A Chara,
Tá an samhradh buailte linn agus is iontach Páirc Liam Uí Riain a fheiscint gnóthach arís agus séasúr an CLG faoi lán saol. Le Cluichí ceannais na hÉireann ar siúl sna seachtainí atá romhainn tá craobh comórtas na gclub ullamh chun tosnú. We are hoping to have a big support from the Aghada faithful at all our upcoming Premier Intermediate Football and Intermediate Hurling games. Every single one of these fixtures are crucial and your support would be greatly appreciated from all the players and respective management teams. Huge work has gone in all year to get ready for these matches so please make the effort to shout on the lads. Also, remember to wear the club colours on the day if you can. Be seen wear the green!
Junior A Football championship:
Unfortunately, our Junior A footballers suffered two disappointing defeats last week in the Michael O’Connor East Cork Junior A Football Championship group stage. This was after a good win against Glenbower Rovers the week before. Aghada have now completed their three group games and with only two points from a possible six, it means that we will not advance in this year’s competition.
Well done to Matthew O’Connor and his management team who put in great work all year. No doubt that this work will stand to the players going forward.
Read the match reports below.
Aghada 0-10
Cloyne 2-10
In a sun drenched Killeagh GAA venue, Aghada got off to the best possible start with a point from their first attack from lively corner forward Jamie O’Hanlon. However, our opponents Cloyne fought back straight away, striking two points on the bounce from play. After Cloyne’s second score, our lads seemed to take control of the tie, racing into a three point lead thanks to four points in a row from Alan Hogan, a Ray Savage 45 metre free and two more minors from O’Hanlon. With twenty minutes on the clock Aghada looked comfortable but in truth should have been further ahead but sloppy use of possession allowed Cloyne a route back into the game. As they say, if you don’t take your chances when they come, it will come back to haunt you and so it did. By the twenty second minute of the first half Cloyne were ahead after hitting Aghada for a goal and a point. Aghada responded well thanks to a brilliant individual score from Captain Max Ahern. Cloyne went on to score the next two points of the game with Charlie Terry reducing the gap for Aghada just before the break with a fine score from play. So at half time Aghada found themselves 1-5 to 0-7 down even though our lads had dominated possession during the opening period.
Aghada knew they needed a quick start to the second half and got that courtesy of a great score from wing back Dan Leahy. Unfortunately for our lads, we couldn’t capitalise on the early momentum from the opening score of the half with Cloyne striking two points in a row. Fintan Cody did respond with two quality scores for Aghada but remarkably our lads would not score for the remainder of the game despite creating lots of opportunities. Cloyne eventually ran out comfortable winners on the night and all but secured their place in the knockout stages. Best on the night for Aghada were Ray Savage, Jack Colbert and Aidan O’Connell.
Aghada 1-6
Bride Rovers 0-10
Our lads were back in Killeagh for a second time in five days when they faced last year’s reigning East Cork Football Champions Bride Rovers. This was essentially do or die for both teams. Aghada needed to win to have any chance of progressing. Again, similar to the Cloyne game Aghada started brightly with Ronan Murphy clipping over and early score for Aghada. Amazingly, Aghada would not lead again in the contest until early in the second half as Bride Rovers took control of the game. Bride Rovers struck three pointed frees and two points from play with a Fintan Cody point sandwiched in between to leave Bride Rovers 5 points to two in the lead heading towards the short whistle. Luckily for Aghada Fintan Cody and Charlie Terry added two points just before half time to leave the score at 6 points to four in favour of the reigning champions as the teams went for much needed uisce!
Aghada knew they had to win this game and after Bride Rovers struck an early score in the second half, our lads seemed to take control of the game. A well worked score from Eoin Motherway after great movement by Aidan O’Connell set the wheels in motion for a stirring few minutes for the men in green. Straight from this kick out a pass was intercepted before Alan Hogan was unleashed who calmly slotted the ball to the back of the net to put Aghada back in the lead for the first time since the opening minute of the game. Aghada should have scored yet another goal straight after but unfortunately the ball was well saved by the Bride Rovers keeper. A few minutes later Bride Rovers levelled the scores from a free and incredibly there would be no more scores in the game for fifteen minutes. Again, in this period, Aghada had plenty of possession but struggled to make it count on the scoreboard thanks to good Bride Rovers defending. Eventually Alan Hogan got Aghada’s lead point with a well worked score which started from defence. Aghada tried with all their will to hold onto this lead but unfortunately with only a few seconds left on the clock, Bride Rovers were awarded another free which they converted. With the game entering injury time, it looked like we were heading for a share of the spoils. This was not to be the case however, with the referee on the night awarding Rovers a free in front of the posts to the distain of the Aghada players and supporters. Bride Rovers went into the lead but our lads knew they would have one more chance. Patience was key and after great inter play between a lot of men in green the ball was worked to Luke O’Connell who somehow glided in along the end line before hitting a bullet of a shot which grazed the upright but unfortunately didn’t end up in the net. That was to be it and the end of Aghada’s Junior A campaign for the year. Overall a much improved performance from Monday night but just not enough on the night to allow us progress further in the competition. Best on the night for Aghada were Jack Colbert, Jack Norris, Aidan O'Connell and Alan Hogan.
U19 Hurling Championship:
Our first ever U19 Hurling championship team played Watergrasshill in the County hurling quarter final last Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, our lads came out on the wrong side of the score line but can be extremely proud of their efforts.
Thanks and well done to John Paul O’Connor, Colm O’Brien, Timmy Hartnett and Brian Morrissey who got the team together for this game.
Aghada 0-10
Watergrasshill 2-15
Aghada travelled to Watergrasshill last Wednesday evening to play the U19 county hurling quarter final. After a great week of sunshine it was a different climate up in Watergrasshill with patrons running for a jumper and coat to stay warm Some might say we have adapted to the hot weather too fast! Anyway, when the ball threw in it was evident Aghada were facing a very strong Watergrasshill team. Our hosts raced into a seven point lead with only twelve minutes on the clock. Aghada were batting well with Aaron Atkinson, Jack Corkery and Pete White very impressive in defence. Our forwards were also battling hard and when Eoin Motherway was fouled close to the side line 45 metres from goal it presented Aghada with their first chance of a score. Eoin Motherway stepped up and made no mistake by spitting the posts. Just before the short whistle our lads were hit with a sucker punch with Watergrasshill striking for a goal which resulted from a mis placed pass coming out of defence. Aghada had a very strong wind in the second half and started the second half well with Fionn O’Connell pointing a nice score from play. At this stage Captain Donagh Collins, Jack Colbert and David Wallace were dominating the half backline for Aghada and it was no surprise to see this result in scores for the men in green. Eoin Motherway struck a lovely point over his shoulder before Scott Whyte was fouled which resulted in another score for Aghada from the stick of Motherway. Ronan Murphy and Conor Geary were now getting on a pile of ball for Aghada and were awarded two frees for their incredible work rate which Motherway again pointed. John Walsh then pointed a fabulous score for Aghada 65 metres out along the side line which received applause from all in attendance. Just before the end, a long hopeful ball into the square was doubled on brilliantly by young Diarmuid Cotter with the ball flying over the crossbar. It was not to be enough for Aghada however with Watergrasshill striking for yet another fortuitous goal towards the end of the tie. In truth the score line was extremely harsh on Aghada. Watergrasshill ran out deserving winners but every one of the 15 players who togged out for Aghada can be incredibly proud of their efforts. At no stage did any player throw in the towel and everyone kept fighting until the final whistle which is a great sign of things to come for these lads. It was great to see every one of our young players show great pride in their club jersey! Best on the night for Aghada were Fionn O’Callaghan, Cian O’Shea, Aaron Atkinson and Eoin Motherway.
Premier Intermediate Football League Semi Final:
Well done to our Premier intermediate footballers who won a classic encounter against Rockchapel on Sunday afternoon. Colm O’Rourke remarked on the Sunday game that Kerry Vs Dublin was the best game he had seen in years but we certainly had a game to match it in Rostellan. Read the full match report below.
Aghada 5-7
Rockchapel 3-11
On a scorching afternoon in Rostellan with temperatures to match Marbella Aghada got the perfect start in their Cork Credit Union’s Division 2 Football League semi-final with Captain Danny Creedon getting the first point of the day after only three minutes. What was to follow summed up the game as a while. Rockchapel raced through the middle and their midfielder buried a rocket of a shot beyond Aghada Keeper Ciaran O’Shea. Rockchapel then added another point from play before incredibly Aghada responded with a brilliant goal of their own from Aaron Berry. Rockchapel responded well to this score with a pointed free before Diarmuid Byrne went a massy run through the heart of the opposition defence. The young attacker then laid the ball off to teammate Shane Bennett who made no mistake by dispatching the size five O’Neill’s to the back of the net. Straight after this, veteran Pearse O’Neill got his name on the scoresheet yet again for the men in green with a well taken point from play. Rockchapel narrowed the gap again with another free before we went on a mini scoring spree. Tim Hartnett, Michael Russell and Danny Creedon all got a point each but the pick of the bunch was a MONSTER effort from corner back Jack Norris from fifty metre out. The ball still hasn’t landed! Aghada looked to be cruising now heading into half time but this feel good factor was about to come to an abrupt end. Rockchapel hit us for two quick fire goals, a pointed free and a point from play in a six minute period to leave us trailing by two at the break on a score of Aghada 2-6 Rockchapel 3-5. Everyone needed a lie down after an enthralling opening period with the players heading for the sanctum of the dressing rooms for much needed shade.
With conditions so hot, one might have expected a less frantic second half. Well that never materialised. The visitors to Rostellan doubled their lead within three minutes of the restart scoring a point from a free and a well taken point from play. Thankfully from an Aghada point of view this would be the last time Rockchapel led the game. First Danny Creedon scored a beauty of a point form play which remarkably would be Aghada’s only point in the second half. But as they say goals win games and all of a sudden Aghada found three in a row! One from Shane Bennett, one from Ed Leahy and one from Danny Creedon. The pick of the bunch was Ed Leahy’s goal. Quick thinking by the impressive Kyle O’Shea created the opening with a fast free where he hit a peach of a pass to the on rushing Leahy who gathered possession first time before calmly slotting past the Rockchapel keeper. Aghada now looked like they had won themselves a place in the final but our visitors were not done just yet. Rockchapel scored four points in the final six minutes to make the closing stages very edgy but great defending from the entire team meant we progress to the league final against Kanturk. Date and venue to be confirmed. Credit also to the Aghada subs who worked tirelessly for the team throughout the second half. A great game where an incredible eight goals and eighteen points were scored. A brilliant advertisement for football. Best on the day for Aghada were Jack Norris, Danny Creedon, Timmy Hartnett, Dan Leahy and Kyle O’Shea.
This win now means that we are promoted to the senior league next year. A great achievement lads, well done.
Junior C Football League Vs Carrigtwohill
Aghada 4-18
Carrigtwohill 1-09
Our Junior C Footballers had a good win in their second last league game of the year against Carrigtwohill on Monday evening in Rostellan. Best on the night for Aghada were Aaron Atkinson, Sean Byrne, Sean Busteed and Olivier Jordan. A win in their final league game should guarantee a league final appearance which would be great.
Cúl Camps:
Last week we had the annual running of the Cúl Camps in Rostellan. Our club welcomed close on 200 boys and girls to our grounds each day the camp was on. The week flew by with all involved having great fun and entertainment. The weather gods shone on us with brilliant weather for the week. On the final day of camp there was some special visitors who spoke to the kids. Thanks to Aghada & Cork Ladies Senior Footballers Roisin Phelan, Sarah Leahy and Rachel Leahy who answered loads of questions from all the children whilst also signing some autographs. No doubt they inspired the next generation. The children were also treated to some ice cream on Friday and had a special visit from a fire truck from Irving Oil. The kids had great fun cooling down under the fresh water sprayed from the fire engine. Rumour has it that Paul Kilbane and Sean Norris had even more fun than the kids drowning the youth of the parish!!
A big thanks to all the club coaches, and especially to Elaine Counihan, Christine Moran, Helen Walsh, Una Cashman and Niamh Callanan who put in huge work to ensure the success of the camp. Hopefully everyone will return next year!!!
Healthy Club:
Over the last few weeks Gillian Berry and Saundra Walsh have taken on the task of enrolling Aghada in the Healthy clubs initiative. This will be done in October when places open but the girls have begun a few steps already in getting the initiative up and running.
Last week during the Cúl Camps it was fantastic to see all the children and coaches enjoying a beautiful selection of fruit which was kindly donated by Damian Keohane. It was also brilliant to see club members giving some home grown veg to each other. Our Healthy Club ethos is up and running. Keep an eye on social media over the coming weeks and months for more exciting developments.
Aghada GAA Lotto:
As usual our club lotto takes place every Thursday evening at 9:30pm in the clubhouse. The draw can be viewed live on our Facebook page where club president John Motherway gives us a song and a tune on the accordion in order to build-up the suspense for the draw.
Our club lotto is key to financing many of our club activities so if you can please support the draw by buying a ticket each week in any of the outlets listed below or online at:
This week’s jackpot is €11,000.
Full results of last week’s draw are below:
Upcoming Championship Fixtures:
Championship fixtures are about to come hot and heavy now so enjoy this weekend before the big matches begin!
Please see a list of our upcoming championship fixtures below:
Bon Secours Premier Intermediate Football Championship Group Stage:
Saturday July 23rd Vs Bantry Blues in Ovens at 4pm.
Sunday August 14th Vs Na Piarsaigh in Carrigtwohill at 4pm.
Sunday September 4th Vs Castletownbere in Enniskeane at 2pm.
Co-Op Superstores Intermediate Hurling Championship Group Stage:
Saturday July 30th Vs Midleton in Castlemartyr at 4pm.
Sunday August 7th Vs Blackrock in Cobh at 3pm.
Saturday August 27th Vs Lisgoold in Cloyne at 2pm.
U19 Football Championship:
Monday 25th July Vs Carbery Rangers in Rostellan at 7:30pm.
Ticket details will be shared prior to each game on social media so please keep an eye out. All adult fixtures run by the county board will be ticket only affairs meaning you will need to purchase your ticket before the game online. (i.e. There will be no cash sales at the gate).
GAA Monthly Newsletter:
Please see attached link to the latest GAA Club Monthly Newsletter for June/July.
https://www.gaa.ie/news/read-the-latest-club-newsletter-june-july-2022/
Tour De Munster:
Reece Bawden, a member of the Aghada GAA senior committee is again channelling his sense of selfless support in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. A monster cycle – the tour of Munster celebrates its 22nd birthday this year when on August 4th, the tour gets under way in Cork. The tour involves cycling approx. 640km through Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Kerry and Cork again, finishing on St. Patrick's Hill in Cork City. The tour will take 4 days to complete, so I'll bet they will be delighted with a nice handy finish going up Patrick's Hill !!!!
This will be Reece’s second time completing this challenging event (rumour has it that he’s still sore from last year) and all funds raised here will go directly to The Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland as well as individual beneficiaries. All great causes I think you would agree. To read more about the cycle and to donate and support our brave clubman and this hugely important cause, please follow the following link –
https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11444371_reece-bawden-s-tour-de-munster-2022.html
U16 Ladies All Ireland Final:
Best of luck to Aghada’s Bríanna Smith, Natalia O’Connor and Maisie McRae who represent Cork in the All Ireland U16 Ladies Football Final on Wednesday evening in Cahir where they face Dublin at 7:30pm. Hopefully ye can bring some silverware back to the parish girls. Corcaigh Abú!
Well sin é for this week. Best of luck to any members of the club who may have a vested interest in the All Ireland Hurling Final this weekend. Hopefully the Rebels will be back where we belong next year with new manager Pat Ryan at the wheel. Tá súil again go féidir libh taitneamh a bhaint as an aimsir maith agus an ghriain an tseachtain seo agus bí cinnte a bheith sábháilte má bhíonn sibh cois farraige.
Slán,
Uinsionn Ó Ruacháin
Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí
Vince Rohan
PRO - Aghada GAA
Website for most up to date fixtures news and results -http://www.aghadagaa.com/
