JAFC Final

Argideen Rangers and St James of Ardfield contested the West Cork JAFC final last Sunday at a well -appointed Ahiohill venue. St. James, with the aid of a stiff breeze were quick out of the blocks and raced into a 4 point lead within 5 minutes. In hindsight this start was a key factor in deciding the outcome of the game as Timolegaue were playing catch up all game. Argideen admirably fought back after that slow start to trail 5 points to 2 at half time. However, the same energy and focus, so evident in previous rounds, was missing in the second half too and St. James kicked some great scores on the counter attack. They tacked on 3 points when Timoleague were down to 14 players after a very harsh black card and this cushion saw them home as worthy champions. They are wished the best of luck in the county series.

 A lot of post mortems have been aired and no doubt more to come as the analyse begins to go into overdrive. In truth Argideen can have no complaints. On Sunday last, they didn’t produce the football that they are capable of. Maybe they were not allowed to by a more experienced and determined Ardfield team. The team containing a half a dozen under 21 players will have gained invaluable experience of playing in a final. The painful experience of a defeat in a major final is a great jolt to the system but it is also something that can be stored and remembered by the players and management into the future.

 The players have given the club and supporters great joy over the past number of months in both football and hurling and that is something that cannot be taken from them. You may be down at present but that will pass and make you all more determined to get up on the horse once more and ride on next season. After their arrival back into the village the players were among their own people -great people. It was then into Monk’s Lane for a well -deserved meal. They say that when one is down a lift is greatly appreciated. The club booked the meal but Gavin and Michelle wouldn’t hear of any payment. That generous gesture was in the words of the proprietors, their way of thanking the players and club mentors and supporters for all the enjoyment that they have given to the community. That is what makes Timoleague such a great place to live and rear a family. We celebrate collectively. We drown our sorrows together. That is at the core of any great community. We may be down now, temporarily but we will rise again. We must always bear in mind that we are standing on the shoulders of former great community people who will help the phoenix to rise once more. Airgidín abú.