Bray Titans Swim Club

 Bray (Titans Swimming Club)

Strong Team Representation of Titans Swim Club at Prestigious Meet

Titans Swim Club from Bray enjoyed a landmark weekend at a prestigious national swimming competition, fielding its largest team ever at the event. A total of 11 swimmers, ranging in age from 13 to 31, represented the club, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth and development.

A standout moment came from para swimmer Matthew Harwood, recently named Disability Swimmer of the Year 2025. Harwood delivered a strong performance in the 50m freestyle, finishing in an impressive time of 31.88 seconds and once again showcasing his consistency on the national stage.

The youngest member of the team, 13-year-old Elsa Acconcia Benito, impressed across several events, recording times of 31.7 in the 50m backstroke, 1:00.86 in the 100m freestyle and a swift 27.59 in the 50m freestyle. Fourteen-year-old Muireann Ward gained valuable experience competing in the 200m butterfly in her first appearance at a competition of this calibre.

Strong performances continued across the age groups, with Simon Vovk (16) competing in the 100m individual medley and Rory Hanley (17) racing in both the 50m and 100m butterfly. Myriam Ibarz (18) competed in three breaststroke events and qualified for the B final in the 50m breaststroke with a time of 34.02. Isla Graham (15) reached the B final of the 200m butterfly, touching home in 2:28.51.

Cian Brady Hercock (16) faced a demanding schedule and produced one of his best performances by qualifying for the B final of the 400m individual medley with a time of 4:45.08.

One of the most emotional moments of the meet came from Rebeka Repman (31), who returned to competitive swimming after an eight-year absence. She qualified for the A final of the 50m freestyle and recorded a personal best time of 26.5 seconds.

Seventeen-year-old Jordan Winterbach emerged as the club’s most successful female swimmer, reaching finals in all three breaststroke events. Her standout swim came in the 200m breaststroke, where she placed second in the junior category and third overall in 2:36.38.

Artem Chobot (18) also delivered exceptional results, placing highly against elite competition. He claimed first place in the junior category in the 200m backstroke and multiple podium finishes across individual medley and backstroke events.

These results underline a proud moment for Titans Swim Club. Credit is due to the swimmers, coaches, club management and supportive families whose commitment and teamwork contributed to a memorable and successful competition.

Arklow Rugby Club SE Finals

 

U13 SE Plate 

Vikings vs New Ross 

Arklow Rathdrum U13B Vikings hosted New Ross in the South East Plate semi-final last Sunday at Rathdrum RFC, after weather delays pushed the fixture to 21 December. The Vikings started slowly and New Ross capitalised with three first-half tries. Showing great resilience after the break, the Vikings responded strongly, with Luke Cloke scoring a fine try, expertly converted by Henry Doyle. Despite losing two players to injury and being forced to reorganise, the Vikings continued to battle. They finished the match on the front foot, pinning New Ross inside their 22 for the final ten minutes. Although they couldn’t find another score, the Vikings displayed impressive character and commitment, and now look ahead with optimism to the New Year league competition

Team:  Elliot Radford, Sam Moules, Daragh O'Neill, Luke Cloke, Harry Alexander, Hugh MacArdle, Seoirse Curtis, Tadgh Sheehan, Rory O'Connor, Henry Doyle, Fionn ODonnell, TJ Doyle, Colum Snell, Finn OConnell, Oisin Kearns, Peter Cooper, Mason Nolan, Griffin Coyle, Brogan Curley, Johnny Cashman.

Arklow RC All South east semi finals 

U14 Semi Final Girls 

Wicklow 34

Arklow 0

Arklow delivered a strong performance,in a 34-0 defeat in the Friday night lights derby. Wicklow scored four tries in the first half and added two more after the break, but Arklow showed great resilience and commitment throughout.After a tough opening few ten minutes they went nearly ten minutes in the 1st half without conceding.

An even stronger second half defensive display gave the Arklow crowd something to cheer about.

U14 Boys 

Wexford 19

Arklow 29

Arklow U14s produced a superb all-round performance as they travelled to Wexford Wanderers for the South East Plate semi-final on Saturday last and booked their place in the final. Eager to respond after a recent defeat to Dundalk, Arklow started strongly with the wind at their backs. Tactical kicking and strong defence kept play in Wexford territory, and Iarla pounced on a loose ball for the opening try. Further scores from David Quinn Iarla Gunning  and captain Jude Ivanoff conversion from Donagh Gahan  gave Arklow a 17–12 half-time lead despite a quality Wexford response.

The visitors struck first again after the break, with David completing his brace, before a superb team try finished by Jude extended the lead. Wexford rallied late with two tries, but Arklow showed composure, holding possession and closing out an excellent contest. Sean Mannion  earned Player of the Match, with many standout performances in a fine team display.

1.M. Leeson

2.R. Mangan

3. E. Killoran

4. J.Ivanoff (C)

5. I.Gunning

6. D.Quinn

7. S.Manion

8. J.Langrell

9. S Scanlon

10. D.Gahan

11. H Hulin

12. P.Laffan

13. J.Heath (VC)

14. R.Tinsley

15. O Madigan

16. B.Murphy

17. N.Lipsas

18. H.McGrath

U16 Girls 

Arklow 17 

Rhinos 22

Arklow welcomed Carlow/Tullow Rhinos to the Oval on Saturday in extremely difficult conditions and delivered a hugely committed performance in a thrilling contest decided by the narrowest of margins. Just one try separated the sides at the final whistle, with Arklow pushing the Rhinos all the way in a game that could have gone either way.

The visitors opened the scoring after moving the ball wide, but Arklow responded superbly. Georgia Horan produced a blistering run, showing outstanding pace to cut through the Rhinos defence and level the contest. The match continued at a relentless pace, with Arklow repeatedly answering every Rhinos score. Horan crossed for her second try, while Alanna Kulenovic powered over from close range, showcasing Arklow’s strength and determination to keep the game finely balanced.

Although the Rhinos edged ahead with a late fourth try, Arklow fought relentlessly right to the end and were desperately unlucky not to find the score that would have put them in front. It was a massive team performance.

U 18 Girls 

Arklow 28

Wexford 7

Arklow U18 girls advanced to the South East Cup final with an impressive semi-final win over Wexford at the Oval on December 20th. On a wet pitch and in strong winds, conditions appeared to favour the forwards, but it was the Arklow backs who struck first. Ruby Tracey finished a slick passing move for the opening try to set the tone. The scoreline did not fully reflect a competitive contest, with Arklow’s defence standing firm to deny Wexford despite long spells of pressure. Strong forward play saw Olivia Burke cross for Arklow’s second try before Wexford replied to leave it 14–7 at half-time. Arklow took control after the break, with further tries from Freya Brennan and Laragh O’Callaghan Royo. All four tries were converted by Sophia White. Arklow now face Rhinos in the final early in the new year, with strong contributions from Abbie Byrne, Georgia Horan, Olivia  Burke Emery and Lucy Weld, and great support on the day.

U19 Hurling ARP vs LOT

 U19 B Hurling Championship Round 5

Arklow Rocks Parnells 3-4

Luke O’Toole’s 3-17

Balinakill

Eoin Horkan 

Luke O’Toole’s driven by Adam Lifely and Lorcan Toomey got there the better of the Rocks in Balinakill Sunday morning.

It was the Arklow side that raised the first white flag of the game when Jack O’Reilly spilt the posts early on.The next fifteen minutes belonged to the opposition as they drove forward and fired over eight unanswered points. The first of these came from the hurl of Adam Lifely who opened his account before efforts from Lorcan Toomey,Daniel Byrne, Daniel Duffy, Padraic Lambert and two more from that man Lifely. 

The final thirteen minutes of the half was a much more balanced affair. A great goal and point from Josh Curran dragged the Rocks back into the game. Down the far end Lifely managed to rattle the back of the net twice in a couple of minutes. 

With five minutes left a Cian Redmond goal and Mile Connors minor had the gap down to six.

Just on the stroke of half time Toomey drove down the middle of the pitch to get his side's third goal of the game.

An early Bill Connors sixty-five looked like it would breathe some life in the Arklow side's challenge but O’Tooles had other ideas.

Led by that man Lifely, Toomey and Lambert they kept the score ticking over before wing-back Dominick O’Loughlin got in on the act midway through the half.

In the final quarter the Rocks defence did start to grab a foothold but this didn't stop Lambert eventually doubling his tally for the day before Ross Weld slotted over from a narrow angle.The solitary response from the opposition came from Redmond who raised a second green flag for himself on the day.

Just to add insult to injury, a final free from Lifely meant his side would be heading into the Christmas break much happier.

Arklow Rocks Parnells:Cian Doyle;Tommie Kavanagh,Sé Killoran,Edward Breslin;Mikey Kinsella,Donnacha Murphy,Tiernan Pierce;Padraig Kelly,Miley Connors(0-1),Ryan Redmond,Adam O’Leary,Jack O’Reilly(0-1),;Josh Curran(1-1),Cian Redmond(2-0),Bill Connors(0-1 65).

Subs Used:Robert Waddell for Tommie Kavanagh

Luke O’Toole’s:Rhyan Moules;Darragh Rice,Sean Byrne,Oisin Fanning;Cillian Duffy,Daniel Duffy(0-1),Dominic O’Loughlin(0-1);Lorcan Toomey(1-3),George Doyle;Cormac Sheridan(0-1),Adam Lifely(1-5 2f),Daniel Byrne(0-1);John O’Reilly,Padraic Lambert(0-4),Ross Weld(0-1).

Subs Used:Adam Kearns,Darragh O’Byrne 

Referee James Phelan.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/luke-otooles-emerge-on-right-side-of-frenetic-six-goal-clash/a1386437072.html

John Lester Piece

 

Feature Piece: John Lester – A Football Life Lived the Hard Way

Sitting in Ratnew, speaking to former League of Ireland midfielder and ex-English youth professional John Lester, it becomes clear very quickly that this is not a tale of easy breaks or smooth progressions. Instead, it’s a career shaped by persistence, bad luck, hard lessons, and an enduring love for the game.

Early Beginnings – Park Celtic to Leicester Celtic

John’s football journey began the way many Irish careers do: on concrete and grass in a local housing estate. At just six or seven years of age, he joined the very first Park Celtic team the club ever formed. From there, a kickabout in a friend’s garden during the 1990 World Cup changed everything.

Invited up to Leicester Celtic almost by chance, John quickly became part of a strong side competing at the top level of the DDSL. Leicester Celtic would be his football home through his formative years, winning trophies, developing players, and eventually drawing attention from across the water.

England Beckons – Trials and Everton

By the age of 12, English clubs began calling. West Ham, Newcastle, Everton, Wolves and others all showed interest. A standout moment came at 14 when John played in the Mill Cup with West Ham, winning the tournament and being named both Player of the Tournament and Fans’ Player of the Tournament.

Despite strong links with West Ham, John ultimately chose Everton. It wasn’t about money or prestige. It was about home. Liverpool was just half an hour away by plane, close enough that his father regularly travelled over on his motorbike to watch him play. John could still return to Ireland most weekends. Everton felt like a “home away from home”.

Setbacks, Injury and Reality Checks

John joined Everton at 15, leaving school behind. Education existed, but it never truly clicked. The football didn’t always fit either. Played out of position and struggling to settle, his career took a major hit when he suffered a broken leg, keeping him out for nine months.

Though he returned and played consistently afterwards, the feeling lingered that he never got a proper chance in his natural role as a box-to-box midfielder. By 19, with another year left on his deal, John made the call to come home.

Coming Home – Bohemians and Monaghan United

Back in Ireland, John’s ambition hadn’t faded. He joined Bohemians, who were full-time and fresh off a league and cup double. After limited opportunities, Stephen Kenny sent him on loan to Monaghan United — a move that changed everything.

Training full-time with Bohs and playing weekly with Monaghan, John flourished. He earned First Division Team of the Year honours and an Ireland U21 call-up. At 20, he was finally playing men’s football week in, week out — and loving it.

Chasing Games – Drogheda, Waterford, Limerick

Despite signing a new contract at Bohs, opportunities dried up. Wanting to play, John forced a move to Drogheda United, who were transitioning towards full-time football. Injuries struck again, including a serious groin issue that required surgery — an operation doctors warned could end his career.

He fought back, featuring for Waterford during a relegation battle before linking up with Pat Dolan in Limerick. A full season followed, but financial instability and fitness struggles meant another move was needed.

Galway United – Fitness, Fight and Survival

A connection through Tony Cousins brought John to Galway United, initially part-time before the club went full-time. Moving to Athenry and committing fully, John finally reached peak fitness. Galway survived relegation, but managerial changes and financial pressures saw him pushed towards the exit once again.

Repositioned at centre-half, written off, and injured, John fought his way back into the team. Galway stayed up — but at season’s end, there was no contract.

The Final League of Ireland Years

A brief stint followed at St Patrick’s Athletic under Jeff Kenna, then Longford Town where John captained the side but was released regardless. A return to Drogheda didn’t last long. At this point, his League of Ireland career had quietly come to an end.

Sheriff YC – Success at Junior Level

What followed was the most successful period of his playing life.

Joining Sheriff YC in the Leinster Senior League, John thrived. Over eight seasons, the club won seven league titles, four FAI Junior Cups, multiple Leinster titles, and completed two clean sweeps of every available trophy.

Sheriff weren’t just dominant — they were historic.

Later Years – Ratnew, North End & Still Going

After Sheriff, John continued playing into his late 30s with Ratnew, North End United, and later back again in Wicklow football. With North End, he added two more Leinster Junior Cups to his collection.

Now in his 40s, he’s still playing Premier Division football in Wicklow, mentoring younger players, and giving back through coaching — something he once said he’d never do.

Quick-Fire Q&A

Best player you played with (Pro):
Andy Reid

Best player you played with (Amateur):
Darragh Donnelly (Sheriff YC)

Best player you played against (Pro):
Thomas Hitzlsperger / Jermaine Jenas

Best player you played against (Amateur):
Seán Barcoe (Evergreen)

Best manager you played for:
Alan Reilly

Best manager you played against:
Pat Dolan

One thing you’d change about your career:
Nothing — no regrets.

Best advice you ever received:
Don’t give managers a reason to leave you out.

Advice to young players going abroad:
Stay at home as long as possible. Get educated. Play men’s football first.

Ireland levels represented:
U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U21 (every level except senior)

CCM vs DLSP Bagnlestown

 Duff Cup Junior Cup Rugby 

Wicklow 69

Presentation De La Salle Bagnlestown 5

CCM made history winning the quarter final in Carlow sending them into the semi final for the second time in two years.

CCM delivered a ruthless attacking display as they swept aside Presentation De La Salle Bagnelstown with an emphatic 69–5 victory in this one-sided encounter, running in a total of eleven tries to underline their growing confidence and cohesion.

From the opening whistle, CCM set the tempo, dominating possession and territory and pinning the Carlow side deep inside their own half. The home forwards laid a solid platform early on, winning the physical battle at the breakdown and ensuring quick, clean ball for the backs to exploit.

Alex Tyson was the standout performer on the day, crossing the whitewash on four occasions as he repeatedly exposed gaps in the Bagnelstown defensive line. His pace and awareness proved too much to handle, with each try coming as a result of sustained pressure and well-timed support play.

The tries continued to flow from across the park, highlighting the depth of attacking options available to CCM. Alex Healy added a try of his own and was flawless from the tee, converting seven of the tries to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Alex McKenna and Luke Connolly both got in on the act, while Daniel Connolly and Patrick Treanor were rewarded for strong all-round performances with well-taken tries. Further scores from Tamati Rangitaawa and Josh Callery capped an impressive team effort, with CCM showing a willingness to move the ball wide and attack from deep at every opportunity.

Defensively, CCM were just as impressive, shutting down Bagnelstown’s limited chances and forcing handling errors with aggressive line speed and disciplined tackling. The visitors struggled to gain any momentum as wave after wave of CCM attacks came their way.

To their credit, the Carlow side battled to the final whistle and were rewarded with a late consolation try, ensuring the travelling support had something to cheer for despite the heavy defeat.

Overall, this was a commanding performance from CCM, who will take plenty of confidence from both the scoreline and the manner of the victory as they look ahead to sterner tests in the weeks to come.

CCM now play Newpark Comprehensive in Duff Cup semi final and qualify for 1st round of Father Godfrey Cup vs St Fintans Sutton on Thursday 8th January in Greystones RFC.

CCM;Patrick Treanor,Adam Armstrong,Josh Callery;Dylan Butler,Hunter Hennessy;Bill Guinan,Eoin Treanor,Luke Connolly (c); Alex Birrell,Alex Healy;Alex Tyson,Tamati Rangitaawa,Daniel Connolly,Christopher Delahunt,Alex McKenna.

Subs Used;Rory Grove,Ryan Dunne,CJ Armstrong,Cian Collins,Diarmuid Stone,Zach Hollingsworth,Adam Ryan 

St Kevins vs Pres Carlow

 Leinster PPS 2025-2026 South Leinster Senior Football C K/O Quarter Final

St Kevins Dunlavin 4-5

Presentation College Carlow 0-8

Dunlavin GAA Club

Eoin Horkan 

A lightning start from St Kevins  was the catalyst for sending them to the Leinster semi final.

In what was a perfect start for the home side led by captain Tom Doyle, he managed to raise the first green flag of the day. Within two minutes the net had been rattled again this time from midfielder Liam McDonnell who buried the ball into the net the day before his eighteenth birthday. The final goal of this three star performance was a delightful finish from Eoin Miley all inside ten minutes.

After this perfect start the visitors did battle back in but couldn't get the better of the strong Dunlavin defence. Just before the twenty, McDonnell added a minor before Aaronn Geoghegan found his range from a free out wide. The visitors did manage to narrow the gap with two forty-fives and an effort from play from the boot of midfielder Lorcan O’Connor. The final two scores of the half were from Ruairí Kavanagh Flood before Miley added a second to ensure his  side would go in at the break in a comfortable position.

Early in the second half the gap was narrowed as wing back John O’Neill found himself in the right position for the Carlow side to fire between the posts. It was then the turn of Doyle again who grabbed his second goal of the day with just under ten minutes gone in the half. 

The so called championship quarter belonged to the Carlow side as they battled back into the tie with an outrageous two pointer from Jack Keating before O’Connor and Keating put two more over before heading into the final ten minutes.

Then both sides started to run their benches as legs were getting tired in the underfoot conditions starting to worsen.

The final white flag of the game ensured  that every one of the Kevins boys would score from play when Pauidi Daly split the posts with a cultured effort.

St Kevins Dunlavin:Jamie Dillon;Josh Byrne,Jamie Burke,Eoin Craigie;Josh Warren,Chris Kehoe,Peadar O’Toole;Liam McDonnell(1-1),Sean Corrigan;Aaronn Geoghegan(0-1f),Eoin Miley(1-1),Ruairi Kavanagh  Flood(0-1)Paudi Daly(0-1),Stephen Anderson,Tom Doyle (2-0) ©

Subs Used:Cian Bruce for Stephen Anderson,Danny Farell for Jamie Burke,Cillian Wright for Aaron Kavanagh,Darragh Hussey for Ruairí Kavanagh  Flood, Jer Moore for Josh Warren

Presentation College  Carlow:Tommy Cooney;Kyle Maher,Ronan Kelly,Callum Martin;John O’Neill(0-1),Luke Haughey,Gael O’Rock;

Conor Buggy,Lorcan O’Connor(0-4 2 45 1f);Eoghan Houghrey,Jack Keating(0-3),TJ Brennan;Dylan Farrell,Peter Lynch,Conor McDaid.

Subs Used: Kevin Nolan  for Conor McDaid,Cathal Flynn for John O’Neill.

Referee Lar Murphy

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/three-goals-in-10-minutes-send-st-kevins-dunlavin-into-leinster-semi-final/a1234075203.html

Asgard Swimming

 

Asgard Swimming Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Style at Irish Winter Nationals

Asgard Swimming Club marked a major milestone in its history with a hugely successful outing at the Irish Winter National Championships, celebrating its 25th anniversary in fitting fashion at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown over the weekend.

The Irish Winter Nationals, a prestigious Level 5 gala, brought together Ireland’s leading swimming clubs alongside international competitors, creating a high-performance environment that tested the very best. Representing the Arklow-based club were Isaac MacIntosh (17), Stephen Bell (16), Anya McKenna (15), Ciara McKevitt (15) and Maya Hogan (13), all of whom earned qualification through demanding entry standards.

Racing got underway on Friday with a series of impressive performances. Thirteen-year-old Maya Hogan made an outstanding debut at this level, recording a personal best of 1:10.74 in the 100m freestyle. Stephen Bell followed with a superb swim in the 200m individual medley, setting a new Asgard club record with a time of 2:12.46. Isaac MacIntosh showed his strength in the 100m breaststroke, touching home in 1:08.92, while Ciara McKevitt delivered a strong 200m butterfly — a remarkable achievement for an athlete who only began competitive swimming last year.

Day two saw further progress from the Wicklow swimmers. Bell once again demonstrated his endurance in the demanding 400m individual medley, clocking a new personal best of 4:47.62. Maya Hogan and Anya McKenna both impressed in the 50m butterfly, continuing the team’s positive momentum and confidence.

The final day of competition provided a memorable conclusion for Team Asgard. Stephen Bell dipped under the one-minute barrier for the first time in the 100m butterfly, a significant milestone in his development. Maya Hogan enjoyed another excellent day, recording personal bests in both the 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle. Isaac MacIntosh capped off the weekend with a strong performance in the 50m breaststroke, winning his heat, before earlier securing a personal best of 2:28.46 in the 200m breaststroke to earn a place in the B final against top national opposition.

The team was guided throughout the weekend by senior coach and club founder John Kealy, a former Deaflympic gold medallist and World Championship medallist. Widely regarded as the driving force behind the club, Kealy’s experience, dedication and support played a crucial role in the swimmers’ success.

Asgard Swimming Club’s appearance at the Irish Winter Nationals proved a fitting celebration of 25 years, highlighting not only impressive results but also the club’s enduring pride, spirit and commitment to excellence.

Ashford vs Avonmore

Ashford Rovers A 1

Avonmore 1

Ballinalea Park

Eoin Horkan

Honours Even After Wind-Swept Encounter in Ballinalea

With a strong wind swirling across Ballinalea, both Ashford Rovers and Avonmore produced an entertaining contest, creating a host of chances before ultimately having to settle for a share of the spoils in this hard-fought league encounter.

The Rathdrum-based Avonmore side started the stronger and looked lively from the opening exchanges, with Mark Cullen immediately causing problems for the home defence. Inside the opening minute Cullen found space down the flank and four minutes later he was at the centre of controversy when he went to ground in the box, only for the referee to wave away strong penalty appeals.

Avonmore continued to press early on and Cullen again went close when he latched onto a loose ball inside the area, but his goal-bound effort was bravely blocked by an Ashford defender.

Despite Avonmore’s early dominance, it was the home side who struck first and against the run of play. On ten minutes, a long ball forward was collected by Steven Kavanagh, who showed great awareness to whip a delicious cross into the box. Danny Byrne timed his run perfectly and made no mistake, finishing well to give Ashford a 1–0 lead.

The visitors almost hit back on the quarter-hour mark when a mix-up in the Rovers defence nearly resulted in an own goal. A misjudged back-pass flew past goalkeeper Craig Armstrong but the upright came to Ashford’s rescue, keeping the slender advantage intact.

Avonmore possessed a dangerous front three and striker Jack Manley proved a constant handful, controlling everything that came his way in the difficult conditions. Manley tested Armstrong shortly afterwards with a powerful effort that the Ashford keeper did well to save.

The middle third of the half belonged to Ashford as they began to impose themselves in midfield. They carved out a couple of promising opportunities, the first falling to Byrne, whose effort was cleared off the line. Moments later Colin Ashley surged down the wing and cut inside before firing narrowly wide of the post.

As half-time approached Avonmore finished strongly, with Manley at the heart of everything. His free-kick from distance drifted just the wrong side of the post before, on the stroke of the interval, he came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Rising highest to meet a corner, Manley’s controlled volley rattled the crossbar before bouncing wide, leaving Ashford relieved to go in ahead at the break.

The second half began at a quieter pace but burst into life when Ashley found himself through one-on-one for the home side. With time to pick his spot, he dragged his effort just wide of the post.

Cullen continued to threaten for Avonmore and soon found himself on the end of another chance, but his effort from a tight angle flashed past the near post.

As the visitors piled on the pressure, John Murphy tested Armstrong with a long-range free-kick that forced a good save from the Ashford goalkeeper.

With just under twenty minutes remaining, Avonmore finally got the goal their pressure deserved. Cullen cut in sharply off the wing, skipped past his marker and calmly finished past Armstrong to level the tie at 1–1.

The remainder of the contest belonged largely to Avonmore, who sensed the chance to claim all three points. Callum Pursey had the best opportunity when the ball broke kindly to him in the box, but he fired over the crossbar. A couple of half-chances followed, with Ashford defending resolutely as the clock ticked down.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, neither side could find that elusive second goal, and the final whistle brought an end to an absorbing encounter played in difficult conditions.

 

Ashford Rovers A:Craig Armstrong,Chris Smith,Conor Willams,Anto Byrne,Gary McNabb,Finn Brooks,Paul Maher,Colin Ashley,Danny Byrne,Niall Vaughan,Steven Kavanagh.

Subs Used Jason Ashley for Steven Kavanagh,Reane Murphy for Colin Ashley,Adam Daly for Finn Brooks.

Avonmore:Matty Boland,Ryan Hanlon,Cody Reid,Eric Olohan,Brendan Gahan,Cian O’Hanlon,Callum Pursey,John Murphy,Jack Manley,Alex Olohan,Mark Cullen.

Subs Used;Karls Phelan for Jack Manley,Calub Fox for Alex Olohan,Stephen Kavanagh for Cian O’Hanlon

Referee Mark Wynne

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/ashford-spurn-chance-to-go-top-as-avonmore-nail-share-of-the-spoils/a932355034.html