Wicklow Junior C Football Final

 Rathnew 4-5

Donard/Glen 1-9

Eoin Horkan 

Pearse Park

A couple of goals from the Village early on proved crucial in Arklow on Saturday afternoon.

It was clear from the throw-in on Saturday in Arklow that this would turn into a shoot out between two men on either side of the age spectrum. The younger man Darragh Lacy fired over an early side for Rathnew. Within two minutes the Glen had taken the lead when Liam Mullan fired over a two pointer from range before adding a free a minute later.The tie was level ten minutes in as Lacy doubled his tally the first from play before a dead ball. The opposition then took the lead led by captain Ray Halloran who split the posts. The first major in the game then came in the seventeenth minute when Stephen Cruise rattled the back of the net. With five minutes left on the clock the side in red and green were awarded a forty-five which Lacy struck into the back of the net.

With the final effort of the half Halloran managed to put four between the sides with a free.

From the throw in the Village flew forward and raised a third green flag through Charlie Cruise. This was canceled out within a minute by Mullan down the far end who fired past Doyle. In what was a crazy start to the half the ball was in the back of the net again as James Hunter found himself in the perfect position to fire home. The next two scores of this final came from the boot of Halloran to narrow the gap to five midway through the half.

In what was the championship quarter proved chaotic as Lacy slotted over a free before substitute Dean Flynn replied with five minutes left before his team mate Joe Whyte had the gap down to four with four to play.

Donard piled forward in the final moments which resulted  in a penalty but the effort was kept out by Doyle. The insurance score in this final came from veteran Nicky Mernagh  who rolled back the years to send the Rathnew crowd into raptures.

Donard/Glen:James Walshe;Aaron Moody,Joe Whyte(0-1);,Kevin Osborne; Ronan Kelly, Dylan Whyte,Clifford Grace;Alan Tutty,Niall Curran;Joe Manifold,Ronan Flanagan, Harry Mangan;Aaron Geoghegan,Liam Mullan(1-3 1f 1 2pf);Ray Halloran (0-4 3fs) ©

Subs Used Dean Flynn (0-1) for Niall Curran, Jack Grace for Alan Tutty,Ronan Conron for Clifford Grace,

Rathnew;Scott Doyle;Jamie O’Connor, John Healy,Aidan Ryan;Emmet Ronan,Martin Cowap,Ryan O’Toole (c);Charlie Cruise(1-0),Ross McMonagal;Darragh Lacy(1-4),Nicky Mernagh(0-1f),Paul Ellis,Stephen Byrne,Stephen Cruise(1-0),James Hunter(1-0).

Subs Used Zack O’Connor for Jamie O’Connor, Rory Dowling for James Hunter, Dean Franey for Stephen Cruise, Kian Hunter for Stephen Byrne.

Referee Noel Kinsella.

Mayo Senior B Hurling (CT)

 Mayo Senior B Hurling Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 0-12

St Ciarans 0-11

Eoin Horkan 

Josie Munnelly Park

Scahill the Hero as Castlebar Edge Dramatic Final in Dying Moments

It wasn’t a classic from the outset, but when it finally kicked into gear, this final delivered tension in spades. And when the dust settled, it was Castlebar Mitchels who emerged triumphant – thanks to a nerveless late free from the ever-reliable Corey Scahill.

The early stages were more of a chess match than a shootout. For the first ten minutes, both sides probed cautiously, mirroring the familiarity that comes from training on adjacent pitches just a week earlier. Neither camp was willing to blink first, and the crowd waited patiently for someone to take charge.

That moment arrived when Barry Lane struck the game’s opening score, slotting confidently to settle Mitchels’ nerves. Any hopes of an early surge were quickly snuffed out as St. Ciarans captain Brendan Sheridan responded in kind, leveling matters and lifting his team. Castlebar then began to dictate play, capitalising on frees as Scahill converted twice with minimum fuss. Down the other end, Luke Hurley provided resistance, clipping over a tidy effort to keep the amalgamated outfit within touching distance.

Then came the first moment of real drama – a gilt-edged goal chance that seemed certain to tilt momentum, only for Kevin Duffy to produce a save worthy of the occasion. It proved a temporary stay of execution. Niall Peoples curled over an exquisite effort from the flank to restore parity, signalling that the contest had finally come alive.

But Castlebar weren’t rattled. Lane reasserted their authority before Scahill once again showcased his accuracy from distance. Into the closing minutes of the half, Mitchels stretched clear as Scahill and Eoin Enright split the posts with precision. Hurley clawed one back before the whistle to leave just three between them at the interval – enough to offer hope, but not comfort.

Castlebar were the first to ring the changes, and it paid dividends immediately. Substitute John Kennedy made a near-instant impact, launching one from range that sailed perfectly between the uprights. It looked like Mitchels were about to pull away – but St. Ciarans had other ideas. James Gallagher and John Heraty landed vital scores from distance, narrowing the margin and reenergising their supporters.

Again, Scahill responded, landing another free to steady the ship. But the resistance from St. Ciarans intensified. Hurley was growing into the game, and when Ronan Fallon chipped in alongside another Sheridan free – either side of a Colm Enright score – the gap was suddenly the bare minimum entering the final quarter.

What followed was pure championship grit. Sheridan and Paddy Dozio began to exert real influence around the middle third, refusing to allow Mitchels an easy ride. Scahill nudged the favourites two clear once more with another composed free as the clock ticked towards the closing stages – but then came a seismic twist.

Jack Doocey, quiet until then, powered forward from the middle of the park to give his side hope.

The tension was palpable as time ebbed away. Sheridan – inspirational throughout – conjured another spectacular point from a near-impossible angle to level matters once more. Extra-time appeared inevitable.

But finals have a habit of producing one final act.

As the seconds ticked into red, Mitchels won a free within range. There was never any doubt who would take it. Scahill stepped forward, placed the ball, and with ice in his veins, struck cleanly over the black spot. The whistle followed almost instantly.

A slow burner, perhaps – but one that erupted into a gripping finish. And when the moment of truth arrived, Corey Scahill stood tallest.

Castlebar Mitchels;Martin Parsons;Ronan Treacy,James Lowe,Ciaran Treacy;Conor Donaldson,Conor Murray,Liam Mullins;Darren McTighe,Anthony Rowland;Pierce Murray,Eoin Enright(0-1),Conor Martin;Barry Lane(0-2),Corey Scahill (0-7fs),Colm Enright.

Subs Used. John Kennedy (0-1) for Conor Donaldson,Bob Tuohy for Ciaran Treacy,Lucas Kenny for Barry Lane, Abbi Abbassi for Conor Martin.

St Ciarans:Kevin Duffy Ballina Stephenites,Evan Heraty Moytura,James Carroll Ballyvary,Conor Ketterick Westport St Patricks;Sean McGhee Ballyvary,Michael Gallaghe Westport St Patricks,James Gallagher(0-1) Westport St Patricks;Jack Doocey Ballyvary(0-1),John Heraty(0-1) Moytura,Paddy Dozio Caisleal Gaels,Brendan Sheridan(0-3 2fs) (Capt) Moytura,Johnny Granahan Moytura;Kealan Gallagher Westport St Patricks,Luke Hurley (0-3 2fs)Ballina Stephenites,Niall Peoples(0-1) Ballina Stephenites.

Subs Used;Eoghan Roe for Conor Kettrick,Killian Gallagher for Sean McGhee,Ronan Fallon (0-1)for Niall Peoples,Darren Williams for Jack Doocey

Referee: James Judge

Mayo Senior B Hurling Final (MN)

 Mayo Senior B Hurling Final 

Castlebar Mitchels 0-12

St Ciarans 0-11

Eoin Horkan 

Josie Munnelly Park

In what was a slow burner of a final, a late free from Corey Scahill ensured his side would come out victorious on Saturday evening.

The opening ten minutes saw no major incident as both sides were trying to figure each other out even after having trained beside each other on opposite pitches in Castlebar last Sunday.

The first score of note came from Barry Lane as he finished well before Brendan Sherdan led by example levelling the score within minutes.The home side then started to take control with two frees from Corey Scahill before Luke Hurley added one to his tally down the far end. The first goal chance of the game produced a save for the ages from Kevin Duffy. The final was level minutes later as Niall Peoples raised a white flag from the sideline. It looked like the amalgamated side were starting to get a hold of the game but efforts from Lane and Scahill put an end to their control. The last five minutes saw Castlebar push ahead as Scahill and Eoin Enright fired over. The gap was narrowed just before the break through Ballina man Hurley leaving three between the sides at the interval.

It was Mitchels  who started to empty the bench at half time and within minutes John Kennedy made an impact splitting the post from range. Brian’s Finn’s charges then battled back with efforts from James Gallagher and John Hearty from distance. These were again canceled out by Scahill again.Thius was a slight reprieve as Hurley and a Ronan Fallon effort alongside a free from Sheridan in between Colin Enright strike had gap down to the minimum by the halfway mark in the second half. The championship quarter proved very exciting as Sheridan and Paddy Dozio were ensuring Mitchels wouldn't have it their own way.A Scahill free with ten left had two between the sides before Jack Doocey effort into the far goal. With the clock almost in the red up stepped Sheridan to fire over from a tight angle.

In the final play of the game the home side were awarded a free that their man fired over to ensure victory.

Castlebar Mitchels;Martin Parsons;Ronan Treacy,James Lowe,Ciaran Treacy;Conor Donaldson,Conor Murray,Liam Mullins;Darren McTighe,Anthony Rowland;Pierce Murray,Eoin Enright,Conor Martin;Barry Lane,Corey Scahill,Colm Enright.

Subs Used. John Kennedy (0-1) for Conor Donaldson,Bob Tuohy for Ciaran Treacy,Lucas Kenny for Barry Lane, Abbi Abbassi for Conor Martin 

St Ciarans:Kevin Duffy Ballina Stephenites,Evan Heraty Moytura,James Carroll Ballyvary,Conor Ketterick Westport St Patricks;Sean McGhee Ballyvary,Michael Gallaghe Westport St Patricks,James Gallagher(0-1) Westport St Patricks;Jack Doocey(0-1Ballyvary, John Heraty(0-1) Moytura,Paddy Dozio Caisleal Gaels,Brendan Sheridan(0-3 2fs) (Capt) Moytura,Johnny Granahan Moytura;Kealan Gallagher Westport St Patricks,Luke Hurley(0-3 2fs)Ballina Stephenites,Niall Peoples(0-1) Ballina Stephenites.

Subs Used;Eoghan Roe for Conor Kettrick,Killian Gallagher for Sean McGhee,Ronan Fallon(0-1) for Niall Peoples,Darren Williams for Jack Doocey

Referee: James Judge

Bonniconlon vs Eastern Gaels Mayo Junior (CT)

 Bonniconlon 0-11

Eastern Gaels 1-11

Parke GAA Club

Eoin Horkan 

Madden’s Early Goal Fires Gaels Past Bonniconlon in Semi-Final Thriller

Gaels got the sweetest kind of revenge on Saturday  afternoon as they overturned last year’s semi-final heartbreak with a hard-fought victory over Bonniconlon — and it was Jack Madden’s early goal that ultimately proved decisive.

The East Mayo men burst out of the traps with ruthless intent, laying down a marker within minutes of the throw-in. centre-forward Senan Guilfoyle was electric from the off, splitting the posts twice from play before calmly slotting over a free to make it three unanswered points inside five blistering minutes. Bonniconlon looked shell-shocked — and worse was to come.

From another Guilfoyle placed ball, the delivery dropped dangerously into the square, where Jack Madden rose highest and punched it low past the keeper and into the net. Six  points up and cruising, it looked like Gaels might run away with it.

But if Madden’s goal ignited celebration in one camp, it sparked defiance in the other.

Bonniconlon, stung into life, responded with a flurry of scores. Wesley Loftus opened their account with a composed effort from distance, before Ciaran Gaughan took control of proceedings. The reliable free-taker knocked over three consecutive placed balls to haul his side right back into contention midway through the first half.

Just as the contest threatened to settle into a grind, Guilfoyle — who was rapidly becoming unmarkable — produced another moment of brilliance, firing over the first orange flag of the afternoon. Moments later he almost repeated the trick from near the halfway line, launching a monstrous free that had the goalkeeper scrambling. The Bonniconlon stopper managed to get fingertips to it and prevent a second two pointer  but the warning was clear: Guilfoyle could score from anywhere.

Gaughan clipped over another to narrow the deficit once more, but Madden ensured Gaels went in at the interval with breathing space, adding a vital point to send his side into the break leading by double scores.

The question at half-time was simple: could Bonniconlon regroup and find an answer? For a spell, it looked like they just might.

A free from Sean Neary early in the second half kept them in touch, but Guilfoyle — as he had done all day — rose to meet the challenge, cancelling it out almost instantly with yet another point at the opposite end.

Momentum, however, began to tilt. Bonniconlon’s bench made an impact, with Ronan Neary and James Harrington introduced to telling effect. Gaughan landed another dead ball before both substitutes got themselves on the scoresheet, cutting the deficit to a kick of the ball.The north Mayo side even had chances to take the lead, but a couple  of missed frees — two clipping the upright — left them cursing their luck.

With their once-comfortable lead now evaporating, Gaels began to wobble. A long scoring drought left their supporters holding their breath — until up stepped Charlie Johnstone, the roaming  wing-back charging forward to slot over a crucial point and lift his teammates.

Still, Bonniconlon refused to yield. Entering stoppage time, they pulled the gap back to one when Harrington crashed over the first orange flag of their afternoon, setting up a grandstand finish with the clock ticking into the sixties.

But fittingly, it was that man Guilfoyle who had the final say. With nerves jangling around the ground, he stood over a long-range free and — as he had done all day — delivered, driving it over to secure Gaels’ ticket to McHale Park in two weeks’ time.

It wasn’t always tidy, and it certainly wasn’t comfortable, but Gaels won’t care. They exorcised last year’s demons, and they did it with heart, resilience, and the brilliance of a forward in unstoppable form.

Bonniconlon;Eugen Carlin;Eoin Fox, James Kelly,,James McKenzie;, Ronan Conlon Cillian Upton,Conor Igoe,Richard McKenzie,Niall Greevy;Darragh Fox,Jonathan Lavelle;Wesley Loftus(0-1) Sean Neary (0-1);Brian O’Malley,Ciaran Gaughan(0-5fs)

Subs Used;Conor Redmond for Cillian Upton,Ronan Neary(0-1) for James McKenzie,James Harrington (0-3 12p), Cathal Kelly for Richard McKenzie.

Eastern Gaels;Ronan Forde;Michael Finnegan,Jack Ronayne,Henry Concannon;Shane Glynn,Ethan Owens,Charlie Johnstone(0-1);Jarlath Concannon,Dean McGarry;Darren Concannon,Senan Guilfoyle(0-9 2f 2 2pf),Nathan Hession,Luke MannionTony Alyward,Jack Madden(1-1).

Subs Used: Evan Godfrey for Dean McGarry,David Smith for Nathan Hession,Michael McGarry for Darren Concannon.

Referee: Shane Corcoran.

WDSL Senior Rathnew vs Wicklow Town

 Rathnew AFC 2  Bill Moorehouse 42, John Lester 85 Pen 

Wicklow Town 2 Shane Keenan (16,28)

Shamrock Park

Eoin Horkan 

Thrilling Draw as Late Penalty Earns Village Deserved Point

Supporters were treated to a full-blooded contest on Friday night as Rathnew and Wicklow Town played out a dramatic 2-2 draw that had everything—goals, crunching tackles, controversy, and a late twist that ensured the points were shared. While both sides will argue they could have taken all three, the general consensus among the sizable attendance was that a draw was a fair result.

From the first whistle it was clear neither team had turned up to sit back, with both attacks immediately on the front foot. Within minutes Wicklow launched their first attack, only to be met with solid resistance from the Rathnew back line. Almost immediately after, the home side carved out a golden opportunity when Adam Byrne broke through one-on-one with the keeper. However, his low effort lacked conviction and was comfortably gathered by the Wicklow shot-stopper.

The tone was already set: high intensity, fierce tackling, and end-to-end football. The next major moment came when Rathnew won a free kick in a dangerous position. Veteran defender John Lester delivered his trademark looping ball into the box, but his headered effort soared narrowly over the bar to the disappointment of the home faithful.

Despite their energetic start, Rathnew began to lose their grip on midfield, with the home sides Gary Byrne  and Eoin Doyle asserting control. Just after the quarter-hour mark, and somewhat against the run of play, Wicklow mounted a swift attack that nearly paid off. Dean Noble unleashed a speculative long-range effort which deflected wickedly, forcing a fine reflex save from the Rathnew keeper. From the resulting corner, Wicklow threatened again, but the defence held firm—though only temporarily.

Moments later, disaster struck for the home side. A defensive mix-up inside the box allowed Shane Keenan to stab the ball home from close range, giving Town the lead. The tie was nearly leveled shortly afterwards when Jordan Graham met a cross with a brilliant diving header, only to see it loop agonisingly over the crossbar.

The visitors now had all the momentum, particularly down the flanks where their pace was causing havoc. Just before the half-hour mark, the lively Mikey Merrigan surged down the right wing, beating his man before flashing the ball across goal. Once again, it was Keenan who arrived on cue to guide it coolly into the net for his second of the night.

With both attacks relentless, chances continued to flow. Keenan came close to a hat-trick when another deflected effort forced a fingertip save, while at the other end Adam Byrne again found himself through on goal in a near carbon copy of his earlier chance, only to be denied once more by the alert Wicklow keeper.

The final five minutes of the half descended into pure chaos as Town threatened twice more on the counter, only to be thwarted by a heroic last-ditch defending from Rathnew. Just as it looked like the tie was slipping from their grasp, the Village struck back. A Graham pass was fed into the path of Bill Moorehouse, who, from distance, unleashed a stunning strike that nestled into the bottom corner. It was a goal out of nowhere, and it breathed new life into the home side as the whistle blew for half-time.

The second half was a far cagier affair. With both defences tightening up, clear-cut chances became scarce. Special mention must go to Craig Joseph, who was immense at the back for Wicklow  throughout the evening. Whether it was familiarity with his former teammates or simply a performance for the ages, the centre-half was unbreakable.

As the tackles continued to fly in, the referee was increasingly busy, repeatedly reaching for his pocket to try and maintain order. Wicklow carved out the first notable chance of the half, only for it to be well closed down and cleared. One heavy challenge led to a dangerous dead-ball opportunity for Town, but the home side dealt with it convincingly.

With twenty minutes to play, came one of the night’s most dramatic moments. A miscontrolled touch by a Town defender led to an indirect free-kick inside the box—an increasingly rare sight in the modern game. Up stepped Eddie Doyle, who thundered a rocket towards goal, but the wall did its job and the effort was bravely blocked.

Town looked destined to hold on for all three points as the clock ticked into the final minutes. However, football is never that simple. A Wicklow free-kick was half-cleared but in the ensuing scramble, the referee pointed to the spot for a push in the back. Up stepped seasoned campaigner John Lester, who showed nerves of steel to rifle the penalty into the corner, sparking jubilation among the home supporters.

 

Rathnew AFC:Dylan Keogh,Ethan Snell,Eddie Doyle,Sam Healy,John Lester,Eoin Doyle,Jack Healy,Gary Byrne ,Jordan Graham,Adam Byrne,Bill Moorehouse.

Subs Used Jason. Devlin for Jack Healy, Ross Quin for Jordan Graham

Wicklow Town:Ian Murphy,Chris French,Ian Brannigan,Karl Earls,Craig Joseph,Jack Crowley,Mikey Merrigan,Dean Noble,Shane Keenan,Adam Cox,Luke Messit.

Subs Used:Adam Cuddihy for Adam Cox.

WDSL Week 3 Roundup.

 History was made in Wicklow last weekend, we will hear how the Women’s soccer league began in earnest.

Girls League Kicks Off in Wicklow

As storm clouds gathered over Travers Insurance Park, home of Arklow Town FC, the referee’s whistle signalled the beginning of a new chapter for girls’ football in the county. The inaugural match of the Wicklow Girls League got underway, delivering a spirited and highly competitive contest that showcased the growing talent in the region.

Credit is due to the Wicklow & District Schoolboys/Girls League (WDSL) for securing the Arklow venue to host fixtures every second Saturday. The arrangement ensures that, barring an orange weather warning, matches will continue as scheduled — a testament to the league’s commitment to providing regular opportunities for girls to play and compete.

The energy, enthusiasm, and skill on display at Travers Insurance Park promise an exciting season ahead for girls’ football in Wicklow.

Every week we will try and feature different teams in the league first up is 

Aughrim Rangers vs Newcastle United.

Aughrim Secure Historic Win Over Newcastle in Girls League Opener

Aughrim produced an assured display of passing football in their opening Wicklow Girls League fixture, eventually running out 2–0 winners against a determined Newcastle side at Travers Insurance Park.

Playing in blustery conditions, Aughrim settled into their rhythm early, while Newcastle took time to find their footing. The midfield battle was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances despite the swirling wind. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Aughrim’s No. 9, Evie Brenna, struck a low, powerful shot that slipped past the stand-in Newcastle goalkeeper, giving Aughrim a narrow lead at the interval.

Newcastle came out stronger after the restart, pressing high and showing real tenacity. They carved out a number of good opportunities but were unable to convert, sending a couple of efforts narrowly wide of the Aughrim goal. With just one goal separating the teams, the match remained finely poised until late on, when Aughrim’s lively winger Saoirse Murphy broke down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross, finishing smartly at the back post to seal the win.

The game ended Aughrim 2 – Newcastle 0, but the scoreline only told part of the story. Both sides showed great spirit and skill in what was a competitive and good-natured encounter, warmly applauded by the spectators.

In doing so, these young players made a little bit of history — becoming the first girls to play in an organised league in County Wicklow, paving the way for future generations to follow.

In the other fixture, Ashford Rovers faced Arklow United in a closely contested encounter. Arklow struck first, finding the net in injury time at the end of the first half to take a 1–0 lead into the break.

Ashford responded well after the restart, equalising early in the second half to make it 1–1. However, Arklow regained control as the game progressed, piling on the pressure and adding three unanswered goals to secure an impressive 4–1 victory. Both teams showed great determination and effort throughout an entertaining match.

Wicklow Town Advance in SFAI Cup After Impressive Win

Meanwhile, Wicklow Town — the only team from the county to enter the SFAI Cup at this age group — made the long trip to Tipperary to face Cahir Park. Having gained valuable experience playing in Wexford last season, the Wicklow girls looked composed and confident from the start.

Their journey south proved worthwhile, as they delivered a dominant performance to claim a 5–0 victory, booking their place in the second round of the national competition.

This weekend the Jimmy Hackett Memorial Shield and Cup will be the Feature Games.

Held in St. Anthonys in Kilcoole’ on Sunday October 12th.   Winners will be presented by the family.

 

Shield final has Arklow town Blue Vs Arklow town Yellow  @ 11.30am.

Cup Final  has Ashford Rovers Vs Aughrim Rangers @ 1pm

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/wicklow-football-makes-history-as-girls-league-kicks-off/a1487947978.html

Alan Costello CT

 

Alan Costello: Quiet Builder, Relentless Competitor

Some managers arrive with noise and bravado. Others build quietly—brick by brick—until a team suddenly emerges with steel, structure and belief. Alan Costello belongs firmly in the latter category.

The Hollymount/Carramore native first drew wider notice during his spell with Tinahely. In 2020, he guided the Wicklow club to its first-ever county title, a breakthrough that marked him out as a shaper of squads rather than a seeker of headlines. What followed was a rise built on development, not drama.

Costello soon stepped into the inter-county scene with Wicklow’s under-20s. Over two seasons, his group did more than compete—they claimed a league development title, ran Dublin to two points in championship action and produced a statement win over Offaly. Where others might dwell on frustrations, Alan speaks of those seasons as formative, not fraught.

That grounding led to a role with the Wicklow senior panel, where he acted as selector and interim manager. Football, he says, is his passion rather than his burden. Yet his career as a school principal continues to guide his decisions. Inter-county management, with its unforgiving schedule, remains an ambition stored carefully rather than chased carelessly. For now, club football provides the balance he values.

His managerial journey has wound from Tinahely across county borders to Tullow, where he steered the Carlow club to an intermediate final. Opportunities tended to arise not through fanfare, but through conversations, connections and shared values. Avondale became the next stop, helped along by familiar names from his county days, figures like Zach Cullen and Conor Byrne on the selection committee who believed he was the right fit. The commute made sense, the squad was ambitious and the objective clear: restore senior status.

What has come to define Costello’s teams is resilience. Any notion of softness has long since been stripped away. Over the past two years, he has focused on building belief, bonding dressing rooms and sharpening minds for pressure moments.

Saturday’s county final again showcased those qualities.

Avondale faced Hollywood in the intermediate decider and met a punishing first-half wind. Nine wides told the story of dominance without reward, and they trailed by two at the break—“mixed feelings,” Costello noted afterwards. Hollywood winning the toss scuppered plans to finish with the breeze, but his side adjusted, blending a running game with measured foot passing.

The closing moments brought drama and uproar. Hollywood looked to have grabbed a winning goal, the crowd roaring as the net rattled—until the referee’s raised arm signaled  the play dead. Costello had spotted the infringement immediately. With just one play left and the hooter imminent, his players showed composure. They worked the ball patiently and fisted over the equaliser. Relief and survival came in the same breath.

A replay in two weeks now awaits. For Alan Costello, it is not a let-off, but the next step in the journey. His sides don’t unravel. They review, regroup and return. And that mindset—more than any moment of controversy or glory—is the thread that runs through his management career.

Alan Costello (MN)

 

Alan Costello : A Builder of Teams and a Master of Margins

In the world of Gaelic football management, some men build quietly, piece by piece, until suddenly their teams arrive on the big stage with steel, smarts and spirit. Alan Costello has made a career out of doing exactly that.

His early success with Tinahely set the tone. Guiding the club to its first-ever county title in 2020,Costello quickly earned a reputation as a thoughtful strategist and a unifier of dressing rooms. That triumph opened doors to the inter-county scene, where Wicklow’s under-20s benefited from his developmental approach. Over two seasons, his squad not only lifted a league development trophy but ran Dublin to two points in championship fare and claimed a notable win over Offaly. There were tough lessons.Alan speaks about those days as formative rather than frustrating.

That exposure paved the way for a stint with the Wicklow senior setup, where he served as selector and interim manager. For a man who calls football his outlet and passion, the chance to compete at that level was more privilege than pressure. Still, his full-time role as a school principal has always shaped his choices. As offers emerged, the Hollymount/ Carramore man remained grounded: club management, with all its demands, better balances life than a full inter-county post—for now in his own words.

His journey has taken him across county lines, from Tinahely to a spell in Tullow, where he led the side to an intermediate final. A natural communicator, it was often a phone call, a former teammate or a shared philosophy that linked him to a new challenge. Avondale became the next chapter—familiar faces like Zach Cullen and Conor Byrne were on the clubs selection panel nudged him across the line. The fit was right: halfway between work and home, a talented panel, and a vision to return the club to senior rank.

What defines his teams is resilience. The "soft centre" label once attached to some of his squads has long since been replaced by something more formidable. He has spent the last two years cultivating camaraderie, decisiveness, and grit in pressure moments. Yesterday’s county final was the latest evidence.

Facing Hollywood in the intermediate final on Saturday, his side battled a ferocious breeze in the opening half, kicking nine wides  which meant they would go in two points down going into the dressing room. “Mixed feelings,” he admitted afterward—relief at the result, frustration at missed chances. The plan had been to finish with the wind, but Hollywood won the toss and flipped the script. Still, his side adapted, shifting to a running style mixed with some great foot passing throughout the game.

In the dying moments, chaos and controversy arrived. Hollywood appeared to have snatched a goal, the crowd erupting before many noticed the referee’s arm raised to signal an infraction. Alan had seen it. When the goal was wiped out, his team had one play left with the hooter looming. They showed maturity, worked the ball, and fisted over the levelling score. A draw felt like survival and relief rolled into one.

Another crack awaits in two weeks. For Costello it is less a reprieve than a continuation of the climb. His teams don’t panic. They prepare, they learn, and they come again. And that, more than any single result, is the hallmark of his managerial career.

Wicklow LGFA Ashford vs Kilbride JBF

 Ashford 1-14

Kilbride 1-7

Eoin Horkan 

Bray Emmets 

After losing last year's final on penalties six points from Niamh O’Brien paved the way for Ashford to come out victorious in this final.

Last year's finalists took early control with Aisling Casey and Eve Doyle putting their side into the lead early. The shootout between Ashford’s Niamh O’Brien and Lucy Gahan for the opposition as they both slotted over early.The tie was level when Aisling Freehill and Orla Nolan used the wind to their advantage inside twenty minutes.

The last ten minutes belonged to the black and amber as Dpoyle raised a white and green flag alongside a double  from O’Brien. The final score of the half was a dead ball from Yasmin Bishop to send her side in well in control at the break.

After the restart  and with the wind the score was extended with O’Brien and Bishop adding two more minors each along with a Fiana Doyle effort. The west Wicklow side started to gain a foothold and battled back with two frees from Gahan before Anna Casin found herself in the right place to finish into the net. With the whistle only minutes away O’Brien and Bishop finished the scoring in between a fine free from Gahan who was excellent all day.

Ashford:Lisa Doyle;Noeleen Grennell,Ann Marie Manning,Ailbhe Dowling;Ciara Murphy,Anna Doyle,Amy O’Doherty;Fiana Doyle(0-1),Izzy Hatton;Katie Cody,Yasmin Bishop(0-4 2fs),Katie Fox;Eve Doyle(1-2),Aisling Casey(0-1),Niamh O’Brien(0-6).

Subs Used:Molly McEvoy for Katie Fox.

Kilbride;Chloe Mullins,Catriona McKeown,Nikki Donohue,Gearoidín Burke;Emily Clarke,Michelle Reneghan,Meabh Reid;Caoimhe Curran,Cartíona Renaghan;Holy Gahan,Roisin Tisdal,Lucy Gahan(0-5 4fs);Orla Nolan(0-1),Aisling Freehil(0-1),Anna Caslin(1-0)

Subs Used:Michelle Jones for Holy Gahan,Lisa McGowan for Emily Clarke.

Referee Orla Kavanagh