VIDEO: Mark Sugrue inspires Bandon victory

Bandon 3-11 Uibh Laoire 2-9: Mark Sugrue scored 3-4 as Bandon ended a 22-year spell away from intermediate football ranks by overcoming Uibh Laoire to claim the JAFC title at Páirc Uí Rinn yesterday.

Junior champions in 1975, the Carbery side managed to reach the IFC final in 1982 but re-graded again in 1984. Another three-year spell at intermediate from 1990-93 proved fruitless and since then they have had to toil to return, often with the added tag of being sleeping giants and the internal and external pressures that brings.

This year’s campaign saw them capable of operating in different styles and tempos when required and, on the big day, their temperament wasn’t found wanting. For Uibh Laoire, Muskerry champions for the first time in 30 years, defeat was just that: one game lost at the end of a successful run, and they should be able to channel it positively next year.