Alex shines in Aughrim win
Seven points for Kavanagh
IN a rain-soaked Ashford, these two teams showed up in the hope of taking home the glory in this Plate final. While the weather may not have been great, the effort, commitment and standard of football from both teams was exceptional.
The game started at a hectic pace with both teams looking to run the socks off each other. Aughrim took the lead through sharpshooter Alex Kavanagh. An Tochar fired back through Conor Fee, who slotted two fine scores over the bar.
From here, Aughrim took over for the remainder of the first half. Alex Kavanagh would prove to be the tormentor in chief for the Roundwood men, as he grabbed points.
He was ably assisted Joe McGuckian, who slotted a point, Sam Carroll and Oisin Keegan.
It was in the 18th minute when the major score came for Aughrim. It was a free dropping in to the An Tochar six yard box. It ping ponged around the goal line, hitting the goal keeper, the Aughrim full forward, the post, and what looked like the knee of Aughrim full forward Joseph McLean.
Aughrim headed to the break the happier with the scoreline reading – Aughrim 1-5 An Tochar 0-2.
An Tochar started the second half much the better and were putting Aughrim under huge pressure. They put the head down and ran at the Aughrim defence. Conor Fee, Eanna Nolan and Jack Wolohan carried a mountain of ball, but will regret forgetting their shooting boots on the day.
Aughrim kept ticking along through the half working hard at the back with Leo Byrne, Dermot and Lorcan Toomey all impressing. Joe McGuckian and Sam Carroll continued to drive forward, while Alex Kavanagh was impressive throughout. He added three more points to his tally.
In the end, Aughrim ran out deserved winners on the day. An Tochar played their hearts out and challenged everything to the last ball. A truly entertaining, running game of football.
Scorers: Aughrim – Alex Kavanagh 0-7, Joe McGuckin 0-1, Joseph McLean 1-0.
An Tochar – Conor Fee 0-3. AUGHRIM: Calum McKenna; Finn Byrne, Leo Byrne, Hugh Gunning; Dermot Toomey, Oisin Keegan, Lorcan Toomey; Sam Carroll, Joe McGuckian; Steven O’Toole, Alex Kavanagh, Jack Byrne; Conaill O’Brien, Joseph McLean, Mark Murphy. Subs: Cameron Byrne for Joseph McLean, Joseph McLean for Coanill O’Brien, Conaill O’Brien for Joseph McLean, Mark Shannon for Mark Murphy.
AN TOCHAR: Lee Ireland; Matthew Fox, Daniel Byrne, Darragh Wolohan; Sean McHugh, Jack Wolohan, Luke McKenna; Lorcan Smyth, Enda Murphy; Killian Byrne, Eanna Nolan, Conor Fee; Josh Healy, Cameron Brady, Billy Meagher. Subs: Evan Burke for Billy Meagher, Michael Nolan for Cameron Brady, Ryan Murphy for Evan Burke.
REFEREE: Pat Hickey