Banteer News

Banteer Host The County Juvenile Athletic Championships

Another Major event was held in Banteer Sportsfield and was a huge success. It is an event normally held in the Mardyke Arena in Cork City but due to maintenance issues a new venue was sought. Local man Mike O’Flynn Secretary of County Board worked with Denis Withers, Patrick Buckley, Paddy Dan Buckley and John O’Leary to put a plan in place that was agreed by Cork Athletics. It was fantastic to see that plan come to fruition under glorious sunshine on Sunday last.

653 competitors from U9 to U14 took part in a variety of track events. Green Bean Café was well staffed and stocked to provide all

sorts of food and nourishment to both parents and athletes alike. This event would not have been the success it was without the time and effort given by a huge number of volunteers.

Special thanks to the Twomey Family Barrachaurin who provided an adjacent field for car parking with over 600 cars to be catered for.

Cork Athletic Board Secretary Mike O Flynn who was also MC for the day said “I want to say a huge thank you to all involved in supporting the County athletics finals today. I heard nothing but positive feedback from people who attended. The enjoyed their

visit to Banteer and thought that the facilities were phenomenal. On behalf of the County board I am passing on my sincere appreciation for all the work from this group, the traffic stewards, cafe staff and everybody else that was involved in a hugely successful day.”

The Sportsfield Committee thanks all those involved. It is this spirit of volunteering and giving, which has for so long existed in the local community, which has seen the Sportsfield continuously develop and improve over many years. Built by the community for the community of today and tomorrow.

Railway project near completion

The major construction project at Banteer Railway station will soon be coming to an end and will be of major benefit to all users of Banteer station.

Thanks to Irish Rail and Jons contractors who have worked closely with local stakeholders in ensuring the project progressed with minimum delays and issues.

Irish Rail and Jons also express their thanks to all neighbours and the local community for their help and co operation.

Irish Rail has also sanctioned the surfacing of the laneway at the rear of the railway station, adjoining the Sportsfield area. This will comprise the preparation of the existing surface and the application of a double surface dressing layer (tar and chippings) as a wearing course. Jons Civil Engineering will arrange for this work to be carried out and this is likely to take place near the end of May. The local Community Council and Banteer Tidy Towns are also working with Irish Rail on other improvements at the railway to make a safer exit using one way system , additional parking at the Station and painting etc of fencing.

Banteer Sportsfield Draw Returns

Banteer Sportsfield/Park draw is now on for 2024. This annual draw is for the ongoing operation, maintenance and development of the facility-tickets are available from members –please support same as your support helps us make it better for all users. First draw end of May. Plans for this year include, subject to Sports capital funding, upgrade of old dressing rooms, goal posts replacement ,sanding/aeration works, planting of trees /shrubs, boot washes,café equipment, solar PV, etc.

The regular annual operation and maintenance works are very important to maintain the facility to the highest level and also these costs are now approx 40k p.a + which are funded by our annual draw. First draw is planned for end of May.

Banteer Tidy Towns Coffee Morning Fundraiser

Thanks to all who supported this event. Over €3k was raised!

Eddie Crashes Out Of Giro d Italia

Struck by bad luck in the Giro which saw him withdraw after a crash, Eddie could potentially ride the Tour de France for the first time this year in a revised race programme.

Matt White, lead sporting director with the Jayco AlUla squad, said this week that a Tour debut could possibly be on the cards, even if he would personally rather Dunbar ride the Vuelta a España.

“We spoke about it this morning. The Tour is not totally out of the question, but we’ve got climbers for the Tour. Look, he’s got a preparation now that would probably allow it. But we have to wait and see. Off the top of my head, I’d probably like to see him at the Vuelta first and ride GC [general classification] again. The idea was to ride the Vuelta anyway, but what we did was going to depend on what we did here in the Giro.

“But now with the Giro out, I would like to see him focus on being at his best for the Vuelta and have another crack at the top 10 there.”

A decision will be made by the team closer to the Tour start on June 29th.