slackers’

Thus read the headline in the Skibbereen Notes in the Southern Star on August 4^th, as the correspondent lamented that the Skibbereen teams were not training for their important football and hurling games. They were due to meet Bandon in the SW junior football championship on 12^th August and Kilbrittain in the Inter-area hurling final on 19^th. ‘The Skibbereen Show Grounds (use of which was obtained by the G.A.A at considerable trouble) is shunned by footballers and hurlers alike as though it were the wrath to come. Skibbereen came home triumphant from Dunmanway a fortnight ago; unless the boys go at it during the week it will be a very subdued township after the Kilmeen experience on the 12^th inst., and the inter-area final with Kilbrittain on 19^th inst. There is no use in putting a tooth in it, in spite of their two very important engagements in the immediate future, both hurlers and footballers are slacking shamefully.”

(Despite the writer’s misgivings, Skibbereen actually won both games).

 

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Inter-Area (South-West Cork)  Hurling final 1928

Skibbereen 2-2   Kilbrittain 1-3

August 19^th in Dunmanway.  

 

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(From our Reporter)

At Dunmanway on Sunday, Skibbereen hurlers continued the impressive series of victories on the playing field which have been the feature of the G.A.A. season in West Cork.

       Re-organised only a few months ago, both the football and hurling men from the Ilen Valley have had an uninterrupted run of success, having won every engagement so far on their schedule. By beating Kilbrittain on Sunday the Red Jerseys won the South-West Cork championship and qualified for the final of the County Tournament, which will be played in Cork City in the near future.

      Let it be said at the outset that they were put to the pin of their collar to maintain their unbeaten certificate on Sunday. Coming on to the field with a tradition of hurling prowess of a quarter of a century’s standing, this Kilbrittain outfit, from a small rural area, staged a display that in science and sportsmanship was a pleasure and a credit. Never on their part were any tactics employed that were open to question. From first to last, their game was clean and fast, a sheer hurling delight; for the last ten minutes, they were forcing the issue all the time, only failing to collect the honours through hard luck and the desperate efforts of the Skibbereen defence; and when eventually, they retired only two points in arrears, they shared the honours with the victors in all but the referee’s official scoring figures.

       The crowd, thin enough at the start, increased while play was in progress, until it outnumbered any spectatorate seen at a GAA match in West Cork this season. Skibbereen fans were in a huge majority and their encouragement to their favourites was in no way half-hearted.

       The referee appointed for the game, Mr. Jack Young N.T., was unable to officiate and Mr. Eric Bernard very sportingly came forward to fill the gap. He tootled the whistle and held the watch capably and impartially.

     The teams were - 

Kilbrittain – James Barrett (capt..), E. Barrett, John Barrett, John Roche, Pat Roche, David O’Hea, Eugene O’Hea, Dan O’Hea, Tim Murphy, Mick Mulhall, C. Crowley, John Coughlan, M. Sullivan, M. Ryan and John O’Brien.  Subs, Wm. Mahony, Con Harrington and Jer Aherne.

Skibbereen – Denis Crowley (captain), P. Sullivan, T. Regan, Jer Casey, John O’Shea, Jerry Mullan, T. Cottam, P. O’Regan, D. McCarthy, J. O’Driscoll, P. O’Mahony, W. Fortune, J. O’Donovn, M. O’Donovn, T. Hayes. Subs, P. Walsh and Jack Donovan.

 

THE GAME

       Kilbrittain opened strongly, facing up to the sun and the incline of the ground. The ball went wide. James Barrett came into possession on the Kilbrittain right, passing to Jack Roche, who landed the sliotar fairly and squarely into the centre for Pat Sullivan to clear. Dan O’Hea was the next to figure for the Stripes but was stopped by Timmy Regan, and Fortune ran down the Skibbereen left, the ball eventually going out. Dan O’Hea was again away when Tim Regan nipped in and coming out of a ruck of opponents, sent to Mullan. Skibbereen, forcing play in midfield, were held up by Crowley. His attempted transfer to Murphy was intercepted but David O’Hea recovered and Ml. Sullivan carried the Kilbrittain attack forward. The Skibbereen captain was prominent in raising the siege, and, following midfield activities, Mullan sent wide. This player failed to collect E. Barrett’s flying puckout but O’Driscoll stopped her all right and O’Shea and Cottam and P. Regan figured in the first really dangerous Skibbereen raid. Abortive. The Stripes’ Sullivan bunged her upfield and the Skibbereen backs had to step lively to hold the Kilbrittain right wing. Following a five-minute interval, in which the players got a much-needed breather, owing to the ball being skied into an adjoining field and the spectators exercised their sarcasm in respect of organisation which only provided one ball for an important match of this kind.

       Skibbereen came away per the Sergt., who placed to Mullan. This don of the hurling code picked up in good condition and, with the Ilen headgear – even of the baldy boys – high up in the ether made no error in whirling through Skibbereen’s first point. This reverse, minor as it was, did not improve the Stripes play, and Timmy Regan beating the field, sent in a hot one to Barrett, the goalie, who saved beautifully at the expense of a ‘70’. Casey’s attempt was wide by about five yards. Timmy Regan caught the puck-out and, thereafter, Fortune was prominent on the right Skibbereen right, but Crowley put the Kybosh on the movement. Sending to his forwards, they operated in concert and an easy shot being sent in to Mahony, he missed it shockingly and, amidst Skibbereen execrations, Skibbereen were registered two points ahead.

     Retaliation was forthcoming immediately. Cottam was away with the puck-out and transferred to Mullan. His speed trilled the onlookers and he only failed narrowly to register. Out came the sphere and O’Driscoll collared it, putting it to the left wing. Mick Donovan collected and the next thing we saw was the scarlet standard up for a major; Donovan’s lighning-like shot was a smasher, absolutely unsavable. Mahony had failed badly in the case of Kilbrittain’s goal.

      From the puck-out following Mick Donovan’s achievement he forthwith proceeded to retrieve himself, stopping a fierce knee-high slam from the Kilbrittain right-wing. Playing almost frantically in response to Skibbereen supporters’ exhortations, the wee Reds were now entirely in the ascendant, Casey, Mullan, Hayes and McCarthy being particularly aggressive. For several seconds the ball was kept practically on the Kilbrittain goal-line and eventually seemed to be carried through the posts by O’Shea and Cottam together and the Reds were exultant. The Skibbereen backers came to earth with a crash when it was seen that the score was disallowed. In all fairness, it may be stated that it appeared to this pencil manipulator that the decision was correct; there was no question that the ball went through the posts and under the bar all right, but under the G.A.A’s seven-yard rule the referee would not have been justified in registering a ringer.

      Following the free to Kilbrittain, Eric was certainly correct in awarding a penalty to Skibbereen and it was obvious that the Kilbrittain back pursued the ball after his preliminary effort to smack her upfield. The noble Red man failed to convert and immediately afterwards Skibbereen were defending, the Belgian holding the fort superbly. Pap Roche came back to the attack, in the course of which David O’Hea was fouled. Dan O’Hea took the free, which was partially stopped by the Belgian and was cleared by Pat O’Sullivan. Kilbrittain got away and scored a well-deserved point, equalising the situation, and half-time arrived with Mullan just failing with a long, soaring attempt on the Stripes’ goal.

Half-time: -

Skibbereen – 1 goal 1 point.

Kilbrittain – 1 goal 1 point.

 

SECOND HALF

The boys were not long in action again until it became evident the Kilbrittain backs would be bad to beat for the rest of the evening. Mullhall, in particular, stood out as the class article; in view of the exhibition which he put on, it was amazing to learn that he was suffering from an injured knee, and, in fact, had been medically advised not to play at all. In midfield exchanges John Donovan pushed the ball forward to Mick Donovan, who made ground on the Skibbereen left. The offensive was carried on by the Sergt., and was climaxed by O’Driscoll, who registered a flying point from close-in. Murphy sent downfield to David O’Hea, who fired in a warm one, which Mahony stopped cleverly. Casey, now coming into his real form, flashed up the left and crossed in to Mick Donovan. The Kilbrittain captain partially blocked but O’Shea recovered possession and made an attempt to add to Skibbereen’s lead, which can only be described as desperate. It failed, and Skibbereen were on the defensive, O’Driscoll and Timmy Regan putting in some pretty touches. O’Driscoll it was who finally relieved and play was carried upfield by the thin Red forward line with such success that the ball was rushed through for another goal for Skibbereen. Mick Donovan was always prominent in the Skibbereen raids and Cottam and O’Shea were determined triers.

       Play deteriorated momentarily, the ball being slogged continually into mid-air. The length of the grass made effective ground play difficult. With about a quarter of an hour to go a change came o’er the aspect of the game, Kilbrittain going right out for victory. In their extremity the men on the Skibbereen defence who held the fort were O’Driscoll, Timmy Regan, Casey, Pat Sullivan and the Belgian, with Mahony a live-wire on the goal-line. Stripes were almost constantly in attack and eventually Dan O’Hea registered an over-due point for his side. When Skibbereen got away from the puck-out Mullan supplied the spectacular stuff, carrying the ball on his hurley as if he was in an egg-and-spoon  race, he was a  prime favourite with the crowd, the ladies especially being enthusiastic about the chap in the light red jersey. Just the same, he had a very troublesome attendant in Crowley, a Kilbrittain hurler of experience and determination.

     Mulhall sent a lengthy one down-field, which O’Driscoll dealt with summarily, and Cottam had a try, the ball going wide. Timmy Regan continued his herculean efforts in mid-field, and O’Driscoll, falling back, stiffened the Skibbereen opposition to continuous attacks. P’O’Regan and McCarthy, in combination, temporarily relieved, and Mullan passed out to Mick Donovan, who sped up-field, only to be stopped by ‘Dorgan’ Barrett.

      A rare tussle in mid-field between Tim Regan and Murphy saw the Red man on top, but immediately afterwards Coughlan was off, swinging in a grounder to Mahony, which the Skibbereen goal-keeper dealt with effectively. Driscoll hit a bonny clout upfield and O’Shea again tried to bundle the Stripes defence through but the leather went out. O’Driscoll was again prominent in a Kilbrittain onslaught and Cottam went off on his own. The peerless trio, Mulhall and the two Barrett’s, were not to be beaten, however, and Kilbrittain swept down-field, carrying all before them, to register another point, which, on the run of play, was well deserved.

     Two points only divided the teams now and the hurling was hectic. Showing a clean pair of heels to three opponents, Jack Roche was eventually held up by Timmy Regan and Mullan, playing a memorable game in pluck and deftness, was in a dangerous scoring position when he was brought down. Kilbrittain returned to the attack and with the crowd yelling, “three minutes to go,” (as a matter of fact, there were five minutes to go) it seemed that they must score. First John Donovan frustrated their right wing, then came a bolt from the blue on their left, which Paddy Sullivan stopped almost miraculously. In the next five seconds, it was the Belgian who got his hurley to one which looked to have him beaten to the wide. Three remarkable escapes for Skibbereen. Fortune was injured but resumed amidst cheers. A ‘70’ to Kilbrittain was poorly taken and Pat Regan created a Skibbereen diversion, transferring to Mick Donovan, the ball afterwards going into touch. Jack Roche passed to Pat Roche and a ‘70’ fell to Kilbrittain on their left wing. This time Dan O’Hea’s effort was a beauty and only a supreme Skibbereen defence retained for them their lead, Mahony coming to the rescue when all seemed lost.

      Within a minute from the end a Kilbrittain man was injured and play suspended. The final thrill in a desperate struggle was a ‘70’ to Kilbrittain. It was stopped and the referee’s whistle closured the contest with the score:

       Skibbereen – 2 goals 2 points.

       Kilbrittain – 1 goal 3 points.

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NOTES ON THE GAME

    The most gratifying feature of the meeting was the good feeling that prevailed through-out. Our Bandon correspondent (who usually preserves the judicial air) talked well over the odds when he suggested in his notes last week that the Skibbereen football team, which is also largely the Skibb hurling team, was solely responsible for such incidents as occurred at Kilmeen in the match with Bandon. In the first place, the Kilmeen set-to was not nearly so obstreperous as our Bandon friend reports; the match was rather rumbustious and there were a couple of rough-house passages that might have been eliminated without prejudice to the display. But far worse things happen at sea and, we are informed, have happened in the past in this area when no team from Skibbereen was concerned.

      In the second place (this par is beginning to look like the production of a blinking ex-parson) feeling does not usually manifest itself in a game unless both sides show a coming-on disposition. Practically the same men who are charged by our Bandon colleague with undue aggressiveness at Kilmeen pulled off a more important and much closer contest at Dunmanway without a suggestion against them of violent or unfair methods.

      Still greater credit for the gentlemanly nature of the game on Sunday is due to the beaten side – beaten, let it be said, very luckily on Skibbereen’s part, and simply as a result of the desperation defence in the last ten minutes. Kilbrittain took the set-back like the sportsmen that they have proved themselves for a quarter of a century, at least, and thereby they pointed a moral for their friends, the hurling opponents on this occasion. The Ilen men are at present on the flood-tide of success, they are in the happy, but transitory, condition of being able to do nothing wrong. Backers of horses know the aftermath of a similar sublimated interval. Sure as they’re born, this year or some year, Skibbereen will run up against it, good and hard, and will have to accept the lemon. In that hour, if they follow the example of the Kilbrittain men, team and supporters, they also will show that, as they are entusiatic winners, so also they can touch their higher places and show themselves good losers.

       A Kilbrittain friend (well-known in Skibbereen and West Cork business circles) writes – “Kilbrittain were without the services of two of their veterans but Mulhall, though suffering much from an injury to his knee, received in a recent match, proved his splendid loyalty to his team by taking his place on the field. His display delighted the spectators and we can imagine what it would have been had he been able to put forth his full powers.”

      And so say all of us. Others who were especially prominent on the Stripes’ side were Crowley, set to watch that most elusive of hurling merchants, Jerry Mullan; David and Dan O’Hea; and the Barretts in the defence. Where Kilbrittain crashed was in the forward line, which failed completely to carry on the good work of the rear department.

       For Skibbereen, ‘Frank’,  between the sticks, on one occasion had a strenuous slam at a hefty stationery tuft  of grass instead of at the slowly-travelling leather, and following the resultant goal was the subject of some far from eulogistic remarks from the ditch-hurlers. Later on, he left the grass alone and stopped cannon-ball efforts from right, left and centre, proving himself again a safe and daring keeper.

      Talking about grass, the sportsman who owns the Dunmanway playing-pitch will not lack for stock-feeding during the winter.

      Dinny Crowley, captain of the Skibbereen team, played a sterling game; and Paddy Sullivan, giving his last display in these parts (only for a time, we hope) was the stalwart that he has always been on every field of sport. Timmy Regan personifies the spirit that is carrying Skibbereen along this season, he is pre-eminently the man who holds the hurling and football teams together when disaster threatens. In the critical last ten minutes, he was all over the field and his strength and determination saved the situation.

       The Lord help Skibbereen if O’Driscoll had not been on the job. This is a dandy hurler whose display was a sheer delight. Casey was another who was always in his place and played a top-notch match.

      Enough has been said about Jerry Mullan. Mick Donovan was a raider all the time and was responsible for a great goal; and Tommy Cottam played the shirt off his back, getting through time after time with the Stripes round him like a swarm of bees – when they were not on top of him.

      One thing can be said about the Sergt., when he’s on the ball there’s always danger for the opposition. It was a hard deal, but a fair one, that the goal of which he was largely the instrument, was disallowed.

       The other Skibbereen players, though not as constantly in the spot-light, did their part in gaining the victory.

      One who was missed badly was Donal Leary, as stylish and cool a hurler as Skibbereen possesses. Fortunately, his is only a temporary absence.

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“STILL THY COME!  Another objection to Skibbereen – On Friday morning, the hon. secretary of the Skibbereen G.A.A. Club, Mr. Donal  O’Connell, received official intimation of an objection by Kilbrittain to the awarding of last Sunday’s hurling match, played at Dunmanway, to Skibbereen. In that game, the hurling final for the South-West Cork area, Skibbereen won by two points, as reported elsewhere. The objection is based on the alleged illegal constitution of the Skibbereen on the occasion.”( Southern Star, August 25^th)

That the Skibbereen people were none too pleased by the Kilbrittain objection, can be clearly seen from this hard-hitting item in the ‘Skibbereen Notes in the Star - 

“G.A.A.  -   This organisation will be ruined by post factum objections, of which there is at the moment quite an epidemic. Why cannot teams manfully take a beating? The thing is becoming sickening. Even the juveniles are infected with this dirty microbe. Our tournaments, instead of promoting friendship and good will, seem to be productive of hatred and ill-will.

      “This is a sad and deplorable state of affairs. It is not advisable to set up a Circuit Court to deal with all these miserable squabbles, which reflect no great credit on Gaels.”

 

OBJCTION HEARD

At a meeting of the South-West Board in the Bernard’s Railway Hotel, Dunmanway on September 5^th two objections against Skibbereen, football and hurling, were heard.

      “The principal business was the consideration of the Bandon objection against Skibbereen in the recent football match at Kilmeen, and the Kilbrittain objection against Skibbereen in the recent hurling match at Dunmanway. Skibbereen had won both of these games. The matter was referred to a sub-committee composed of two delegates from Kilmeen and two from Drimoleague, with Mr. Jack Young N.T., Dunmanway as chairman.

        “After prolonged deliberation in a private room the sub-committee presented their report in which they awarded the Bandon-Skibbereen match to Skibbereen and the Kilbrittain- Skibbereen match to Kilbrittain, adding a strong recommendation that Kilbrittain, in the circumstances, should agree to a replay.

      “It was moved by the chairman (Dan O’Hea, deputising for the absent Liam Deasy) and seconded, that the report be adopted. The report was adopted unanimously.

     “Mr. Ó Faoileáin, treasurer, said that as the objection by Kilbrittain was upheld, Skibbereen hurling team was suspended for three months. The chairman said the committee had power to recommend Skibbereen’s re-instatement to the Co. Board. He added, on behalf of Kilbrittain that they were willing to replay the game in Bandon.

     “Skibbereen said they were willing to replay the game in Kilbrittain and the match was fixed for that village on 16^th September.

     “At one stage in the proceedings, Mr. Ó Faoileáin tendered his resignation as hon. treasurer. The chairman asked Mr. Ó Faoileáin to reconsider his decision and, eventually, he consented to carry on to the next meeting at any rate.”

 

 

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South-West Cork  Hurling Final Replay 1928

Kilbrittain 5-2     Skibbereen 1-4

September 16^th  in Kilbrittain

 

 

     At Kilbrittain on Sunday the locals put paid to Skibbereen’s hitherto winning account on G.A.A. fields this season. The match was a replay, following an objection, and the result this time was quite decisive. Well, every team has to put up with defeat some time and an occasional set-back is salutary. For a club resurrected only a few months, Skibbereen have performed wonders and though their hurling outfit has cashed in as far as country honours are concerned, the football team is well in the running for major contributions.

     No two onlookers see a game from the same angle and a newspaper critic can only give his own impressions. The writer’s opinion was that Kilbrittain were good for their win and they were superior in practically every department. Apart from the long citizen Sullivan, at back, the Belgian, Tom Hayes, Timmy Regan, John Donovan, and the stout fellow on the left forward wing, Driscoll, Skibbereen carried a notable consignment of passengers, and even the last-mentioned performer, while playing like a solid man, seemed to have no sense of direction. How many possible points that he sent hopelessly wide, would Jerry Mullan  have delivered safely between the uprights? Mullan was sadly missed but he was unavailable. On the other hand there were former Red representatives on the touch-line who would have put up a much better show than their deputies.

      Frank Mahony has been criticized considerably for letting five of them past him and undoubtedly his was not a sparkling display. In justice to him, however, it must be said that time and again he was left absolutely uncovered and, when that was not the case , he was unsighted by inept defenders. The Kilbrittain men were constantly loose.

      Timmy Regan, especially in the second half, with assistance from Hayes and Donovan, tried desperately to stem the tide but three men could not hold up a team. Jack Roche had his man beaten to the wide every time and the ball was continually lobbed into centre with inevitable results.

       Honour where honour is due. With a team, eight of whose members were drawn from three families, The O’Heas, Barretts and Roches, Kilbrittain are champions of the area and deservedly so. It must be said that when beaten fair and square (though luckily) at Dunmanway, they might have foregone their objection. After all, things are at a pretty pass when Bill Fortune cannot play for the team of his choice in West Cork. At the same time Kilbrittain  retrieved their reputation by sportingly offering a replay and on this occasion they were unquestionably the better side. We wish them luck in their future contests for county supremacy.

THE  GAME

      That most courteous of men, on or off the field, Mr. Jack Young, N.T., referee, supplied the names of the teams as follows –

       Kilbrittain – Ned Barrett (goal), John Barrett, James Barrett, Coughlan, P. Roche, Jack Roche, Mulhall, Harrington, Murphy, Crowley, David O’Hea, Dan O’Hea, Eugene O’Hea, Mahony and Sullivan.

      Skibbereen – Mahony, Crowley, Sullivan, Donovan, O’Shea, Timmy Regan, P. Regan, Casey, James Driscoll, Denis Driscoll, Hayes, Donovan, McCarthy, Leary and Collins.

       The Kilbrittain men defended the village goal in a wind which, while lively, was of little advantage to either side. Play at the outset was on Skibbereen left wing, Driscoll being held by Crowley and David O’Hea. From an outside, Dan O’Hea sent prettily downfield and O’Sullivan returned to Driscoll, who in combination with Timmy Regan, made ground on the left. Mulhall and Harrington checked the movement and midfield activities followed in which honours were even. Eventually Driscoll was again away on Skibbereen left but his try for a point was well wide.

      Ned Barrett pucked a beauty well over half-field and Harrington got on the pill. Sullivan stopped him and sent up to Driscoll. Dispossessed three times, he recovered, and, amidst the wild cheers of the Skibbereen fans, and with Paddy Carey’s umbrella high in the air, Driscoll registered Skibbereen’s first point.

      Immediately afterwards, Skibbereen were in the throes. First Murphy had a great try and immediately afterwards David O’Hea sent past by inches. Crowley, honoured figure in many a struggle, and Hayes, mixed it merrily in midfield, and ‘Gorgan’ Barrett, coming to his clubmate’s assistance, the ball came to Dan O’Hea, who equalised with a nifty shot.

     Worse followed from the Ilen standpoint when, following a midfield movement by Murphy, Eugene O’Hea got in possession and beat Mahony for a soft goal. So far it was about an even break, with Kilbrittain marking their men better. But Skibbereen were far from being beaten as they showed fortwith, when following a ‘70’ taken by the Belgian, John Donovan tipped out to Driscoll on the left, who reduced the lee-way by a well-taken point.

      From the puck-out the Stripes brought the balance again in their favour, subsequent to activities on the right, from which David O’Hea obtained and running in absolutely unmarked until tackled by Frank Mahony, got a goal that was a gift. No blame attaches to Mahony in this case as his only earthly was to run out and tackle his man.

      The only dangerous Red forward, the extreme left winger, was knocked out shortly afterwards but resumed and before the interval came managed another point for Skibbereen, leaving the score –

Kilbrittain – 2 goals 1 point.

Skibbereen – 3 points        

     The tale of the second half is soon told. For the first three minutes Skibbereen were irrepressible, simply running the Striped shirts off their feet. Confidence began to grow that the Reds would repeat their great second half performances of the season, when they have pulled many a shaky-looking game out of the fire. And there seemed to be ground  for that belief when they scored a major, leaving only 1 point between the teams. But the Ilen optimists reckoned without their Kilbrittain hosts, with their great hurling tradition.

     The ball was hardly in play after Skibbereen’s success when it was out of it again, following a goal to Kilbrittain. After that, the deluge, in the course of which the Stripes piled on two more goals and a point, while Skibbereen’s only reply was a solitary point. The final score was accordingly –

KILBRITTAIN – 5 goals 2 points.

SKIBBEREEN – 1 goal 4 points.

                                  

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP

Kilbrittain met Ballinora in the county championship in Bandon on September 4^th and goals by the three O’Hea brothers, David, Eugene and Dan, got them off to a great start. However, Ballinora fought back to draw level but a pair of goals by David O’Hea saw Kilbrittain leading by 5-1 to 3-1 at the break. Ballinora dominated the third quarter, drawing level again, but two goals by Eugene O’Hea gave Kilbrittain a 7-1 to 5-1 victory. The three O’Hea brothers scored all seven goals for the winners.

      The adventure came to an end when city side, St. Anne’s, proved too good in the county semi-final in Kinsale, winning by 3-1 to 1-1.  

SOUTH-WEST JUNIOR HURLING DRAWS 1928

Junior Hurling – (Eastern Area) – Kilbrittain v Bandon (April 29^th), Belgooly a bye.

(Western Area) – Kilmeen v Bantry (May 6^th), Skibbereen v Dunmanway (May 13^th), Drinagh a bye.

Clonakilty were graded intermediate in football and hurling.

 

JUNIOR A HURLING (WEST) CHAMPIONSHIP 1928

Bantry 6-0   Kilmeen 1-0,   May 6^th  in Rectory, Drinagh.

W. Cotter scored two goals as the short ground passes of McMahon, W. Cotter, and J. Murphy proved decisive. Bantry led at halftime by 6 goals to nil.. In the second half, Keyes, the Bantry full back, was outstanding outstanding. O’Hara had an excellent game for Kilmeen, scoring their goal. Referee, Seán O’Sullivans.

Skibbereen 6-2   Dohenys 3-0,  May 13^th  in Bantry

A big crowd attended but the field was  unsuitable for hurling.  In a tough, hard game the play was fast, with brilliant individual feats and conspicuous displays of concerted effort. An intriguing contest which, however, started an hour late. Best for Skibb were Jerry Mullan, Tim Regan, Jerome Casey and Donal Leary. Best for Dohenys were the goalkeeper and Warren of Ballineen.

      M.J. Keohane was the referee.

Bantry 7-0   Drinagh 3-0,   June 24^th  in Skibbereen

Bantry beat Drinagh, due mainly to strenuous and regular training. Despite the long grass which was unsuited to hurling, Drinagh, the “Creamery” boys, led at half time by three goals to nil. Unfortunately, the rain began to pour down in the second half and the Drinagh players, many without football boots were slipping and sliding. . Bantry took control, with Coakley, Murphy, Evans, Keyes, McCarthy and Harrington prominent and they rattled in seven goals in succession. For Drinagh, Delaney (a Laois man), Gardiner, Seán O’Sullivan, and Driscoll were best.

 

JUNIOR A HURLING (EAST) CHAMPIONSHIP 1928

Kilbrittain beat Bandon in Belgooly in Round 1.

 

SOUTH-WEST JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE

Only one league result is available, Belgooly defeating Skibbereen by 4-3 to 2-3 in Skibbereen on May 15^th.

      Kilbrittain and Clonakilty reached the league final but for some unknown reason Clonakilty failed to turn up for the game, so Kilbrittain became double champions, league and championship.

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COUNTY JUNIOR HURLING FINAL 1928

St. Annes 3-1,  Ballinacurra 2-0, January 20^th , 1929,  in Riverstown.   

 

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"Gah" Aherne

He sparkled in the Gaelic sky, a scintillating star,

His camán craft and artistry won fame on fields afar -

A forward fleet, of genius high, a raider without par. 

 

Sleep on, great Gael, brave Rocky sleep

Both calm and deep, God's peace be thine.

While camáns clash and rings the ash,

Thy name shall fail to fade - 'twill shine,

Great deeds entwine and everlasting keep. 

by Frank Doran.

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