THE good times are beginning to return for Avondhu football and confirmed on reaching the Duhallow promoted Credit Union U20 Football Invitation Cup final against reigning holders West Kerry on Saturday. Teams from the Kingdom dominated the competition from the outset with Avondhu, the lone sole bearers to represent Cork in the semi final stages.

A member of the Avondhu team management Mitchell O'Leary saluted the character, never day die attitude and composure of the Avondhu side on a dramatic late winner against Feale Rangers.

"At half-time, we were under the cosh to trail by six points. By with the wind behind us for the second half and a few stern words, we dug deep and got the result required," he said.

The Mallow clubman paid tribute to former Avondhu Chairman Daithi Pierce for promoting the concept of an Avondhu U20 side.

The focus is very much on this current crop of young players to built a platform for Avondhu football for the decade that lays ahead.

"The quality and balance is reflected by the number of clubs involved. It bears well for Avondhu. There is no reason why this side can't be the future of North Cork football, the standard ever rising and confirmed on the upgrading of a number of clubs to intermediate ranks and many of our players are playing with colleges. With a small bit of organization, Avondhu can compete favourably at senior level," he said.

Though defeated narrowly by Rathmore/Kilcummin in the opening round, Avondhu came through the subsequent games with character and resilience. " We took encouragement from the initial game and we kicked on after a poor start against Ballincollig. Like any divisional side, games bring on players quite a bit.

"The real turning point came against St Kierans. It took extra time to decide the issue where goals from Eoin Stanton and Vinny O'Donoughue. Such games kick on divisional sides, again evident against Feale Rangers where when required, we looked more a club team rather than a division," he said.

Looking ahead, Avondhu face a stiff challenge against West Kerry in Saturday's final whose pedigree surfaced last season on stepping in to win the honours at their first attempt. The Avondhu official is under no illusion as to the huge task that lay ahead.

"West Kerry are a quality side and rightly favourites to succeed. We will be under pressure yet Avondhu will go out and give it their best shot and represent the county in the best possible means," he concluded.