Canty stars as understrength Blues still too strong for Clon

THE Evening Echo-sponsored Cork SFC first round got into full swing over the weekend with Bantry Blues overcoming all the odds to beat Clonakilty 0-12 to 0-10 in a disappointing derby clash at Castlehaven yesterday.

After several of their more experienced players opted out, the Blues mentors were forced to introduce a couple of newcomers and were on a hiding to nothing against their more experienced West Cork rivals.

Their problems were further compounded when they lost full-back Kevin Harrington through injury after seven minutes. They moved Graham Canty from centre to full-back where he played a blinder and with inter- county colleague Philip Clifford sparkling at full forward, the Blues held off a late Clon rally.