Thursday, 22 January 2026

Abbey CC vs Carnew





 South Leinster Hurling final 


Abbey CC Ferrybank 1-17


Carnew CBS 2-13


Wexford COE


Eoin Horkan 


In what was a thrilling final in Wexford midday Tuesday it was the Kilkenny side that came away with a one point victory.


In what was a high scoring game, it was Carnew’s Ryan Doran who had his side two points up early on. The game was level moments later as Harry Flanagan fired over from long range his captain Rian McDonald leveled the scoring with an free from range. It was the Wicklow side who grabbed the early momentum as Doran managed to raise a green flag very early in this tie. The opposition battled back and had the final level inside ten minutes as Aaron Cass, Conor Haley and Mark Flanagan raised white flags.

The first quarter was turning into the Doran show as the Wexford man managed to send his side into the lead again with a double one from a dead ball before adding another from play.The Kilkenny side managed to wrestle back the momentum led by the Flanagan brothers in the middle. A double from Haley along with a fine long range effort from Conor Walsh had his side up by the minimum with ten to go in the half.

In this enthralling final Doran was firing over at ease adding two more to his tally along with a sublime effort from Colin Lawrence. In between this Abbey hit a mini purple patch as Liam Egan, Haley and Jack Hearney had the side ahead just before the break.

Just on the half time whistle Carnew took the lead as captain Jack Sheridan managed to get his hurl to the ball to grab his sides second goal of the game.


In the opening minutes of the second half both full forwards had a shoot out with Doran beating Jack Doyle as his frees were helping  his side. The scores were coming from different players for Ferrybank; they took control of the game inside ten minutes. This patch started with Hearne adding two to his tally before Doyle spit the posts from range. The game changed when Liam Egan managed to get his hurl on the ball to fire in and giving his side the lead. The middle part of this final was quiet as both teams  found it difficult to trouble the scoreboard . The only scores came from Doran and Haley.

The final eleven minutes belonged to the Wicklow boys as Lawrence and Doran had the gap down to one with four left on the clock.


A final effort from Haley had the Kilkenny  crowd roaring as the two points looked like it would be enough. A Doran free had put the minimum between the sides. In the final play of the game,the ball was played out by an Abbey defender resulting in the final whistle. Then the ref realised that the umpire had awarded a sixty-five. Unfortunately for Carnew Doran missed it which would have sent the game to extra time.




Abbey CC Ferrybank:Jake O’Doherty;Craig McGovern,Daniel Connolly,Conor Walsh(0-1);Rory Foot,Rian McDonald(0-1f),Sean McDonald;Harry Flanagan(0-1),Mark Flanagan(0-1);Jack Hearne(0-3 2fs),Conor Haley(0-6 1f),Aaron Cass;(0-1)Tommy O’Connor,Jack Doyle(0-2),Liam Egan(1-1).

Subs Used:Jacob Richards for Craig McGovern,David Phelan for Tommy O’Connor.


Carnew:Ross Weld;Nicky Cosgrove,Eoin Tomkins,Conor Faulkner;Rory Dee,Daniel Duffy,Bobby Cosgrove;Rian Buttle,Rian Rooney;Pearse Byrne,Jim O’Bien,Colin Lawence(0-2);Jack Sheridan(1-0),Ryan Doran(1-10),Tom Brennan.

Subs Used:Marc O’Shea for Pearse Byrne,Nicky Ryan for Jim O’Brien.


Referee: Jimmy Heavey


Womens AIl Wicklow


Wicklow 22


Ballincollig 21


Terenure College Rfc


Eoin Horkan 



Wicklow and Ballincollig served up an absorbing and high-quality contest in Dublin on Saturday evening, with the Leinster side edging out their Munster opponents by the narrowest of margins in a game that remained in the balance right to the final whistle.

Ballincollig made the brighter start and had the scoreboard ticking early. Inside the opening five minutes, sustained pressure deep inside the Wicklow defensive zone  began to tell. A defensive mix-up, coupled with two penalties conceded close to the try line, handed the Cork side prime attacking territory. From the resulting phases, Ballincollig’s forwards kept the ball tight, eventually powering over for the game’s opening try through Aoife Madigan . The conversion was calmly slotted over to give the visitors a deserved seven point lead.

The opening quarter belonged largely to Ballincollig. They enjoyed long spells of possession, pinned Wicklow back with intelligent kicking and were strong and efficient at the breakdown. Wicklow, however, showed plenty of composure, defending stoutly and biding their time rather than panicking under pressure.

That patience was rewarded just before the twenty minute mark. Following an extended Ballincollig attack, a loose pass spilled to the turf and broke kindly for Wicklow’s Clara Dunne. Collecting the ball just inside her own 10-metre line, Dunne showed superb pace and composure, slicing through the retreating defence and sprinting clear to finish under the posts. Beth Roberts added the straightforward conversion and suddenly the scores were level at 7–7.

Wicklow struck again almost immediately from the restart. Regathering the kick-off, they built momentum through a series of strong, direct phases. The pressure eventually told when Jamie Church drove over from close range. After a brief consultation, the referee awarded the try, though the conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving Wicklow five points  ahead.

Ballincollig responded well and, with half an hour played, edged back in front to lead by two when winger Awatere McClean -Wanoa raced over with the extras added. This set the stage for what was becoming a tightly contested and entertaining encounter in Terenure.

Just before the interval, Wicklow struck a crucial blow. Their set piece, which had steadily improved as the half wore on, provided the platform. From a well-controlled passage of play, Ciara O’Leary forced her way over for Wicklow’s third try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the score ensured the south-east side went into the break with a slender three-point advantage and growing belief.

The opening ten minutes of the second half swung the momentum back towards the visitors. Ballincollig camped inside the Wicklow twenty-two for a prolonged period, applying relentless pressure. That pressure eventually resulted in a yellow card for Teni Onigbode, and the numerical advantage quickly proved decisive. Ballincollig burrowed over for a crucial try from Aoife Fleming, leaving just a point between the sides before Emma Connolly added her third conversion of the game to restore the Cork side’s lead.

The next ten minutes were fragmented, with both benches emptied as the physical toll of the contest became evident. The stop-start nature of the play made it difficult for either side to build sustained momentum, and as the lights faded in Terenure, the tension only increased.

With Ballincollig seemingly edging closer to closing out the game, Wicklow found one last surge of energy. With ten minutes remaining, Usha Daly O’Toole showed great control and determination to gather possession and drive over the line for a vital try. The conversion from near the sideline narrowly missed, leaving the home side just ahead and setting up a nervy finale.

Ballincollig threw everything at Wicklow in the closing minutes, piling on the pressure in search of a decisive score. Wicklow, however, defended superbly in open play, refusing to yield ground. Substitute Rebecca Brennan made a huge impact, producing a series of excellent lineout steals, including a crucial one inside the final minute just 15 metres from her own line.

That moment effectively sealed the contest and ensured Wicklow held on for a hard-fought and memorable victory, a result built on resilience, clinical finishing and outstanding late-game defence in a contest that showcased the very best of both sides.




Wicklow:Teni Onigbode; Faye O’Neill, Jamie Church, Clara Dunne, Sophie Murphy; Beth Roberts, Sophie Richardson; Eimear Douglas (co-capt), Lorraine Voorbach, Joanne Smith, Renee Koper, Laura Newsome, Ciara O’Leary, Usha Daly O’Toole, Rachel Griffey (co-capt).

Subs:Dannii Masters, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Róisín Ridge, Rebecca Brennan, Nicola Schmidt, Erin McConnell, Naoise O’Reilly.


BALLINCOLLIG: Kate O’Sullivan; Awatere McLean-Wanoa, Brighid Twohig, Alison Kelly, Niamh Crotty; Emma Connolly, Kelly Griffin; Ciara Fleming, Aoife Fleming, Megan O’Callaghan, Olivia Hay Mulvihill, Sinéad O’Donnell, Alex Good, Clodagh O’Dowd, Aoife Madigan (capt).

Replacements: Charlotte O’Neill, Orlaith Morrissy, Ciara Falvey, Fia Whelan, Rachel Naughton, Vivienne O’Donovan.

Referee Paul Manning


https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/wicklow-hold-out-in-dublin-to-seal-absorbing-victory-over-ballincollig/a1966559162.html


Friday, 16 January 2026

WDFL Arklow United vs Rathnew




Arklow United 2


Rathnew AFC 3


Arklow Credit Union Park


Eoin Horkan 


A double from Adam Byrne proved the difference in this five goal thriller on Friday night in Arklow 


Arklow started on the front foot and could have been out of sight inside the opening quarter. Playing with energy and intent, they carved out three clear chances in quick succession. The first coming to Zach Kilbride who was a danger from the start. A corner minutes later fell to David O’Neill but his header flew wide. A second Kilbride effort was expertly blocked.

That profligacy was punished when Rathnew struck against the run of play midway through the first half. A rare foray forward resulted in a clumsy challenge inside the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot.Bill Moorhouse stepped up to calmly send the keeper the wrong way to put the visitors ahead despite having offered little up to that point.

To their credit, Arklow responded positively and were level soon after. A well-won free kick on the edge of the area gave the home side an opportunity and it was taken with confidence by Shane Connoly who  whipped  the ball beyond the wall and into the corner to restore parity.

Just as it looked like the sides would head in level at the break, Rathnew delivered a sucker punch. Adam Byrne, who was a constant threat all afternoon, got on the end of a long ball just ahead of the home sides goalkeeper to give his side the lead on the half time whistle 

The second half failed to reach the same standard as the first, with the game becoming scrappy and stop-start. Arklow struggled to regain their earlier rhythm, while Rathnew were content to sit in and look to break. On the hour mark, Byrne struck again to put daylight between the sides. He gathered the ball and unleashed a rocket from thirty yards into the top corner sending the village crowd into a frenzy.

That goal appeared to take the sting out of the contest, but Arklow refused to lie down. A double  substitution injected fresh energy and with ten minutes remaining, Aaron Parle made an immediate impact. The substitute reacted quickest inside the box to bundle the ball home, reducing the deficit to one and setting up a tense finale.

Arklow pushed hard in the closing stages, throwing men forward in search of an equaliser, but Rathnew held firm under pressure. Despite a couple of nervy moments in stoppage time, the visitors managed the game well and saw it out to claim a valuable away victory.


Arklow United:Dean Flood Hayes,Shane Connolly,Conor Blaney,Sean Harte,David O’Neill,Matt Dempsey,Zach Kilbride,Oisin Keegan,Mark Nolan,Stephen Kavanagh,Aidan Cox.

Subs Used:Aaron Parle for Matt Dempsey, Graham Watts for Aidan Cox.


Rathnew AFC:Dylan Keogh,Ethan Snell,Jonah Graham,Jamie Snell,John Lester,Jack Healy,Eoin Doyle,Gary Doyle,Toby Curran,Adam Byrne,Bill Moorehouse.

Subs Used;Jordan Graham for Toby Curran,Scott Devlin for Eoin Doyle,Tommy O’Callaghan for Bill Moorehouse 


Referee:Michael Kennedy


https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/adam-byrne-strikes-twice-as-rathnew-continue-march-in-wicklow-top-flight/a1021842750.html


Friday, 9 January 2026

WDFL Arklow U vs Wicklow Town







 Arklow United 1

Wicklow Town 2


Credit Union Park


Eoin Horkan 


A stunning strike from the sideline by Jack Cornaluca proved decisive as Wicklow Town edged out Arklow United under the Friday night lights in an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.

Played in front of a lively crowd, it was the home side who burst out of the blocks and set the early tempo. Inside the opening three minutes Arklow had an early sight of goal when Shane Connolly stepped up to a free-kick on the edge of the area, but his well-struck effort was comfortably gathered by Wicklow goalkeeper Ian Murphy.

United continued to press and their positive start was rewarded on the quarter hour mark.Jay Rowlands split the Wicklow defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing winger Zack Kilbride to race clear before calmly slotting past the advancing Murphy to give the hosts a deserved lead.

That goal finally sparked Wicklow Town into life and the visitors began to grow into the contest. Much of their attacking threat came through Andy Earls, who found himself in promising positions on several occasions. His first opportunity saw him fire over the bar, while further pressure began to test the Arklow back line.

Wicklow’s front three were increasingly influential, with Jack Crowley’s pace down the flank causing persistent problems. Crowley went close to an equaliser midway through the half when he cut inside and unleashed a shot that forced a fine save from United keeper Dean Flood Hayes, who was in outstanding form throughout the contest.

Just as it looked like Arklow might carry their lead into the break, a defensive mix-up proved costly. On the stroke of half-time the ball broke kindly to Earls inside the box and the Wicklow forward made no mistake, slotting home the equaliser his side’s pressure merited. Wicklow almost went in ahead moments later, but failed to capitalise on a half chance, leaving the sides level at the interval.

The second half was a much tighter and more tactical affair, with neither side creating clear openings in the opening ten minutes. However, the deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion when Wicklow winger Jack Cornaluca surged down the flank and delivered a hopeful-looking cross that caught the home defence and goalkeeper off guard, looping all the way into the far corner of the net to the delight of the visiting supporters.

Wicklow nearly doubled their advantage on the hour mark when Earls again found space, but Flood Hayes came to Arklow’s rescue with another superb save to keep his side firmly in contention.

The final quarter of the match saw Arklow throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. A series of substitutions injected fresh energy and swung momentum back in the home side’s favour. Darren Dempsey went closest initially, rising well to meet a corner only to head wide. Minutes later, Dempsey tried his luck from the edge of the area, forcing Murphy into a fingertip save that pushed the ball onto the post before it was scrambled clear.

United continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages. Aaron Parle-Kinsella fired narrowly wide before centre-back David O’Neill controlled possession on the edge of the box and unleashed a final effort that drifted just past the post as the referee blew for full time.

Despite Arklow’s late onslaught, Wicklow Town held firm to claim a valuable away victory.



Arklow United:Dean Flood Hayes;Shane Connolly,Aidan Cox,Sean Harte,David O’Neill,Darren Dempsey, Zach Kilbride,Oisin Keegan,Jay Rowlands,Mark Nolan,Matt Dempsey

Subs Used: Conor Blaney for Aidan Cox,Aaron Parle for Oisin Matt Dempsey, Stephen Kavanagh for Shane Connolly.



Wicklow Town:Ian Murphy,Luke Messitt,Jack Conaluca ,Rob Keogh,Karl Earls,Ian Brannigan,Ryan Burke,Adam Cox,Andy Earls,Chris French,Jack Crowley

Subs Used:Adam Cuddihy for Ryan Burke, Ryan Corrigan for Ian Brannigan.


Referee Joe Byrne.




https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/wicklow-town-come-from-behind-to-snatch-premier-division-win/a1425031911.html


Tuesday, 6 January 2026

U16 SE Cup Final Rugby





U16 South East Cup final 

Wicklow 42

Wexford 5


Despite a weekend decimated by frozen pitches across the province, the Wicklow U16s ensured that their fixture would not only go ahead but would also live long in the memory, as they produced a superb performance to overcome Wexford in Tullow on Saturday afternoon.

From the opening whistle, Wicklow set the tone in emphatic fashion. Straight from the kick-off, Olly Quinn  sliced through the Wexford defence with an unbelievable solo effort, racing clear to touch down and give Wicklow the perfect start. The early score visibly rattled Wexford and, moments later, lightning struck twice. Daniel Connolly gathered possession from the restart and produced an equally sensational individual run, evading multiple tackles to cross the line and leave the Wicklow support in full voice.

With early dominance established, Wicklow began to showcase their structure and cohesion. Alex Tyson was next on the scoresheet following a slick passage of hands that highlighted the side’s growing confidence and teamwork. Luke Connolly added another well-worked try soon after when he charged down a kick before getting to the ball before the endline, finishing off sustained pressure that had Wexford pinned deep in their own half.

The fifth try arrived courtesy of Calum Reid, who powered over after a series of strong carries from the Wicklow pack, underlining the team’s physical edge as well as their attacking flair.  The final try was a clever and well worked move duly finished by Finlay White Throughout the contest, Wicklow’s work rate and discipline stood out, particularly impressive given the challenging underfoot conditions.

Alex Healy was composed from the tee, adding valuable points and ensuring Wicklow were fully rewarded for their dominance.

Overall, this was a statement performance from the Wicklow U16s, a blend of individual brilliance and cohesive team play that ensured, despite the frozen weekend, this was one fixture that truly delivered.


Everyone in Tullow would also like to wish a speedy recovery to Wicklow full back Tamati Rangitaawa  who suffered a nasty injury midway through the second half.


Wicklow Team.Joshua Callery,Adam Armstrong,Oisin Tallon;Archie Wakeford,Calum Reid;Finlay White,Louis Chambers,Olly Quinn(C);Alex Birrell,Alex Healy;Alex Tyson,Dougie Bowie,Luke Connolly,Daniel Connolly,Tamati Rangitaawa.

Subs;Rory Wolohan,Patrick Treanor,Eoin Treanor,Cian Dunne,Alexander Mckenna,Charles Cullen,Daragh Mcgowan,Adam Ryan.


https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/othersports/magnificent-wicklow-race-to-southeast-rugby-title/a1801547220.html


Saturday, 27 December 2025

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.



https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/bray-swimming-club-in-celebratory-mood-after-fantastic-national-showing/a1521408368.html


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.


https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/arklow-and-wicklow-secure-places-in-south-east-rugby-finals/a587275764.html


Sunday, 21 December 2025

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