Aghada hurlers push on with the extra man to record derby defeat of Youghal

Aghada 1-19 Youghal 2-11

AGHADA finished strongly in the closing stages which enabled them to defeat local rivals Youghal following this PIHC game played in Killeagh on Sunday evening.

With the sides level entering the final quarter, Youghal were reduced to 14 men when Kyle Brown was dismissed. This gave Aghada the boost they required to move clear of a committed Youghal challenge. Aghada scored six points in the closing minutes which ensured they started this year’s championship campaign with a crucial win.

Aghada were inspired to victory by ace centre-forward William Leahy who produced a great display. The talented forward was unerring from set-pieces, while his link with John Looney was a key factor in their triumph. 

Youghal contributed immensely to a very exciting and competitive East Cork derby. They will approach their next game against Courcey Rovers with confidence.

The game started at an unrelenting pace with both sides trading points in the opening minutes. Aghada moved two points clear after six minutes following points from star duo William Leahy and John Looney. Aghada moved three points clear after nine minutes with Leahy and Looney continuing their great early form.

Youghal reduced the deficit to two points after 14 minutes following successive points from Bill Cooper and Brett Moloney. Aghada continued to impress however with their forwards sharp movement and incisive build-up play impressive. Aghada held a three-point lead after 18 minutes following another score from William Leahy.

The exchanges were nip and tuck with both sides serving up an entertaining game. Aghada moved five points clear in the 25th minute when John Looney netted from close range after good play from Charlie Terry. 

The response from Youghal was immediate however as they struck 1-1 within a minute. Ollie Dempsey struck a fine point before Brett Moloney netted following an emphatic drive.

Aghada concluded the scoring in the opening half with a Cian Fleming point moving them two points clear at the interval, 1-10 to 1-8.

Youghal started the second half brightly as Cork senior star Bill Cooper thundered into proceedings. 

The centre-forward struck 1-1 in a two-minute period which moved his side two points clear after 36 minutes. Aghada inspired by William Leahy quickly levelled proceedings which set up a great finale.

The dismissal of Brown hurt Youghal immensely, as Aghada reasserted their dominance on proceedings. They finished impressively to secure a hard fought and deserved win.

Scorers for Aghada: W Leahy 0-12 (0-9 f), J Looney 1-3, C Fleming, A Berry, J O’Hanlon, A Stafford 0-1 each.

Youghal: B Moloney 1-5 (0-4 f), B Cooper 1-2, P Kirk 0-2, O Dempsey, N Roche 0-1 each.

AGHADA: C O’Shea; D Rice, J O’Donoghue, E Leahy; T Hartnett, M Russell, A Stafford; A Berry, J McDonnell; J Looney, W Leahy, C Fleming, C Terry, P O’Neill, D Creedon.

Subs: J O’Hanlon for D Creedon (30), K O’Hanlon for C Terry (50).

YOUGHAL: R Cunningham; J Cooper, C Spillane, M Farrell; K Brown, A Frahill O’Connor, B O’Sullivan; N Roche, J O’Mahony; C O’Mahony, B Cooper, P Kirk; R Coady, B Moloney, O Dempsey.

Subs: A Joyce for R Coady (30), C Walsh for A Joyce (inj, 51).

Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers)