A bit off the pace
Araglin 1-7 Abbey Rovers 0-14
Having won promotion from division 3 last year, Araglin opened their Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Football League encounter against Abbey Rovers (Castletownroche) last Saturday with a defeat. A late goal by Jack Kearney put a gloss on the scoreline, however, a closer examination reveals a substantial gulf between the teams. Neither side was at full strength and to be fair to our boys, we had several debutants making the big step up from underage GAA to adult level.
Abbey Rovers started the brighter and were never headed. We were very reliant on our ‘player of the year’ Sean Hegarty for scores and unfortunately, our forward line never really got going. We were well in touch at half-time - with Abbey Rovers ahead on a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-4. Our scorers were Sean Hegarty (2), Aaron Hegarty (1) and a well taken point from Kealan O’Gorman, who was one of the aforementioned debutants.
Unfortunately, we got blitzed on the resumption and had Jonathan O’Callaghan’s charges been more ruthless in front of goals, we’d have got a right hammering. Wing forward, Keelan Condon, picked up a straight red which didn’t help our cause. In the absence of Gus, Dooner and Dave Browne, our attack was ineffective. Castletownroche dominated the third quarter and even though their subs bench was very limited, they had enough quality on the field to get the job done. We failed to register a single point from play in the second half which tells its own story - Sean Hegarty scored our 3 points from frees.
Thomas Feeney did fine in goals, before he was replaced in a tactical substitution for another debutant, Sean Og O’Doherty (who is both a hurling and football goalkeeper). Paddy Kenneally filled the full back position with Donal Horgan and yet another new man, Ted White, operating in the corners - again, they did their jobs in an efficient manner. Our half back line consisted of Fionnan Hickey, Cain O’Mahony and Shane Keane - all were overworked but performed well. Jack Kearney linked up with Ben Carey in the middle of the park.
Paul Hynes, back on leave from
Holland, was joined in the half forward line by Keelan Condon and Sean Hegarty. Kealan O’Gorman, Sean Motherway and Aaron Hegarty led the attack. Oisin Hickey, who wouldn’t be known for his football prowess, did surprisingly well after coming on for his brother Fionnan.
In summary, this was our first taste of division 2 football in a long time and Abbey Rovers were just that bit quicker and cuter. No panic buttons will be pressed just yet and as we proved last year, once we get ‘a clear run’ at the big ball, we are a decent team.
Regarding our opponents, they made much better use of possession than we did. They finished with 13 players, one of the players to depart was Muiris Browne, who despite his indiscretion, was their stand out performer. Someone who has been around a long time, he looked in great shape and had no problems getting up and down the field.
While 3 players got sent off, you couldn’t say it was a dirty game and everyone including Castleltown’ veteran, Dave Butler, gave of their best.
TEAM, PANEL & SCORERS
Tommy T. Feeney (GK), Ted White, Paddy Kenneally, Donal Horgan, Fionnan Hickey, Cain O’Mahony, Shane Keane, Jack Kearney (1-0), Ben Carey, Keelan Condon, Paul Hynes, Sean Hegarty (0-5, 4 from frees), Kealan O’Gorman (0-1), Sean Motherway and Aaron Hegarty (0-1, free). Subs: Oisin Hickey for Fionnan Hickey and Sean Og O’Doherty for Tommy Feeney. Panel: Niall O’Sullivan and Jake Buckley.
Referee: Alex Morrissey (Newtownshandrum).
Alex flashed quite a few cards, however, there weren’t too many complaints. Keeping the peace on GAA fields isn’t an easy job.
SOCIAL IN CAHIR HOUSE
If Castletownroche hadn’t agreed to play on Saturday, we’d have had to try and field a team after our social on Sunday. So, we thank them for their co-operation. After the game, it was home for the suit, the gel and the shoe polish.
This victory social was held in Cahir House Hotel, with 162 guests sitting down for a fine meal and excellent music by The Buachaills. Club chairman, Tom Kenneally, did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of organising this event. Medals presented included: junior B county hurling, junior C county football and Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 3 FL. Player of the Year was Sean Hegarty with Conor Twomey picking up a ‘Rising Star’ award.
In his address, Dooner acknowledged the contributions of groundsman, Tom Kenneally, along with secretary John Ahern and club treasurer, Tony Hyland. Tony, who looked after the distribution of tickets, was unable to attend due to illness. Siobhan Tobin and Ena Kenneally-O’Sullivan were drafted in to decorate the hotel and they did a brilliant job.
Special guests on the night were Araglin native and Munster Council CEO, Kieran Leddy and county winning captain in 1999, John O’Brien from Ballard. Stalwart club man, Michael Lyons Sr., represented the Cork County Board. It proved to be a really enjoyable occasion and a well deserved night out for players, officers and supporters.
LOTTO RESULTS FROM 3RD MARCH
Numbers drawn: 02, 03, 15 and 26 (no winner). Lucky dips to: €50 Val Kenneally, Araglin c/o Emmet; €50 The O’Flynn family, Ballyheaphy, c/o Tony Hyland; €25 Charlotte Colbert, Araglin c/o Paul Colbert and €25 Tom Kelly, c/o John Ahern. Next draw is on Thursday, 10th March for a jackpot of €5,700.
CLIMB WITH CHARLIE
The ‘Climb With Charlie’ is an initiative by former RTE presenter, Charlie Bird to raise funds for Motor Neurone, Ireland.
Araglin Community Council is doing its bit by organising two walks (8km and 3km) in Araglin on Saturday, 2nd April - departing the hall at 11am. All welcome, donations accepted. Proceeds to be divided equally between Pieta House and Motor Neurone Ireland. For more details contact any member of Araglin Community Council.
DANCING ON SATURDAY NIGHT
Dancing to Adrian Ryan takes place this Saturday night, 12th March, 9pm till midnight. Singles and couples welcome - a great night assured.
BIG CROWD AT THE BINGO
There was a fine crowd at last Sunday’s bingo in Araglin Hall - the jackpot of €4,000 was not won. Bingo returns on Sunday, 20th March.
TOM LEDDY TAKES OVER AS HALL CHAIRMAN
Tom Leddy has replaced Tom McCarthy as the new chairman of Araglin Hall - the hall committee held their AGM last Monday night.
BEST OF LUCK TO POINT-TOPOINT COMMITTEE
Best of luck to everyone involved in next Sunday’s Kilworth & Araglin Point-to-Points. The event includes a dog show, so bring along your pooch!
GET WELL WISHES TO DES
The club extends good wishes and a speedy recovery to Des Kenneally.