Liam Scales Feature Piece

 “From Arklow (Barndarrig) to Immortality: Mahony on the Making of Liam Scales”

On a cool Monday night still buzzing from the seismic events of 24 hours earlier, Larry Mahony can’t help but smile. The former Arklow Town coach, one of the earliest mentors in Liam Scales’ footballing life, is still processing what millions witnessed: Scales rising on the biggest stage, delivering a moment that felt, as she puts it, “not just an Irish sporting moment, but a universal sporting moment.”

Mahony coached Scales from u 9 to u 14, a four-year spell that quietly set the foundation beneath the Celtic and Ireland defender now adored nationwide. But back then? Scales was no defender.

“The Liam you see now was a completely different Liam then,” Mahony laughs. “He was a tricky winger. Great crosser, great dribbler, brilliant in the air. A fantastic attacking player.”

That aerial ability, the timing and intelligence that now anchor Celtic’s defence, were already visible. But more than his feet or his leap, it was his mind that set him apart.

“We worship the altar of ability,” Mahony says. “But it’s not physical ability that decides who becomes a professional. Liam had a very sharp football brain—even as a winger. He could see things early, think ahead. That’s unusual in kids, and honestly still unusual in a lot of adult players.”

He remembers a particular moment—one that now feels prophetic—when Scales’ father asked if his son had a genuine chance. Mahony didn’t hesitate.

“I told him yes. Definitely.”

Their paths diverged when Scales moved to Dublin and later broke into the Schools International side. Mahony recalls being “delighted” to see him play—until he noticed his new position.

“I was disgusted!” he laughs. “Centre-back! But of course, now it makes sense.”

From Arklow Town’s first team as a teenager to UCD, from Shamrock Rovers to Celtic, Scales climbed each rung with a calmness Mahony compares—not lightly—to her former pupil Roy Keane.

“It wasn’t about temperament or ability,” he clarifies. “It was the stepping up. Roy never had a problem with it, and Liam is the same. Whatever the level, he plays the same way.”

That composure now radiates in green as well as green-and-white. Scales’ passing numbers in Scotland and his seamless transition into international football only reinforce Mahony’s belief that there’s another level still in him.

“I honestly think he can step up again,” she says.

As for the future, Mahony expects Scales to navigate it with the same steady hand.

“He’s very calm, very level-headed. I can’t ever see him taking a misstep in his career.”

After Sunday night’s heroics, few in Wicklow—or Ireland—would argue.

Ryan Baynes Feature Piece

 Ryan Baynes Ballyboden via Burrishroole

Baynes  Thriving in Dublin Football While Balancing Dentistry Career

Mayo’s own Ryan Baynes  is carving out a strong footballing identity in the capital, four seasons on from his move to Dublin giants Ballyboden St Enda’s. The former underage Mayo standout made the difficult decision early in his college years to relocate when the demands of studying dentistry made regular trips back west impossible.

“I was doing dentistry up in Dublin. It’s a very busy course and the long drive home to Mayo just wasn’t feasible,” Baynes reflected after Ballyboden’s recent win over Castletown  in the Leinster senior football quarter final . “I had to make a tough decision early in college to move up to Ballyboden, I  put my best foot forward with football and college, and thankfully both are going well.”

Settled now in his fourth season with the south-Dublin club, Baines says the sense of community and the sheer volume of shared training hours forged quick bonds. “You’re seeing each other four or five times a week. I’m really close with all of them—best mates with a good few of the lads,” he said.

That connection made this  year’s county title all the sweeter, as Ballyboden defeated Na Finna in the final. “It was brilliant getting over the line finally,” he added.

Ryan  has also just come through a major milestone off the pitch, completing his dentistry exams earlier this year. The club’s support, he says, was crucial. “I had to take a few months off for finals, but they were really understanding. They want you to do well in everything.”

As for speculation about a potential Mayo senior future, Baynes isn’t getting drawn into it. “I wouldn’t have any idea about that,” he smiled, keeping his focus firmly on his club and his new career.

https://www.mayonews.ie/video/gaa/1945561/mayo-man-at-heart-of-dublin-club-side-on-hunt-for-leinster-glory.html

Wicklow Schools vs Meath

 Leinster PPS 2025-26 Senior Football 'A' Group Team Competition - KO Semi Final

Wicklow Schools 3-9

Meath Schools 3-13 

AET

Dunganny             

Eoin Horkan

A thrilling knockout semi-final in Dunganny on Saturday saw Wicklow Schools produce a sensational second-half comeback, only for Meath to dig deep in extra time and make home advantage count, sealing their place in the Leinster final with a four-point victory.

Wicklow opened brightly and were full value for an early lead inside the first seven minutes, moving the ball with precision and taking advantage of their initial momentum. However, once Meath settled, the hosts began to utilise the strong breeze at their backs, turning the contest sharply in their favour. A flurry of scores midway through the half rocked Wicklow, and by the interval the Royals had carved out what looked an unassailable ten-point cushion at the break. 

With conditions flipping in their favour on the restart, Wicklow mounted a remarkable response. Driven on by the accuracy of Liam MacDonnell and the relentless work-rate around the middle third, they chipped away at the deficit. Joao Fagundes, who finished with a superb 3-2, was a constant menace to the Meath rear-guard, while further points from Jack O’Leary, Eoin Miley and Fiach Byrne brought Wicklow right back into the contest.

In a gripping closing spell, Wicklow edged themselves a point ahead with just minutes remaining and might have pushed further clear but for a couple of missed chances. Meath, to their credit, refused to wilt, and with the very last play of normal time they pounced on a breaking ball to level matters at 3-8 apiece and force extra time.

The additional periods were far tighter affairs, with scores at a premium. Wicklow managed just a single point, while Meath found three, edging themselves into a lead they would not relinquish. In the final spell, both sides carved out opportunities, but the Royals were that bit more clinical, adding two further points as Wicklow’s challenge finally faded.

When the Dublin referee sounded the final whistle, Meath’s four-point cushion reflected their extra-time composure, though Wicklow’s brave fightback will long be remembered.

Wicklow:Dylan Byrne Scoil Chonglais;Cormac Murphy Colaiste Bride,Conor Doody Scoil Chonglais,JJ Brady Colaiste Craobh Abhann;Pearse Byrne Colaiste Bride,Conor Coffey Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Dani Salazar,East Glendalough;Jack O’Leary (0-1) Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Sam Goodbody East Glendalough;Rian Daye Colaiste Craobh Abhainn,Eoin Miley(0-1) St Kevins. C.C,Fiach Byrne(0-1) Colaiste Bride;Liam MacDonnell (0-3 1f) St Kevins,Sean Corrigan (0-1f)St Kevins,Joao Fagundes(3-2) Colaiste Craobh Abhann.

Subs Used;John Lynch Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Jack Nolan Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Sam Behan Colaiste Chill Mhantain,Jack Wolohan Arklow CBS,Tom Cox East Glendalough.

Meath:Shayne Brady Don/Ash – CDL;Shane Callaghan Gaeil Colmcille – SCK,Thomas Sheridan Oldcastle – SOO, Charlie Lynch Ballinlough – SCK;Evan Demange Drumbaragh – SCK.Lewis Cassidy Na Fianna – ECC Captain,Evan O’Connor Dunshaughlin – DCC;Cathal Barron Dunderry – BCS,David Daly Moynalty – SCK;Adam Ducie Ratoath – RAC, Aidan Roche Kilmainhamwood – OCC, Daithí Wade St. Colmcille’s – CNI;Jake Madden Drumbaragh – SCK,Darragh Weldon Castletown – OCC, Pat Crawley Oldcastle – SOO.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/stunning-wicklow-comeback-forces-extra-time-but-meath-schools-prevail/a809850102.html

WDSL Roundup

 Wicklow Town bow out after penalty drama

S.F.A.I. U12 Boys Cup
Tullamore Town F.C. 2, Wicklow Town AFC 2 (AET)
(Tullamore win 6–5 on penalties)

Wicklow Town’s U12s made the trip to Tullamore at the weekend and served up an absolute classic, only to be denied in the harshest fashion after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Both sides produced a superb standard of football from the opening whistle, with crisp passing, clever movement and some excellent goals at either end. There was nothing to separate the teams over the course of normal time, and a fiercely contested encounter finished 2–2 after an end-to-end battle.

With legs tiring, the match moved to the dreaded spot-kicks. The sides remained level through the first five penalties each, forcing sudden death. Unfortunately for the visitors, it was Tullamore who found the decisive strike to edge it 6–5 and progress to the next round.

Despite the disappointment, Wicklow Town can take huge credit from a performance full of effort, skill and determination in what was a thoroughly enjoyable cup tie.

Ashford Rovers clinch Division One runners-up spot after playoff win

WDSL U14 Division One Playoff
Ashford Rovers 2, Wicklow Town B 0

Ashford Rovers secured the U14 Division One runners-up position—and with it promotion to next season’s Premier Division—after a hard-earned playoff victory over Wicklow Town B in Travers Park, Arklow, on Saturday.

Rovers began with real purpose and were rewarded after just ten minutes. Arthur clipped a perfectly weighted ball over the Wicklow back line, allowing Ben O’Sullivan to race through and delicately lift his finish over the advancing goalkeeper for a superb opener.

The remainder of the half was tightly contested, with both defences on top and chances limited.

Ashford came out strongly again after the break and continued to press. Their persistence paid off with 15 minutes remaining when Braxton O’Brien was brought down inside the box. He took responsibility himself, stepping up to smash an unstoppable penalty into the corner to double the lead.

Wicklow Town battled gamely to find a way back into the match, but Ashford’s disciplined defensive shape—dropping into a well-organised low block—kept them at bay until the final whistle.

A composed and determined performance saw Ashford Rovers deservedly claim the runners-up spot and secure promotion to the Premier Division for next season.

Arklow Town advance after high-scoring National Trophy tie

SFAI U14 Cup
Arklow Town 8, Allenwood Celtic 3

Arklow Town’s U14s booked their place in the next round of the National Trophy following an action-packed midday clash with Allenwood Celtic on Saturday.

The visitors made the trip from Kildare and contributed to a lively, entertaining contest played in great spirit, with plenty of goals to delight those gathered in South Wicklow. Arklow’s sharp finishing ultimately proved the difference as they ran out deserved winners.

The club also extended its thanks to Allenwood Celtic for their sportsmanship and wished them well for the remainder of their season.

A special mention goes to Bobby McBarron, who showed tremendous character by lining out just days after the passing of his grandfather—and marking the occasion with a goal. A fine tribute on a tough week.

Arklow Town scorers:
James McCrudden (3)
Aidan Cronin Kenny (2)
Obi Nworji
Danny Cronin Kenny
Bobby McBarron

Results from last weekend 

Cup

U12

Tullamore Town Blue 2 Wicklow Town 2 Tullamore Town win on pens 

Rathangan 4 Ashford Rovers 3 after Extra Time

 

U13

Willow Pk 3 Wicklow Rovers 0

Arklow Town 3 St Anthony Kilcoole 1

 

U14

Arklow Utd 5 Naas AFC 0

 

 

Trophy 

U12

Kilcullen 2 Arklow Utd 3

St Anthony Kilcoole 3 Newbridge Utd 0

 

U13

Kilcock Celtic 5 Arklow Utd 2

 

U14

Wicklow Rovers 2 Newbridge Utd 1

Arklow Town 8 Allenwood Celtic 2

 

U15

Portlaoise Rovers 0 Aughrim Rangers 5

Newton Juniors 4 St Aengus 0

St Joseph Red 1 Wicklow Rovers 0

Upcoming SFAI Interleague Weekend 15th – 16th Nov,

 

Academy ( U11s) Home to Wexford Saturday 15th – 4pm / 5pm / 6pm

Dev, Games Arklow Credit Union Park

 

U15s Home to Wexford Saturday 15th – 4:15pm Kick-off

 

U12s Blue Away to Midlands Sunday 16th - 2:30pm Moate

U12s Yellow Away to Midlands Sunday 16th - 1pm Moate  

 

U13s Blue Home to Kildare Sunday 16th – 4pm Travers Insurance Park

 

U16s Away to Midlands Sunday 16th – 4pm Moate

 

Dev, Game

U14s Yellow v U13s Yellow – 6:30pm Travers Insurance Park  

 

Upcoming SFAI Cup/Trophy Competitions.

 

Nov 29th /30th ( Cup R4, Trophy R3 )

National Trophy U12s

Arklow Town

Arklow United

St. Anthony’s

National Cup U13s

Arklow Town

National Trophy U13s

Ashford Rovers

Arklow Town

National Cup U14s

Arklow United

National Trophy U14s

Arklow Town

Arklow United B

Wicklow Rovers B

Newtown Juniors

St. Anthony’s

National Trophy U15s

Ashford Rovers

Aughrim Rangers

Arklow United

Arklow Town

Newtown Junior

Wdsl 2025 Awards Day; - roll of honour.

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10:00am                          Under 12s League Division 2 Runners Up            Enniskerry

                                             Under 12s League Division 2 Winners                  Newtown

                                      Under 12s League Division 1 Runners Up            Ashford

                                             Under 12s League Division 1 Winners                  Aughrim

                                             Under 12s Premier League  Runners Up              Arklow Utd

                                             Under 12s Premier League Winners                      Arklow Town

 

Under 13s League Division 2 Runners Up            St Anthonys B

                                             Under 13s League Division 2 Winners                  Enniskerry

                                           Under 13s League Division 1 Runners Up            Arklow Utd B

                                             Under 13s League Division 1 Winners                  Arklow Town

                                             Under 13s Premier League  Runners Up              Aughrim              

                                             Under 13s Premier League Winners                          Arklow Utd A

 

Under 14s League Division 1 Runners Up            Ashford

                                             Under 14s League Division 1 Winners                  Newtown

                                             Under 14s Premier League  Runners Up              Aughrim

                                             Under 14s Premier League Winners                          Rathnew

 

Under 15s League Division 1 Runners Up            Enniskerry

                                             Under 15s League Division 1 Winners                  Roundwood

                                             Under 15s Premier League  Runners Up              Rathnew

                                             Under 15s Premier League Winners                          Aughrim

 

12pm -3pm Underage SSG U8-U11 all will receive a medal of participation and a cert.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/wicklow-town-bow-out-of-under-12-boys-sfai-cup-after-penalty-drama/a820116551.html