Aghada mark U21 and LGFA success with victory dinner

Recently, Aghada GAA gathered in the Midleton Park Hotel for a victory banquet to commemorate the success of their Senior Ladies football team and East Cork U21 A footballers.

Prior to both teams receiving their medals for their title wins, Aghada’s LGFA Chairperson Sheila Linehan addressed the crowd, speaking about the highlights of what was a special season for their ladies’ footballers, who made history by winning a first ever senior title when they defeated Éire Óg in the county final last October.

Their U21 footballers were outstanding last season, winning a seventh A title out of eight seasons of the competition, beating Glenville in a closely fought battle last August.

The two teams weren’t the only ones acknowledged on the night – with Aghada refereeing duo Willie Wallace and Cathal McAllister recognised for their officiating efforts last season. Wallis refereed the East Cork Junior A football final, while McAllister was in charge of the Munster Club Junior Camogie final and Dr Harty Cup final.

Credit was also given to Vera Terry for her astronomical contribution to Aghada Camogie since its inception, while presentations were made to All-Ireland winning camogie players Aoife Healy and Hannah Looney, who brought the O’Duffy Cup with them to Midleton Park Hotel and received personalised medals from Kim Hegarty.

A few other awards were handed out on the night – with Donagh Collins presented with the U21 Club Person of the Year, Sinead McCarthy receiving the Junior LGFA Player of the Year award while Roisin Phelan picked up the Senior LGFA Player of the Year award. There were plenty of spot prizes up for grabs too.

Aghada club chair Anthony Connolly addressed the crowd on the evening, congratulating the medal recipients and announcing his desire to achieve more the same at the end of 2025.

East Cork GAA Secretary Patrick Mulcahy congratulated both teams on their accomplishments, while Cork LGFA Chairperson Marion Crowley spoke on the historic achievement of Aghada’s senior ladies last October.

Entertainment on the evening was provided by club president John Motherway and MC Christine Moran, who gave the crowd a duet of Caledonia, while Irish wedding band Bog the Donkey played for two hours before the night was concluded with a DJ.

While Aghada’s U21 footballers suffered a first-round exit to Glenville this time around – their dominance at this grade over the last number of years is nothing short of admirable.

Having ascended the ranks all the way to senior – the Aghada ladies’ footballers did brilliantly to capture the title in 2024, even if Comeragh Rangers put bed to their Munster hopes in the first round.

No doubt they’ll be hoping to retain their Cork crown this coming season, and go a step further in the Munster championship.