King Cup Final - CP Bheanntrai v Hospital CC

Tuesday 11th December 2012

Venue: Mahon 

Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai 14 - Hospital Community College 5

Twenty two teams started in this competition . It is fair to say that Bheanntrai would have been long odds to win this trophy before a ball was kicked, Just their first year in the competition they were unlucky to be beaten in the semi final last year. But they would have been an unknown quantity then. However this team got down to business from the start of the competition and defeating, Tralee, Tarbert , Killorglin, Waterpark (who were going for three in a row) and finally the day came when they had reached the final against Hospital Community College. This was an achievement in itself, but this team wanted more. Many of these players at club level, had tasted defeat last year in the South Munster cup final, and league semi final, this prize was not going to be given up easily.Carrying as it did much more prestige.

Bheanntrai kicked off with a gale at their backs. Sean McCarthy  gradually gave his team advantage with some excellent tactical kicking keeping the Hospital back three at full stretch and giving the Cork team field advantage after they had weathered some good attacks by Hospital backs and forwards.

Tremendous driving and rucking brought Bheanntrai into the Hospital 22 and finally Mike Casey in an unstoppable drive by the forwards touched down for a fine try . Sean McCarthy added the points 7-0 to the Cork boys. The Limerick boys then staged a fight back and an excellent break out of defence was only stopped by a first class tackle by Eoghan McIlhenny which saved the  Bheanntrai line.

            Bheanntrai then took control of the game and attacked the opposition line . Great handling and passing saw Ian Hurley go in for a fine try after a sweeping back line move. Again Sean McCarthy kicked the all important conversion. 14-0 to Bheanntrai. They dominated play right up to the half time whistle, a ball went to ground when an overlap had been created, Mike Casey was held up three times as he drove over the line. The half time whistle blew, was the lead enough we wondered facing into a gale force wind?

Hospital came out all guns firing in the second half. This was a very well prepared team with good team skills and also fine runners in the back line.Their outhalf and wingers really stretched the Bheanntrai defence Their rolling maul was very well executed and they threw down the gauntlet to the Wesr Cork boys. After 10 minutes they took the ball through five phases and went in at the corner for a well taken try, they failed to add the points so it was 14-5 with twenty minutes to go.

Bheanntrai then went into the attack and great runs by Tadg McCarthy, Kevin Holland, and Liam Cronin, had the Limerick boys on the back foot. Then it was Bheanntrai”s turn to defend and it was here in the last quarter that the Cork boys showed their never say die spirit. Time and again Hospital tried to break down the defence and time and again they were driven back. Finally the full time whistle blew to end what was a remarkable hard fought game. Full credit to both sets of teams and mentors to produce what was a hard fought game played in a sporting manner.

Both sets of supporters drove their team on to the finish and it was hand shakes all round on the final whistle.

Bheanntrai ran out deserving winners creating more chances and defending with great skill and determination.

Mentors Eugene McCarthy, Sean Donegan, and Andre Polivka, can be proud of their team and the work that goes into preparing a cup side . Hospital Community School were a fine team well drilled competitive and sporting.

Tristan Coakley, Ciaran OSullivan, Shane Keevers, and Shane Shannon, were others to catch the eye but above all this was a team performance.

Bheanntrai now qualify to play in the Mungret Sheild and play St Clements of Limerick im the semi final of this competition so with one cup under their belt Bheanntrai march into the New Year in search of more honours.

Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai:

John Donegan, Ciaran OSullivan, Liam Cronin, Tristan Coakley ,Kevin Holland, Pat Casey, Ian Hurley, Mike Casey, Shane Keever,s Sean McCarthy, Pat Daly, Tadg McCarthy, Shane Shannon,, Tomas ODonovan, Eoghan McIlhenny, Fergal OSullivan, Aidan OSullivan, James Murphy, Tony Harrington, Fineen Wycherly, Killian OSullivan.

Club News

Adult Rugby

The club amalgamated with Dunmanway this year to put out J1 and J3 teams.  While Bantry Bay could have fielded a team they would now have been strong enough to compete at J1.  The average age of players having dropped from 25/26 to 21/22.  A good number of players wanted to stay up in Division Three of the J1 League. Dunmanway were in a similar position.  We both then came to the conclusion that to fill a J3 team we would have to join for that as well, to date this is very satisfactory.

Bantry Bay R.F.C. Underage

We stand alone on this and most weekends we have U13, U15 and U17 playing.  Also 60 minis (U12 – U7) playing so this is very healthy.  We have a core of well trained, dedicated coaches.  We currently have two players on the Munster U17 squad and ten players on the South West Training Squad at Under 15.

So times are difficult, but we are managing.

Colaiste Phobail Bheanntrai

The club sponsors Community Club Rugby Officer Eugene McCarthy to coach rugby in the secondary and national schools in the area.

This scheme is funded by the club and Munster Rugby.  It has meant great development in the numbers playing the game in the Bantry catchment area as well as providing sport and exercise for boys and girls in the town. 

In Colaiste Phobail Bheanntraí Eugene is coaching the following teams: 1st, 2nd and 3rd year teams, play in Cork Development League.  The Under 16 team plays in the King Cup and they are in the Semi Final in Waterford, having beaten Killorglin and Tralee in the earlier rounds.  The U19 are playing in the O’Brien Cup.  The Under 14 girls are playing in a Development League.  There are 5 Tag Rugby teams, one for each year so he is a busy man.  Eleven teams in all.  He also coaches 6-8 National Schools.

Financial

Currently we are managing our finances well.  There is no long term debt.  But as is costs €17,000 - €18,000 per annum we have to keep up the fund raising.  We get no grants or support for running costs so every euro counts. Also we wish to buy our own grounds as soon as possible.

Tickets

We have tickets available for RABO and Heineken Cup matches and also internationals.  Contact Neill at 086 8162650.  Better to ring well before games as its first come, first served!

Facilities

We have the use of Finbarr Murphy’s field at Beach opposite the Westlodge Hotel.  Unfortunately the summer was so wet it is not usable at present. The clubs aim is to purchase their own ground.  For rugby you need a dry accessible site.  Ideally two pitches, parking and tog out facilities, showers etc. The committee is determined to achieve this goal as soon as possible.

Christmas Bazaar
BBRFC's Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday the 8th of December at the Old Cinema, Bantry. Starts at 2pm - All are Welcome! Further details to follow.

Keep in touch!!!  We are on Facebook, Twitter and have a Website

just Google Bantry Bay R.F.C.

Recent Results

Under 19 Rugby

Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai

C.P.B. 12 v Tralee 20

Played in Tralee, this was a hard fought game in which the Bantry team gave a very good account of themselves. This was the first year the school put out a team at this age group so it is another step forward for rugby in Bantry and the club appreciates all involved for allowing this to take place. Tralee rugby is on a high at the moment so running them this close at this level was a fine achievement.

Club Under 15 League

Bantry Bay 5 v Ballincollig 5

Most of this panel are on their first year at under15 so this result away to Ballincollig was a very good outcome. The game could have gone either way but Bantry were happy with the result and are looking forward to their next outing.

Skibbereen 22 v Bantry Bay 12

Skibbereen raced into an early lead in this game and Bantry team and mentors will be disappointed with the lack of teamwork and intensity in the Bantry side up to half time. These teams were very close last year but on this performance Bantry will not be happy. In the second half Bantry picked up the pace but they had given Skibb a lead that they couldn’t claw back. There is work to be done but Bantry will have to come out firing in games. They seem to have a dangerous habit of letting teams get ahead and then trying to catch up . This just doesnt work against the better sides.

Munster Junior League J1 Division 3

Bantry Bay/Dunmanway 0 v Killorglin 29

The score board is not really a true reflection of this game . Played in some of the worst conditions I have ever seen. There was great credit due to both sides to produce a great contest in the dreadful conditions The first half Bantry/ Dunmanway played with the benefit of the wind and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet Killorglin turning with a slight lead. Shortly after half time the breeze turned into a force 10 gale with bitter driving rain it has to be said that both sides gave it everything but Killorglin used the elements very well , in the final few minutes the home side just ran out of energy and Killorglin ran in three tries with converts to put a really harsh look on the score board no one on the home side gave up and great credit is due to both sides for serving up a good encounter in really horrendous conditions. Bantry/ Dunmanway are a new combination with new players and combinations being tried each week . There is a long season ahead and the team and mentors are working hard.This team will definitely have some wins before the season is out. Hopefully they wont have to play in such dreadful conditions again.

Bantry Bay RFC - Underage

Last weekend was absolutly hectic for Bantry underage with all of the clubs teams in action. Some games won, some games lost, but there was great activity and fun through the age groups, with up to 150 club members involved.

U13 - Bantry Bay RFC 27 - Clonakilty 29

U15 - Bantry Bay RFC 17 - Skibbereen 31

U17 - Bantry Bay RFC 37 - Ballincollig 3

U7, U8, U9, U10 & U11 - The mini's section has a blitz in Skibbereen. Great competition and games, even at the finish.

Congrats to all the mentors who work so hard to keep things going.

Munster Under 17 - Final Training Squad

After surviving a number of cuts and making a strong impact throughout the programme, Tim Cronin and Mike Casey have made the Munster Level Squad. Brian Murphy was unlucky to lose out, but injury has hampered his efforts. Brian will still be monitored and has a good chance of getting back.

Bantry/Dunmanway J1 & J3 - Update

The combination of Dunmanway/Bantry for this year is working well. So far the J1 Division 3 team drew one match against Scariff and lost away to a powerful Waterford side in the league. The J3 team have got one walk over and were beaten this weekend 32 - 22 by UCC in a thriller. So both teams in action and plenty of Rugby to be played. New players, or returning players welcome. Training in Dunmanway – Tuesday 7:30pm & Friday 7:30pm

Munster Cup Tickets

Special Offers - Munster Packages 

These offers are selling very well (See prices at the bottom of the page)

The Heineken & Rabo Tickets are for stand tickets, we are also providing a Rabo package for Musgrave Park games. 4 x Stand Tickets - €120
Games: - RABO Musgrave Park
v Scarletts - 25th November - kick off 5:15pm (4 x Stand Tickets available €30 each)

Christmas Pack - RABO Musgrave Park - 3 x Matches (Stand Tickets) €90 - Single Games €30

v Cardiff Blues - 5th January
v Edinburgh Rugby - 8th, 9th, 10th February
v Connacht Rugby - T.B.A.

Heineken Cup - Thomond Park
v Saracens - kick off 6:00pm (3 x Terrace Tickets Available €30 each)
v Racing Metro - (Stand & Terrace Tickets Available)
Ring Neill Clarke 086-8162650

U16 King Cup - C.P.B. v Tralee

Tuesday 23rd October 2012
Venue: Dunmanway 

Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai 35 - Tralee CBS 7

C.P.B. have already beaten Killorglin in the first round of this cup. In the second round, against Tralee C.B.S. it was nip and tuck for much of the first half. Tralee scoring 7-0, Bantry replied through Mike Casey, converted by Sean McCarthy 7-7. Ian Murphy burst through for a try 12-7. After half time C.P.B, forwards and backs, got into their stride. Pat Daly and Ian Hurley added tries. Sean McCarthy converted two and kicked two penalties. Mike Casey kicked a convert. Well done all, a great win. Drive On!

Bantry/Dunmanway J1 & J3 - Progress so far

The Bantry/Dunmanway agreement is working well. Training numbers are very good. Last Tuesday (11th Sept) there was a full turnout, and a fifteen aside game, as 33 turned up for training. As explained on the website announcement and posters, there will be two teams, J1 and J3, so there will be rugby for all. It is an exciting initiative and it is great that players from both towns are co-operating and enjoying the training to date under Gordon Brett and Eugene McCarthy, both of whom are involved in the Munster setup. So action will begin shortly. The Junior 1 League Division 3 starts on the 14th of October v Scarriff @2:30pm in Dunmanway. The Junior 3 league starts on the 14th of October v Douglas (Venue to be announced)

There will be important friendly games played to get the new arrangement going, so there will be plenty of action for all concerned. Posters will go up locally and both websites will provide further information.

Training Details: Tuesdays & Fridays @7:30pm in Dunmanway.

Registration 2012-2013

Registration is now open for the 2012/2013 season.

Bantry Bay & Dunmanway will both be running their underage completely separately. Bantry Bay will be entering and Under 21 team and Dunmanway players are very much welcome to play with the Bantry Team.

Youth Registration 6 - 18 years		Adult Registration 18 years +
€60 - One Child                       €110 - Two Children                       €150 - Three Children		€60 - 18-20 years old €60 - Unemployed/          Student €70 - Employed Player

Each Registered Member gets Shorts & Socks

Registration Officer: Melanie Walters (or any of the other club officers)

                                    (M) 086-2221778

                                    (W) 028-32643
                                    (H) 028-31292

                                    melwalters@me.com

Bantry/Dunmanway Announce Combining of J1 & J3

Last season Dunmanway and Bantry fielded two inexperienced teams at J1. Retirements, injuries and emigration had depleted both clubs and while the teams gave their best, they weren’t able for clubs with older, experienced players and large squads. After a number of meetings during the off season, and discussion with players and mentors, the idea of combining both sets of players into two competitive squads at J1 & J3 was agreed. This arrangement is to be tried for twelve months and reviewed. The intention is to shift the games between Bantry and Dunmanway. Conor O’Mahony of the Arch Bar and Stephen O’Donovan of the Brick Oven, have generously agreed to sponsor the teams. It is important that players and supporters ‘buy in’ to this new concept. Some players from both clubs want to continue at J1, others will prefer J3. However, players need to agree to do whatever is best to make the new arrangement work. Eugene McCarthy and Gordon Brett are the coaches and we are lucky to have two experienced coaches, both of whom have positions in the Munster set up. The joint committee are fully behind this initiative and are keen to make it work. Club Presidents, Con Twomey and Neill Clarke are working together to promote and encourage the initiative. Both Presidents are fully committed and wish the teams well for the coming season. So it’s all hands on deck, a level of Rugby to suit everyone, places to be won, matches to be won, and who knows, it would be great to bring home a trophy at either level. ‘Let the Games Begin’. Training in Dunmanway – Tuesday 7:30pm & Friday 7:30pm

Tag Rugby Cancellation

Due to record rainfall in July, our grounds are still recovering, so the Tag Rugby Weekend, previously advertised for the 17-19th August, will have to be cancelled. We have looked for an alternative venue, but unfortunatly its the same story everywhere. We will go ahead next year, weather permitting.

Atlantic Challenge 2012

21st - 29th July 2012
Venue: Bantry Bay

What a terrific week of contest and fun. I watched the racing and events for the entire week and really enjoyed the whole spectacle! I was hugely impressed by the Irish, Unité, team. An amazing achievement to win 7 out of the 14 events, and come 2nd in two others! The performances that really stood out for me were the "Passage Race" on Friday evening, where the crews rowed from the beaches, through the Gurranes to the old jetty at the back of Whiddy Island. This was a fantastic effort, good tactics, guts & sheer determination. Then when the sails went up, we saw the Unité cutting through the water at high speed as we followed along side her in the spectator's ferry. The other performance was the "Rowing" on Saturday morning, where the Irish crew looked jet propelled as they raced to victory with huge crowds cheering them on. The memories will live forever. The shore events and the 'Pirate Day', meant there was something for everyone both on land & sea. What a week!

Sincere congratulations to all involved, and particularly to the amazing crew of Team Ireland (who's crew are based locally and can be seen training out in Bantry Bay throughout the year!) 

Jack Price, Michael Young, Andrew Hurley, Barry Pigott, Joe Pigott, Colm O'Leary, Abi Cronin, Niall O'Donovan, Aileen Daly, Caroline Daly, Colleen Kelleher, Peter Kelleher, Tom O'Sullivan, Ronan Lordan, Alex Vickery, Megan Clancy, Lauren O'Donovan, Aine O'Sullivan & Aisling O'Sullivan.

They showed the way with skill, commitment and bravery, an outstanding example to us all in the sporting world! Bantry Bay RFC was proud to have to opportunity to act as the host club for the Irish crew!

Neill Clarke - President

Announcement

The death has taken place of Mark Delaney Snr,
Blackrock Road, Bantry.

Mark played on the Bantry teams of the 1940's & 1950's. Mark was a great supporter of Bantry rugby, winning a County Cup Medal in 1951. He then went on to win another County Cup Medal with Skibbereen in 1953. Mark was present in Bandon to see his Grandson Pat win a Kelly Cup Medal in 2009. His Grandson Mark has also played for the current team. Dearly loved husband of Angela, loving Dad of Anthony, Pat, Mark, John, Joan, Angela & Frank.

May he rest in peace

Removal this evening, Thursday 19th July, at 7:30pm from Coakleys Funeral home to St.Finbarrs Church Bantry.
Requiem Mass on Friday 20th July at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to the Abbey Cemetery.

Atlantic Challenge 2012

Bantry Bay R.F.C. are delighted to host the crew of the "Unité" (Ireland). We wish all the contestants a great time in our town and a great competition. May the best crew win.

Neill Clarke - President

U21A Championship County Final

21A West Cork Champions 2012
Bantry Blues 0-13 v Castlehaven 1-8

Bantry Blues GAA v Nemo Rangers. The U21A Football Championship County Final will take place in Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday 21st July 7:30pm. Best of Luck "Come on the Blues"
Neill Clarke - President

Bantry Bay R.F.C. BBQ

Mannings Emporium - Bantry Bay R.F.C. BBQ

Thanks for the Memories

Mick O'Driscoll Munster Rugby 1998-2012

The Gods of the weather smiled on Manning's Emporium on Sunday (July 8th), on the occasion of their annual barbeque. This year the funds were in aid of Bantry Bay R.F.C, who decided to invite Mick O'Driscoll as guest of honour, with his wife Alice and their new three week old baby, to honour Micks outstanding career with Munster.

Fionn & Cathal (Winner's of the Hamper)
with Mick O'Driscoll at the
Bantry Bay R.F.C. BBQ on Sunday

It was a lovely family day out. Bantry players, young and old, and their families turned out to make it "just a perfect day"! The Calvinists provided the music in the marquee, which added greatly to the event! The proprietors of Mannings Emporium, Andrew & Laura, and of course Val, were wonderful hosts.

The barbecue was run by Kate & Eugene O'Brien, who did the cooking. The food tasted as good as the lovely aroma and smells associated with open air cooking. Margaret Clarke, Christine Fitzgerald & Esther O'Hehir served up the food and kept the busy line moving, to everyones satisfaction.

Damian Moloney, Club President, presented a Waterford Crystal Bowl, with an inscribed plinth, to mark Mick O'Driscoll's retirement from playing. Mick clocked up an amazing 207 caps for Munster, 35 for Perpignan and 38 caps for Ireland at full and A Levels. What a career! He joined Ronan O'Gara on 219, Peter Stringer on 223 and John Hayes on 217. Mick has won Heineken Cup Medals, Celtic League and a European Colleges Medal with U.C.C. But he was about more than just medals. His line out play, his fearless leadership and how he always gave everything on the pitch, in what can only be described as a glittering career. 

Mick Galwey was his usual self. Friendly banter was the order of the day between the two Munster stars. Mixing with the families and fans, they added to everyones enjoyment!.

Stephen & Gillian O'Donovan (The Brick Oven / Mariner Bar) prepared and cooked some of the food, provided tables, advice and helped in so many ways to make the day a success.

The Calvinists music suited the day wonderfully. Easy listening for young and old, they had the crowd bopping & weaving to their very distinctive sound.

McCarthy's of Kanturk, Paddy O'Donoghue, Tim Murphy, Henry Hegarty, Neill & Margaret Clarke & many others also contributed.

Manning's Emporium allowed use of the venue, arranged sponsorship, contributed a Hamper, helped with advice and direction, in what was a day to remember.

Upcoming Bantry Bay R.F.C. BBQ

BREAKING NEWS
Manning's of Ballylickey are this year donating all proceeds of their Annual Barbecue to Bantry Rugby Club Development, so make it a date on July 8th from 3pm. Guest of Honour - Mick O'Driscoll.
Main Sponsors: Manning's Emporium, McCarthy's of Kanturk, The Brick Oven / Mariner Bar, Paddy O'Donoghue, Tim Murphy, Online Club Members

Munster Development Squad 2012

Bantry Underage Players who have qualified for the Munster Development Squad 2012
2nd Year Cadets South Munster Regional Development Squad Under 17		1st Year Cadets South Munster Regional Development Squad Under 15
Brian Murphy   Tim Cronin   Paddy Sheehan   Aidan James		Dillon Murphy   Michael Casey   Fineen Wycherly   Killian O'Sullivan   Ian Hurley	Eoghan McIlhenny Sean McCarthy Ciaran O'Sullivan Phillip Walters
Congratulations to all concerned. Well done!!

Announcement

The death has taken place of John O'Shea, 

Raheen, and formerly of Ballylickey and Harbour View Bantry. 

John was a member of the great Bantry rugby teams of the Thirties, which won three county cups in that era, and the double in 1935 of the County Cup and the O'Neill Cup. When action resumed after the war, the county cup was won again in 1951.

John was a great centre, who was a hard tackler and had a great turn of pace, scoring many tries for Bantry during his career. He played senior rugby with Sundays Well, and also for the Munster Junior team. 

John returned to Bantry and in 1992 he was a main committee man in the revival of the club, Bantry Bay RFC. He served on the committee for ten years and was a loyal, wholehearted supporter, up to a few years ago he was a regular at all the games.

Husband of Betty (nee Connolly), and dear dad of Phil, Chris and Elizabeth (Campbell).

John will be missed by all at the club and particuarly in Ballylickey where Betty and John were great community activists.

May he rest in peace

Removal on Thursday 9th May from Coakleys Funeral home to St.Finbarrs Church Bantry.

Requiem Mass on Friday 10th May at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to the Abbey Cemetery.

Thanks to all who attended the Guard of Honor at the removal last night
Bantry Bay RFC & Ballylickey Development Association.

South Munster U15's Cup Final

South Munster U15's Cup Final  -  Bantry Bay v Skibbereen

The final was played in the Presentation Collge Grounds, Cork, (near Dennehys Cross) at 12pm on Sunday the 15th of April 2012. (For a full match report see our website)

Bantry Bay RFC 15  - Skibbereen 22

South Munster U15's Cup Semi-Final

South Munster U15's Cup Semi-Final  -  Cork Con v Bantry Bay

The Semi-Final of the South Munster U15's Cup was held in Templehill, Cork on Saturday the 7th of April at 11am. (For a full match report see our website)

Cork Con 3  -  Bantry Bay RFC 5

U12 Blitz of Ballincollig

Under 12 Blitz of Ballincollig

Bantry Bay U12's travelled to Ballincollig on Saturday the 31st of March, to play in the above blitz. They had a very successful outing, defeating Skibbereen, Charleville, Highfield & Carrigaline.
Mentors & players were very happy with this outcome as they have been training hard all year.

Annual Awards Night

Bantry Bay RFC Annual Awards Night

On Friday the 30th of March, the annual awards night was held in The Mariner, Bantry. The venue & band were kindly provided by Stephen & Gillian O’Donovan.

The following received their awards:
           Player of the Year: Pat Murnane
           Most Improved Player: David Mullins
           Best Newcomer: Mike O’Donoghue
           Clubman of the Year: Kevin O’Kane 

There was a very good crowd present and a lively band, “The Calvinists”, to entertain the fans. Because of the short notice and the Munster/Leinster Rabo Direct match on Saturday night, it wasn’t possible to get anyone from Munster Rugby to attend.

            Neill Clarke and Eugene McCarthy spoke and presented the awards. Neill thanked everyone for their great efforts during the year and stressed that continued loyalty to the club way the way forward. He complimented the senior team for keeping things going in what was a difficult year. Progress had been made with facilities at Beach and phase one was nearing completion. Showers will be available shortly, the road was put in and togs out facilities are available.

            The second phase was to improve the playing surface. New rules just published mean that the club could qualify for funding for this development from the IRFU as they have relaxed the rules of leases.

            Eugene gave a run down on the playing side. He complimented the adult players for sticking to the task and thanked them for their commitment and co-operation. Injuries, retirements and emigration have hit the club hard, but players have shown great courage and commitment.

            At underage level, we are still in the strong growth phase. There is now over 300 players registered. Bantry under 15’s continue to have a wonderful season, making the semi-final of the league, they now play Cork Con again in the quarter final of the cup on Saturday the 7th of April at 11 O’Clock in Templehill, Cork.

            The club now is strengthened by the entering of teams into Munster competition by Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai. The under 16’s made the quarter final of the King Cup and were unlucky to be beaten by Abbeyfeale 24 – 17 in Abbeyfeale.

The first and second year students won the West Munster League, in both categories. This will bring more students into rugby and the club. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Kevin Healey and the board of management of the school.

            Mini rugby goes from strength to strength, and one of the highlights of the year was a blitz at Beach when there was 140 players, 60 from Christians College in Cork and 80 from Bantry, in age categories under 7 to under 12. It was a marvellous sight and a great day for players parents and the club.

            Thanks was given to Stephen and Gillian O’Donovan for their work for the club and the provision of the venue & the band on the night. Apologies for the short notice, but the season only finished the previous week and some players were leaving town the following week.

West Munster School Leagues

Colaiste Phobail Beanntraí

Congratulations to the 1st & 2nd years who both won out their West Munster school leagues.

U14's Blitz - Kidney Cup

U14's Blitz (Kidney Cup)

Bantry Bay reached the quarter finals and were beaten by one try in a count back by Presentation College

South Munster U15's League Semi-Final

Venue: Templehill, Cork.

The South Munster U15's League Semi-Final was played in Templehill, Cork on Saturday 18th Feb.

Cork Constitution 8  -  Bantry Bay RFC 7

A top class exciting game ensued when these two fine teams met at the Cork Con grounds, Templehill Cork. Both Teams gave an exhibition of open football to delight the large attendance. Full marks to both sides for a top quality game. (see full match report on website)

Coffee Morning

Venue: De Barra's, Bantry.

On Sunday the 5th of February,  Bantry Bay RFC had a very successful coffee morning in De Barra's, Bantry.

There was a great selection of confectionery available, including a cake baked by Geraldine Hicks in the club colours. The organising committee of Linda Baker, Angela Coakley, Catherine O'Sullivan and Geraldine Hicks, put alot of work in and the club are delighted with the result. Special savories were baked by Sean O'Sullivan and Damian Hicks, which shows the amazing versatility of the club coaches.

Sincere thanks goes to Gerdy & Jacinta Barry of De Barra's for the use of their fine facilities.