Another huge occasion for Araglin club
Having already claimed the Cork county junior B hurling championship title, Araglin’s footballers attempt what would be a historic double this weekend, when they travel to Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday afternoon to take on Lismire (throw in at 5pm)
ALL SYSTEMS GO
It’s always difficult for a dual club to get the balance right, with essentially the same pool of players to draw from. However, this year, the footballers have ‘got a good run at it’ and having had time to fine tune their skills, they’ve already won a division 3 league title and are now on the verge of what would be a seismic win. NEVER EASY
The club’s hurlers secured their county title following a Titanic struggle with Freemount (who Araglin also beat in the county football semi-final). These games, between what are usually very evenly matched teams, can go either way – along with skill and know how, every successful team needs a bit of luck along the way.
IN THEIR FAVOUR
Araglin are on a good run of form and importantly, their performances have improved with every game. The best example of this was their two games with seasoned junior B side, Doneraile. Defeated in the North Cork competition, Araglin turned the tables a few weeks later when the two sides met again in a league semi-final.
It’s also a settled side, with thankfully, not too many injuries to contend with. Coach, Denis Twomey and his selectors: Sean Allen, Kevin Fitzgerald, Alan Hegarty, James Kearney and Peter O’Loughlin, have left no stone unturned in their preparations for next Saturday’s final. The team is captained by veteran attacker, James ‘Gus’ Kearney, who, as always, leads by example.
The team will receive every encouragement from what’s sure to be very sizeable Araglin support in Páirc Uí Rinn.
KEEPING THE FLAG FLYING
Araglin has a proud tradition of football dating back to the 1940s, when St. Michaels (Araglin Football Club) was formed. Amalgamated with Araglin Hurling Club in the late 1960s, Araglin have won division honours and reached two adult county football finals, where they had to give way to superior opposition.
Saturday’s final is a relatively new ‘C’ grade competition, where clubs with small player bases are matched against each other. Having worked very hard to get to the final, Araglin will be going all out for victory – a breakthrough win would crown what has already been a memorable year.
THANKS
Araglin GAA take this opportunity to thank the individuals and businesses who’ve contributed to the players’ training fund (this fund will defray costs associated with preparation and participation in the final).
Anyone still wishing to assist the club financially can donate €5 to the ‘ Guess The Score’ competition – details from club officers.