Aughlisnafin U12's were away to parish neighbours Castlewellan in their final Summer League division 2 game last Wednesday evening. As was the case in Annsborough back in July it was a closely contested encounter. It was tit for tat during the opening exchanges before the Town grabbed a goal to take a 1-7 to 0-6 lead into the half time interval. In the second half a second goal for the Town gave them the momentum but the Fin battled back with a goal from Conall King and finished the game very strongly with Flanagan and Burns unlucky with goal chances. At the other end Dylan McKibben made some good saves to keep the Town at bay. Impressive displays from Matthews, Croskery, Lyttle and O'Hare in defence. King and Clarke were the pick of the forwards. Final score Castlewellan 2-13 Aughlisnafin 1-10. Best wishes to Conor Donnelly who missed the game after having his tonsils removed. We hope to see you back on the pitch again soon.
This concludes a very inpressive season for the U12's. After finishing joint top of the Spring League Division 2 they were unlucky in the league play off. As the only team to remain in the Summer League Division 2 along with all other teams from division 1 the 'Fin acquitted themselves very well. In eight games played they managed wins at home to Castlewellan & Bryansford and away to St Pauls. They also drew in two very high scoring thrillers both home and away against the league winners Loughinisland. The U12's also recently won the Shield at the St Johns Tournament. Well done to team mentors Francis Boden and Marty Flanagan and their players for all their efforts.
They will now look forward to the U12.5 Championship which commences this Sunday. The Fin are in the C Championship for the third year running along with Dromara, St Johns and Teconnaught. The first game is at home to St John's on Sunday morning at 12 noon followed by Teconnaught away on Sunday 5th October then Dromara at home on Sunday 12th October.
There will be an U12's Activity Day in Croke Park on Sunday 12th October and two lucky players will have the memorable experience of playing on the hallowed turf at the GAA headquarters. All those players born in the year 2002 (last year of U12's) are eligible to participate. Unfortunately only two are permitted per club to attend so please let Gerard Lenaghan know who is available to represent the club and a ballot will be held to select the two players. Transport will be provided for the players only but family and friends can travel down to watch and support. They will get the chance to visit the GAA Museum and do a tour of the stadium. They will also be treated to a meal on the way home. A fabulous occasion indeed.
The U10.5's took part in the Ardglass Tournament on Saturday afternoon. After three group games against Saul, Bryansford Shamrocks and Loughinisland Gaels the Fin progressed to the semi final of the Shield where they saw off the challenge of Loughinisland Blues to make the final. In the final they met Bryansford Shamrocks who had beaten them in the group stages. The Ford won a tight game by the minimum with the Fin finishing runners up and happy to received medals for their efforts. Well done girls and boys.
The U10.5's final Go Games of the season will be held in Annsborough this Saturday with Bryansford, Liatroim and RGU listed as the visiting clubs. All players in P7 and under should attend.
Also on Saturday the Social 7's squad will attend St John's for their football tournament at 2 pm.
Aughlisnafin U16 girls and their Dundrum counterparts will meet Carryduff B in the semi final of the U16C Championship on Sunday 5th October in Dundrum at 12.30 pm. All Aughlisnafin players involved must attend the joint training sessions between now and the game.
The Club will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the re-formation of the Senior Mens team when it hosts its Annual Awards Presentation on Friday 7th November in the year the GAA celebrates 130 years of Gaelic Games. The venue has been confirmed as O'Hares in Newcastle. Tickets will be £25 and concessionary price of £15 for 16-18 year olds. The club extends an invite to all our former senior players over the past 10 years. Details of when and where tickets can be purchased will be advised nearer the time.
The Juvenile Awards will be held on Friday 28th November in Aughlisnafin Hall.
Good luck to our Senior Ladies team who will participate in this years All Ireland Junior 7's Tournament in Dublin this Saturday.
Best wishes to the Down Ladies Senior Football team as they travel to Croke Park to take on Fermanagh in the All Ireland Junior Final this Sunday. Adh mór a cailiní !