Castletownbere Football Minor B Team win County Final
Pictures & Article by John Murphy

Santa Claus is coming to town or so the song goes but as far as CTB GAA are concerned he arrives early when they won the County Minor B Football Championship in a telling encounter with Gabriel Rangers at Castlehaven's grounds yesterday afternoon. Gabriels started well and opened up a three-point gap early on. Midway through the half an incisive solo run by Ross Minehane which he finished with a blistering shot to the roof of the net saw CTB regain the lead. By the short whistle Gabriels had edged their noses in front once again on a score Gabriel Rangers 0-5 CTB 1-1. CTB equalised early in the second half after which each side matched each other score for score. When CTB levelled the scores for the 5th time in the game with five minutes remaining each side would have settled for a draw as neither side deserved to lose in a game which produced all that is good in Gaelic Football, and certainly was a great advertisement for it. However when the chips were down CTB were not found wanting. Brendan Regan put CTB ahead two minutes from time and Gary O'Shea added another point two minutes into injury time. There was 7½ minutes injury time, so CTB had to endure many anxious moments before the final whistle was blown. While congratulating the victors spare a thought for a gallant Gabriel side who contributed to an outstanding game and lost nothing in defeat. We must also mention their sportsmanship as they stood to a man to clap off the field the CTB team. Another sporting gesture was observed later in the evening as the cavalcade of cars made their way silently through Adrigole as a mark of respect to the grief they have suffered in recent times. On arrival in CTB bonfires were blazing along the route, as they were afforded a heroes welcome. Spare a thought also for Johnny Crowley or "Wizzie", as he is known. He used up what credit he had trying to keep in touch from America by mobile phone to what was happening in Castlehaven. He was the man more than anyone else who set these lads on their way many years ago. It was my pleasure to say to him at the full time whistle - this is your Christmas Present enjoy it!

Kieran accepting the Cup.jpg (33162 bytes) Joss,Donal & Cormac.jpg (32699 bytes) Gerard Murphy with sister Aoife & cousin Jennifer.jpg (27603 bytes) Kelly, Peter, Richard, Joss & Cormac.jpg (34026 bytes)
Adrienne with cup, team and supporters.jpg (36806 bytes) Oisin O'Driscoll, Pat O'Leary & Kieran Hanley.jpg (25570 bytes) Mrs. Sullivan with her grandsons Andrew & Cormac.jpg (33549 bytes) Team Spirit.jpg (38029 bytes)

Picture 1: Kieran Hanley accepting the Cup.   Picture 2. Joss Crowley, Donal Kelly & Cormac O'Sullivan.
Picture 4: Donal Kelly (Chairman of CTBere G.A.A.) with Peter O'Leary (Selector Minor Team), Richard Power Joss Crowley & Cormac O'Sullivan
Picture 5 (L-Bottom) Team & Supporters with Adrienne MacCarthy.  Picture 6:  Oisin O'Driscoll, (Captain Gabriel Rangers) Pat O'Leary, Referree  and Kieran Hanley (Captain CTBere Team)  Picture 7: Mrs. M. O'Sullivan with her 2 grandsons - Andrew (Left) and Cormac
Picture 8:  Focus on the game ahead!!!