Barryroe GAA

Ahiohill, 15:30PM

Ibane Gaels 2-14 Bandon 3-09

This Ibane team had waited 3 years for redemption and when it finally came it made victory all the sweeter. In 2013 Ibane had been a goal up going into injury time in the Minor final and were beaten by a late goal and point from Western Gaels, it was a setback that would have destroyed many a team's confidence but these lads are made of tough stuff and when the fat was in the fire they pulled out all the stops to record a great victory.

Ibane playing against the wind and hill in the 1st half of this U21B Football final v Bandon played in Ahiohill settled well and led early by 0-04 to 0-02, the points coming from Mark Crowley and Jack Cahalane. One score in particular would have Maurice Fitzgerald proud as Jack lined up a free out on the touch line, and taken from the hands it nonchalantly sailed over the black dot on the crossbar, a score to grace any game. Ibane were then hit by a sucker punch of a goal and trailed by a point. Ibane levelled and the lead was quickly restored when Mark was at the end of a Jack Murphy delivery to palm home a goal to leave Ibane in front by 3. Back came Bandon with another goal and the half time score read Bandon 2-04 Ibane 1-05. All to play for in 2nd half.

Ibane dominated the opening spell of the 2nd half but it was Bandon who opened the scoring with a point in the 36 minute. Ibane responded with points from Jack and Mark and by the 40 minute it was all square. Bandon then hit a purple patch and added a goal and 2 points to lead by 5, one of the points rocketing off the crossbar and over. Ibane dug deep and led by the inspirational play of substitute Daniel O' Driscoll showed they are made of tough stuff, a point from Daniel and a score from Jack made it a 3 point game. We were then awarded a free and Jack wisely slotted over to leave 2 between the sides entering the closing stages.

Then the drama started, In time added on and with Ibane pressing hard, full back Joe Sheehan was on hand to poke home a goal and remarkably Ibane had the lead. For good measure Mark added a point and we waited with bated breath for the referee to bring an end to proceedings. Bandon had other ideas and threw everything into one final attack, and with their danger man Adam Murphy bearing down on goal, our defence was on hand to halt his progress. After some deliberation the referee correctly awarded a 20m free which eventually was well saved by Conor Madden in the Ibane goals, and the final whistle was greeted by joyous scenes by players/mentors and supporters alike. 

A superb win and great credit is due to all the panel, and to the backroom team of selectors Paudie O'Regan, Alan O'Leary, Norman Fleming, trainer Mike O'Callaghan all under the expert management and guidance of Donal Holland.

Ibane will now play St Nicks in the County Quarter Final; date TBC.

Team: Conor Madden, Conor O'Regan, Joe Sheehan (1-00), Patrick Moloney, Daniel Hurley (Capt), David Kiely, Gerry Crowley, Eoin Lawyton, Killian McSweeney, Cathal O'Donovan, John Whelton, Jack Murphy, Jack Cahalane (0-07, 0-05 frees), Oisin Dowling, Mark Crowley (1-05).

Subs Used: Daniel O Driscoll (0-02), Seven Madden, Bill Fleming, Ted Kearney, John Dulllea

Also on panel Andrew McCarthy, Brian Scannell, Ciaran O'Sullivan, Micheal Whelton, Killian Lawton, Sean Holland, Christy Crowley, Darragh O'Donovan.