1929

Bandon  6-1   Kilbrittain 4-2 

September 15th   in Clonakilty

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        The final of the West Cork Divisional Championship was decided on Sunday before a very large attendance at Clonakilty, when the famous Kilbrittain combination went down to Bandon after a gruelling and hard-fought struggle. The interest aroused by the meeting of the old rivals was evident by the huge crowd that assembled to witness the game. The special train from Bandon brought upwards of 400 people of almost exclusively Bandon followers and this fact, in itself, was an  omen that confidence existed in the Bandon camp but outside their immediate following the hopes of a victory for the ‘Lilywhites’ did not seem to be cherished.

     The Kilbrittain men were equally well supported but as a team they did not seem to strike their old form at any period of the game. That both teams were fit for the fray on Sunday there is no doubting and it can be said without any misgiving that the best team won and won victoriously. The Kilbrittain team fought gamely to the end and accepted their defeat smiling like true sportsmen. In physique there was little difference between the teams.

      At the outset it seemed as if the Kilbrittain men were to have matters as they pleased as only four minutes had elapsed when the ‘Black and Ambers’ were ahead by a goal. The anxious crowd had but three minutes to wait for the equalising score. Kilbrittain were soon again leading by a point from a free a few minutes later. Their lead was only of temporary duration when, after fast and vigorous exchanges, the Bandon men assumed control for the first time.

      The Bandon Pipers and Clonakilty Brass Band   were in attendance throughout the afternoon. The teams were set in motion by Mr. P. Sisk, Chairman of the South-East Divisional Board, who performed his task impartially and well. His task was rendered easy by the sporting attitude of both teams, which is worth noting and worthy of emulation. From start to finish the conduct of every player was in strict concord with the rules of the Association and though fearless dash, dogged determination and keen tackling were features of the game, yet the undesirable taint of roughness, which, unfortunately, at times characterises this great and manly game, was entirely absent. The field arrangements were carried out by the Clonakilty G.A.A. Club and the stewarding in every respect left no room for complaint.

 

THE GAME

      Playing against the sun, Kilbrittain were on the offensive only to be beaten back. Play was fast and vigorous, the ball visiting both ends with flash-like rapidity. Kilbrittain’s front line were now rifling their opponents’ defence and after 4 minutes’ play, Eugene O’Hea from close range sent the green flag aloft for the opening score for Kilbrittain. Emphatic roars of ‘Up Kilbrittain,’ reverberated for miles around, whilst the hopeful cry, ‘Come on Bandon,’ was now the less pronounced. Fast ground hurling was now the order and a big sweep on the Kilbrittain defence saw the leather piloted safely in the net per Smith for the equalising score.

      On the puck-out, Mulhall (Kilbrittain) sent down for Driscoll (Bandon) to clear. O’Hea (Kilbrittain) sends down a beauty but Curtain is on the spot and brings off a splendid save amidst cheers. Bandon is awarded a free. Ellis places to advantage but the defence is superb and after an exciting melee, the leather is sent over. M. O’Hea transfers to the Bandon territory and the Bandon supporters are kept in suspense until Downey, the goalkeeper, leaves his position to effect a timely clearance.

      Humphrey Leary is on the spot and with wonderful accuracy sends a beautiful drop well into the forward line. Murphy (Kilbrittain) cleared. A free for the ‘Black and Ambers,’ resulted in a point and gave them the lead for the second time. Play is quickly transferred to the Bandon end where Gabriel is again conspicuous in the defence. Humphrey Leary is next in possession and sends down a beauty but the forwards fail to a sound defence. Smith, the wily Bandon forward, centred from the left wing and Crowley sent over. A Kilbrittain forward met with a slight mishap but continued play.

      The scene of action is instantly transferred to the Kilbrittain rear line where Barrett, O’Hea, Roche and Murphy are ever at the ready. Mulhall and O’Hea combine well at centre-field and the sphere is soaring down on the Bandon citadel. Tobin had saved twice in succession when Gabriel affected a temporary clearance. A free to the Kilbrittain taken by Dan O’Hea, went wide. A few minutes later Ellis narrowly missed the equalising score by sending inches wide.

     On the puck-out Ellis was again in possession and sent down a fast shot which, after a nice passing movement amongst the forwards, resulted in a goal. Kilbrittain soon replied with a goal and play was evenly and strenuously contested. Ellis was playing a star game at centre-field and sent down a stinging shot, putting Murphy in possession, and the latter flashed through for a great goal. Bandon added a further goal before the short whistle when the scores stood –

Bandon - 4 goals.

Kilbrittain – 2 goals 1 point.

      On resuming Bandon broke away but were beaten back. Leary and Driscoll were figuring to advantage in the Bandon defence. Kilbrittain’s rear line was soon seen in action and close tackling was the order. Smith crossed to Murphy and the latter, with a smart shot, put his side a further goal in advance. Encouraged by this success, the ‘Lily Whites,’ were now playing with confidence and were having somewhat the better of the subsequent exchanges. 

      Roche (Kilbrittain) sent to Young but the latter sent over. The Kilbrittain sticks were again in eminent danger and again Murphy proved his worth with a quick ground ball which found its destination in the net. The same player landed a point soon after. Midfield exchanges ensued and a sharp onslaught on the Kilbrittain sticks was beaten off. Downey in the Bandon goal was next called on to save. The Kilbrittain forwards kept up the pressure and a neat shot from the right wing brought a further point.

     A fast wing rush by Kilbrittain brought further relief to their supporters when the green flag floated in the breeze for their third goal. Roche (Kilbrittain) retired through injury and was replaced by Harrington. A few minutes later Andy O’Neill (Bandon) received an injury to the head and retired. He was replaced by Cummins.

      Honours were about equal throughout the final stages of the game. Kilbrittain added a further goal from a free by O’Hea and it seemed as if they would pull down the dividing margin. Kilbrittain continued to press and when the long whistle sounded the scores stood –

Bandon – 6 goals 1 point.

Kilbrittain – 4 goals 2 points.

     The teams were –

      Bandon – P. Downey (goal), M. Tobin, J. Curran, P. J. Driscoll, T. Gabriel, R. Crowley,  J. Connell, H. Leary (capt..), D. Lyons, E. Smith, Ned Murphy, J. Ellis, A. O’Neill, J. Crowley, E. Regan.

    Kilbrittain – James Barrett, Edward Barrett, John Barrett, John Roche, Mick Mulhall, Tim Murphy, M. O’Hea, Dan O’Hea, Eugene O’Hea, Cornelius Crowley, Eamonn Young, John O’Brien, Pat Roche, Joseph McCarthy, Con Harrington.

     On the run of play Kilbrittain were at no time a beaten team until the final whistle but their forward line lacked the finish which characterised that of their opponents who seized every opportunity and rarely missed a scoring chance. The game was certainly one worth witnessing and perhaps if the divisional margin of the score was not so great it would be truer reflection of the respective merits of the teams.

(‘Gleaned for the Gaels’ – ‘Southern Star’)

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     At Clonakilty Town Park on Sunday the final of the S.W. Divisional Hurling Championship was played under ideal weather conditions. The contestants were Bandon and Kilbrittain, victory going to the former.

      The field arrangements were perfect. Jimmy Driscoll, captain of the Clonakilty hurling team, and Charles McCarthy (Dempsey), one of its full  backs, were responsible for preparation of grounds. The enclosing of pitch with wire was an excellent idea. The white lines were straighter than old Euclid could have done them, and both these sporting lads can rest assured that many eulogies have been deservedly passed on the field conditions. The stewarding was excellent and the whole arrangements reflect much credit on the Clonakilty Club.

       Sharp to time both teams were played on to the pitch by the Bandon Pipers’ Band and lined up at the centre. The Divisional Sec., brought on Rev. Fr. O’Sullivan, Clonakilty, whom he introduced to the captains and referee. Fr. O’Sullivan then threw in the ball and the struggle started.

      I have seen better hurling in the Division matches this year, and it did not come up to my mind of a junior hurling final. There were very few passages of overhead play, and a certain amount of missing was in evidence. There was also a certain amount of looseness in the marking of opponents. It was clear from the beginning that both teams had a few ‘passengers.’

      Bandon were certainly the better team. Ellis was the outstanding man of the thirty and did some splendid hurling. His long drives into the goalmouth caused much trouble to Kilbrittain but he was left loose very often. Downey, in goal, was sure, though he left in one soft shot. Pad Joe and Tobin in the back line played a good defence game. Smith was nippy on the wing.   Andy O’Neill and O’Leary did some very useful work. The veteran Ned Murphy of many a hard-fought field, was responsible for several Bandon scores. He has the happy knack of staying in his position and not budging out of it.

      Kilbrittain did not play up to anything like their usual form. Roche was their best man and did some effective work on the back line. Mulhall was good but did not shine as usual. I missed Dan O’Hea’s long shots from centre field. Con Crowley played well, but the loud-speaker hadn’t the right wave-length. O’Hea, forward, played a sound game, but was inclined to come out too far. The goalie. (Barrett) seemed to be off form and let in what seemed easy shots from my position on the sideline. I thought the left wing was rather weak. I have often seen Kilbrittain men in better form. They showed lack of training. Perhaps they did not expect such formidable opposition. I certainly say their defeat was not a chance one.

     A large crowd attended the game. The Clonakilty Band played a musical programme. Both teams had many supporters. Bandon had a special train and brought a Pipers’ Band and over 400. I saw many familiar faces among the crowd – Dan Regan and Sonny Sullivan, veteran Gaels from Bandon; Jack Young, Dunmanway; Jim Aherne, J. Hallissey, Kilbrittain; Clon Gaels were there in strength, and many from Kilmeen, Barryroe, Ross etc.

      The referee was Padraig Sisk, Ringaskiddy, chairman of S. East Division. He was an impartial one and his decisions were never questioned. The element of roughness was entirely absent, though two players had to retire owing to accidents, Andy O’Neill, Bandon, with cut over eye, and Roche, Kilbrittain, with injured finger. Players and spectators alike set a very good example. Excitement was high at times but all were conscious it was a game, and not a single unseemly incident occurred from start to finish.

     Congratulations to the winners, Bandon, on their victory, which will give a fillip to the G.A.A. in their town. Kilbrittain, the losers, will take a defeat with a smile, as they are a sporting crowd. They have the S.W Div. hurling championship divisions every year since 1923. Final score was – Bandon, 6 goals 1 point; Kilbrittain, 4 goals 2 points. Bandon will now be proud possessors of the S.W. Div. hurling medals and will play other divisions for County Junior Championship. They will meet the Eastern Division in the first round.

 

  Town Park (Showgrounds) Clonakilty

Venue for many SW finals from 1905 to 1956. Also hosted county senior football final 1933 and Munster senior football final 1938.

 

 SEMI-FINAL OBJECTION

Reigning champions Kilbrittain and Clonakilty met in the SW semi-final and the game ended in a draw, 1-3 each. The replay saw Kilbrittain winning by 6-4 to 2-3 but subsequently Clon objected on the grounds that Kilbrittain had been three minutes late in taking to the field. At that time there was a determined campaign by the Board to have games started on time and so Clonakilty’s objection was upheld and they were awarded the game. Vice-chairman of the Board, Dan O’Hea of Kilbrittain, resigned his position as a result.

       Kilbrittain appealed the decision to the County Board, who upheld the appeal and referred the matter back to the SW Board. The matter was again discussed at the SW Board meeting and the game awarded to Kilbrittain. This triggered the resignation of the chairman of the Board, Liam Deasy, as he was responsible for the campaign on time-keeping. So the SW Board was without its chairman and vice-chairman as a result of this one game. (Both men were persuaded to return the following year).

      Clonakilty then appealed the decision to the Co. Board, but lost the appeal and it was Kilbrittain who went forward to the SW final against Bandon.

 

SIX  IN-A-ROW

When Kilbrittain met Bandon in the SW final, they were going for their seventh title in a row, a marvellous achievement. They had won two under the old West Cork Committee in 1923 and 1924, the next in 1925 under the new South Cork Board and then three in-a-row under the new South-West Board in 1926, 1927 and 1928.

 

SOBER GOALKEEPER

     It was generally accepted that the Kilbrittain goalkeeper had a rare off-day between the uprights in the final against Bandon. Kilbrittain Gael, Jimmy Ryan, in his book, ‘A Club and a Tradition,’ tells a story about the final. Apparently the goalkeeper was known to take a drink or two or three before a match to calm his nerves. However, to make sure he remained sober for the final, a few ‘minders’ were detailed to keep him away from the demon drink. This they succeeded in doing but it wasn’t a day to remember for the keeper. To this day a lack of porter is blamed for the loss to Bandon and the failure to achieve seven-in-a-row.

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County Final 

 

 Bandon met East Cork champions, Midleton, in the county semi-final on November 10th and, after a hectic encounter which was level at the break, were defeated on a score of 2-7 to 2-3. Prior to the game Bandon lodged a protest on the grounds that Midleton were late taking the field. At the subsequent Co. Board meeting their protest was upheld and the game awarded to Bandon.

      Midleton counter-objected that one of the Bandon players was a rugby player but their objection was over-ruled. However, it seems it was later agreed to replay the game, which took place in Bandon on January 19th. Midleton again looked the better team in the first half and led by 3-0 to 2-0. Both Bandon goals came from O’Leary. Bandon upped their game in the second half and further goals by Smith, O’Leary, E. Murphy and D. R. Crowley gave them a hard-earned 6-1 to 4-1 victory.

      Bandon advanced to the county final, having received a bye in the semi-final.

      In the meantime, after another series of objections, the Bandon football team had beaten Clonakilty in the SW junior football final and advanced to the county final. Both finals were not played until the spring of the following year.

      Bandon met Ballinora in the county junior hurling final on March 2nd in Ballinhassig and, although lighter in physique, they proved the better hurlers and the speedier side. Having played with the strong east wind in the first half, Bandon led at the break by 2-4 to 0-1. The goals came from E. Murphy and captain, Humphrey O’Leary, just before the break.

         Bandon had to do a lot of defending in the second half and conceded two goals but they stayed safely ahead to win the title by 2-5 to 2-1. Team – H. O’Leary (capt..), P. Downey (goal), D. R. Crowley, E. Smith, J. McCarthy, E. Murphy, J. O’Connell, J. Curtin, W. Ellis, M. Tobin, T. Gabriel, A. O’Neill, J. Ring, D. Lyons, W. O’Neill.

        The Bandon footballers, who had beaten Sarsfields in the semi-final by 4-1 to nil, met Iveleary in the county final at Dunmanway on April 13th and ‘playing with splendid precision and dash,’ they forged a hard-won 1-3 to nil victory. The team that completed the county double was – A. O’Driscoll (capt.), P. J. O’Driscoll, J. O’Regan, D. R, Crowley, J. McCarthy, E. Murphy, J. Hanafin, P. O’Driscoll, J. Daly, J. Lynch, J. O’Gorman, W. O’Neill, C. Collins, P. Downey, J. O’Driscoll.

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COUNTY JUNIOR HURLING FINAL 1929

Bandon 2-5,  Ballinora 2-1,  March 2nd, 1930,  in Ballinhassig.

                                                                                           

Bandon: South-West and County Junior Hurling  Champions 1929