Aghada GAA Juvenile News.

Hi folks, hope this final newsletter from my term as PRO finds you well, it was my pleasure to bring you the juvenile news over the last 3 years and thank you if you took the time to tune in. The club is a lot of different things to a lot of different people, the old the young, the not so young and the new. For me it’s home, it’s where I spent my youth, even learned to swim, my grandfather played for the club, my uncles, myself, my brothers, my friends and now my four sons and of course my wife who even played in Croke Park! My story is nothing exceptional, there are so many people who have the same experiences, so many families that are very involved in the club. The way it is for most clubs, this club and all the clubs in Ireland, promoting all kinds of activities, some of which I am lucky enough to be involved with. The immeasurable social capital, the joy and safety nets they provide for so many. The adult players on the pitch, this generation, wouldn’t even be on the pitch without the support and input of so many others. The club has nurtured so many young people and families down through the years, it can be so busy every day of the week during the summer months, it is great to see the young children down in the club, hair cut in the style of the day and all sporting their club tops, they are the future of this club although they don’t know it yet and then you see someone of a good age a little stooped with knees that have seen better days, maybe a parent or grandparent who serve the club in other ways. Every club needs a strong juvenile section that can support the physical and mental well-being of so many young people, enriching them with friends for life.

Clubs go on, continuity is understood. Tradition is upheld. Belief is maintained. The past is remembered and those lost are honoured. The present is safeguarded. The future is planned. You can go for the safe option, you can maintain steady progress, you can play it safe, but is that all there is? Next time you are faced with an opportunity to have a go, remember- Fortune favours the brave.

U17 football county semi-final.

Aghada 1-2 Castlehaven 3-13

We made the long trip by road to Brinny last Saturday and although all the cars travelling ran smoothly it was our championship aspirations that stalled badly in what was a truly difficult day for the Aghada faithful. We went 3 points behind early on and hit back to level proceedings with a magnificent team goal that ended with a superb finish from James Hurley. Unfortunately, that was our only score of the half and at the short whistle we were 4 points behind 0-7 to 1-0. That was as close as we got as the Haven ran out dominating winners. On a plus note we won the East title and also have a league final to play away to Mitchelstown that is due to be played this Saturday. Team & scorers Seán Corkery, Eanna Crowley, Ronan Devoy, Colm White, Dara O’ Conchubhair, Seán O Callaghan, James O Donnel, David Wallace, Conor Bakx, Andrew Murphy, Samuel O Driscoll, Robert Dean, Tomás Condon (captain) James Motherway 0-1 James Hurley 1-1subs used Colm O Donoghue, Isaac Oosthuizen, Evan Crowley, Finn Berry, Cian Murphy, Cormac Walsh.

U12 Hurling Shield Final.

Midleton (2) 2-7 Aghada (2) 4-3

An accomplished team display was required in a contest that went to the wire and that is what the boys in green delivered. Bobby Creedon was the hero, striking a goal with the last puck of the game, right at the end of extra time, in a contest that brimmed with excitement and quality from start to finish. This competition is for second teams with our panel made up exclusively from our u11s and we would certainly have been underdogs going in and fought like terriers all the way through. We conceded a goal after 2 minutes and instead of buckling they rolled up their sleeves and dug deep with no score from either side for 13 minutes. We then opened our account courtesy of a Dara Kelleher free and followed that up with a cracking goal from ace forward Cathal Lehane. The game was frantic as both sides battled for supremacy with our full back trio of Mason Sheehan, Seán Walsh and Seán O’ Sullivan clearing a world of ball. The half back line of Andrew Walsh and Eoghan Condon either side of Dara hurled confidently. The midfield duo of Ronan Callanan and Bobby covered every blade of grass while up front our six forwards battled for every ball that came their way. The home side hit the front once again with a goal and a point before we replied when Bobby set up Micheál Lowney for a cracking goal to leave the half time score 2-1 to 2-2 in the home side’s favour. The closeness of the game and the terrific battles continued into the second half with both sets of supporters roaring on their teams as they appreciated the work rate and skill levels on show. Midleton hit some nice points but it was our lads who came again with a renewed lease of life and hit the front when Dara K blasted the sliothar to the back of the net. The last few minutes of the half were tension packed and Midleton got the chance to equalize from a free and they made no mistake sending the match to extra time. Our boys looked crestfallen, and it took some great words of encouragement from the selectors before they took to the field again for the start of extra time especially after we lost Bobby who had run himself to a standstill after giving it everything for his team. We needed the players to stand up and this they did, with Adam O’ Loughlin working well upon his introduction and Aaron Murphy proving a handful after he came out from his goalkeeping position in a swop with Cathal Lehane. For all our battling qualities we still found ourselves a point behind after the first period of extra time. Then in a huge boost for the side Bobby came back on and with time almost up Dara floated a high ball goalwards and there was Bobby quickest to react to send the ball crashing to the net, cue delirium and that was from the parents and the supporters on the sideline as the final whistle sounded to bring an end to a cracking encounter that will be hard to beat for excitement and intensity. Captain and fullback Seán Walsh lifted the shield to great joy before the team headed back to Rostellan where the celebrations continued. Well done to the panel of players and mentors on a magnificent victory that was borne out of a never say die attitude that you simply cannot put any measure on. Team & scorers Aaron Murphy, Mason Sheehan, Seán Walsh, Seán O Sullivan, Andrew Walsh, Dara Kelleher 0-3, Eoghan Condon, Ronan Callanan, Bobby Creedon 1-0, Eoin Rooney, Cathal Lehane 1-0, Michael Creedon, Daniel O’ Neill, Shay Casey, Rory Casey. subs used Micheál Lowney 1-0, Adam O’ Loughlin, James Connolly, Jack Arundel, Corey O’ Leary.

At the time of writing our Billy Ahern u12 football tournament is this Saturday weather depending in Rostellan at 1pm. This competition is in memory of one of our greatest ever dual players Billy who is remembered with great affection in this parish and beyond. So why not head down to Rostellan on Saturday for a feast of football as the club honours one of its former greats.

Midleton CBS bowed out of the Dean Ryan hurling competition at the semi-final stage to a strong St Flannans team and hard luck to all our players involved, while the schools under 14 hurlers and footballers enjoyed good victories in their opening fixtures where we were well represented and well done to all involved here.

Our three primary schools in Saleen, Aghada and Whitegate have all made the semi-final stages of the football Sciath na Scol competitions and the best of luck to all going forward.

Our u13 footballers head to Mournabbey this Sunday to play Clyda Rovers in game 3 of the 4-team tournament they have entered having already lost to Glenville but made up for this by beating Killshannig last weekend. The best of luck to the team and management on Sunday.

Our u9 hurlers were in action last Saturday in Tallow in a Munster hurling blitz. With teams from Clare, Waterford, Cork and Tipperary involved it was fantastic for our lads to showcase their skills against teams from other counties and a great day was had by all.

The Juvenile AGM takes place next Tuesday 24th at 7.30pm in Rostellan. Please support if you can.

The devastation of the recent floods that have hit East Cork and beyond has really hit home with some of our club members, supporters and friends affected by the dreadful scenario that unfolded so quickly in front of their eyes. With businesses, homes, and livelihoods in trouble from the heartbreaking event our thoughts and prayers are with everyone caught up in this nightmare. Many thanks to the emergency services and our own club members and volunteers who have been helping during this challenging time.

The ups and downs of the road ahead are made easier when we travel it together. Impossible as it may seem right now, there has to be an answer, there always is.

Fixtures.

Sat 21st U17 football league final Mitchelstown v Aghada 14:00 Mitchelstown

Mon 23rd U12 hurling league Castlelyons v Aghada 19:00 Castlelyons.

Mon 30th U16 P2 Hurling Championship Aghada v Killeagh 13:00 Rostellan.

Slán go fóill.

Be seen wear the Green.
Ár nDícheall Go Deo.