Our premier intermediate footballers got the 2021 league campaign off to a great start with a comprehensive victory away in Glanworth. With everyone chomping at the bit to get back playing matches Aghada showed just how eager they were when Shane Bennett scored a great goal from the very 1st attack. This however didn’t herald any sort of a score fest in the opening quarter which turned out to be a low scoring affair. 1-1 v 0-3 at the 1st water break with Aghada in particular leaving a number of scores behind them. On resumption Aghada continued to dominate possession but just weren’t taking their chances with only Cian Fleming regularly working the scoreboard. Despite the best efforts of Ronnie Power and Kyle O’Shea the 2nd quarter was to be Glenworth’s most rewarding and they went in at half time leading 2-6 v 1-5.

Aghada improved greatly in front of goals for the 2nd period. Benefiting from well placed kickouts from Ciaran O’Shea in goals, and with Aiden O’Connell and Kevin O’Hanlon very industrious around the middle third, Aghada finally made the most of their dominance. Aghada’s best player on the day, Aaron Berry scored two goals in the third quarter to give Aghada the initiative that they would never lose. Reinforcements came from the bench and they all too played their part. Jordan Tynan played a great ball to Alan Hogan for one of the scores of the game. Charlie Terry hit a trademark score from distance. While young Fintan Cody on his debut calmly slotted 2 placed balls between the uprights. Another debutant at this level – Donagh Collins – also impressed covering every blade of grass (a couple of times) when introduced. A 4th goal came late on, a neat finish from Diarmuid Phelan and the points were well in the bag before the long whistle sounded.

So a very satisfactory start to the competitive year and new manager Philip Moore will have seen plenty to build and work on. Next up for our 1st team will be to get the hurleys out as we face Kilbrittain on Sunday in another away game in the 1st round of this year’s hurling league. (PS - yes, for any foolishly wondering, young Pearse O’Neill is back in the saddle for another year at the ripe young age of 72ish!)

Aghada Team and Scorers

Ciaran O’Shea, Ed Leahy(capt), Ronnie Power, Kyle O’Shea, Tim Hartnett, Jake O’Donoghue, Aaron Stafford, Diarmuid Phelan(1-0), Pearse O’Neill, Kevin O’Hanlon, Cian Fleming(0-4,1f), Aaron Berry(2-2,1f), Jamie O’Hanlon, Aiden O’Connell, Shane Bennett (1-1). Subs Used Donagh Collins, Jordan Tynan, Mark Healy, Charlie Terry(0-1), Alan Hogan(0-1), Fintan Cody(0-2,2f), Kane Looney, Cein O’Driscoll.