BANTRY BLUES football selector Shane O’Neill was delighted with his side's four-point win over Nemo Rangers at Kilmurry.

The Blues emerged triumphant, 2-10 to 0-12, following their exciting first round clash. Former player turned selector Shane O’Neill was thrilled to secure a hard-fought win against Nemo.

“Any time you beat Nemo is a good achievement. They are one of the most successful clubs in Cork. 

"They are a really strong club. We had to play very well and thankfully we got over the line. 

"We played well and it was a great win for the club. This win will give our young players a huge confidence boost. 

"Hopefully, we can kick on from here,” revealed the selector.

Bantry Blues captain and goalkeeper Donal Casey played a key role. The ace goalkeeper made a point-blank save in the first half, while he produced a great penalty save in injury time from Nemo Rangers forward Adrian Greaney. 

“Donal was made captain a few weeks ago. He was brilliant against Nemo.  He is a very popular character and a very good goalkeeper. 

"He made a couple of great saves and his penalty save was outstanding. His display was a huge factor in our win.” 

Impressive Blues half-forward Kevin Casey, a brother of their goalkeeper, netted their opening goal inside the opening minute. 

“Kevin took his goal very well. It was a great start for us.  It gave us a great platform to build from. He finished off a good move in confident fashion. 

"Kevin worked very hard throughout. We needed a good lead having played with a good breeze in the opening half. 

"We started and finished the first half well. We struck 1-2 in the last few minutes of the half. Tim Foley converted his penalty very well. 

"Tim had a very good game. His scores were huge for us. We had bad luck during the week when Arthur Coakley was ruled out for the foreseeable future with a bad knee injury. 

"Tim came in and took his chance very well. He linked up very well with Shane Murray in attack.” 

He is hopeful the Blues can enjoy a strong championship season. 

“We made mistakes against Nemo and our shooting was off at times. We are however a very young team. 

"We are a work in progress. This win is a big boost. We will keep working away and hopefully enjoy a good year.”