Sat 5th Feb 05
Intermediate Hurling League final 2004 Aghada 1-4 Courcey Rovers 1-7
Aghada fielding a new look team started the better but were unable
to score, then disaster a long ball found its way to Aghada’s
net after a mix up in the square. Courceys were to add two more points
before Aghada found their shooting boots. Then Trevor and Pearse pointed
within a minute mid way into the opening half. Aghada tried hard to
add to their score to no avail; it was Courceys who pointed two more
to leave the half time score 1-4 to 0-2 for Aghada.
The new management team of Colm O’Brien, Darren Lee, and Anthony
Cashman made some changes at the brake, changing Stephen O’Keeffe
from corner back to top of the left, Brian Morrissey going to full
forward and Trevor O’Keeffe moving to top of the right, still
Aghada found scores hard to come bye. Courceys stretched their lead
to 1-6 before Aghada got a lucky goal on the 41st minute when a high
ball in was fielded by the goalie but pressure from Trevor forced
him over the line and a green flag for Aghada. A minute later Courceys
replied with a point. Now Aghada upped their game and started to put
some moves together. Trevor pointed, and then Rohan Dwane followed
to leave just a goal between the sides. Try as they might Aghada were
not able to make headway against a strong Courceys defence. A high
ball in beat the Courceys goal minder but luck was with him as the
ball hit the butt of the post. As time ran out Pearse plucked a ball
from the sky and had a great chance. Again the goalie got lucky. Aghada
mounted one more attempt a short free from Connelly found Dwane but
the ball went wide and that was that. This was a new look side and
given time maybe Aghada can do some thing.
Team Martin Day, Stephen O’Keeffe, Pat Cashman, Kenneth O’Keeffe,
Paul Kilbane, Billy Hennessy, Brendan Crowley, John Connelly, Ger
Melvin (capt), Pearse O’Neill, J.P. O’Connor, and Trevor
O’Keeffe
Brian Morressy, Rohan Dwane, Tony Wall Subs used Paudie Wall for Wall
41st minute, Dave Creedon for Hennessy 46th minute , Cathal Ó
Gormáin for Kilbane (inj)58th minute
Sun 20th Feb intermediate hurling Laim Breathnach cup Aghada 1-12
Youghal 0-13
Despite a very impressive display against a strong wind in the first
half of this game Aghada was struggling with the wind to make any
inroads on the Youghal lead. Pierce O'Neill was moved from the '40
to full forward and it was to prove crucial to the outcome. Trailing
by 12 points to 8 with less than a quarter of the game remaining,
O'Neill scored 1-2 in the space of 10 minutes, to put Aghada firmly
in the driving seat. Both John Connolly and Trevor O'Keeffe pointed
frees in the last quarter, to leave Aghada 2 points clear at the
full time whistle. Playing into the wind in the opening half, Aghada
had by far the better of the opening 15 minutes and lead by 4 points
to 1. The Aghada full forward line of Tony Wall, Brian Morrissey,
and Trevor O'Keeffe were all causing problems for the Youghal defence.
Ronan Dwane was hurling well at midfield while at the back, Ken
O'Keeffe, Brendan Crowley and Derek Bowler were all to the fore.
The second quarter belonged to Youghal however as they finally got
into their rhythm. They outscored Aghada 7 points to 2 in this period,
to give themselves a two-point lead at half time on an 8 pts to
6 pts scoreline. Still, considering the wind, it looked like Aghada
were in an excellent position. Youghal hit 3 more points from play
and one free in the first 15 of the second half. Aghada had only
2 points in reply; Tony from play and a monster free from John Connolly
from inside his own half. Then came the switch for Pearse and this
coupled with moving Dwane to centre back, gave Aghada back their
grip on the game. Still Aghada needed a goal. John Connolly intercepted
a ball around half way, and after a solo run unloaded to Trevor.
He beat one man and hand passed to O'Neill, who made no mistake
with only the 'keeper to beat. Aghada were the more likely team
from here on and ran out winners on a 1-12 to 0- 13 scoreline. Aghada
team and scorers - Michael Lewis, B. Crowley, P. Cashman, K. O'Keeffe,
P. Wall, B. Hennessy, D. Bowler, R. Dwane, Mark. Lewis, S. O’Keeffe
(0-2), P. O'Neill (1-2), J. Connolly (0-2, frees),
T. O'Keeffe (0-4,3frees), B. Morrissey (0-1), T. Wall (0-1). Subs
Used - A. Cotter, A. Morrissey
Sat 26th Feb at 4.30pm. Liam Breathnach Cup Aghada 2-2 Carrigtwohill
0-14
Aghada had a terrible opening half in this second round of the Liam
Breathnach.
They failed to register a single score and trailed by 8 points at
the interval.
Two excellent goals from Mark Lewis, now operating at full forward,
reduced
This deficit to just 2 points, 5 minutes into the second half. Aghada
had a
Few more scoring opportunities for both goals and points after this
but the
Scores went a begging. Carrigtwohill slowly regained their composure
to run
Out deserving 6 point winners. Aghada team and scorers - Ml. Lewis,
B. Crowley, A. Connolly, K. O'Keeffe, C. O'Gorman, P. Cashman, D.
Bowler, R. Dwane, G. Melvin, A. Cotter, Ml. Lewis (2-0), J. Connolly),
T. O'Keeffe (0-2), P. O'Neill, D. Hanlon. Subs Used - J. Wall, A.
Walsh.
Thur 14th April Intermediate Hurling Laim Breathnach Cup Aghada
0-12 Watergrasshill 2-8
Aghada's intermediate's ended their involvement in these years Liam
Breathnach, with a defeat to Watergrasshill on Thursday last. Played
in very wet conditions in Rostellan, a goal in each have from the
'Hill was the real difference between the 2 sides. Aghada did have
chances for goals themselves in the first half. First Brian Morrissey
found he clean through on goals but was fouled before he got the
shot off. John Connolly saw his resulting penalty well saved. Centre
forward Pierce O'Neill was then unlucky to have a goal disallowed.
The half time score read - Aghada 0-8 Watergrasshill 1-5, with the
pick of Aghada's points coming from Ronan Dwane (2) and Brian Morrissey.
It was even Stephen again in the second half, but the 'hills second
goal on 17 minutes more or less decided the outcome. Aghada team
and scorers - Ml. Lewis, B. Crowley, P. Cashman, K. O'Keeffe, B.
Hennessy, P. Kilbane, D. Bowler, J. Connolly(0-3, 1 free), R. Dwane(0-2),
S. O'Keeffe, P. O'Neill(0-1), T. O'Keeffe(0-4 ,3 frees), A. Morrissey,
B. Morrissey (0-2), K. O'Connor. Subs used - T. Wall, C. O'Gorman.
Sun 18th April Intermediate hurling Aghada 5-9 Ballyhea 2-13
They say winning is a habit, it seems that way when the hurlers
took to the field a good show was all we expected, yet 16 hours
after playing a major championship match Aghada turned on the style
to win this game in a impressive manner
After a slow start Aghada waited for the second half to start their
come back after losing the 1st on the scoreline of 0-6 to 2-8 A
hat trick from minor Tony Wall goals from footballers Trevor O’Keeffe
and Dave Creedon set Aghada up for this win. Even when Rohan Dwane,
Brian Morrissey, Stephen O’Keeffe, and Pearse O’Neill
were replaced it made no difference. Darren Lee rolled back the
years to turn in a man of the match display at corner back. Ger
Melvin showed that his injury is behind him when he turned in a
mighty display when he came on at half time. Team Michael Lewis,
Darren Lee, Pat Cashman, Anthony Connelly, Cathal O’Gorman
, J P O’Connor , Eoghan Cotter, John Connelly (0-1), Stephen
O’Keeffe, Trevor O’Keeffe (1-0), Brian Morrissey (0-3),
Pearse O’Neill, Vincent Morrissey (0-4), Rohan Dwane, Tony
Wall (3-1)
Subs used Dave Creedon (1-0), Alan Morrissey, Kieran O’Connor,
and Ger Melvin
Thur 21st April Intermediate Hurling League Aghada lost to Aghabullogue
Sat 24th April intermediate hurling league Aghada 4-16 Aghabullogue
0-12
Aghada made it 2 league wins out of 2 with a comprehensive defeat
of last year’s semi-finalists Aghabullogue. Similar to last
week, Aghada had a lack lustre first half, and trailed at the break
on a 0-9 V 0-4 scoreline. Aghada however really turned on the style
in the second period and scored 4-12 to Aghabullogue's 3 points.
Some of Aghada’s points were right out of the top drawer The
Aghada goalscores were Tony Wall, Vincent Morrissey who grabbed
2 and Brian Morrissey scored the last goal right at the death. Team
& scorers – Ml. Lewis, D. Lee, J. O’Connor, B. Hennessy,
Eoin Cotter, P. Cashman, C. O’Gorman, G. Melvin(0-1), T. O’Keeffe(0-1),
S. O’Keeffe(0-1), B. Morrissey(1-3), P. O’Neill, V.
Morrissey(2-7), R. Dwane(0-1), T. Wall(1-1) Subs used: D. Creedon,
B. Crowley(0-1), D. Devoy Alan Morrissey,.
Sat 1st May Cork Intermediate Premier Hurling Championship Aghada
2-7 Tracton 2-14
Poor show from Aghada yet this was a game that could have been won.
With five minutes left we were a point down and attaching, ball
broke across the square. , Should have been a goal but ball cleared
and despite Aghada having two extra men behind the ball (Tracton
had a man sent off for two yellows and Aghada playing with a two
man full forward line, Stephen O’ Keeffe as sweeper behind
the Aghada centre field), goal for Tracton from here on in it was
how much would Tracton win by. And did they look impressive as they
added three points to leave them winners by 7 points. The Aghada
men gladly heard the long whistle.
It was not all like this as Pearse O’Neill opened with a great
point after one minute. Tracton replied with three points on the
trot despite Aghada owning the ball. Aghada were to put seven balls
wide before Vincent Morrissey pointed in the 14th minute. A minute
later he again pointed before Ger Melvin gave Aghada the lead on
the 18th minute. Tracton came with two points before Morrissey pointed
a free on the short whistle to leave the sides level 0-5 to 0-5
O’Neill now in the centre put Aghada ahead after 20 seconds
of the restart. In an 8-minute spell Tracton tacked on five points
to leave Aghada struggling. Then on the 41st minute Morrissey sprung
a great point and when Stephen O’Keeffe finished a ball to
the net we were on our way. Within 3 minutes Tracton had it all
back when they pointed and converted a semi penalty. Then on the
51st minute Aghada were handed a lifeline when sub Davie Creedon
found the net after he followed in a Morrissey cross it looked good
for Aghada but Tracton had other ideas. Young Tony Wall had an impressive
first game for Aghada. Michael Lewis, Darren Lee, John P O’Connor,
Billy Hennessy, Kenneth O'Keeffe , Pat Cashman, Eoghan Cotter, Trevor
O’Keeffe, Ger Melvin (0-1), Stephen O’Keeffe(1-0), Brian
Morrissey, Pearse O’Neill (0-2), Vincent Morrissey (0-4),
Rohan Dwane, Tony Wall
Subs used Dave Creedon (1-0) for Brian Morrissey 39m, Brendan Crowley
for Trevor O'Keeffe 58th m and Declan Devoy for Pearse O’Neill
46th m
Thur 6th May intermediate hurling league Aghada 2-12 Youghal 2-12
Mon 10th May intermediate hurling league Aghada 1-15 St. Catherine’s
0-11
Aghada keep their unbeaten record in league
At half time it was a different story, with the saints leading by
0-9 to 0-4. St. Catherine’s looked a class side scoring at
will from the centre of the field. Fielding only 7 of the team that
beat Carrig they ran circles around Aghada. Yet Catherine’s
were to score only two points in the second half as Aghada started
to find their feet.
Ger Melvin was in command at centre back, while Paul Kilbane grew
in stature as the game went on and he pointed half way trough the
half his day was made. Just after halftime Pearse O’Neill
got his trade mark goal when he grabbed the ball on the forty and
ran at the defence. A mighty point followed from Trevor O’Keeffe
and with Brian Morrissey now playing the way he can Aghada took
the game by the scruff of the neck. Brian got two points from the
centre field to give Aghada the lead with nine minutes left his
brother Vincent pointed two beauties. Younger brother Alan was not
outdone when he also got in on the act. Stephen O’Keeffe,
Dave Creedon, Melvin, Brian, and Banna impressed big time as did
Billy Hennessy.
Team Michael Lewis, Darren Lee, JP O’Connor, Billy Hennessy,
Paul Kilbane (0-1), Ger Melvin, Kenneth O’Keeffe, Vincent
Morrissey(0-2),Brian Morrissey (0-3), Dave Creedon (0-1), Rohan
Dwane, Trevor O’Keeffe(0-2), Stephen O’Keeffe (0-4),
Pearse O’Neill (1-0),Tony Wall (0-1),
Sub used Alan Morrissey (0-1), for Wall (half time)
Sat 14th May Intermediate Hurling Championship Aghada 2-11 Bishopstown
0-14
Lewis saves day.
It came down to the wire as Aghada playing against a strong wind
found the going tough as the game closed out. 2-10 to 0-10 up with
six minutes left on the clock. We looked home and dry. But in the
space of three minutes the city boys tacked on four points, in between
came Mickey’s point blank save and the every green Ronan Dwane
cleared his lines. Having lead for all the game Aghada looked the
better side. Trevor O’Keeffe opened the scoring with a sublime
point. Then on the fifth minute Pearce O’Neill (easily the
best forward on display) goaled when he made a great run and picked
his spot. Ger Melvin stretched Aghada’s lead before Bishopstown
replied. Trevor on free taking duties pointed a 70 Aghada were on
their way. The next 3 points came from the town and we were worried
would we have enough of a lead facing into the wind. Trevor converted
three frees from 6 attempts. The old hand had the last say, Dwane
pointed to crown an outstanding 1st half he had in the centre of
defence.
Aghada turned into a fierce wind leading 1-7 to 0-5 was this enough?
The town pegged back two before Tony Wall rattled the net. Trevor
had two more frees. The city boys answered with two more. Now the
game was delicately balanced as both set of supporters got behind
their teams. Aghada induced J. P. O’Connor into the half backline
for Bowler who had a decent début indeed so did Stephan Cashman
and John Connelly. Aghada now had their backs to the wall O’Neill
was to win vital ball under the puck out. Pat Cashman started to
make an impression at centre forward. Trevor won a free but hit
the upright. He won the ball back and put Stephen O’Keeffe
clear for the point. Then came the city fight back. And when Wall
won a free on the edge of the square which he converted himself
that was that. Yet for all Aghada’s hurling and craft it would
have been to no avail only for the fore mentioned Lewis.
Team Mickey Lewis, Stephan Cashman, Paul Kilbane, Kenneth O’Keeffe,
Billy Hennessy, Ronan Dwane (0-1), Derek Bowler, Ger. Melvin (0-1),
John Connelly, Stephan O’Keeffe (0-1), Pat Cashman, Pearce
O’Neill (1-0), Kieran O’Connor, Tony Wall (1-1), Trevor
O’Keeffe (0-7) 6frees.
Subs Paudie Wall (blood for Pat Cashman 18th m back 23m), J. P.
O’Connor for Bowler 43m, Brian Morrissey for Wall 48th m,
Paudie Wall for Connelly 52m, Tony Wall for Trevor O’Keeffe
56th m (inj)
Thursday 25th of May Intermediate hurling league - Aghada 0-15 Inniscarra
4-12
Goals proved decisive in this entertaining league game played at
Rostellan on Thursday last. Inniscarra had their first after just
30 seconds and proceeded to add two more before the short whistle.
The mid cork men also tagged on 7 points in the opening period.
Aghada had 6 points of their own in response to leave them with
a huge hill to climb going in at the break. It was almost the Trevor
O'Keeffe show for Aghada in the second half as he scored 7 of Aghada's
8 second half points. 4 in the first ten minutes, seemed to give
hope to Aghada, but Inniscarra scored their fourth goal after 15
minutes, to virtually guarantee victory. Aghada kept plugging away,
with points from O'Keeffe, while on 28 minutes, Paudie Wall scored
the point of the match after a fine solo run. It was never going
to be enough however as Inniscarra ran out deserving winners. Aghada
Team - ML. Lewis, S. Cashman, P. Kilbane, K. O'Keeffe, Mark. Lewis,
R. Dwane, A. Cotter, J. Connolly, P. Wall, S. O'Keeffe, P. Cashman,
V. Morrissey, B. Morrissey, T. Wall, T. O'Keeffe. Subs Used - C.
O'Gorman, A. Connolly.
Mon 14th June Intermediate Premier Hurling league Aghada 2-14 Mallow
1 - 4
Aghada's hurlers had a big win over Mallow on Thursday last. Played
in ideal conditions in Rostellan, an under strength Mallow were
no match for an Aghada side that played some very crisp hurling.
An even opening 5 minutes revealed no sign of the one sided contest
that was to follow. Mallow led 2 points to 1, at this stage but
did not score again until them goaled in last minute of the half.
Ger Melvin and Paudie Wall started to dominate at midfield, and
Brian Morrissey started to score at will from corner forward. 3
points from Brian and 1 super score from Paudie, were followed by
a fantastic individual goal from wing forward Pierce O'Neill. Aghada
were on top in most areas now, with Ken O'Keeffe, Billy Hennessy,
and Paul Kilbane especially effective at the back. 2 points from
Ger Melvin - one huge effort from play, and one from a free - a
point from the impressive Stephen O'Keeffe, plus one more each for
Brian and Paudie, gave Aghada a 1-10 v 1-2 half time lead.
Mallow had the first 2 scores of the second half, but Aghada retook
command of the contest, when Stephen O'Keeffe goaled after 5 minutes.
From here till the end it was all Aghada. Only 4 more points were
put on the board - 2 each from Stephen and Brian - all from play.
It was more than enough to ensure victory and the 3 points on offer.
Aghada team and scorers - M.Day,S.Cashman,P.Kilbane,K.O'Keeffe,B.Hennessy,C.O'Gorman,D.Bowler,G.Melvin(0-2),
P. Wall(0-2), P. O'Neill(1-0), P. Cashman, A. Cotter, B. Morrissey(0-6)
, A. Connolly, S. O'Keeffe (1-4). Subs Used - A. Heavin
Wed 29th June Premier Intermediate Hurling league Aghada 2-13 Youghal
1-13
Aghada’s hurlers got back into the swing of things in preparation
for the next round of the championship, when they had a good win
over East Cork neighbours Youghal on last Wednesday week. Aghada
opened the scoring when Trevor O’Keeffe pointed a free after
Tony Wall had been fouled. After 10 mins Youghal had recovered to
lead by 3pts to 2. Then Aghada’s half forward line hit a purple
patch. First wing forward Pierce O’Neill, plucked a ball out
of the sky before pointing from on the sideline. Then the other
wing forward, Stephen O’Keeffe, struck for a great goal after
a fine solo run. Sharpshooting centre forward Pat Cashman, then
pointed in typical fashion, and Aghada had built up a nice lead.
Youghal responded with a few points of their own, but in general
the Aghada backs were defending well, particularity John O’Connor
and Paudie Wall. Trevor had the last score of the half, when he
pointed from play, and at half time the scoreboard read –
1-5 to 0-6 in Aghada’s favour.
The rain was really coming down in Rostellan, as the second half
started, but it didn’t stop Aghada getting the perfect start.
A fine solo run from midfielder John Connolly, set up full forward
Tony Wall, who wasted no time in billowing the Youghal net. Brian
Morrissey quickly followed this with a point and Aghada looked to
be coasting. Back came Youghal however, and Aghada ‘keeper
Michael Lewis was called on to make the first of a number of fine
saves after 6 minutes. It was 2 -8 to 10 pts after quarter of an
hour, and Youghal were starting to dominate. John Connolly hit a
huge point after 21 minutes, but a minute later, the goal Youghal
were threatening finally arrived, 1-11 to 2-9 and it was game on
again. Substitute Alan Morrissey, steadied the ship with a point
after 24 minutes, but this was quickly cancelled out by a Youghal
free. It was Aghada who finished the stronger however, with points
from Ger Melvin, Brian Morrissey, and Pierce O’Neill, and
took home the spoils after an entertaining hours hurling in difficult
conditions. Aghada team & scorers – Ml. Lewis, S. Cashman,
J. O’Connor, K. O’Keeffe, P. Wall, R .Dwane, B .Hennessy,
J. Connolly (0-1), G. Melvin (0-1), P. O’Neill(0-2), P. Cashman
(0-1), S. O’Keeffe (1-1), B. Morrissey (0-2) ,T. Wall (1-0),
T. O’Keeffe (0-4,3F). Subs Used: A. Morrissey (0-1), C. O’Gorman.
Tue 5th July Premier Intermediate Hurling league Aghada 1-10 St.
Finbarr’s 1-7
Aghada completely dominated the opening exchanges of this league
fixture, which was played in Rostellan last Tuesday, but could not
put the sliotar between the posts. 13 minutes and about 10 wides
into the game, Trevor O’Keeffe opened Aghada’s account
with a nice point from out on the wing. They were a point down at
that stage, as the city men had pointed with almost their only attack.
A minute later, Trevor made it 2 points when he pointed a free after
being fouled himself. Scores were hard to come by, but it was a
far more even contest at this stage, with the ‘Barrs well
in the game. The blues struck for the next score, when they rattled
home a good goal. A good point on the run from Stephen O’Keeffe
was quickly nullified, by a like score for the ‘Barrs. At
half time the scoreboard read a very modest - Aghada 0-3, St. Finbarr’s
1-2.
The second half was a lot better, scoring wise anyway. Aghada had
a goal on 12 minutes when full forward Tony Wall kicked home, after
a tap down by Pierce O’Neill. This score was sandwiched between
points from Stephen O’Keeffe and three from Trevor O’Keeffe,
while St. Finbarr’s chipped away with points of there own.
With five minutes to go it was all square 1-7 a piece. Three frees
in the closing stages for Trevor, after hardworking Brian Morrissey
was fouled twice, and substitute wing back Derek Bowler once, gave
Aghada their second league victory in less than a week. Aghada team
and scorers – Ml. Lewis, C. O’Gorman, J. O’Connor,
S. Cashman, B. Hennessy, R. Dwane, P. Kilbane, G. Melvin, P. Wall,
P. O’Neill, P. Cashman, S. O’Keeffe (0-2), B. Morrissey,
T. Wall(1-0), T. O’Keeffe(0-8,6f). Subs Used – D. Creedon,
A. Creedon, and A. Connolly. Derek Bowler
Sat 16th July Premier Intermediate Hurling championship Aghada 0-16
Tracton 0-11
Seldom do you see perfect hurling we saw it against Tipp for one
half and we saw the same tonight.
Aghada broke from the traps like a greyhound in a 330 race. Leading
0-7 to 0-0 after 9 minutes of play and no wide. Captain Melvin set
the stage with a mighty sideline cut that dissected the posts for
Aghada’s 1st score after two minutes of play. Then came Trigger,
three minute’s and three points later we were on top of the
world and still no wide. Brian Morrissey, Captain Melvin and Stephen
O’Keeffe pointed again before Tracton scored their 1st point
all of 11 minutes into the game. On the 14th minute Billy Hennessy
extended Aghada’s lead then Trigger added three more before
Tracton scored again and still no wide for Aghada. Trevor pointed
two more to balance Tracton’s two then on the 28th minute
Aghada had their 1st and only wide of the half four minutes late
the ref blew the short whistle leaving Aghada leading 0-13 to 0-3.
If we had only one wide in the first half if was a different story
on resumption a wide after 30 seconds. A Tracton point followed
then a rare bird, a mighty point from centre forward Pat Cashman.
Tracton replied on the 37th minute. A minute later Trigger pointed.
Now Aghada started to mount up the wides while Tracton hit their
best spell six points without reply, had Aghada under pressure,
now it was time to worry, Tracton had also a few pots at goal, but
they found a supreme keeper in Lewis. With Aghada on the rack Tracton
missed an easy free to bring the game back to a single goal. Then
the ball broke and Trigger won a free which we needed and he duly
obliged five points ahead again. Tracton scored again but Pearse
O’Neill had the last say to leave Aghada into the Quarter
Final against the side who put us out last year Blarney
Michael Lewis, Stephen Cashman, J.P. O’Connor, Kenneth O’Keeffe,
Billy Hennessy (0-1), Ronan Dwane, Paul Kilbane, Ger Melvin (0-2),
Paudie Wall, Pearse O’Neill (0-1), Pat Cashman (0-1), Stephen
O’Keeffe (0-1) Brian Morrissey (0-1), Tony Wall, Trevor O’Keeffe(0-10)
)-6 frees Subs 38th minute John Connelly for Wall. 50 minute Dave
Creedon for Morrissey
Sun 18th Sept Premier Intermediate Hurling championship semi final
Aghada 1-16 Youghal 2-13
Not a game for the faint hearted
Trigger turns the tide in an epic battle. Yes you could say Aghada
were luckily to draw this game but by the same token we had our
chance to win it in the dying seconds of the game. Subs Pádraig
Wall and Davie Creedon started the band wagon with two long range
points. Youghal clawed one back before Trevor won a free on the
21 with 4 minutes left on the clock and as many points down. He
went for goal a bad free but he reacted faster and drilled it to
the net. How Aghada responded now in command all over the field
would we have enough time to level it? Then on the 59th minute Trigger
points from an acute angle. Heart stopping stuff Aghada come again
hero Trevor on the ball decides to pass chance gone. Youghal win
a free on their 40 m line young Desmond comes out to take, ball
drops short. No one can pick it up then the Ref blows full time.
What relief.
In truth for three quarters of this game we played second fiddle
to a rampant Youghal side. How ever we started the better when Billy
Hennessy pointed after a great run. Trevor followed with a point
and Aghada were in control. Pearse won a high ball at full forward
but delayed the pass to Trevor when they had a goal at their Mercy.
We were to pay dearly for that miss as Youghal racked up 5 scores
on the trot before Trevor replied on the 12th minute. A minute latter
Leigh Desmond had the 1st of his goals. In fairness to Aghada both
Melvin and Stephen O’Keeffe pointed strait away. Youghal now
started to dominate and were to score 1-2 before Brian Morrissey
and Trevor pointed to leave the score at the short whistle 2-6 to
0-7. As the second half commenced Trevor and Tony Wall pulled two
more back within as many minutes. Youghal pointed before Trevor
and Pearse clawed two more back to Youghal’s one on the 43rd
minute. As the Aghada backline started to get on top especially
Dwane, our forward got more ball. Sub Kieran O’Connor playing
at corner back started to get a handle on Desmond as the Youghal
attack shut down. With Davie Creedon (centre forward) and Pearse
now on the wing Youghal found the going tough. Then in a master
move of Melvin to wing back we suddenly cut out the supply and as
they say the rest is history. What a day to be an Aghada man eight
points down and heading for the gate to turn this around and as
I said at the outset had our chance, a slim one but it was there.
The Aghada team left the field to a standing ovation from their
hard pressed fans. Team Michael Lewis, Stephen Cashman, J P O’Connor,
Kenneth O’Keeffe, Billy Hennessy (0-1), Ronan Dwane, Paul
Kilbane, Gerard Melvin (capt) (0-1), John Connelly, Stephan O'Keeffe(0-2),
Pat Cashman, Brian Morrissey (0-1), Tony Wall (0-1), Pearse O’Neill,
(0-1), Trevor O’Keeffe (1-7)
Subs Kieran O’Connor for Stephan Cashman 24th m, Dave Creedon
(0-1) for Pat Cashman half time. Pádraig Wall (0-1) for Wall
45th m Brendan Crowley for Kilbane 49th M
Premier Intermediate hurling championship Semi-final, Replay Aghada
2-7 Youghal 0-7
Pretty it was not but when the need was greatest Aghada found their
true form.
Stephen O’Keeffe got one of the best points ever scored when
he used his brilliant stick work to leave trail of Youghal defenders
behind him as he put Aghada three points ahead with six minutes
left. Then a minute in to injury time he put the game beyond doubt
as he rattled the net.
Indeed Stephen opened the scoring after five minutes as the rain
started to fall. Both sets of backs were on top especially Dwane
as he swept aside his Years and the Youghal challenge. Scores were
scarce as conditions got worst. Youghal pointed a free on the 9th
minute. It was to be another 9 before Trigger opened his account
and Aghada’s second and last point of the half. Youghal now
started to get a grip and rifled over three points on the trot to
leave the score at half time Aghada 0-2 Youghal 0-4
With the rain now cascading down Aghada came out a better team with
John Paul now hurling out of his skin ably assisted by Brendan Crowley
who came on for ever green Kenneth O’Keeffe (injured). Kieran
O’Connor also had the measure of danger man Leigh Desmond.
With the mighty veteran Dwane conducting affairs from centre back
our forward started to get a supply of ball. When Davie Creedon
finished to the net after been on the field only for a minute we
were on our way. Two points from Trevor in as many minutes followed
by one from Brian Morrissey (who was now operating at full forward
to great effect) had Aghada ahead by four points as we entered the
last quarter. O’Keeffe converted a free on the 48th minute.
Then came the Youghal back lash two points in a minute had them
back in the game but then up stepped the afore mentioned O’Keeffe
(Stephen) and that was that. Bring on Ballinhassig.
Team Michael Lewis Kieran O’Connor, J P O’Connor, Kenneth
O’Keeffe. Billy Hennessy , Ronan Dwane, Paul Kilbane, Gerard
Melvin (capt) , John Connelly, Pearse O’Neill, Pat Cashman,
Brian Morrissey (0-1) , Stephan O'Keeffe (1-2),Tony Wall , Trevor
O’Keeffe (0-4). Subs Brendan Crowley for Kenneth O'Keeffe
(Inj) 19th m. Dave Creedon (1-0) for Wall 34th m, Pádraig
Wall for Kilbane (Inj) 57th m.
Sat 1st Oct Premier Intermediate hurling championship final Aghada
1-11 Ballinhassig 1-16
Two points down after one minute. 1-7 to 0-2 up after 18 minutes,
1-7 to 1-6 at half time. Three points down five minutes of the resumption
and try as we mighty we could not put it back. As the clock ran
down Ballinhassig pulled away and we had no answer to them. The
best team won
A mighty crowd turned out to see this game and what a game of hurling
it was.
Ballinhassig opened with two points within 75 seconds of the start.
Aghada started to settle and when Trevor opened the scoring on the
seventh minute we were in a golden spell. Melvin, Dwane, and Connelly
were now in control and were able to find their men with ease. Long
balls to Trevor had Ballinhassig in all sorts of bother and in the
pace of six minutes Trevor had four more minors on board. Then half
way into the half Dave Creedon latched on to a ball and drilled
it to the net Trevor pointed again and then on the 18th minute Brian
Morrissey opened his account and put Aghada 1-7 to 0-2 ahead. (Aghada
scored 1-7 in a 13m spell and yet were to score only 0-4 in the
next 47 minutes) Ballinhassig now started to get a grip on centre
field, but the full line of Kieran O’Connor his brother Johno
and Kenneth O’Keeffe held the fort. Then a silly free on the
22nd minute gave Ballinhassig an opening which they took with open
arms. Two minutes later they had the ball in the net game back on.
Three more points before call of time left Aghada ahead at the brake
by the minimum 1-7 to 1-6. Indeed Aghada were not to lead again.
On resumption Ballinhassig started with the same trick with two
points within 75 seconds of the restart and take the lead. A John
Connelly point stemmed the tide but Ballinhassig added two more
before Trevor replied. Now it was all Ballinhassig and only for
poor shooting and great defending they could not get away from Aghada.
Two more points from Trevor was Aghada’s lot. It was testament
to Aghada’s grit and courage that the result was in doubt
up to the 59th minute when Ballinhassig went four ahead.
Ballinhassig’s Brendan Lombard was awarded man of the match
and he was by far the best man on the field.
What a year our hurlers have giving us it's hard to lost the last
one but ye can hold yere heads high THANKS LADS Team Michael Lewis,
Kieran O’Connor, J P O’Connor, Kenneth O’Keeffe,
Billy Hennessy, Ronan Dwane, Paul Kilbane, Gerard Melvin (capt),
John Connelly (0-1), Pearse O’Neill, Pat Cashman, Dave Creedon
(1-0), Stephan O'Keeffe, Brian Morrissey (0-1), Trevor O’Keeffe
(0-9). Subs Brendan Crowley for Kenneth O'Keeffe (Inj) 29th m, Pádraig
Wall for Pat Cashman 45m, Tony Wall for Creedon 58m
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