Rockchapel reel Bandon in to grab share of spoils

This was a game full of twists and turns, with the tension on a knife edge going into the closing stages.

Sat, 23 Aug, 2025 - 21:38

John O'Shea

Cork Premier IFC: Rockchapel 1-12 Bandon 1-12

A captivating McCarthy Insurance Group Cork PIFC clash ultimately saw Rockchapel and Bandon share the spoils.

This was a game full of twists and turns, with the tension on a knife edge going into the closing stages.

Heading into second half stoppage Bandon held a two point lead, however Rockchapel clawed back the deficit in a dramatic conclusion.

It felt like a defeat for Bandon, who had the taste of victory within touching distance. But credit to Rockchapel for refusing to throw the towel in, especially after an opening half which saw them second best for large portions of the contest.

Both are still standing and can still harbour some hope of still making the knockout stages.

Rockchapel opened the scoring courtesy of a score by Shane Curtin of his right boot in the opening minute.

Bandon gradually grew into proceedings and had a firm stranglehold on the contest. A well taken effort by Mark Sugrue opened his side’s scoring account.

Points by Conor Calnan and another Sugrue score helped to see Bandon lead 0-6 to 0-2 with 20 minutes played on the clock.

Despite Bandon edging the possession and tactical exchanges for large portions of the half, Rockchapel were thankful to be still in with a fighting chance thanks to a point from a free by Eoin Collins.

At the half time break Bandon held a two point lead at 0-6 to the 0-4 of Rockchapel.

Shortly into the second half the game was to turn totally on its head.

With 37 minutes on the clock Rockchapel edged in front when they found the back of the net. It was lovely attacking run from Jack Curtin, who maintained his composure and slotted home with a neat finish to the back of the net.

Bandon, however responded almost immediately with a goal of their own, as Sugrue put the finishing touches to a well worked move with a cool close-range finish as they now led 1-7 to 1-6.

When the chips were down Rockchapel showed great fighting spirit and they were much improved in the second half.

Scores from Ciaran Curtin, Shane Curtin and Jason O’Callaghan saw the men from Rockchapel then go two points ahead at the midway juncture of the second half.

Bandon came back again and a lovely two pointed score from former Cork hurler Michael Cahalane saw the teams get back on level terms.

Heading into the closing ten minutes Bandon appeared to find a second wind and grew in momentum.

Further points including from Cahalane and Sugrue saw Bandon lead 1-12 to 1-10 as the game headed into the final minute of normal time.

But back came Rockchapel once more. Points from Seamus Hickey and O’Callaghan with practically the final kick of the game ensured this game ended in a draw.

Next up for Bandon will be a clash against Naomh Abán on September 13. The same day will see Rockchapel face off against Glanmire.

Scorers for Rockchapel: J Curtin 1-1, J O’Callaghan 0-3, S Hickey, S Curtin, E Collins (2f) 0-2 each, Ciaran Curtin, J McAuliffe 0-1 each.

Bandon: M Sugrue (0-1f, 0-1 ‘45’) 1-3, M Cahalane (1 2pt), C Calnan 0-3 each, P Callinan, J Cullinane, J Calnan 0-1 each.

Rockchapel: C Murphy; P Curtin, E O’Callaghan, S Curtin; D Carroll, B Carroll, M O’Keeffe; S Hickey, Ciaran Curtin; Cormac Curtin, J O’Callaghan, J Walsh; N Lenihan, J Curtin, J McAuliffe.

Subs: K Collins for D Carroll (16, inj), E Collins for Lenihan (27), M McAuliffe for Cormac Curtin (HT).

Bandon: C McCarthy; E Twomey, B Crowley, E McSweeney; C Calnan, D O’Donovan, J Mulcahy; R Long, P Murphy; P Callinan, D Crowley, C Lynch; M Sugrue, M Cahalane, J Cullinane.

Subs: C Long for Twomey (44), J Calnan for Callinan (48), N McCarthy for Crowley (57).

Referee: Robert Whelan (Gleann Na Laoi).