Another draw

Araglin 0-12 Shanballymore 1-9

A last gasp Shanballymore point ensured a share of the spoils when we faced another of our old adversaries in Araglin Community Field last Sunday morning. Shanballymore argued that this game should have been a home game for them, as in April 2022, they travelled to south Tipperary to fulfil a division 2 football fixture. Club delegate and semi-retired referee, Michael ‘Mick’ Sheedy made what looked like a strong case for ‘his boys’ at a recent Avondhu Board meeting, however, the ruling went against him. 12 months ago, the corresponding fixture ended, 3-10 to 2-13 (a draw).

NEUTRALS HAVE THEIR SAY

The few neutrals who turned up last Sunday morning said, there were some fine passages of the play over the hour, which both sides will take encouragement from.

There were few surprises in this encounter, with the exchanges typically tight. It’s always a plus when you have a player ‘on song’ and Georgie Kearney and his selectors, Pauraic Evans, Gus Kearney and PJ Ahern, were relieved men that Aaron Hegarty continued his excellent early season form. Fit, alert and constantly on the move, he got us off the mark with the first of his 7 points. Conor Twomey, who has slotted in perfectly to the team, got our second point. Two more points from Aaron (one from a free) made it 0-04 to 0-03 after 15 minutes.

Our number 11, Sean Hegarty, then got point number 5. The pendulum swung one way and then the other, as both sides attempted to stamp their authority on the game. Two more Aaron Hegarty frees brought our total to 0-07 after half an hour, the same amount our opponents amassed. The last of these Shanballymore points was kicked off the ground in tremendous style by the ace in Shanballymore’s pack, army man, Noah Butler who was easily their best player.

With both sides committed to attacking football, it made for a fine spectacle on a surface that wasn’t too bad considering all the rain we’ve had. Aaron continued where he left off, with another point, before Sean Motherway, who has displayed great accuracy in his last couple of games, got our 9th point.

There was a breakthrough moment at the midway point in the second half, when Shanballymore struck for a well worked goal. Rising all the time, until it hit the top left hand corner of the net, it gave goalie Sean Og O’Doherty no chance of stopping it. In a game, where goal chances were scarce, it was a huge score.

Instead of energising Shanballymore, they became more defensive, allowing Araglin to take the initiative. Oisin Hickey, who was introduced during the second half, had a goal scoring opportunity after over elaboration by the Shanballymore defence. Paul Hynes, who had another good game, could also have raised a green flag, instead, his powerfully hit shot went over Stephen Donegan’s head for a point (our 10th). In what Australians’ call ‘the championship quarter’, it was Araglin who dominated possession and looked more dangerous.

During this period, Paul Hynes pointed again when a goal was a possibility and Aaron got another free. With 59 minutes on the clock, Araglin led by the slimmest of margins, 0-12 to 1-08. Shanballymore were on the ropes at this stage, however, Trooper Noah Butler wasn’t panicking and reacting quickest after hesitancy in the Araglin defence, he kicked over a precious point that gave parity to his team. Could have won, could have lost - another draw. Reasonably happy.

Our defence played well over the hour, with Shay, flanked by Laurence Lomasney and Liam Keane, keeping tabs on their opposite numbers. After Aaron, Fionnan Hickey, was our second best player and did nearly everything correctly. The two Seans, Sean Hegarty and Sean Motherway, also gave a good account of themselves, while Jack Kearney and primary ball winner, Ben Carey, were equally impressive. Conor Twomey was positive in everything he did, with Diarmuid Allen also holding up his side of the bargain. Our two starting corner forwards, Kieran O’Donovan and Eoin Finn did their best in the face of some tight marking.

Coach James Kearney and his selectors, PJ Ahern, Pauraic Evans and Gus Kearney were ‘happy enough’ with the display. We put together some nice phases of football and our fitness levels looked good. An inability to see the game out was obviously a minus. Referee, John O’Brien, kept most of his cards in his pocket and there was no serious foul play to deal with.

TEAM, PANEL AND SCORERS

Sean Og O’Doherty, Liam Keane, Shay Russell, Laurence Lomasney, Jack Kearney, Fionnan Hickey, Ben Carey, Sean Motherway (0-01), Sean Hegarty (0-01), Diarmuid Allen, Conor Twomey (0-01), Paul Hynes (0-02), Eoin Finn, Kieran O’Donovan and Aaron Hegarty (0-07, 4 frees). Subs used: Tom Kenneally, Oisin Hickey and Tom Feeney. Panel: Dave Browne.

Referee: John O’Brien (Ballygiblin).

FIXTURE

Sunday, 2nd April, Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Div. 2 HL, Araglin v Doneraile in Doneraile at 11.30am.

LOTTO RESULTS FROM 23RD MARCH

Numbers drawn: 01, 05, 09 and 11. No winner. Lucky dips to: €50 Darragh Allen, Araglin; €50 Mike Evans, Kepak, WGH, c/o Paul Colbert; €25 Jeremiah ‘The Captain’ O’Brien, Mountain Barracks and €25 Helena O’Brien, Tubbernahulla (online entry).

Next draw for a jackpot of €11,300 takes place in Christy’s Bar, Araglin on Thursday, 30th March at 9.30pm.

REMEMBERING FRANKIE LOMASNEY

Angela Lomasney is climbing Croagh Patrick in County Mayo on Easter Saturday (8th April) in memory of her late father, Frank. Donations welcome. All proceeds to Marymount Hospice.