Bandon denied at death

BANDON’S dreams of a famous double have been shattered by yesterday’s narrow loss to Dunmurry in the semi-final of the Bulmers Barton Shield at Castlebar. So now, they switch their attentions to the Irish Senior Cup, in which they meet Co Sligo in tomorrow’s semi-finals.

The Cork side lost by one hole in an exciting and closely fought contest that produced a lot of fine golf, especially over the closing stages. But the Belfast side prevailed when Stephen Crowe and Glen McAuley birdied the par five 18th to edge out Donie O’Donovan and Kieran Hurley and put them into today’s decider against Headfort, who enjoyed a surprisingly comfortable win over four-time champions Galway.

It was also a disappointing day for East Cork, who put up a brave performance before going down in the semi-final of the Junior Cup against a well-balanced Naas outfit. The Leinster champions now go forward to meet Portumna in today’s final.