U21 success
October 08, 2025
U21 Success
Ibane Gaels U21 footballers won a thrilling West Cork final last Friday evening in Dunmanway. They beat Bantry Blues 3-14 to 1-14 and avenged last year's final defeat to the same opposition. Particularly pleasing was the manner of the exhilarating second half comeback from 7 points down. A second half Luke Murphy hat trick was the standout performance under lights with players giving it their all. No doubt that Donal Holland was smiling down on them as they reclaimed the cup in such a brave and determined fashion. This year's management team of Donal Holland (RIP), John McSweeney, Michael O'Callaghan, Donal O'Buachalla, Darragh Holland and Lorcan O'Leary have done a fantastic job. A full report appears elsewhere in the sports pages. Team; Luke McCarthy; Kevin Hennessy, Joe Crowley, Aidan Walsh; Daniel Moloney, Tomás Ó Buachalla (c), Charlie Twomey; Dermot Dineen, Sean Ryan; Jack Twomey, Olan O’Donovan, Aaron Fleming; Luke Murphy, James Crowley and Dara Walsh.
Subs used: Donagh Flynn, Mike Collins and Jamie Collins.
Poignant Visit:
Ibane Gaels great victory in the West-Cork Under 21 “A” Football final was tinged with emotion at Dunmanway on Friday night last. Missing from the side-line was the manager, Donal Holland RIP who sadly succumbed to illness a month ago. Before the celebrations began back in Ibane country, the full complement of players and management made their way to Lislevane cemetery to visit Donal’s grave. At the beginning of the season, Donal was appointed manager of the team, a position he held with other teams on many occasions. He had a special affinity with this particular group. He was both their mentor and their friend. Donal was on the line directing operations at Ballinascarthy when they defeated Clonakilty in the first round. They then defeated O’Donovan Rossa in a delayed semi-final. The team then faced their toughest challenge on Friday night against Bantry who had defeated them comprehensively in last year’s final. This year they vowed there was going to be no repeat.
After an indifferent first half they were trailing 0-4 to 0-11 at half time and the situation looked bleak. After heading some badly needed home truths in the dressing room coupled with two master-stroke tactical substitutions, Ibane emerged a totally different team in the second half and displayed their true talent to the delight of their enthusiastic supporters. No doubt they were urged on and driven forward by Donal from on high. It was indeed fitting that the group should visit his grave with the spoils of victory to pay tribute to their manager and spend some time in prayerful reflection with their friend. Lads, you did him proud.