BACK ON TOP

Having travelled to Darrara on the final day of the league season and wrestled the Premier Division title from Clonakilty Soccer Club, Drinagh Rangers added the Parkway Hotel-Maybury Coaches Cup before travelling to Munster FA’s Turner’s Cross last Sunday. History beckoned and the Canon Crowley Park club obliged, completing a West Cork League treble to retake their position as the region’s top ranked club. It was far from pretty but who cares? Overcoming a brave opponent in Ardfield, a young Drinagh team showed all the patience, discipline and solidity of previous veteran Beamish Cup-winning teams.

SLIDING DOOR MOMENTS

A tight, tense Beamish Cup final was decided by a couple of sliding doors moments. Dominant throughout the opening quarter, Ardfield’s passing and movement caused Drinagh constant issues. Conor Twomey raced clear but the striker’s chipped effort cleared the crossbar after 15 minutes. That scare awoke a previously lumbering Drinagh. The Canon Crowley Park outfit levelled via an unfortunate own goal via a Daniel McCarthy cross before Robbie McQueen curled a majestic free kick into the net. From a possible 1-0 deficit to a two-goal cushion, Rangers took their chances while Ardfield were left to rue squandering numerous opportunities. On such tight margins are cup finals decided.

IT'S NOT OVER

A crestfallen Ardfield tasted Beamish Cup final defeat for the second time in as many seasons. There was much to admire in the display by the runners-up, especially during the opening quarter. Numerous wasted chances, had they been converted, could have made for a different outcome. Ardfield experienced similar regrets following a penalty shootout loss to Clonakilty Soccer Club in last season’s cup decider. Yet, Johnny Lawless’ side’s season is far from over. There is still a Championship Division league title to fight for as well as promotion back to the Premier. We have not heard the last of this talented Ardfield set-up.

TURNER’S CROSS

Relocating the Beamish Cup final to the Munster FA’s Turner’s Cross stadium was not met with universal agreement when first announced by the West Cork League. Yet, the most important date in the WCL’s football calendar has gone from strength to strength since deciding to stage its blue riband event at the famous ground. A terrific playing surface and good weather enhanced the latest iteration. So did Ardfield and Drinagh Rangers supporters coming out in huge numbers to generate a terrific atmosphere last Sunday. While the Beamish Cup location may have moved out of West Cork, the league’s best players deserve their chance to shine in a League of Ireland stadium setting. Long may it continue.

BEST IN THE WEST

The Beamish Cup final represents an opportunity the best West Cork League players to impress. Last Sunday was no exception. Apart from his free kick, Robbie McQueen pulled the strings in central midfield. As he has done all season, Robbie’s brother Tom set the tempo with his clever distribution. Steven Crowley won the Man of the Match award for his defensive efforts and was assisted by JJ Collins. It was refreshing to see Barry O’Driscoll rolling back the years with another standout effort. Ardfield’s stars were Fintan Barrett, Sam Linehan, Niall Keane and Aaron O’Brien.