AGHADA HURLING AND FOOTBALL CLUB

Like the semi final well behind at half time but this time we looked dead and buried
3-5 to 0-4

But our selectors had other ideas. The master switch of Evan Kennedy paid off within a minute of the restart he plucked a ball out of the air and rattled the net to give Aghada the boost they needed.
It was a different story in the first half when rampant Rovers backed by a big wind ran in 3- 4 to no score from Aghada. Indeed our backs were to the wall and only for the fullback line of Aidan O’Connell, Conor Rice and that majestic full back Finbarr Day kept some control on the Shanagarry front men. Rory Walsh and Evan Kennedy also stood out for Aghada, as did Pa Crowley between the sticks. Our forwards never got into the game, as ball was very scarce up front so strong were the wind.
At halt time the selectors also moved Dave Condon to centre forward and Paul Crowley to centre back the opposite move to the semi final and again both players benefited and when Condon followed a Dave Leahy point with a great goal Aghada were back in business. The Rovers hit back with a point but minutes later a rejuvenated Alan Creedan raised a green flag and when he hit a mighty 65 on 43rd minute Aghada was motoring. The Russell Rovers lads were not about to roll over and when they got their goal a minute later Aghada’s come back seemed stopped. If a hero was ever needed he was now, up stepped captain Evan Kennedy. Two goals and a point within three minutes turned the game and when he raised his fourth green flag on the 49th minute Aghada hit the front for the first time and by god they were not going to lose the lead .The Rovers now mounted a sustained attack, but great defending,the post(twice) and a great save for Pa. limited them to a single point. O'Connell made some great cleanances as Aghada were now playing with great purpose and grit. Creedan added two more mighty frees one a 65 as time closed in. fittingly Kennedy had the last say when he put the last point on the board and as they say that was that.Our lads made it two titles in a row.
Team Pa. Crowley,
Conor Rice, Finbarr Day, Aidan O’Connell
Catriona Day ,David Condon (1-0), Michael Russell
Cian Fleming , Evan Kennedy (4-2) (capt)
Alan Creedan (1-4), Paul Crowley,Michael Russell
David Leahy(0-1), Michael O’Neill Shane Wall
Subs used James Daly for Michael O'Neill half time,Brian McCarthy for Wall 56th m., other subs Cathal Mulry, John Martin, Cian Higgins ,Rohan Sheehan,Coleman Hayes

 

Our u15 hurlers turned in a great display to defeat Fr. O’Neills in their home turf
At half time you would not give much for our chances when we were 2-5 to 0-3 behind
Some shrewd moves by management made the difference when Paul Crowley and Dave Condon changed places both players blossomed and with that so did Aghada . Captain Evan Kennedy started to turn on the style scoring 2-2 from centre field was some feat. Dave Condon was called up to take a 21 and when he goaled we were on our way points from Alan Creedan (3),Michael O’Neill and Shane Wall (1each) pushed Aghada past the post to meet Russell Rovers in the final .
Team
Pa. Crowley,
Rohan Sheehan, Finbarr Day, Aidan O’Connell
Catriona Day , Paul Crowley, Michael Russell
Cain Fleming , Evan Kennedy (2-2) (capt)
Alan Creedan (0-3), David Condon, David Leahy
Coleman Hayes, Michael O’Neill (0-1) Shane Wall (0-1)
Subs used Brian McCarthy, James Daly, other subs Cathal Mulry, John Martin, Cain Higgins