1996 Reunion

1996 Season Continued

Ballinascarthy provided the opposition in the semi-final in Clonakilty in mid- August. While the eventual winning margin of 2-18 to 0-10 was comprehensive, one would not have imagined it after the first twenty minutes. The defence was unsettled and guilty of conceding unnecessary frees but the switch of Liam Harte to centre back brought stability and a Michael Walsh goal as half time approached settled the team and had Argiden ahead 1-9 to 0-7 at half time. In the second half despite playing into the breeze, team captain Tony Crowley leading by example inspired his team mates and they limited their opponents to three points in the half hour and with Sean Foley getting the final touch to score a goal, there was no possible chance of any Ballinascarthy come back and Argideen were once again back in the final where Barryroe awaited.

This clash had all the ingredients for a pulsating final. Barryroe had revenge on their minds after Argideen inflicted a shattering semi-final replay defeat on them the season before. Argideen did not have happy memories of the 1994 final defeat by Barryroe at Bandon, so all was set for a show down at Bandon once more on the first Sunday of September. Argideen opened promisingly with Mark Foley and Michael Walsh pointing and when Tony Crowley kicked to the net it seemed as if Argideen could do no wrong. However, an air of overconfidence crept in and reality suddenly dawned with Barryroe leading 0-8 to 1-4 at the break.

After a few home truths in the dressing room, the team hit a purple patch with two splendid goals from Michael Walsh. Argideen from a totally dominant position, again took their foot off the throttle and allowed Barryroe into the game and it was nip and tuck until the final whistle. Barryroe were reduced to fourteen men and Argideen used the extra man to telling effect, disproving the theory that the team with numerical disadvantage usually comes out on top. The move of Tony Crowley to mid field where he gave a man of the match performance was significant. And what a baptism of fire it was for young Michael O’Callaghan who gave a seasoned display at corner back, wing back and wing forward over the hour. And what of the other young prodigy Michael Walsh who contributed 2-2 from play. His superb point from his left without breaking stride illustrated the undoubted skill of the Ahawadda man.

A sense of relief was felt by all at the final whistle and now with the Flyer Nyhan safely stored in Skeaf for the winter, the team would be minus the local tension and pressure associated with domestic West-Cork affairs and could be afforded ample opportunity to showcase their undoubted ability in a county campaign. Next up was Ballinora at Innishannon.