Castletownbere can finally go the distance

EIGHTY-SIX miles separates the GAA club in Castletownbere and the Páirc Uí Rinn pitch where they hope to claim the Cork intermediate football trophy against Kinsale tomorrow afternoon.

But a journey of over two hours will not be a deterrent to the Beara side as they have grown accustomed to lengthy treks with their squad scattered all over the country.

“We wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for the phenomenal dedication and commitment these players have shown,” says Castletownbere manager Morgan O’Sullivan. “There’s only 14 of our panel based at home in Castletownbere. Of the rest of them, you’ve six or seven in Cork city, the same number based around Dublin and then Ciarán Murphy is in college in Belfast. But they have huge interest in playing football for Castletownbere.”