Barryroe GAA

19 March, 2026

An evening to honour the outstanding achievements of the U21A 2025 footballers was held on Monday night last (16/03/2026) in Padjoe’s Bar.

Danny Murphy, Dan Connolly and Paul Holland spoke passionately about this exceptional group of players, praising not only their commitment and character but also the tremendous work of the management team led by Donal Holland (RIP), John McSweeney, Michael O'Callaghan, Donal O'Buachalla, Darragh Holland and Lorcan O'Leary on a remarkable season with this group.

The person chosen to take the reins of the U21 team for 2025 was the reliable Donal Holland.

The first round of the championship was played on the 9th of February 2025 in Ballinascarthy against Clonakilty, Ibane coming out with a great win. The competition was delayed for many months and unfortunately during that period, Donal Holland took ill and sadly passed away before the next round was played. Donal’s untimely death in July was a massive blow to his family, his friends, Barryroe GAA Club, Ibane and this group of players. The next round was played two weeks after with Ibane coming out with the victory by 7 points and reaching a 5th U21A West Cork Championship in a row - an incredible achievement. The final was played in Dunmanyway in August with Ibane overcoming reigning champions Bantry in a cracking final. Donal would have been proud of his players efforts who had qualified to enter the County Championship. Mallow was next in the County quarter-final and again Ibane came away with a great win to progress to the semi-final with the opposition getting tougher. The semi-final against Kinsale went to extra time and a penalty shootout, all level after 5 and on to sudden death. It was Donagh Flynn who stepped up to slot home Ibane’s sixth & sealed a 6–5 victory and a place in the County Final slot. To get into a County Final is massive taking our place with the big clubs in Co Cork to get there and these lads earned this place. The venue was Macroom and the opposition Douglas, an incredible performance by all the lads but it was to be Douglas’s day.

Paul Holland, an original founder of Ibane, was on hand to present the medals - thank you Paul.

Huge credit to this bunch of lads who carried Donal’s spirit throughout this campaign. Donal was a staunch supporter of Ibane and a great friend to everyone he coached over the years. He is a tremendous loss to his family and all his friends.

Huge credit to young players Donal O'Buachalla, Darragh Holland and Lorcan O'Leary who helped coach this team. Sincere thanks to all those who supported the lads.

It was a night filled with pride, gratitude and well‑deserved celebration for a team that has given the club so much to cheer about. Ibane Gaels Abú!

Sincere thanks to Conor and Tracie for hosting.