An epic struggle
Araglin 0-18 Castletownroche 3-09
Regionally, very few games took place on St. Patrick’s Day - ourselves and Castletownroche being an exception. While people were getting ready to march around the country, Araglin and great rivals, Castletownroche, marched into battle hoping to build on opening round victories in the Cavanagh’s of Fermoy sponsored North Cork hurling division 2 league.
On paper, this was a junior A side versus a junior B team (Araglin are graded junior A in hurling), however, famed Castletown’ would have no fear playing us and recent meetings indicated there would be very little between these sides.
At the end of 60 minutes, they could not be separated. The league points on offer were shared, however, there will be serious regrets. Castletownroche coach, Denis Gallagher from Glanworth will view this as ‘one that got away’ as his team led for most of the game. On the other hand, Araglin coach, Shane Hickey from Castlelyons, can’t have been happy with the fact that Araglin ‘presented’ 3 goals to the opposition.
TIGHTLY CONTESTED FIRST HALF
Castletownroche opened the scoring through ace marksman, Mark O’Callaghan from a free after 2 minutes. Keelan O’Gorman responded with a point from play in the 5th minute. Sean Motherway, wearing the number 12 jersey, was to have a fine first half; showing well and taking up good positions, he shot over 4 very valuable points before the break. Jake Buckley and Paul Hynes worked hard, while the ball going in to Conor Twomey wasn’t the greatest and he did well with what came his way. Ben Carey was a dominant figure at centreback.
Jack Kearney registered the first of his frees and after 16 minutes, it was all square at 5 points apiece. Defensively, Shay Russell, Liam Keane and Niall O’Sullivan all performed well, however, in the 18th minute, Castletownroche got through for a goal. In the 27th minute, they struck again to leave things at the interval, Araglin 0-09 Castletownroche 2-05. The remainder of our first half scores came from placed balls, courtesy of Jack Kearney.
Castletownroche were out of the blocks very swiftly on the resumption as they tacked on another point. Peter Finn, who came on for the long serving Tom Kenneally, made an immediate impact by rifling over a well struck point. Sean Brackett won plenty ball in what were tricky underfoot conditions. Jack Kearney kept the scoreboard ticking over with another well struck free. A free out for Araglin that should have been sent down the field, completely malfunctioned and a grateful Castletownroche forward (Niall Hazelwood, I think), gladly accepted the invitation to shoot to the net (3-07 to 0-11).
It was advantage Castletown’ at this stage and another couple of scores would more than likely have seen them home. For a variety of historical and reputational reasons, Araglin teams will never give up and this trait once again came to the fore. A free from Jack Kearney reduced the margin to 4 points and an inform Peter Finn, got his and our 13th point. A couple of more substitutions helped the Araglin cause further and as this game entered the final quarter, Castletownroche were starting to feel the pressure - truth be told, everyone was starting to feel the heat, as things got increasingly tense.
Sean Hegarty, who for some reason took over the freetaking from Jack Kearney, got our 14th and 15th points. The mood of the game wasn’t helped by an extraordinary decision of an umpire to wave a ‘wide’, when Fionnan Hickey’s shot had clearly sailed over the middle of the crossbar. Unfortunately, but understandably, this totally incorrect call caused consternation among the Araglin management. Thankfully, referee John O’Brien was in an excellent position to adjudicate that it was in fact a very clear Araglin point.
Keelan O’Gorman then retained his composure to hit over a point, leaving the minimum between the sides with time running out. At this stage every ball was firecely contested and the game could have gone either way. Sean Hegarty’s equalising point was followed almost immediately by a shrill blast from John O’Brien’s whistle, signalling the end of an extremely tight contest.
For the neutral, it made for enthralling viewing, however, both sides can make strong cases for why they should have won. This was a game where two ‘small’ clubs went at it hammer and tongs right to the death. Both sides were determined that this game went ahead and despite a lot of rain, the Castletownroche pitch held up well. Veteran referee, John O’Brien, maintained control of a game that was hard enough to officiate.
TEAM, SCORERS AND PANEL
Sean Og O’Doherty (GK), Liam Keane, Shay Russell, Niall O’Sullivan, Paul Hynes, Ben Carey, Sean Brackett, Fionnan Hickey (0-01), Keelan O’Gorman (0-02), Sean Hegarty (0-03, 1 free), Tom ‘Dooner’ Kenneally, Sean Motherway (0-04), Jake Buckley, Jack Kearney (0-06 frees) and Conor Twomey. Subs used: Peter Finn (0-02), Aaron Hegarty, Eoin Finn and Dave Browne.
Referee: John O’Brien (Ballygiblin).
LOTTO RESULTS FROM 16TH MARCH
Numbers drawn: 07, 17, 22 and 23. No winner. Lucky dips: €50 Aideen Leddy, c/o Fitzgerald Hurleys; €50 Catherine O’Gorman, Ballybeg, Mitchelstown; €25 Zach & Rocco Browne, Araglin and €25 Christy Higgins, Araglin.
Next lotto draw for a jackpot of €11,200 is tonight, Thursday, 23rd March in Christy’s at 9.30pm.
REBELS’ BOUNTY DRAW - STILL TIME!
Moss Reidy and Tom Leddy are putting in a lot of work promoting the Rebels’ Bounty Draw. The cut off point is fast approaching. To sign up, simply log on to www. corkgaa.ie
SUDDEN PASSING OF VINCENT O’GRADY, FERMOY
The club extends sympathy to the Linehan family, Araglin on the sudden passing of Vincent O’Grady, Fermoy.