BANDON hurlers have been forced to play the waiting game.

When they eventually take on Aghabullogue in the Co-op Superstores Intermediate A Hurling Championship final on Sunday, November 16th – in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, at 3.30pm – it will be four weeks after the original date, and six weeks since their last competitive game, the semi-final against Sarsfields on Saturday, October 4th.

The county hurling final was rescheduled for this Sunday, November 9th, but when Aghabullogue footballers won their PIFC final against Uibh Laoire (2-12 to 2-11) last weekend, the Coachford club must next play the Munster IFC quarter-final against Thurles Sarsfields this Sunday (1.30pm) in Templetuohy.

The Bandon v Aghabullogue IAHC final will form part of a double header with the intermediate A football final replay between Ilen Rovers and Ballinora (1.30pm) after the two sides drew 2-9 to 0-15 last Sunday.

Bandon’s IAHC final was originally set for Saturday, October 18th, but was called off because of an orange weather warning. Almost one month on, they will finally take to the field.

‘Initially, there was disappointment and frustration attached to it but we knuckled down. We went back training on the Sunday morning after (19th),’ Bandon boss Joe Burke told The Southern Star.

‘There are a lot of things we can work on over these couple of weeks so we’re just making the most of our time. There was disappointment but, to be honest, there are ten other teams in this grade that would love to be in this situation. We’re just taking the positives out of it and driving on.’

After winning the county football title, Aghabullogue have momentum and match sharpness, whereas Bandon are doing the best they can to stay sharp and match-ready.

‘I think Aghabullogue would have been favourites going into the hurling anyway and especially now given their run in the football. They won the county over the weekend and they have momentum. It is difficult. Aghabullogue are in championship mode,’ Burked added.

‘Look, we just have to do the best we can to make sure that our fellas are in peak condition to be able to compete and give our best. It is what it is. We’re just doing the best we can at training and polish up on what we have.’