Aughlisnafin GAC Notes

Aughlisnafin U-12.5’s were unlucky to lose by a solitary point away to Teconnaught on Sundaymorning writes Geároid Ó Lionnacháin.

In the first half two points from Shea Croskery and a point apiece from Cathal Murphy and Conall King were just rewards for a hard working display. With Adam Lenaghan, Morgan Croskery and Jamie Allen in good form Teconnaught were held scoreless in the first half although they saw an effort hit the post.

[caption id="attachment_43052" align="alignleft" width="350"] Aughlisnafin U-14’s squad that took part in the East Down Blitz at the Red High GS 3G pitch. [/caption]

In the second half another two points from Shea Croskery put the ‘Fin six points up before Teconnaught grabbed the goal which kickstarted their turnaround. Despite creating plenty of chances the ‘Fin just could not hit the target as Teconnaught chipped away at their deficit. After Teconnaught edged ahead with minutes left the ‘Fin never give up but resolute defending from the hosts kept them in front.

It just wasn’t to be for the ‘Fin despite their best efforts and time ran out in the end as they pressed for the winner. Final score Teconnaught 1-4 Aughlisnafin 0-6. Aughlisnafin : A Flanagan, A Lenaghan, M Croskery, J Allen, R Walsh, R King, R Quinn, C Matthews, C Murphy (0-1), E Lyttle, S Croskery (0-4, 1f), C Donnelly, R Clarke, C King (0-1), P O’Hare, M Flanagan

It was a very enjoyable game but with 10 foot wide portable goalposts used scores were very hard to come by for both teams. There were some good performances from many with Adam Lenaghan and Jamie Allen the pick of the defence. Conor Matthews and Cathal Murphy worked hard in midfield and in the forward line Shea Croskery and Ruari King impressed.

With Kilclief having withdrawn from the competition that concludes the season for this group of players. Although some of the games were hard they will surely benefit from the opportunity of playing on the bigger pitch and as 15 aside as they compete at U14’s next season.

The U-14’s were one of seven East Down clubs that attended the blitz at the Red High in Downpatrick last Friday evening. The ‘Fin were in Group A with Drumaness, RGU and Kilclief. In the first game the ‘Fin met Drumaness. The blues raced into a four point lead before Eoin Travers replied with a pointed free and moments later finished off a superb attack rounding the Drumaness keeper to drill to the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first as Drumaness again went four points up but in a terrific four minute spell Oran Flanagan grabbed a superb point while Eoin Lundy found the net. Lundy then sent over the winning point with seconds remaining. Drumaness 0-8 Aughlisnafin 2-3.

In the second game the ‘Fin found the RGU far superior opposition as they made light work of the first half firing in four goals and tagging on two points. The ‘Fin response was three points, two from the impressive Travers and one from the equally impressive Lundy.

In the second half the ‘Fin actually took the game to the RGU with Travers hitting the post in the opening attack. Eoin Lundy showed a masterclass in the art of fielding and one take give him the opportunity to send over after a solo run. Flanagan added another for the ‘Fin before RGU slammed in another two goals. Both sides then traded points with Travers adding another two for the ‘Fin. Final score RGU 6-6 Aughlisnafin 0-7.

In the third and final game of the evening the ‘Fin played Kilclief. Kilclief put in a strong first half to score 3-1 with Oran Flanagan getting a goal and a point for the ‘Fin. In the second half Callum Haynes, Jack Matthews and Jamie Allen were outstanding in defence to keep the Ben Dearg side at bay while the ‘Fin battled back with goals from Lundy and Travers. Lundy then levelled proceedings with a point. Darren Toner, as in the two previous games, was also working hard to cover in defence as the ‘Fin pressed for the winner. Kilclief however had other ideas and slammed the winner past Faelan Murphy right at the end.

Ruairi Quinn, Ben King, Adam Lenaghan and Cathal Murphy were also involved over the three games and all did well. Aughlisnafin squad: F Murphy, C Haynes, J Matthews, J Allen, E Travers (2-5), E Lundy (2-4), D Toner, O Flanagan (1-3), B King, R Quinn, A Lenaghan, C Murphy. The next blitz will be held at the same venue on Friday 18^th October with the Finals night on Friday 25 October.

Down GAA will be running a Gaelic Start Information night in St Patrick’s GS Downpatrick on Tuesday 15th October 2013. The session will commence at 7.30pm sharp. The content is aimed at coaches of children aged 4-8 years. The tutors will advise the coaches in attendance how best to structure indoor winter activities which cater for the FUNdamental needs of young players. There is no charge for attending this course. There are numerous other coaching courses being run and details of these can be found on our facebook page.

The club will be running a bus to the International Rules game between Ireland and Austrailia in Croke Park at 7 pm on Saturday 26^th October. Cost of bus and ticket Adults £35 and Juveniles £10. Please let Gerard Lenaghan know by this Thursday 10^th October to book.

The Fin Social 7s team will travel the short distance to the St Johns club to take part in their Recreational 7’s tournament. All players who are available to play should contact Gerard Lenaghan by this Thursday evening. Maximum panel size is 10.

Dates for your diary ; Club mass Thursday 14 November, Adult Awards Night Friday 15 November and Juvenile Presentations on Saturday 16 November. The AGM will be held on Sunday 24 November.

Congratulations to the senior team assistant manager Tommy Byrne and to his wife Michelle on their newly born daughter Ellie. Best wishes from everyone in the club.

Joe Scullion (38) was the 49 Club winner.

Lotto 17, 19, 21, 26. Peter McClean matched 3 numbers and won £50. Jackpot now £5,950.

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