Aughlisnafin teams recorded three victories in the past week with the Seniors, U-14’s and the U-12’s all winning their league games writes Geároid Ó Lionnacháin.
First up were the U-14’s last Monday evening where they won comfortably against Dromara in Annsborough. The Fin led 3-4 to 0-3 at half time and with wind advantage they dominated Dromara in the second half adding 4-11 to their tally with the visitors mustering 2-2 in response. After suffering five heavy defeats in an oversized division of 14 teams which has almost half the teams mismatched in terms of strengt,  the Fin were glad to get their first win of a very tough season so far.
The passing and movement was of the highest order and every single player was on top of their game. Shea Croskery put in a man of the match display with 3-6 but it was the defence that provided the platform for a deserved win. The captain Eoin Lundy led by example at centre half forward and was instrumental in many scores. All five of the starting forwards got on the scoresheet and midfielder Oran Flanagan also chipped in with 1-4. Aughlisnafin team and scorers (13 aside) : M Croskery, R Quinn, J Allen, C Matthews, J Matthews, F Murphy, D Toner, O Flanagan (1-4, 2f), S Croskery (3-6, 2f), E Lundy (c) (1-3), B King (0-1), J Toner (1-0), C Murphy (1-1) Subs : A Lenaghan (for C Murphy) A Flanagan. Next match is at home to St Joseph’s.
The U-12’s maintained their position at the top of East Down Division 3 when they defeated Teconnaught in a superb match which saw Teconnaught take an early lead before going on to level the match on three occasions. The ‘Fin finished strongly in the last 10 minutes to win comfortably by ten points in the end.  Aughlisnafin team (12 aside) and scorers were A Flanagan, A Lenaghan, M Croskery, C Steen, M Quinn, C Matthews (captain) (0-2) , R King (0-1), S Croskery (0-8, 2f, 1 ’25), R Walsh, M Flanagan (0-1), C King (3-2), J Keenan Subs : C Murphy (0-1), N King, D Murphy. Next match is at home to Ardglass this Sunday at 11 am which completes the first half of the season.
The Seniors made it a hat trick of wins for the club this week after a superb three point victory away to St Michael’s. Despite leading 1-7 to 0-4 at half time and going ten points ahead early in the second half the Magheralin based side staged a remarkable comeback to peg the Fin back to level terms. A last gasp goal from Gerald Travers secured a hard fought and well deserved win for the ‘Fin that lifts them up two places to eighth in the table with a game against a resurgent Killyleagh side this Friday in Annsborough. Throw in 7.30 pm. Aughlisnafin : M McClean, C McCabe, F Boden, N Travers, S Fitzsimmons, A Quinn, Patrick Flanagan, J Brannigan (0-5, 4f), B McComiskey, G Travers (2-1), P McClean (0-2), C Doran (0-1), B Quinn, S Willoughby (1-1), R Murphy Subs : M Malone, E McGlue, B McDonald, Paul Flanagan.
The Seniors will also compete in their first ever final in recent history when they take on Drumaness this Sunday in the Down Junior Feis 7’s to be held in Castlewellan. With the ‘Town meeting Clonduff in the senior final it will be an auspicious occasion with both teams in the Parish of Kilmegan involved on the day.
The Naomh Seosamh U-16’s team were beaten by neighbours St Johns 6-19 to 5-2 with Fin players Christian Keown, Ruairi Toner, Sean Flanagan, Richard Byrne, Jamie Walsh, Eoin Lundy and Oran Flanagan involved over the hour. There will now be a break for three weeks due to exams.
An understrength Aughlisnafin Ladies suffered a reversal away to a Gemma Gibney inspired Loughinisland side last Tuesday evening in Annsborough. With the unavailability of some of the more experienced senior players the younger members of the panel got their chance and didn’t disappoint. Excellent performances from Leonita Magennis in defence, Rachel Quinn in midfield and in the forward division Lisa McAleenan and sisters Cliona & Roisin McComiskey impressed. Aine McClean and Nuala McAlinden were also excellent in defence and the experienced Nuala O’Hare the star forward on show for the Fin. The final score was Aughlisnafin 1-5 Loughinisland 4-21 . The next match is away to Loughinisland on Tuesday at 7.15 pm followed by a home game against Saul this Saturday.
Dundrum Ladies U-14’s won a challenge game against the RGU on Sunday. Roisin and Fionnuala McComiskey the two ‘Fin girls on show.
The Year 6 (U10.5) and 4 (U8.5) teams will take part in Go Games this Saturday in Kilcoo with Aughlisnafin, Teconnaught and Bright the visiting teams. All players to be in Kilcoo for 10 am.
The Funsie in the Onesie Keeper Lit Challenge held last Sunday in Annsborough raised £120.34 for the NI Cancer Fund For Children. Thanks to Joan King for organising this and to everyone who supported the event despite the poor weather. The mystery goalkeeper remains a mystery to all except those who were there!
Good luck to our Ladies players Orla Flanagan, Rachel Quinn and Roisin McComiskey who will be involved for St Malachy’s High School in the final of the Ulster Schools Football Competition against Our Lady’s Castleblayney in Saval. Orla is one of the management team while Rachel and Roisin will be on the field of play.
Tommy Byrne (15) was the 49 club winner and wins £45.
Lotto 4, 19, 27, 28. Denise McCann was the £20 draw winner. Jackpot £4,950.
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