Bandon bidding to build on thrilling Muskerry victory

BANDON and Doneraile bid for notable doubles when the Munster finals of the Bulmers Irish Senior and Junior Cups and Barton Shield take place at Castletroy this weekend.

Bandon aim to join the elite who have captured both the Senior Cup and Barton Shield in the same year while Doneraile are in line for both the Senior and Junior Cup pennants.

Bandon owe their place in the senior decider to a remarkable victory over Muskerry in the South Munster decider. With the teams tied at 2-2, Kieran Hurley for Bandon levelled the decisive match against Daniel Hallissey at the 17th in heavy rain at Monkstown.

A mammoth play off ran in to the following evening before Hurley finally made the breakthrough at the ninth tie hole.

Donie O’Donovan, who is still a member of the squad along with son Brian, played a key part in Bandon’s only success at senior provincial level – in the 1977 Barton Shield. Doneraile defeated Ballybunion in the West Munster decider. They are powered by David Finn and Tim O’Mahony, both of whom won All-Ireland medals with Mallow in 2001.

The first senior semi-final involves Limerick, traditionally one of the strongest teams in the competition, and West Waterford, who reached the national final at Tullamore in 2009 only to lose to Galway. Gary Hurley was a key member of that side and recently helped Ireland to capture the Boys Home International Championship. They can also call upon Mark Shanahan, Seamus Power and Philip Spratt and will be fancied to again reach the national finals in Castlebar next month. However, they can expect a tough match against a very experienced Limerick side containing such fine players as 2009 Irish champion Pat Murray, who was involved with Ireland in the Home Internationals in Wales up to yesterday; Michael O’Kelly and Mike Kemmy.

Castletroy look a good bet on home territory for the Barton Shield. With wily campaigners like Stephen Moloney, Cian Daly and Eamonn Haugh in the squad, Castletroy will be fancied to account for Bandon in this morning’s second semi-final. Tralee, who meet Thurles in the first Barton semi-final, include the son, Darren, and nephew, Fergal, of Gerard O’Sullivan, a club stalwart for many years and regular member of Munster teams.

Doneraile and Bandon also clash in this morning’s Junior Cup semi-finals with the other match involving Nenagh and Dungarvan.