Aghada 1-27 Erins Own 0-17

On a glorious Friday evening in Carrigtwohill, in front of a huge championship crowd, Aghada delivered a statement performance to see off Erin’s Own in the second round of the Co-Op Superstores Intermediate A Hurling Championship. After the chatter during the week about our opening round draw with Kildorrery, there were murmurs that outside noise might act as a distraction in our preparations. But those doubts were dispelled within minutes of the throw-in, as our lads hurled with fire, focus and skill from the very start.

From the off, our corner forwards set the tone. Ronan Murphy and Jamie O’Hanlon clipped over two early points to settle us, before the reliable Willie Leahy slotted three frees to keep the scoreboard ticking. In truth, our full forward line was rampant early on, giving the Glounthaune side all sorts of headaches. Our half-back line of Jordan Tynan, Michael Russell and Jack McDonnell thundered into the game, clearing ball after ball and setting up wave after wave of attacks.

Charlie Terry hit the first of his four points on 8 minutes, Willie added two more, and Ronan Murphy landed another peach from play to open a seven-point gap by the 12th minute. Erin’s Own tried to rally with a couple of scores, but our defence—anchored superbly by Kyle O’Shea, with strong support from Mark McCarthy and Timmy Harnett—snuffed out any hope of momentum.

Then came the game’s turning point. After fine build-up play, Jamie O’Hanlon surged past his man on a dazzling solo run before teeing up Pearse O’Neill, who finished with aplomb to the net. A brilliant team goal, and one that gave us a ten-point cushion. From there, we never looked back. Points from Pearse, Jamie, Willie, and Rory O’Connell left the halftime scoreboard reading Aghada 1-14 Erin’s Own 0-8.

We knew Erin’s Own, last year’s beaten Intermediate A finalists, would come hard at us in the second half—but our lads were ready. Jack Norris was sprung from the bench and instantly made an impact, setting up Charlie Terry for a fine score within seconds. Charlie followed with another, Ronan Murphy added his third from play, and Willie tagged on two more frees. With scores from Noah Devoy and Rory O’Connell stretching the lead further, our grip on the game tightened.

The loudest cheer of the night came midway through the half when the smallest man on the pitch rose highest to claim a long ball, swivelled in one movement, and split the posts. That was Jamie O’Hanlon at his unstoppable best, capping a brilliant individual display. With John Walsh’s puckouts pin-point accurate, Jack McDonnell marshalling the defence, and subs Sean O’Callaghan, John Looney, and Samuel O’Driscoll all adding energy (and scores), it was a complete team performance.

Late on, Tomás Condon also made his presence felt, getting on the ball in attack and linking up cleverly to help win the free that Willie converted to close out the scoring. It was a fitting finish to a night where every man in green and white played his part.

By the time the final whistle sounded, the scoreboard read: Aghada 1-27 Erin’s Own 0-17.

This was more than just a win—it was a real coming-of-age performance for this group. The full forward line’s contribution of 1-8 from play, on top of the frees they won, was the standout story, while the defensive solidity and midfield work-rate provided the perfect platform.

Three points now on the board, and with Ballygiblin next up, the knockout stages are within touching distance. On this evidence, our hurlers have the talent and belief to make a serious run at this championship! Well done to all our players and management on a wonderful performance. 

For now, though, the spotlight shifts to our Premier Intermediate Footballers, who face a massive clash with Bantry Blues next weekend in Kilmichael. This game throws in at 4:30pm on Saturday the 23rd of August. 

Team:
John Walsh; Kyle O’Shea, Mark McCarthy, Timmy Harnett; Jordan Tynan, Michael Rusell, Jack McDonnell, Rory O’Connell, William Leahy, Fionn O’Connor, Noah Devoy, Charlie Terry, Ronan Murphy, Pearse O’Neill, Jamie O’Hanlon. Subs used: Jack Norris, Seán O’Callaghan, John Looney, Samuel O’Driscoll, Tomás Condon. 

Scorers:
Willie Leahy (0-10, 9F), Pearse O’Neill (1-1), Jamie O’Hanlon (0-4), Charlie Terry (0-4), Ronan Murphy (0-3), Rory O’Connell (0-2), Noah Devoy (0-1), John Looney (0-1), Samuel O’Driscoll (0-1).