Minor Championship East D2: Aghada 0-9 Watergrasshill 1-21 Our minors had their season debut tonight with a championship fixture against Aghada. Before throw-in at picturesque Rostellan, we took the opportunity to express Watergrasshill GAA's condolences to our hosts on the recent passing of Kieran O Connor and presented Aghada GAA with a sympathy wreath bouquet. Kieran was a club hero, a county star and his tragic loss was felt right throughout the GAA community. Once again we express our deepest sympathies to Kieran's extended family, his countless friends and all associated with Aghada GAA. May he rest in peace. The game began with our lads really showing intent and a great passage of teamwork resulted in the opening score of the game, inside the opening 30 seconds with Gary Doyle getting the first score. Aghada did hit back and a point from play and a converted 65 had them lead inside the opening 5 minutes. Brendan Lehane then levelled the game from a free, won after some great work by Cian Cronin O Neill, and from that point on the Hill lads would not see themselves behind in the game. Playing with a strong breeze in the first half it was clear we were out to gain the upper hand on the scoreboard and hit a purple patch for 20 minutes where we registered 1-11 to Aghada's 1 point. Daire O Leary playing at centre back got to grips with the breeze quickly and was showing great marksmanship from dead balls and also tagged on a great point from play in the 11th minute. On 18 minutes we struck for our first goal, it was somewhat fortuitous when a long range effort from Michael O Driscoll wasn’t dealt with by the Agahda's defence and the goalkeeper was short sighted and the ball hit the back of the net. The Hill lads didn’t ease up there, and further points from Brendan Lehane, one excellent effort from a free at a very tight angle drilled into the breeze, and excellent scores from play from Liam Foley, after quick thinking and quick hands from Cian Cronin O Neill, Colm O Regan & Cian Cronin O Neill getting on the scoresheet, gave us a halftime lead of 1-13 to Aghada's 3 points. The first half was a really good team performance. Right throughout the team from defence through midfield to the forward line the lads were working really hard for each other and gelled really well. A notable mention of our half forward Liam Foley who had an excellent opening half. Despite having a comfortable lead, there was still a sense the breeze could be a factor in the second have and we knew Aghada would come out fighting. They certainly did that and registered the opening score of the second half right from the resumption. We quickly cancelled this out with another nice free from Brendan Lehane but Aghada did apply pressure. They registered four points over the next ten minutes but points from Daire o Leary a lovely accurate long range effort meant mid-way through the second half we still held a 10 point lead. After the second half water break and entering the final quarter of the game, our lads really kicked on. Further scores from Brendan Lehane, who together with Gary Doyle were winning the midfield battle, and a nice score from Michael O Driscoll made by the hard working Cael Guichard meant any momentum Aghada were trying to build was stifled. To Aghada's credit they did push on looking for the elusive goal to get them back into the game but the Hill defence stood firm and each of the lads from 1 to 6 were very solid, working hard and working ball out through our midfield where the platform was set to get ball into our industrious forward line. In the closing minutes, we weren’t done and great points from play from Liam Foley, Cael Guichard and a placed ball from Brendan Lehane ensured this was our day on a scoreline of Aghada 0-9 points, Watergrasshill 1-21. This was a great win and more pleasing a great team performance. Every one of the squad played their part, showcased their skill and high ability and the younger lads can be especially proud of their contribution on the night for sure. The coaching team of Tommy Bowe, Pat O Leary and Paddy O Regan, haven't had long with this group this year, but there is a great spirit evident and we look forward to more games in the coming weeks. Well done lads. A word of thanks also to all our travelling supporters on the night. Due to the Covid guideline's there was restrictions on access and this was an all ticket game, but players, parents, and supporters were a great help in the quick turnaround and confirming attendance for ticket distribution. Thank You. Thank You also to Dan Lenihan for the great pictures taken once again. The panel was: James Barry, Dylan Roche, Cathal Fitzgerald, Cormac Lenihan, Donal Sheehan, Daire O Leary, Andrew Chandler, Gary Doyle, Brendan Lehane, Michael Driscoll, Cael Guichard, Liam Foley, Cian Cronin O' Neill, Joe O Riordan, Colm Regan, Dylan Field, Ryan Murray, Ben Whelan, Darragh Casey