Bantry Bay Make History

Bantry Bay made history last weekend fielding their first ever Women’s team at competitive level on their home grounds in Ballycommane Park.

The side, coached by Damien Hicks, overcame a travelling Bruff side 51-7 in their opening fixture of the Munster Division 2 League.

Bantry Bay took on their neighbours Bandon two weeks previous in a 12 aside warm up match which was the first occasion seven of their squad played rugby off the training paddock.

In their first Division 2 fixture the side put Bruff under pressure and it wasn’t long, after some good phases, they ran in their first try and from then on there was no looking back.

The ladies grew in confidence and whether it was in defence or attack, they all worked as a team adding to their try tally from Captain Lisa Cronin, Rachel Crowley, Rebekka Simon and Christine O’Brien.

As women’s rugby continuous to grow at the West Cork club, Hicks also coaches Bantry Bay’s U13, U15 and U18 age grades.

U18 player Yvonne O’Shea has recently represented Ireland on the U18s squad while the side also boasts five players who this year represented Munster at U18 Interprovincial level.