County final

The Ibane Gaels U17 team contested the Rebel Óg Division 2 hurling county final against Millstreet last Saturday afternoon at Cloughduv. Starting without the injured Charlie Twoomey, the opening exchanges were close as the sides were level after quarter of an hour, 0-5 to 1-02. Milstreet scored a preventable goal following confusion around the goalmouth and a couple of Luke Murphy frees and Olan O' Donovan points from play kept Ibane in the match. A swirling crossfield gale was a feature of the first half, along with superb marksmanship from the North Cork side as they scored 1-4 without reply, including a rocket of a goal into the top corner. Resolute defending from Joe Crowley and Diarmuid McCarthy, hard work from Adam Barry and Dáire Walsh, along with neat points from the aforementioned O' Donovan and Murphy was all Ibane could respond with. Another bullet of a goal from Millstreet's two dangerous inside forwards left the half time score line at 3-07 to 0-9. Two early second half goals left Ibane shell shocked and with a mountain to climb. They put the shoulder to the wheel with hard working midfielder Ronan Coakley, centre forward James Crowley and the Hennessy brothers doing all they could to chip away at the 13 point lead. Goals from Olan O' Donovan helped bring the deficit back to 4 points in difficult conditions for hurling, but Millstreet ran out deserving winners on a scoreline of 5-11 to 2-15.

While Ibane fought to the end -they played their best hurling in the final quarter but the concession of five goals was a bridge too far for a gallant Ibane side. Three of the goals scored by Millstreet were of the highest quality and there was little the Ibane rear guard could do to prevent them. They gave of their all but once again the overall contribution by full forward Olan O’Donovan needs to be applauded. Though he was well marked by the opposition he still showed his undoubted class and ended the game with 2-11 to his name. Luke Murphy scored three points with James Crowley hitting over a point also. The overall strength of the Millstreet fifteen told in the damp conditions and they displayed a great desire for victory having been beaten in a county final the previous season. Ibane will dust themselves down and get up on the horse once more next season. They can look back on a most successful year in hurling and football and have given their followers endless hours of great enjoyment. Coaches Barry Harte, Mark Mythen and Daniel O’Driscoll have worked wonders with this team and selectors Tony Crowley, John Mc Sweeney, Liam Murphy and Edward Mc Sweeney left no stone unturned in their quest for improvement in hurling and football skill throughout the season.

Team: Brian Murphy, Mark O’Sullivan, Cillian O’Donovan, Donncha Coakley, Joe Crowley, Diarmuid Mc Carthy, Daniel Moloney, Ronan Coakley, Robert Hennessy, Danny Lawton, James Crowley, Adam Barry, Luke Murphy, Olan O’Donovan, Daire Walsh Subs: Kevin Hennessy, Jack Twomey, Marcus Kelly, Cathal Hennessy, Colm Kirby, Alphie Walsh and Ben O’Dwyer.

Team and officials retired to Courtmacsherry Hotel later in the evening for a welcomed meal to mark the end of a long season. Lazarus rose from the dead, so will this Ibane Gaels team. Recharge the batteries lads and here’s to 2023. Ibane abu.