Aghada GAA Juvenile News
Hi Folks, I hope this first Newsletter of the year finds you well. Our magnificent Forest Field in Rostellan survived not one not two but three storms over the last week and held our first Rebel Óg League game for 2022 on Sunday morning, great credit to our groundsmen who helped make this happen. Our former secretary Barry Day always said to try and play the games that were fixed where possible as when postponed they have an awful habit of coming back to bite you on the backside when you least expect it and how right he was on many the occasion. “Freedom comes slowly at first” the last line in Brian Keenans book-An Evil Cradling. Keenan spent four and a half years in captivity in Beirut after being kidnapped by Hezbollah fundamentalists and eventually when he was told he would be set free he asked to go for a walk, he was left go but only under armed escort as they were afraid, he would be kidnapped again. The book is an unforgettable account of loss of freedom but also an uplifting account of hope, resilience and friendship and as we emerge from covid restrictions and the winter months it won’t be long now until our 3 magnificent pitches will be a hive of activity once again, our academy will be back shortly, and notifications will be sent out and new members are always welcome, anyone who needs more information can contact our academy coordinator John Connolly 087-6200125. Freedom comes slowly at first and when it comes it will be worth the wait.
Congratulations to Mark McCarthy a member of the victorious University of Limerick panel who won the prestigious Fitzgibbon hurling colleges cup over the weekend and to Darragh Ryan also in UL who won the intermediate title, a great achievement lads and hopefully a sign of more silverware to come in 2022. Cork GAA For All in association with Aghada GAA is welcoming everyone to their open day on February 26th from 12 noon to 3pm. This programme aims to welcome all children with additional needs to their local GAA club to take part in Gaelic and co-operative games activities. All abilities welcome from ages 6 to 16 you can email aghadagaaforall@gmail.com for more information and the best of luck to all in this fantastic initiative.
Rebel Óg U17 premier 2 football League
Aghada 1-9 Bandon 0-9
Our minor footballers battled their way to an impressive win over a resolute Bandon side and storm Franklin in difficult conditions in Rostellan last Sunday morning. The driving wind was in our favour in the first half, and we made it count. We were 1-7 to 0-2 up at the short whistle and in the end it was the goal that was the deciding factor and what a goal it was, Tomás Condon who covered every blade of grass during the game started the move deep in defence and fed the hard running Oscar Slye, he transferred the ball to towering midfielder Seán O’ Callaghan who in turn kicked a fine pass into Stevie O’ Shea and no better man than Stevie in a one on one situation and he calmly found the net after a terrific sweeping move. Playing into the teeth of the wind in the second half we matched Bandon’s first half total of 0-2 and it was just about enough to see us through with great displays by Cian Hegarty, Samuel O’ Driscoll and ace goalkeeper James Hurley, we emerged victorious as the top-class attitude and effort by all will please the management in our first competitive audition of the season.
Fixtures
Sunday 27th Feb: Rebel Óg U17 premier 2 hurling leagues Ballinhassig v Aghada Venue Ballinhassig 11am
