IAHC: Aghada keen to make the most of change in fortunes

As quarter-finals become semi-finals, the number of potential double winners in the Cork championships drops sharply.

One of those still chasing success on two fronts is Aghada. On Saturday, the east Cork side face Aghabullogue in an Co-op SuperStores IAHC last-four clash in Ballyanly (4pm) and there’s a quick turnaround before meeting Uibh Laoire in the penultimate stage of the Premier IFC.

Having not had knockout action in either code since 2022 – and never in hurling since the restructuring, needing to beat Cloughduv in last year’s IAHC relegation play-off – Aghada’s Rory O’Connell is delighted to be involved at the business end. It’s feeling that is all the more amplified given that the 24-year-old has had to contend with a number of injuries which served to delay his activity at adult level.

“Obviously, when you’re minor and U21, that’s what you want to do, play at the adult level,” he says.

“I was unfortunate enough that I couldn't – I had a back injury and then, in what would have been my first year, I broke my finger just before the championship – and then there was Covid, too.

“But, look, I'm playing now.”

O’Connell is part of a youngish club that has meshed well with a coterie of older players whose dedication sets a standard for everyone else.

“Pearse [O’Neill], Mikey Russell, Tim Harnett, Will [Leahy], these lads, they just keep us all level-headed.

“They're great role models for us and we kind of follow them. The young fellas coming through are very energetic, mad for road, and looking at these fellas and the experience, it's all come together for us.”

Aghada booked a direct ticket to the semi-finals after topping a group featuring Kildorrery, Erin’s Own and Ballygiblin. Now they face a tough test, with their Coachford opponents having been relegated from premier intermediate level last year.

Going down to premier junior was a fate that could have befallen Aghada a year ago but they survived and have successfully regenerated.

Now that they’re there, it’s a case of trying to make the most of the opportunity.

“Probably at the start of the year, it was a blank canvas, all of us,” he says.

“We had a complete new management set-up and Eoin Murphy from Waterford came in as coach with Cathal O'Brien from Newtownshandrum as the S&C.

“The semi-final, I suppose it’s kind of uncharted territory for a lot of us.

“We haven't made it with the groups before, so for a lot of us it's probably the biggest game we've played in but we’re very excited.”