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