Bantry too good for Nemo in PIFC quarter-final

Bantry Blues 3-12 

Nemo Rangers 2-6

A blistering performance in the third quarter which yielded 2-4 without reply propelled Bantry Blues to a comfortable nine point win against Nemo Rangers at Enniskeane on Sunday afternoon in this PIFC quarter final tie.

Both sides deserve huge praise for serving up an entertaining game despite the constant rain and swirling breeze. 

The Blues who were without Cork senior player Ruairí Deane trailed by two points at half-time, but they thundered into the game in the third quarter which ultimately secured victory.

Bantry had strong performers throughout the pitch. Their greater physicality and direct football were key factors in their win. 

They were superbly led by their midfielder Seanie O’Leary, while Arthur Coakley and Paddy Cronin in their full forward line also impressed.

The Blues started brightly as they surged into an early five point lead. Coakley converted two frees before he netted his first goal after neat approach play from Paddy Cronin. 

Nemo recorded their opening score through Billy O’Neill in the 11th minute but this was immediately negated by a Coakley free.

Nemo were gradually improving as the game progressed and they netted their opening goal in the 18th minute when Ciaran Dalton fisted home from close range. 

Colm Kiely added a point to reduce the Blues lead to one point after 24 minutes. Jack Sheedy reinstated the Bantry lead. 

Nemo finished the half strongly however as they struck 1-1 without reply. Ciaran Dalton struck a fine goal before Eoin Nation pointed to move Nemo into a 2-3 to 1-4 lead.

Bantry started the second half in ruthless fashion. Points from Cronin and Seanie O’Leary quickly restored parity before they struck for two goals in two minutes. 

Towering full forward Stephen Coughlan netted after good play from Dara McCarthy before Arthur Coakley grabbed his second goal after nice link up play featuring Paddy Cronin. 

Successive points from Cronin and O’Leary moved Bantry into a commanding eight point lead after 46 minutes.

Nemo recorded their first score of the second half through Colm Kiely in the 48th minute, but the Blues were now dominant in every sector of the pitch. Their greater use of possession was another factor in their win.

The Blues with Seanie O’Leary to the fore closed out the game with a number of super scores to secure a commanding win.

Bantry Blues now advance to a semi-final meeting with Kilshannig which will be played in a fortnights time.

Scorers for Bantry Blues: A Coakley 2-4 (0-3 f); S Coughlan 1-0, S O’Leary 0-4 (1f, 1m), P Cronin 0-2, J Sheedy, C O’Brien 0-1 each.

Nemo Rangers: C Dalton 2-0, C Kiely 0-3 (0-1 f), B O’Neill, E Nation, C Cusack 0-1 each.

BANTRY BLUES: M Casey; M Óg O’Sullivan, T Cronin, C O’Brien; B Foley, J O’Neill, S Thornton, S Coughlan, S O’Leary; D McCarthy, K Casey, S Keevers; P Cronin, A Coakley, J Sheedy.

Subs: D Daly for S Keevers (43); O O’Neill for B Foley (56).

NEMO: C Martin; A McGowan, C Coughlan, O Whyte; S Burke, K O'Sullivan, E Nation; J O’Donovan, B O’Neill; C Cusack; C Kiely, C Dalton, E Mangan, C O’Brien, T O’Brien.

Subs: C O’Neill for E Mangan (18 inj), R Shalloe for B O’Neill (39), D Quinn for C O’Neill (49), B O’Neill for C Cusack (60).

Referee: Pat O’Leary (Kilmurry).