Abernethy Cup Prem Intermediate Hurling -  Aghada – 0-23 v Cloyne 1-22 aet

Thank God for the Abernethy Cup, it’s a bit of a throwback to the good old days of local clubs playing each other in local venues. And nothing is more local than Aghada v Cloyne. The game had everything you’d expect from a local derby. Good hurling, very close game, no quarter asked or given, the obligatory schmozzel, one sent off from each side, and extra time needed to find a winner. Unfortunately Aghada were not the winners, but with championship coming up, it was great preparation for this.

Played in Shanagarry on Tuesday the 7th of August, Aghada started the better and led 5 points to 1 after 11 minutes, but slowly Cloyne got into the game and with 20 minutes played it was a 2 point game, Aghada 7pts v Cloyne 5pts. At the halftime whistle the sides were level at 9 points each, and Cloyne would have the breeze for the second half. Again, Aghada started quicker, points from Pearse O’Neill and Stephen O’Keeffe opened up the two point lead again. Before half time Aghada had been dealt a big blow with the loss of Cian Fleming through injury, and again Cloyne now got on top. A point on the 39th minute was quickly followed by an important goal on the 41st minute, which Aghada will be disappointed at conceding.  From here the sides quickly exchanged 5 points each in a matter of 3 minutes as the game switched from one end to the other. But 2 points in the 46th minute gave Cloyne a 3 point lead as the scores seemed to dry up for Aghada. It was still a 3 point game with just 2 minutes of normal time remaining. But now Aghada rallied. 3 Will Leahy frees and a fine score from Aaron Stafford in response to a Cloyne free, tied the game at the end of normal time. The 1st period of extra time remained close. However Aghada now also lost Pearse O’Neill with an injury, and in the second half of extra time Cloyne were the better outfit. Aghada did manage a Charlie Terry point, but trailing by two with time almost up, they needed a goal and despite carving out a couple of opportunities, the Cloyne defence stood firm and they held on for the win.

Aghada Team and Scorers – Trevor O’Keeffe, David Rice, Jake O’Donoghue, Timmy Hartnett(0-1), Billy Hennessy, Michael Russell, Jordan Tynan, Stephen O’Keeffe (0-4, 4f), Jack McDonnell,  Kalen O’Donoghue, Pearse O’Neill(0-2), Ronan Kennedy, Kevin O’Hanlon, Will Leahy(0-7, 5f’s), Cian Fleming(0-5, 4 f’s). Subs Used – Brian Morrissey, Daniel Creedon, Aaron Stafford (0-1), Mark McCarthy, Aaron Berry, Charlie Terry (0-2), Aiden O’Connell.