Aghada GAA Juvenile News - By Donal Walsh

Hi folks, hope this newsletter finds you well, we are up and running with the juvenile fixtures as our u18 footballers were first into action last Saturday, the first of many as from now on they will be coming thick and fast as the anticipation heightens for what will hopefully be another memorable season. There is nothing like a match it can carry emotions to the highest pitch of elation one instant, then crash them down to rock bottom the next, oh yes, bring it on “ let the games begin”

U18 football league Youghal 3-3 Aghada 1-9 Our u18 footballers travelled to Maghners hill in Youghal last Saturday afternoon for our first official juvenile game in 2023. The hosts got off to the perfect start as they goaled straight from the throw in, this could have easily derailed our ambitions, but in fairness to our lads the response was fantastic as they took control of the ball, with some lovely interlink play, ending with sharpshooter John Walsh finding himself in the pocket and he made no mistake kicking 3 wonderful points from play as we gained parity. Cian Hego Hegarty was a colossus at centre back bursting forward at every opportunity with Ronan Devoy and Colm White soundness personified and Robert Dean full of running, we took the game to our opponents, with the safe handling and accurate kickouts of our custodian Seán Corkery adding greatly to our expansive running game built on teamwork. Corner forward Joshua Halpin struck a sweet point from play and Hego kicked a monstrous free to leave the score at the short whistle 1-1 to 0-5 as we retired to the half time huddle in buoyant mood after that early setback. The second half was much like the first and although enjoying the loins share of possession, we once again found ourselves on the backfoot and playing catch up as our seaside neighbours’ penchant for scoring goals edged them ahead. Another good team move from our lads ended with the ball at the feet of Diarmuid Cotter and he made no mistake raising a green flag with a composed finish. Two excellent frees from the boot of full forward James Motherway and strong play from Cian Murphy kept us knocking on the door but we still found ourselves a point in arrears with time almost up, then cometh the hour cometh the man as centre forward James Hurley was calm and assured, pouncing to dissect the posts and level the game to give us the draw that was the least our efforts deserved to get us up and running in 2023. Team & scorers Seán Corkery, Ronan Walsh, Ronan Devoy, Evan Crowley, Colm White, Cian Hegarty 0-1f, Conor Geary, David Wallace, John Walsh 0-3, Robert Dean, James Hurley 0-1, James O’ Donnell, Finn Berry, James Motherway 0-2f, Joshua Halpin 0-1 subs used Diarmuid Cotter 1-0, Cian Murphy, Eanna Crowley, Dara O’ Conchubhair.

Well done to Scartleigh NS team who were runners up in the recent Sciath na Scol indoor hurling league finals played in the Na Piarsiagh complex and to all the Aghada players involved.

After his recent injury setback, we were delighted to hear Andrew Murphy is on the road to recovery and hopefully we will see him back on the field shortly with his teammates and friends.

Congratulations to Seán O’ Callaghan who has made the official Cork minor hurling panel this year. This is a fantastic honour for Seán, his family and the club and we all look forward to seeing him represent the county in the blood and bandage colours of Cork this year and in the years ahead.

Fixture Saturday 4th March U18 Premier hurling League Aghada v St Finbarrs 13.00 Rostellan

Be seen wear the Green Slán go fóill Ár nDícheall Go Deo