POWER RANGERS

‘In terms of bridging the gap to Clonakilty, I think this season we are a good bit away from that. We are in transition’ – the words of Drinagh Rangers boss John O’Regan before a ball was kicked this season. Fast forward eight months and Drinagh have regained the Premier Division title for the first time since 2023, as well as winning a first Parkway Hotel–Maybury Coaches Cup since 2018. Now, Rangers are one win away from a domestic treble if they can land the Beamish Cup for the first time in eight years. Drinagh also contested the Premier Division Cup final, losing to Togher Celtic. Not only has this been a season of progression, they have firmly returned to winning ways. After two seasons watching Clonakilty Soccer Club dominate, Drinagh are back on top.

FAIRYTALE ENDING

After qualifying for last season’s Beamish Cup final, Ardfield boss John Lawless compared their cup run to a ‘fairytale’. But there was no happy ending as they lost the decider. In February, after Ardfield qualified for – and went on to win – the Championship Cup final, Lawless again referenced that fairytale journey. ‘I’d love to finish the fairytale that we started by reaching last year’s Beamish Cup final,’ he said.

Winning the Beamish Cup for the first time would provide that perfect ending. This is Ardfield’s fourth appearance in the final and they have lost all three previous deciders. Lifting the Championship Cup was a huge moment for a club still in the promotion race, but beating the top team in the West Cork League to claim the Beamish Cup would be the ultimate reward.

NO FEAR FACTOR?

There might be ten league places between these finalists – Drinagh won the Premier, Ardfield currently sit third in the Championship – but Ardfield will not fear the challenge. They only need to look at last year’s Beamish Cup semi-final, when they stunned Drinagh with a 3-1 victory. That result alone will give them belief. Ardfield were also far from overawed in the subsequent final against Clonakilty Soccer Club at Turner’s Cross. They may have lost on penalties, but they pushed Clon all the way and are familiar with the final-day routine at the venue. There are very few unknowns for Ardfield, and that will only strengthen their confidence.

Barry O'Driscoll and JJ Collins.

MEDAL COLLECTORS

Drinagh Rangers posted a photo of two club legends on their Facebook page after their men’s team recaptured the Premier Division title last month. Barry O’Driscoll (H) and JJ Collins have amassed a staggering 18 league titles between them since the 2006/07 season – nine Premier Division winner’s medals each.

On top of that, the Drinagh stalwarts have also won four Beamish Cups: their first in 2007, followed by further successes in 2014, ’17 and ’18. For two decades, striker Barry (37 since the end of February) and defender JJ (36) have proved to be among the best and most consistent players in the West Cork League – and they are not finished yet.

Ardfield striker Paul Hodnett.

CUP FORM LINES?

So, what can each team’s route to the final tell us about what might unfold on Sunday? Both sides have scored 15 goals in this year’s competition, but Ardfield’s defensive record stands out – they have conceded just once, compared to Drinagh’s five, four of which came in an 8-4 thriller against Dunmanway Town. Ardfield also boast the best defensive record in the Championship, conceding just 16 goals in 18 games. On their run to the final, Ardfield defeated Aultagh Celtic B (5-0), Beara United (3-1), Skibbereen Celtic (2-0) and Castletown Celtic (5-0). Their scorers include Paul Hodnett (5), Niall Keane (4), Conor Twomey (2), and Caolan Hayes, Sam Linehan, Michael Maguire and Colm Hayes. Drinagh have beaten Dunmanway Town (8-4), Castlelack (3-0) and Togher Celtic (4-1), with Barry O’Driscoll leading the way on six goals. Tom McQueen and Robbie McQueen have three each, while Michael Hennigan (2) and Denzil Fernandes (1) have also contributed.