Michael Cahalane on Bandon reaching hurling final: 'We need this, after a couple of disappointing years' 

Bandon GAA have experienced their fair share of heartbreak, even as recently as seven days ago when the footballers were relegated from the PIFC. 

Might now finally be their moment?

Hurlers’ captain and talisman Michael Cahalane is under no illusions that his side's battle with Sars in the Co-Op SuperStores IAHC semi-final on Saturday was one for the ages, which they eventually won 0-10 to 0-8.

“It was just a pure battle, probably a lot of wides. It definitely wasn't one for the spectator. 

"It was maybe exciting, but I'd say it wasn't the greatest of games to watch.” 

However, the former Cork senior hurler won’t lose any sleep. The Lilywhites have booked their place in a final for the first time since 2016.

Cahalane contributed half of Bandon’s points in Riverstick in a contest that clocked up significantly more wides than scores. 

With five minutes left on the clock the teams were neck and neck, but a fine Cahalane score from a free and a Conor Calnan point sealed the win.

Cahalane looked relieved as much as anything at the full time whistle.

“We're delighted to get the win. It wasn't the prettiest of games by any means. 

The wind and the rain the last couple of days made the pitch very tough to play on. We're just thrilled to get over the line, to be honest.

“I think Sars had 10 or 11 wides in the first half and I'd say we definitely matched them in the second half. It was a very difficult wind to play into. We know that Sars kind of like to play against the wind rather than with the wind at times. It suits the way they run the ball.

“They have some brilliant hurlers so we knew it was going to be very difficult. Thankfully we finished the game very strongly.” 

Amazingly, a fallow period in the second half didn’t yield a score for 22 minutes. Cahalane was in the thick of the frustration but even he was taken aback by the extent of the drought.

“That's quite incredible. To be honest, I didn't realise it was that long. I suppose we just had to stick in there. Luckily, they didn't get too many scores either.” 

While the contest never reached the point of free-scoring exhibition, there was an exhibition in resilience down the other end. 

RESOLUTE

The Bandon backline were particularly resolute, breaking down several promising Sars attacks in either half.

“They were outstanding, Tim Twohig, Peter Murphy, even Peter Calnan, who came on there for Nelson McCarthy. Tim has come back from a knee injury there and he's really solidified full-back for us. 

"Peter has been an outstanding player for Bandon for years, you know, Kyle Lynch, Dylan Donovan the same. 

As a team we just defended well. Even Pat Barry in goal, he was excellent. 

"They kept the score down, so it was just up to ourselves in the forward line to get going eventually and try and get a couple of scores to get us over the line.” 

The West Cork outfit are no strangers to playing the underdog role and Sunday fortnight will be no different when they take on Aghabullogue in the final.

“We didn't get out of our group last year, so I suppose we've been underdogs coming into every game this year, but we've built a little bit of momentum. We're building quietly, but we definitely will be underdogs.

“Aghabullogue are a brilliant team. They're going very well in the football, so they'll have that next week in between. That's not easy to juggle but we know from a couple of years, when you get momentum going in hurling and football it can be very hard to stop. 

It'll be a huge test.” 

While no one associated with Bandon GAA will want to admit to desperation, a period in the sporting doldrums has put extreme significance on this upcoming IAHC final for the Lilywhites. A win could be a springboard for a new era of success out west.

“It's a long, long time and we've had a lot of hardship in between. We've had a good few relegations. Even the football last week, we went down to Macroom by a point. A devastating loss.

“It's good that the hurling is going well and we've got a final to look forward to because we do need it with a couple of disappointing years gone behind us.”