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.