Aughlisnafin U-12’s continued their excellent run of form to remain top of East Down Division 3 with a superb 5-13 to 1-9 win over Carryduff C writes Geároid Ó Lionnacháin
The North Down club won the reverse fixture by a point earlier in the season but the Fin dominated many areas of the pitch especially the midfield sector with Shea Croskery in scintillating form grabbing a personal tally of 4-6 and Ruari King covering every blade of grass in linking the defence and attack. It was a winning debut for new recruit James McCabe at half forward who was unlucky not to hit the net near the end of the match.
[caption id="attachment_39733" align="alignleft" width="390"]
The Aughlisnafin ladies squad.[/caption]
Conor Donnelly (1-1) and Conal King (0-4) worked well in the full forward line with good support from half forward Michael Flanagan (0-1). Aaran Flanagan was assured in nets with superb handling and well directed kickouts. Morgan Croskery was the stand out defender on show at full back and he was ably supported by the tenacious Conor Matthews. Half backs Rory Walsh and Conor Steen made vital interceptions and worked hard throughout.
Late arrival Cathal Murphy came on as substitute and made an immediate impact. With a 2-7 to 0-4 lead at the interval the Fin players were rotated throughout the remainder of the match which was played in very hot conditions. Next game is away to Bredagh B on Sunday 16th June. Aughlisnafin: A Flanagan, M Croskery, C Matthews, R Walsh, C Steen, R King, S Croskery (4-6, 2 ‘25s), J McCabe, M Flanagan (0-1), C Donnelly (1-1), C King (0-4) C Murphy (0-1)
Aughlisnafin Ladies were away to Killyleagh for their penultimate league game of the season. The hosts showed improvement since their last game in Annsborough and put up some sterling resistance to the ‘Fin in the first half. After the interval.
However, it was a one sided affair as a dominant Fin team saw the game out comfortably. The star turn in the forward line was Nuala O’Hare who fired in four goals and along with Mandy Maginn and Niamh McClean the full forward line accounted for 5-7 of the ‘Fin’s total return. Five of the six forwards got on the scoresheet along with both midfielders and Niamh Flanagan chipping in with two points from half back.
There were many players on top of their game. The half back line of Nuala McAlinden, Niamh Flanagan and Aoife McClean were the pick of the defence with their ability to turn over the ball and develop numerous attacks. Laura Lambe and Jody Rice bossed the midfield sector while Rachel Quinn, Orla Flanagan and Claire McShane showed great support play. Â
This was a complete team performance from the squad of twenty players buoyed with the impending return of former Aughlisnafin 2004 Junior Championship winner Sileen McDonald who should be cleared in time to line out for the last league game at home to league winners Bright and bolstering the squad for the Junior Championship.
Aughlisnafin Ladies : Corinne Flanagan,  Leonitia Magennis, Aine McClean, Cliona McComiskey, Niamh Flanagan (0-2), Aoife McClean, Nuala McAlinden,  Laura Lambe (0-3), Jody Rice (0-1), Orla Flanagan, Rachel Quinn (0-1), Claire McShane (0-1), Nuala O’Hare (4-0), Amanda Maginn (1-4), Niamh McClean (0-3) Subs: Roisin McComiskey, Tara Flanagan, Aoife Magennis, Lisa McAleenan, Jane McAleenan
The U-14’s were at home to Kilclief last Monday evening and the match was a lot closer than the final scoreline would suggest. It finished Aughlisnafin 3-6 Kilclief 6-22. Team and scorers for the Fin : R Quinn, C Haynes, J Allen, O Flanagan (0-2, 2f), J Matthews, F Murphy (captain) (1-0), D Toner, E Lundy, S Croskery (0-2), E Travers (0-1,1f), J Toner (1-0), C Matthews (1-0), B King, R King, C Murphy (0-1). Next game is away to Loughinisland this Monday evening at 7.30 pmfollowed by a home fixture against Darragh Cross next Monday evening.
Good luck to U-14’s player Eoin Travers who has been called back for another two trial sessions for the East Down Development Squad.
The Year-6’s enjoyed two very enjoyable matches against hosts St John’s and also Drumanesson Saturday. In very warm conditions every player gave a very good account of themselves. Oisin McCartan showing great promise in goals and the defence of Odhran Maguire, Marc Quinn and Niamh King excelled. Morgan Croskery and Conall King worked like trojans in midfield and grabbed the bulk of the Fin scores.
The forward division led by the impressive Jack Keenan who was ably supported by Michael Flanagan, Kevin McComiskey and Donncha Murphy. The Year 6’s will attend the An Riocht Tournament this Saturday and details will be provided at training on Thursday night.
Naomh Seosamh U16’s game against Mitchels was not played as the Newry side were unable to field.
The seniors suffered a third defeat in successive weeks, this time away to Ballykinlar last Friday evening. Despite struggling to field and playing 13 aside this season Ballykinlar had a panel of 18 players at their disposal in the hope of a win to kickstart their season. The Fin were without their regular goalkeeper Moe McClean with Martin Malone stepping in at the last minute as a replacement.
Ciaran McCabe and Barry McDonald both coming in for Francis Boden and Patrick Flanagan in the full back line. With Rory Murphy, Brendan Quinn and Eamon McGlue all out injured Sean Hazard got the corner forward berth leaving one fit substitute Ciaran Rice who was returning from a 4 week suspension.
Probably not an ideal scenario for the Fin management team going into the game but Ballykinlar were full value for their win as the Fin seemed lack lustre and disjointed over the hour and will rue not taking many scorable chances while the home side made theirs count on the scoreboard. Final score Ballykinlar 1-10 Aughlisnafin 0-9. Chris Doran (0-3) and Sean Fitzsimmons the only shining lights for the Fin on the night.
Next up for the seniors is Mitchels on Monday night at 7.30pm at Derryleckagh Playing Fields followed by a home game this Friday against Ardglass.
There are only a few remaining places for Campa Chormaic at St Malachy’s High School which will run from 8 – 12 July. Any of our juvenile players who are interested should contact our Irish Langauge & Cultural Officer Orla Flanagan as soon as possible. It is £45 per person and every gets a commerative jersey.
Down will play Donegal in the semi final of the Ulster SFC at Breffni Park, Cavan on Sunday 23Â June. Those requiring tickets for this game, and the minor game beforehand involving Down v Tyrone should contact club secretary Orla Flanagan with your requirements. The club are proposing to run a bus to the game and those wanting to book seats should contact the club PRO Gerard Lenaghan with requirements. Juveniles under twelve must be accompanied by an adult. Prices will be made available for tickets and bus in due course.
Congratulations to the Down senior hurlers on their brilliant last gasp win over Kerry in the final of the Christy Ring Cup.
Gary Lowe (14) was the 49 Club winner.
Lotto 11, 19, 24, 28. No numbers matched. Conor McAlerney was the £20 draw winner. Jackpot £5,100.
***
The committee and members of Aughlisnafin GAC extend deepest sympathy to our juvenile players Callum Haynes and Connor Browne and family circle on the passing of their grandfather Donald Browne. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam usal. May he rest in peace.
Â
