Ibane Gaels U21s honoured

Ibane Under 21’s Honoured

The outstanding achievements of the Ibane under 21 footballers in 2025 were recognised at Pad Joe’s Bar recently when they were presented with their West-Cork Under 21 “A” football medals. Danny Murphy, Dan Connolly and Paul Holland all spoke passionately about this exceptional group of players, not forgetting the tremendous workof the management committee led by Donal Holland (RIP), team manager, who was joined by John Mc Sweeney, Michael O’Callaghan, Donal O Buachalla, Darragh Holland and Lorcan O’Leary. During the season, Donal Holland took ill and sadly passed away in July. The remainder of the season was tinged with sadness but with no little help from on high, they overcame reigning champions and their conquerors in the final of ’24, Bantry to record an emphatic victory. They then embarked on a remarkable county campaign with a quarter-final victory over Mallow. They met Kinsale in the semi-final and after a game for the ages, they sealed victory after a sudden death penalty shoot-out to reach the county final against Douglas. Alas, at Macroom, they had to give way to a very strong city side after leading for a long period of that gripping encounter.

Paul Holland did the honours of presenting the medals to the team selection who carried Donal’s spirit throughout the latter part of a never to be forgotten season. It was a night filled with pride, gratitude and well-deserved celebration for a team that has given the Ibane club so much to cheer about in 2025.

Thanks was expressed to hosts, Tracie and Conor for their award-winning refreshments which went down a treat. Some more photos of the event can be viewed here.