BANDON football boss Robert O’Driscoll insists the club’s dual commitments are a strength rather than a strain as the Lilywhites continue to test themselves at a higher level.

Competing in Division 3 in both football and hurling county leagues, Bandon’s players face a demanding schedule, but one that is bringing the best out of them.

Key figures such as Peter Murphy, Mark Sugrue and Michael Cahalane line out in both codes, yet continue to deliver strong performances for the West Cork outfit.

‘I don’t see it as a hindrance, to be honest. It’s a bit of a balancing act that you have to get right with players,’ O’Driscoll told The Southern Star, ahead of their home clash with Fermoy on Tuesday next, April 28th (7.30pm)

‘Myself and hurling manager Joe Burke work very well together. We’re in constant contact and keeping an eye on the load for certain players.

‘We’re also making sure everyone gets minutes. The main thing is to avoid burnout. There are 18 league games in 18 weeks and about 90 percent of our players are playing both codes. The relationship I have with Joe is a big plus.’

O’Driscoll believes the players themselves take pride in the dual role.

‘I know the lads take pride in playing both. Some might see it as a massive commitment, but the players don’t view it that way. Training twice a week and a game at the weekend is normal for them now, especially with the county league structured like this in recent years.’

Now in his second year in charge, O’Driscoll stepped into management after being forced to retire from playing in 2024. Bandon, currently an Intermediate A championship side, are the lowest-ranked team in Division 3, where most opponents come from senior A or premier intermediate ranks.

That hasn’t fazed them.

A win over senior A side Newmarket (1-14 to 3-5) showed their capability, while competitive performances against Kanturk (1-18 to 3-10) and premier senior outfit Mallow (2-9 to 1-7) underlined their progress.

‘I’m happy enough with how we’ve started,’ O’Driscoll said.

‘We came up from Division 4 last year and we’re taking it game by game. You can have a different squad for every match with lads away or picking up knocks between hurling and football.

‘But we’ve played senior A, premier intermediate and even a premier senior team in Mallow, so we’re very happy with how we’re competing so far.

‘You’d have to think that playing teams from higher grades will bring another level out of you. Hopefully, that stands to us when the championship comes around.’

Like their hurlers, Bandon’s footballers benefit from a blend of experience and youth.

Established figures continue to set the tone, while a new wave of talent – many emerging from Hamilton High School’s Simcox Cup success in 2024/25 – are pushing through.

‘The older lads wouldn’t consider themselves old, but the likes of Peter Murphy, Mike Cahalane and Brian Crowley really drive things,’ O’Driscoll said.

‘We’ve young fellas coming through as well. We saw Jack Cullinane last year, and now you have Kevin Hannon, Richard Tarrant and Denis O’Mahony coming in.

‘They look up to the experienced lads, who set high standards. You can see the younger players are raring to go and eager to make an impression at training.

‘It’s a different environment for them, but the older lads are very welcoming. There’s no divide – everyone gets on well and pushes each other on.’

One of the standout leaders in the group is former Cork underage footballer Mark Sugrue, whose influence continues to grow.

‘Mark leads by example. He’s played at the highest level with Cork and has won with Bandon. He puts his hand up time and time again and performs. He’s a big player for us,’ O’Driscoll added.

Attention will soon turn to the Intermediate A championship, where Bandon are aiming to bounce back after relegation from premier intermediate in 2025.

Their campaign begins with a West Cork derby against Adrigole in Skibbereen on July 25th, with Boherbue and Kildorrery also in the group.

For now, though, the focus remains on navigating a demanding league campaign.

‘It’s about getting through the league first and being competitive in it – that’s the goal for everyone,’ O’Driscoll said.

‘After that, we’ll look to the first championship game against Adrigole.

‘Every team wants to go straight back up and win a county. That’s the aim, but first we need to get out of the group. If we can do that, we’ll take it from there.’