*Aughlisnafin U12.5's put in a superb team performance to defeat a physically stronger Drumaness side in the East Down Division 3 Championship in Ballykinlar on Sunday morning to win a first ever underage championship. (Match report elsewhere). Drumaness had won the previous meeting in the group stage by 25 points with nine goals to their credit but the 'Fin had done their homework this time round. Bar an unfortunate early goal and a late consolation goal Drumaness were kept at bay by a very disciplined and resilient 'Fin rearguard with the goalkeeper Odhran Maguire pulling off two very important saves. At the other end of the field Conall King put in a masterclass of free taking with six from seven frees awarded converted. Conall also added a goal and a point from play in a 'player of the match' performance. One the joint captains Marc Quinn also grabbing a point with his cousin Anthony Quinn bagging the goal that was the turning point in the game after Drumaness had goaled moments before. Niall Dornan and Rhys Clarke were also very influential in the outcome of the game. Conall was a runner up in both 2012 and 2014 at this grade and it was third time lucky for him. A shout out to the match referee Conor Curran who was superb in his officiating and it is refreshing to see a young referee show a measure of maturity and common sense throughout giving players clear explanations for decisions.

 

Thanks to Marios Ice Cream Parlour for welcoming the team and supporters back for some ice cream and refreshments. Also a word of thanks to our team sponsor John Walsh of Bluefin Software Solutions and to the management team of Ciaran Rice, Wayne Pickering and Sheenagh Flanagan. Last but not least thanks to our players and their parents for their commitment and effort after a tough first half of the season which saw us on the receiving end of some heavy defeats in the league. The improvement in the second half of the season has been astonishing and with the addition of the four Year 8 players they have been superb in the championship. The club motto is 'tada gan iarracht' ~ 'nothing without effort' and that certainly rang true for them.

 

This success comes off the back of the club's recent launch of ambitious plans to improve the club's facilities and also the publication of the five year club development plan to commensurate with the objective of attaining club maith and good governance. There will be another meeting prior to the AGM to apprise our members of the latest developments.

 

*Schools Football, Aughlisnafin U14 players Peter O'Hare, Morgan Croskery and Marc Quinn featured for the St Malachy's Loch an Iuir team in their impressive win over St Joseph's Donaghmore of Tyrone last week. Well done lads.

 

U12 players Kevin McComiskey, Anthony Quinn and Niall Dornan all featured for St Malachy's High School at the Oisin McGrath Memorial Blitz at the Red High last Friday.

 

*Dermy Lavery, Morgan Croskery and Conor Matthews were part of the East Down U14 Development squad at an inter-county football blitz in Hilltown last Saturday morning.

 

*Dates for your diary - Underage Awards Night in Annsborough Social Club this Friday 21st October 7.00 to 8.00 pm.

 

'Stars in Their Eyes' production in The Lodge Saturday 5th November at 8.00 pm.

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