Strong showing by hurlers

Araglin 3-15 Buttevant 2-16

Araglin’s hurlers continued their good league form by getting the better of Buttevant in Buttevant, last Saturday. Our reserves may have been thin on the ground, however, the starting 15 had a solid feel to it and while we didn’t make life easy for ourselves, we were deserving winners on the day.

We were helped on our way by a Jack Kearney goal. Spearheading the attack and wearing the number 14 jersey, the young attacker looked dangerous every time he won possession. Jack got great assistance over the hour from wily old campaigner, Dave Browne, who showed glimpses of his old self.

Dave was responsible for our first point, which must have boosted his confidence. Dooner got our third point and this was followed by two Jack Kearney points (one from a free), before Paul Hynes got in on the scoring with a point of his own.

The hard running Paul then set up Jack Kearney for his second goal. Jack continued to torment his marker and on the 25th minute mark, he arrowed over a lovely point.

Dave Browne chipped in with another pointed effort, before Jack Kearney was successful from a placed ball. A very satisfactory half hour of hurling came to an end with Ben Carey raising a green flag. Half-time score, Araglin 3-09 Buttevant 1-07.

A foul on Keelan O’Gorman presented Jack Kearney with another point scoring opportunity, which he gratefully accepted. Sean Hegarty got our 11th point of the afternoon. This was followed by a splendid effort from Shane Keane, who steaded himself around the 65 metre mark, to register an excellent point. This score was timely as Buttevant were starting to get a foothold in the game, while at the same time unforced errors started to creep into our game.

Our opponents would have got some real traction had they managed to get a 3 pointer and a ferociously struck shot seemed net bound before the intervention of young goalkeeper, Sean Og O’Doherty, who pulled off a stunning save.

Buttevant, who on balance won the aerial battles for possession, kept the scoreboard ticking over and were within striking distance as the game entered the last quarter. Two Jack Kearney frees and a further point from Dave Browne, completed our scoring of 3-15.

It was good shooting on an afternoon that was perfect for hurling - the good surface also helped.

Games are as much about defending as attacking and in Shay Russell, Simon Walsh and Kealan Condon, we had a very strong line. Shane Keane, Fionnan Hickey and Sean Motherway were also formidable, as was the midfield partnership of team captain, Ben Carey and Sean Hegarty (both of whom got on the scoresheet).

Keelan O’Gorman, Cain O’Mahony and Paul Hynes filled the half forward positions; Cain contributed handsomely, with Paul Hynes also posing a considerable threat.

Keelan O’Gorman, who is in his first season as an adult hurler, will have learned a lot from this intense contest. Dooner, Jack Kearney and Dave Browne did what all good forwards do by converting possession into scores.

Team and scorers: Sean Og O’Doherty, Simon Walsh, Shay Russell, Kealan Condon, Shane Keane (0-01), Fionnan Hickey, Sean Motherway, Ben Carey (1-00), Sean Hegarty (0-01), Keelan O’Gorman, Cain O’Mahony, Paul Hynes (0-01), Tom ‘Dooner’ Kenneally (0-01), Jack Kearney (2-08, 4 frees) and Dave Browne (0-03).

FIXTURE

Sunday, 29th May in Ballynoe Bon Secours Cork County Junior B Football Championship, Araglin v Fr. O’Neills at 5pm.

LOTTO RESULTS FROM 19TH MAY

Numbers drawn: 08, 19, 23 and 29. No winner. Lucky dips: €50 Kathy Flynn, College Road, Fermoy; €50 Frank Kiernan, Propogue; €25 Fionuala Hynes, Araglin and €25 Pa O’Donovan, Araglin.

Next draw in Christy’s on Thursday, 26th May for a jackpot of €6,800. Play Araglin GAA lotto in store or online.

CARNIVAL DATES

Araglin Carnival will commence on Friday, 15th July and finish on Sunday, 24th July.