Castletown’ edge proceedings
Araglin 1-13 Castletownroche 0-18
These old rivals faced off in Castletownroche last Sunday in this opening round of the Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Hurling League. What followed was a close, hard fought contest with our opponents emerging deserving winners as a result of their greater efficiency in front of goals.
With a new coach in place (Shane Hickey from Castlelyons) and a number of players making their debut at this level, this was always going to be an interesting encounter. Castletown’ started brightly, striking over a point with less than a minute gone on the clock.
Centre back, Ben Carey, got us off the mark with a well taken point. Sean Hegarty’s 3 points from placed balls (2 frees and a 65) kept us in touch. Wing forward, Sean Motherway, then popped up to hit over a fine point. At the half way point of the first half, the scoreboard read Araglin 0-05 Castletownroche 0-06. It was nip and tuck until the interval with Sean Hegarty accounting for our next two points. Fionnan Hickey got our 8th point before the half-time whistle came - we were a point in arrears at the break (0-08 to 0-09).
It was more of the same following the resumption, with little to separate the sides. Winning and converting a penalty was a big breakthrough for us - dead ball specialist Jack Kearney, drilling the ball beyond former Cork senior hurler, Jonathan O’Callaghan. Castletown’ suffered on the double as their reliable full back, Thomas Barrett, had to be helped from the field with what looked like a serious injury. Unfortunately for us, we failed to capitalise on our posession and a number of normally reliable forwards squandered chance after chance. There was no such wastefulness from Castletown’ with ace marksman, Mark O’Callaghan, hitting the target with impressive regularity - he was aided by the equally accurate Patrick Sheehan, who helped himself to 6 points.
Not able to hurl as freely as we’d like, we rushed chances, took poor options and didn’t look for the man in space. Oisin Hickey took over the free taking in an effort to steady the ship - he added two points from frees. In a further bid to freshen things up, the Araglin management introduced Tommy Feeney for Stephen Reilly (who was playing his first hurling game for Araglin following a transfer from Shamrock
GAA in county Cork).
Another debutant, Sean Og O’Doherty stood up well in goals, his puck outs were solid and keeping a clean sheet will have given him a lot of confidence. Sean Og had great protection from Cain O’Mahony, Kealan Condon and another newcomer, the impressive Niall O’Sullivan.
As well as intervening to save a goal bound shot, Cain also successfully intervened to convince the referee that a ‘score’ that was being signalled as a point by an umpire, was in fact very clearly wide. Things got tight and tense as we entered the home stretch, with lion hearted forward Dave Browne doing what others around him couldn’t do, by hitting the ball over the bar. Subject to correction, we had 13 wides. Despite the wides count, we were creating plenty chances with Dooner, Shane Keane and Ben Carey combining well. Attack minded forward, Jack Kearney, fielded some great ball, but had difficulty converting. Kealan Condon, who had a good game, hit over our 12th point. There was also a commendable display from another young man stepping up to adult hurling, Keelan O’Gorman.
In the face of fierce pressure, Castletown’ were able to keep us at arm’s length and despite a late rally, where Oisin pointed from a free, Castletownroche held out for a merited 0-18 to 1-13 victory. There was some debate about whether we should have tapped over a close in free in the dying stages of the game, however, it’s easy to be wise from the sideline.
There was plenty to be positive about and coach, Shane Hickey, was pleased with the work rate and attitude of his players. Hopefully, that all important accuracy will return with more ball work. This was a typical North Cork clash with no quarter asked or given. The man in the middle, Alec Morrissey, handled things well and shouldn’t have been confronted by a Castletownroche spectator in the final minutes.
Overall, our discipline on the field and on the sideline was good. Following the match, Castletownroche thanked Araglin for agreeing to play the match one hour earlier than the scheduled start time. In the corresponding football fixture, Castletownroche facilated us, so fair play.
ARAGLIN PLAYERS, PANEL AND SCORERS
Sean Og O’Doherty (GK), Niall O’Sullivan, Cain O’Mahony, Kealan Condon (0-01), Thomas ‘Dooner’ Kenneally, Ben Carey (0-01), Shane Keane, Fionnan Hickey (0-01), Sean Hegarty (0-05, 3 frees and a ‘65’), Sean Motherway (0 - 01), Oisin Hickey (0-03 from frees), Keelan O’Gorman, Dave Browne (0-01), Jack Kearney (1-00, penalty) and Stephen Reilly. Subs: Tommy Feeney for Stephen Reilly.
Referee: Alex Morrissey (Newtownshandrum).
LOTTO HITS €6,000
Results from March 24th - numbers 03, 13, 16 & 30. No winner. Lucky dips to: €50 Teresa Hickey, Araglin; €50 John Tobin, Coolaneague; €25 Caitriona Sisk, Macroney and €25 Ned Sheehy, Glenroe, Co. Limerick.
Next draw for a jackpot of €6,000 is on Thursday, 31st March. Play Araglin GAA lotto instore or online.
VERY SUCCESSFUL FASHION SHOW
Well done to Ena O’Sullivan and her committee for staging a brilliant fashion show in Araglin Hall last Friday night. Over €6,000 was raised for Fermoy Sub Aqua Club. The hall looked really impressive and the models, female and male, rose to the occasion. Patrons were really impressed with the organisation and hosting of this sell out event.
ARAGLIN NATIONAL SCHOOL CYCLE
Araglin National School Parents’ Association held a well supported cycle in Araglin last Sunday - the event attracted cyclists from all over North Cork and beyond.
CHARLIE BIRD FUNDRAISER ON SATURDAY
Araglin will join with hundreds of locations in Ireland this weekend by having a walk in solidarity with former RTE broadcaster, Charlie Bird. The Araglin event will take the form of two walks (long and short) throught some spectacular scenery. Participants are requested to be at the hall in good time ahead of the 11am departure time. Refreshments will be served following the walks. This is a joint fundraiser for Pieta House and Motor Neurone Ireland and deserves to be supported. Event co-ordinators are Araglin Community Council volunteers, Aidan Leddy and Karen O’Doherty.
DON’T FORGET THE BINGO
Both ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ tastes are accommodated at next Sunday’s bingo in Araglin Hall. It’s eyes down at 2.30pm with the €4,000 jackpot just waiting to be won. Support appreciated.
DARRAGH’S GREAT FORM CONTINUES
Araglin point-to-point jockey, Darragh Allen is on course for his most successful season to date following a 3-timer in Ballynoe last Sunday.
FINAL CALL FOR SCRAP METAL
The Araglin GAA scrap metal collection concludes this weekend - thanks to everyone who contributed and who helped with the collecting.