AUGHLISNAFIN seniors played their final group game in this years Championship against Killyleagh who were already eliminated going into the game. With wind advantage Killyleagh took a four point lead into the half time interval.
It was a disjointed first half display from a ‘Fin team shorn of key players and others nursing injuries coming into the game. Ciaran Rice and James Brannigan getting the points for the ‘Fin from placed balls. Half time Aughlisnafin 0-2 Killyleagh 0-6 writes Geároid Ó Lionnacháin.
The Fin improved in the second half with James Brannigan and Chris Doran in particular fighting hard for the cause. Brannigan hit another four points, three from frees but the Wolfe Tones kept the scoreboard ticking over and three points in as many minutes halfway through the second half curtailed a threatened comeback. Final score Aughlisnafin 0-6 Killyleagh 0-13.
Aughlisnafin : M McClean, F Boden, N Travers, Pat Flanagan, P McClean, N Duffy, S Fitzsimmons, C Doran, J Brannigan (0-5, 0-4 frees), B Quinn, C Rice (0-1, 0-1 free), R Murphy, Paul Flanagan, Niall Lennon, S Willoughby Subs: M Malone, A Quinn, S Hazard
Despite the loss the ‘Fin finished runners up in their group for the second season in succession. Teconnaught winning the group with Killyleagh third and Mitchels bottom.
Earlier in the week the seniors recorded a facile win in the league against an understrength Ballykinlar side that put in a gutsy display given the playing resources they have available. The Fin ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 6-19 to 0-5. Aughlisnafin (13 aside) : M McClean, F Boden, N Travers, M Malone, J Brannigan (0-1), N Duffy (0-2), S Fitzsimmons (0-2), C Doran (0-1), B McComiskey (2-4), P McClean (1-0), C Rice (0-6, 1f), R Murphy (0-1), S Willoughby (1-1), P Flanagan (2-0) Sub: B Quinn, E McGlue (0-1).
Senior training continues this Wednesday in preparation for a league match at home against St Michael’s this Saturday at 5 pm.
The U-14s will meet Drumaness this Saturday at 11am in Loughinisland in the semi-final of the U14C Championship. With all but three of the eighteen player panel still eligible for this grade next season it is a remarkable achievement for the lads and a challenge presented by Drumaness which they will relish. The U-14’s warmed up for the semis with a challenge game against Bailieghlas last Friday evening and the lads put in an encouraging display. Thanks to Ballymartin and Glasdrumman players and mentors for travelling to Annsborough to play.
The Fin took part in their first ever East Down Óg Sport for U-15’s at the Red High in Downpatrick last Wednesday evening. Despite having a young panel the lads embraced the challenge presented by eventual winners Saul, along with Loughinisland, Carryduff and Castlewellan with decent showings in all four games. Fin panel : F Murphy, R Toner, O Flanagan, E Lundy, S Flanagan, M Smyth, E Travers, R Byrne, D Toner, J Matthews. Good effort lads.
Despite several players unavailable the U-10 5’s put in a superb effort at the Neil Thompson Tournament hosted by Ballykinlar on Saturday. In the first game they won 6-5 to 1-0 against Darragh Cross. They followed this with a battling 3-7 to 1-2 win against Ardglass. In the final group game the Fin lost 4-3 to 0-3 against Saul. As Group runners up the Fin met Drumaness in the Shield final but lost 7-4 to 2-3. Team (9 aside): O McCartan, M Quinn, K McComiskey, M Flanagan, M Croskery (3-5), C King (2-6), C Donnelly (2-3), N King (1-4), J Keenan (2-1).
The Year 8 U- 12. 5 Championship will get underway on Sunday 15 September. It is expected that based upon the U-12’s and U-14’s results this season and panel size Aughlisnafin will be placed in Section C which will be 13 aside. Aughlisnafin were runners up in this section last season and will be hoping to go one better this time round.
Aughlisnafin GAC will be hosting a recreational football tournament on Saturday 14 September at Annsborough Playing Fields. The social 7’s will be incidental contact only and squads should have a maximum of ten players. Please email pro.aughlisnafin.down@gaa.ie to confirm interest. An Riocht and St Johns will also be hosting similar tournaments.
With Dublin seeing off Kerry to go through to meet Mayo in the All-Ireland Senior Football final the hunt will be on countrywide for precious tickets. Aughlisnafin GAC are raffling off two tickets for the showpiece final. For a chance to win your name can be entered into the draw for just £5. Tickets now available from any member of the committee and senior men and ladies squad.
Commiserations to Down Ladies footballers on missing out on a place in the All-Ireland final after losing to Cavan. Great effort to go as far as you have done.
J & P Quinn (48) were the 49 Club winners.
Lotto 8, 16, 19, 25. Barry Brannigan matched 3 and won £50. Jackpot now stands at £5,650.
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