Aughlisnafin Seniors came into this game knowing that a win would lift them above their hosts Killyleagh in the league table and into the ‘middle pack of four teams’ writes Geároid Ó Lionnacháin.
A win would also mean the ‘Fin bettered their previous best points tally of 14 points for a season set back in 2010. And finally as the ‘Fin had lost to the Wolfe Tones twice this season they were determined to deny them a clean sweep.
The ‘Fin were first to get on the scoreboard with Niall Lennon coolly slotting over the opener. In the second minute Breannain McComiskey doubled the ‘Fin’s tally. Ciaran Rice added a third in as many minutes. But Killyleagh rallied and pointed from a free kick before grabbing a goal against the run of play to lead by the minimum.
Both teams traded points in the following 10 minute spell, Rice getting the Fin score. McComiskey grabbed his second point of the game either side of two pointed frees from Rice to give the ‘Fin a two point lead with 5 minutes of the half remaining. Killyleagh then grabbed their second major of the game before Rice levelled proceedings with his fifth point of the game just before the short whistle.
(Half-time score Killyleagh 2-2 Aughlisnafin 0-8)
The hosts grabbed the first point of the second half to regain the lead but minutes later Eamon McGlue provided the assist for Patrick McClean to fire to the net. In the very next attack the Fin hit the net again this time McComiskey was the man on target. Killyleagh hit the next two points to reduce their deficit by three. The ‘Fin continued to press forward and were rewarded for the efforts when they won a free which Rice clipped over with ease. McComiskey then banged in his second major three minutes later to stretch the ‘Fin’s lead to seven points. With only nine minutes remaining the ‘Fin defended resolutely to restrict Killyleagh to only two more points before Eamon Mulvenna blew up for full time
Final score Killyleagh 2-7 Aughlisnafin 3-9
With regular keeper Moe McClean out injured Martin Malone took his place between the sticks and did well with good handling and varied kickouts. Francie Boden, James Brannigan, Niall Duffy and Noel Travers impressed in defence. Paul Flanagan had another great game in midfield alongside the dependable Chris Doran. In the forward division Breannain McComiskey and Ciaran Rice stood out.
Aughlisnafin : M Malone, F Boden, J Brannigan, A Quinn, S Fitzsimmons, N Duffy, N Travers, C Doran, Paul Flanagan, E McGlue, C Rice (0-6, 0-5 frees), P McClean (1-0), N Lennon (0-1), B McComiskey (2-2), S Willoughby Subs: R Murphy
The Seniors’ final game of the season will be at home to the JFC semi finalists Dromara this Saturday at 4 pm. Training on Wednesday evening at 6.30 pm.
The U-12.5’s are away to Dromara for their first round robin game in the Section C Championship. Throw in is 1pm. The U-12.5 panel will be selected from those in attendance at training this Thursday at 6.15 pm in Annsborough.
Following on from this match the U12.5’s are at home to St Pauls (Sun 29th Sept), away to Teconnaught (Sun 6thOct) with the final game at home to Kilclief (Sun 20th Oct).
The Year 6’s attended the East Down Go Games hosted by St John’s last Saturday morning. With many players unavailable for one reason or another the ‘Fin managed to gather up ten players and they did really well in matches against the hosts, Dundrum and Kilclief. The Fin panel was O McCartan, O Maguire, R Walsh, P O’Hare, D Murphy, M Flanagan and Conor Donnelly with Year 4’s K McComiskey, C Walsh and Marty Og Flanagan stepping up to help out. There will be a final blitz day on Saturday 28th September. There will be no training for all those in P6 and under this week.
The club held their second annual recreational sevens tournament in Annsborough last Saturday. Four teams, An Riocht, St John’s, Dromara and the Fin took part in round robin games. An Riocht won the Cup defeating Dromara in the final while St John’s won the Shield defeating the Fin. It was a good days craic and the ‘Fin lads were indebted to Jamesy Quinn for being a sport for doing goals due to several last minute no shows. He was a ‘fly’ keeper in more ways than one. Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who helped out on the day. Aughlisnafin will send a team to the An Riocht tournament on Saturday 28 Sept. and also to St John’s (Saturday12 October) and Dromara (Sataturday 26 October).
The East Down Board have a new initiative starting in October in Conjunction with Down District Council’s Policing & Community Safety Partnership (MAKING DOWN SAFER). This new initiative will be run on the new 3G pitch under floodlights at St Patrick Grammar School in Downpatrick. It will be for the U-14 grade with games as “9” aside with panel of 12 players. Dates run are Friday 4th,11th and 18th October with the Finals Night on 25 October. Aughlisnafin have confirmed their participation and the squad will be selected nearer the time.
The club will be hosting the Car Boot at the Paddock, Donard Park this Saturday from 8.30 to 1 pm. This will be the second last car boot of the year. Admission is £5 per car. Alternatively if anyone has any items which they no longer need please consider donating to the club to raise funds. Contact the club’s youth officer Gerard Lenaghan (0785 428 2858) so that items can be collected or left with the Club before Friday evening. One person’s junk could be another person’s treasure ! All proceeds will go towards the running of the juvenile teams.
Ben Murray (Maghera) was the winner of a pair of much sought after tickets for the All Ireland Senior Football Final. The winning ticket was sold by Joe Scullion. Thanks to everyone who supported this club fundraiser.
Patsy Malone and Ciaran Rice were both first out of the hat in the club members ballot for opportunity to buy the club’s other pair of tickets for the final.
The club will be running a bus to the International Rules game at Croke Park on Saturday 28 October. More details nearer the time.
The club mass for deceased members will be offered on Thursday 14 November.
The Awards Presentation Night will be Friday 15 November.
Joan King (46) was the 49 Club winner.
Lotto 1, 11, 13, 17. Anthony Rice matched 3 and won £50. Jackpot is £5,750.
