Aghinagh celebrate stunning 2023 season for the underage section

AGHINAGH GAA juvenile players were honoured for their achievements on the football field last year at Lee Valley Golf and Country Club recently in front of a strong attendance.

There were three titles celebrated on the night, the Aghinagh U15s won Division 3 of the Féile competition, the U16s captured the Division 2 West League and the U17s were kings of the Division 3 Mid League. The young players were treated to a standing ovation on arrival and as always Lee Valley Golf and Country Club served up a beautiful meal.

The medals were presented by Dano Dineen of fellow divisional side Cill na Martra. Dano gave a rousing speech to the young Aghinagh players, as he spoke very well and the Rusheen based club sincerely thanked the forward for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend this celebration and deliver a well scripted speech to the young players.

The U15s, who defeated Muskerry rivals Cill na Martra on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-4 in the Féile final, were guided by Stephen O’Shea, Eoghan McCarthy, Jenny O’Leary and Tim Buckley.

The U16 side also had to beat a fellow Mid-Cork side to lift silverware last year when Aghinagh got the better of Naomh Abán in an entertaining final as it finished up 2-10 to 2-8 in the Division 2 West league decider. The management on that particular team were Alan Cummins, Kieran Lehane, Dave Barry, Declan Ambrose and Trevor Burns.

Finally, Cill na Martra would once again be the opposition in the final, this time for the Aghinagh U17s, and it was once more the Rusheen based team that came out on top, winning 2-12 to 2-9 in the Division 3 Mid League section. The management on this team were Dave Barry, Trevor Burns, Declan Ambrose, Alan Cummins and Kieran Lehane.

Trophies of appreciation were also presented to the coaches of the three winning teams. A great night of celebration was enjoyed by players, trainers, parents, grandparents, club officials and supporters.

There is great excitement around the Aghinagh club at the moment with the underage thriving, and there is a buzz around the junior A football team, who are under the guidance of former Cork minor and U20 football boss Bobbie O’Dwyer this year, as they look to win the Muskerry JAFC in 2024 for the second time in three seasons. The success back in 2022 was the clubs first time winning that particular championship.

Aghinagh will be hoping to be celebrating more success around this time next year with the new season fast approaching.