A hard fought win over Mallow
Araglin 1-08 Mallow 0-08
A win over Mallow at any grade is always encouraging news and Araglin left the GAA complex in Carrigoon last Sunday with a spring in their step.
Anxious that there be no impediment to the game going ahead, the 3 counties men gave up home advantage as well as agreeing to a change of time, in order that this fixture be fulfilled.
Keen to get a win in advance of a rapidly approaching junior B county football campaign, James 'George' Kearney had his troops at the venue well in advance of the 3.30pm throw-in time. A positive pep talk, some careful man management and an intensive warm up, meant the boys in green, headed into this game in a good frame of mind. Electing to play with the wind in the first half, Araglin started well and went on the attack from the first whistle.
Ben Carey and Paul Hynes are a nice midfield combination and these fellas ran at their opponents at every opportunity. Brendan Allen, who is one of the team's most experienced players, was an effective target man and in tricky conditions and on an uncut pitch, it didn't take Araglin long to get on the scoreboard with pacy attacker, Aaron Hegarty, opening our account with a pointed free. The aforementioned Brendan Allen, who was excellent for the first 30 minutes, added a second, with Conor Twomey, another 'up and at em' kind of player pointing from close range. A free from Aaron and a fisted over point from Conor, pushed us out to 5 points. The influential Brendan Allen reacted quickly to a breaking ball in the square to lash home what proved to be a vital goal. We were good value for our 1-07 to 0-04 half-time lead.
We faced into what was a very stiff breeze on the resumption and braced ourselves for a sustained onslaught. If the first half was all about attack, the second period was all about defence. Fionnan Hickey manned the crucial full back berth, with great assistance from his corner men, Jason Hynes and Sean Motherway - Sean was very good over the hour. Jack Kearney also played well and didn't shirk the physical exchanges. Diarmuid Allen, who is eligible to play both hurling and football this year, covered a lot of ground and tracked back when he had to, while Oisin Hogan read the game well and assisted the defence when the pressure came on.
The half forward line of Conor Twomey, Jake Buckley and Eoghan Leddy looks very promising, with Conor always good for a score or two. Eogan Leddy, in his debut season, is a huge asset to our club. Aaron and Brendan Allen got vital scores and Kieran O'Donovan didn't leave the side down. The last line of defence on any team is a vital cog and Tommy Feeney was on top of things throughout.
Scoring opportunities in the second half were like the proverbial hens' teeth and only Conor Twomey managed to get in for a point. Probably influenced by the conditions, regular free taker, Aaron Hegarty, went from kicking from the hands to kicking from the ground, which wasn't all that productive. Remarkably enough, Niall O'Sullivan could have ended the game as top scorer, however, he lacked a bit of composure in front of goals. Shane Keane, who is back in the country again, came on for Jason Hynes, with crafty operator Dave Browne, replacing Jake Buckley.
There was also a debut for specialist hurler, Shane Murray, who joined the Araglin club from famed Glen Rovers. Shane, who is resident in Clancy's cottage in Liss, adapted reasonably well to the big ball and had at least one scoring opportunity. With the game ebbing towards a conclusion, Mallow went all out to get the goal that would tie the game. A combination of tenacious defending, their inaccuracy and a top drawer save by Tommy Feeney, ensured the green flag was never raised.
Overall, a solid performance, underpinned by good discipline and a terrific work ethic. The two James Kearneys were understandably delighted when their team held out for a well merited win.
RETAINING POSSESSION
At vital stages in the second half, Araglin retained possession and recycled the ball very effectively. In one instance, we retained possession for almost 3 minutes which took a lot of pressure off our defence.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Fionnan Hickey was up against a much bigger and more powerful opponent yet still managed to neutralise him, through a combination of agility and positional sense. His 'unforced errors' count was nil, he conceded no free and passed the ball accurately, he was also accidentally stood on while on the ground - all enough to earn him 'Man of the Match' despite intense competition.
TEAM, SCORERS & PANEL
Thomas Feeney, Sean Motherway, Fionnan Hickey, Jason Hynes, Diarmuid Allen, Jack Kearney, Oisin Hickey, Ben Carey, Paul Hynes, Conor Twomey (0-03), Jake Buckley, Eoghan Leddy, Aaron Hegarty (0-04, 3 frees), Brendan Allen (1-01) and Kieran O'Donovan. Subs: Shane Keane for Jason Hynes, Dave Browne for Jake Buckley, Niall O'Sullivan for Kieran O'Donovan and Shane Murray for Brendan Allen. Panel: Sean Og O'Doherty, Shay Russell, Tom Kenneally.
Referee: P.J. Aherne (Carrigtwohill). P.J. had no problems from 2 sporting teams, allowed a lot of physical contact, which made the game a more attractive spectacle.
HAVEN'T SEEN THAT BEFORE
An informal discussion during the game between referee and both sets of management - none of whom seemed certain about the official number of substitutes permitted.
FIXTURE
Friday, 19th April in Kildorrery at 7.30pm, Cavanagh's of Fermoy
Division 2 Hurling League, Araglin v Kildorrery.
LOTTO RESULTS FROM 11TH APRIL
Numbers drawn: 07, 08, 15 and 28. No winner. Lucky dips: €50 Donal Barry, Kilworth; €50 Willie Rice, Araglin; €25 Michael Fitzgerald, c/o Fitzgerald Hurleys and €25 Dinny Twomey, Kilally, Kilworth.
Next draw for a jackpot of €16,700 takes place in Christy's on Thursday, 18th April.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Keelan O'Gorman on his All-Ireland racquetball success.
SUCCESSFUL QUIZ
Well done to everyone involved in organising last Saturday night's quiz in Christy's. Proceeds (almost €2,000) are going to the Alison O'Grady Fund.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to the Parker family, Lyrebarry, Araglin on the passing of Mary Parker. May she rest in peace.