Aghada looking to get balance right as footballers bid to join hurlers in last four

When Mike Kiely headed to Aghada in 2022, he joined a club with huge ambition in both codes.

For the past two years, Kiely has been the manager of their Premier Intermediate football team. 

The group this campaign consisted of Nemo Rangers, Bantry Blues and Aghabullogue, and right up to the final game a fortnight ago there were many permutations of who could actually qualify. Following a 1-13 to 0-10 defeat to Aghabullogue, Aghada looked like they'd be eliminated but luckily results went their way.

“We were actually disappointed with our performance against Aghabullogue as we had 21 scoring chances that went a-begging, but somebody was looking down on us to get us over the line,” Kiely said.

The Mitchelstown native has been living in Aghada for the past 10 years after being involved with his former club when they won the Junior county in 2013.

Reflecting on the season to date, Kiely believes they are slowly progressing.

“We began with a loss to Nemo but despite getting plenty of shots off, we found ourselves 1-6 to 0-1 down after 15 minutes. Despite some positives coming out of the game, our conversion rate simply wasn’t good enough.

“After parking that defeat, we then played Bantry and did a very good job to get the all-important win that eventually got us qualified,” added Mike.

Going into to the last game every team in the group could either qualify or be eliminated.

“To be fair, Aghabullogue are a very good side that bring lots of intensity to their game, but the reality is that despite their domination in the last 11 minutes, we were totally on top and could have stolen the game.

“We missed a penalty and one shot hit the post with a two-pointer going inches wide but look that’s all in the past and now we have to get ready to play a top-class Glanmire side in the quarter final.” 

Coaching Aghada offers great satisfaction as Kiely praised the various people who put many hours of voluntary work.

“I must admit it is a very well-run club as they have a retention of players and despite losing three players from last year to emigration we were fortunate to have some players make the grade from the minor team.

The structures are excellent from the juvenile club up and I must commend the many volunteers who give their lives to the sport.” 

CLUB LEGEND

One hero that certainly stands out is veteran Pearce O’Neill, who is approaching his 46th birthday and still manages to play both codes for his beloved club.

“What can I say about Pearce that hasn’t been already documented? Honestly, he is down at our club five a six nights a week between his own training in hurling and football and also coaching the U9 team that his son is involved with.

On top of this his wife and brother Tom are highly involved as they are a family steeped in Aghada history.” 

The next hurdle for Aghabullogue is a tricky quarter-final against Glanmire at Lisgoold on Saturday and Kiely believes his side will have to be at their very best.

"Glanmire were promoted last season and when you look back, they have won minor and U21 county titles. It goes without saying, they have a conveyor belt full of players.

“Word has it their confidence is very high, and I am told they have a couple of players back from Australia so we are under no illusions what will be awaiting us at Lisgoold."

Aghada have an array of dual players but Kiely will not be using that as an excuse if they fail against Glanmire.

“Look we have about six starters and another six squad players but in my book, they bounce off one another. With Aghada it works well as there is a system in place and everybody gets a fair crack of the whip.” 

The Aghada chief praised the new rules that has helped improve the sport as a spectacle.

“It’s all about going forward as the short passes seem to be a thing of the past and look at the scoring in the majority of games in all grades and you can see the benefit of these new rules.”