AGB (UL) Aaron O'Brien

 

AGB’s Aaron O’Brien Becomes the Club’s First Senior University League Medal Winner

When Aaron O’Brien arrived into the University of Limerick football setup, he expected a challenge. What he didn’t expect was that,only a year or so later , he’d make history—becoming the first Arklow Geraldines-Ballymoney player ever to win a senior University League medal. UL’s breakthrough league win, their first in the competition, added an extra layer of significance to an achievement already bursting with personal pride.

O’Brien speaks with genuine honesty about the step up from freshers football to the senior Sigerson-level environment. For him, the word that defines it is standards.

“The standards obviously go up,” he explains. “At a fresher's level  you might get away with attempting something. In the senior setup, even if you attempt it, you’re expected to execute it—whether that’s a kick pass or a hand pass. There’s no room for error. There’s an added pressure and a naturally higher standard.”

That higher standard extends far beyond skill alone. The speed of the game was the first shock to the system.

“It’s quicker than anything I’ve ever played before,” he says. “Everyone has the skills—shooting, scoring, catching—but the pace is something else. The fitness is nearly basketball-like: we score, you score, and it’s up and down the pitch constantly. There’s no breather until the whistle.”

Despite not featuring in the league final, O’Brien didn’t waste time dwelling on disappointment. Instead, he points to the calibre of the squad around him.

“It’s very hard to argue with the quality there. Lads from Mayo, Cork, Tipperary, Sligo, Galway—many involved with senior county teams. I’m just glad to be part of that setup because the training alone is already making me a better player.”

He describes the mood on the sideline that night as “quietly confident,” even as a second-half red card briefly tilted the momentum.

“We always felt we had a job to do, even though UL had never won it before. The belief was there.”

Much of that belief, he says, comes from manager David Power, whose influence has been transformative.

“He’s put a real belief in us that we deserve wins because we work hard. Six wins from six in the league shows that.”

When told he was the first AGB player to earn a senior college title, O’Brien was genuinely surprised—but delighted.

“It’s nice to have that individual accolade,” he admits. “But more than anything, I’m proud to be part of this group.”

For AGB, it’s a milestone. For UL, a historic first title. And for Aaron O’Brien, it’s only the beginning.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/agb-player-on-panel-as-university-of-limerick-bag-league-title/a61941412.html

U19 A Hurling

 Michael Dwyers 3-9

Bray Emmetts 3-9

Eoin Horkan 

Knockananna

A late comeback in the final twelve minutes from Dwyers saw both sides bring home a point each in this enthralling encounter on Sunday morning.

In what was a shootout between both sides centre forward’s it was Conor Boland who got off the mark first slotting over from play.Within two minutes his counterpart Willie Cash had a dead ball which with the aid of the sun found its way into the net inside five minutes.

A Boland effort this time from a free had the gap to the minimum before Sean Craig fired over from out wide before Cash managed to put over an outrageous sideline, another Craig point had put the Emmetts in early control.Just after  the quarter hour mark the momentum was stopped when the home side’s Taylor Ryan raised a white flag before another Cash free canceled it out.

Both sides were finding scores from play hard to come by and the last five minutes both scores came from frees from Cash first before Boland did the same against the slight breeze. Leaving four between the sides going in at the break.

In what was a dream opening ten minutes of the second half tfor Bray it looked like they had taken complete control. It began with two expertly taken frees from Cash before Ryan Harrison split the posts with an effort from out wide. A second green flag of the day came when Conor Broderick stormed through to fire home. This purple patch was halted by another Boland free as it looked like the tie was headed out of the home side's reach. A final effort from Cash before the dangerous Tristan Doherty managed to slide the ball into the net giving his side a thirteen point lead. 

The Emmetts started to empty the bench and this seemed to turn the game as Boland came into his own with a fine strike off his weak side before his team mate Matthew Doyle had the gap to eleven with ten left.

In what was a comeback for the ages Boland added another free to his tally before his sides first green flag of the day. Moments later Doyle managed to find himself in the right position to kick into the net leaving four between the sides with four left on the clock.

The final two plays of the game landed to the right man as a Boland free meant there was only the minimum between the teams. With the whistle at the lips of the referee, that man Boland managed to find enough space to complete the comeback with a monster point leaving the crowd and Bray stunned. 

Michael Dwyers:Liam McRae;Jack Manifold,Malachy Byrne,Eoin Tallon;Jack Whelan,Sean Byrne,Saoirse Scully;Nathan Landon,Matthew Jackson;Daniel Byrne,Conor Boland(2-7 4f)s,Taylor Ryan(0-1);Matthew Doyle(1-1),Eanna Waters,Alan Ryan.

Subs Used:Taylor Fagan for Alan Ryan, Joe Manifold Eanna Waters 

Bray Emmetts:Conor O’Sullivan;John McCarthy,Ronan Hogan,Niall Eglington;Liam Egan,Darragh Shannon;Conor Broderick(1-0),Luke Cotter;Sean Craig(0-2),Willie Cash(1-6 5fs),Ryan Harrison(0-1);Senan Croke,Tristan Doherty(1-0),Joe Keeshan.

Subs Used:Aodhan Heaney for Ronan Hogan,Joshua Delaney for Ryan Harrison,Eanna Hayes for Niall Eglington,Donnacha MacMaoláin for Joe Keeshan, Paul Farrell for John McCarthy.

Referee:John Keenan

Rathnew Feature Piece

 

Rathnew’s Golden Year: A Season of Grit, Growth and Glory for U13 A & D, U15 A and Féile Heroes

In a season that will live long in the memory in Rathnew, the club’s underage ranks delivered one of the most remarkable collective campaigns seen in Wicklow in years. Between the U13 A and D sides and the U15 A and Féile squads, four titles returned to the village—each one earned through graft, resilience, and a coaching team determined to build something lasting.

At the centre of it all was the management duo of Barry Mernagh and “Rooster”—a partnership forged five or six years ago with one clear ambition: to one day win a minor championship. Everything achieved along the way, Barry insists, was meant to be “a bonus.”

But the “bonus” turned into an avalanche of silverware in 2024.

U13 A & D: Talent, Togetherness and a Double Lift

The U13 A team entered the year with expectations—and delivered. Their talent has been well known around the county, losing only a handful of games since their U7 days. Even so, nothing came easy. Blessington pushed them to the edge in a gripping final, but Rathnew’s composure and belief saw them over the line again.

If the A team met expectations, the U13 D side shattered them. Made up largely of U12s, this group grew stronger with every game, culminating in a brilliant D Championship victory. “It was brilliant for them,” Barry reflected. “Most of them were a year young, but the effort they put in all season showed what they were capable of.”

With two titles at U13 level—and even space for a couple of U11s to step up—the pathway in Rathnew continues to strengthen year after year.

13D

Player of year Callum Armstrong 

Most improved  Oisin Franey

13A 

Player of the year Max Kennedy  

Most improved Harry Mernagh

U13 A Squad 

Jonathan Howes (Coach), Seán Byrne, Frankie Mernagh, Aaron Kelly, Rian Cahillane, Scott

Howes, Barry Mernagh (Coach), Zac Gough, Luke O’Neill, Harry Mernagh, Luke Gill, Max Kennedy,Callum Armstrong, Robert Merrigan (Coach), Tommy Gill (Coach),Killian McCaul, Paddy Merrigan, Daniel Leonard, Shane Lynch, Ronan Merrigan (JC), Niall Dignam, Max Kiernan, Aidan McCaul Eoghan Coffey, Fionn Fitzgerald

U13 D Squad 

Jonathan Howes (Coach), Noah Glynn Daniel Leonard, Rian Judge,Charlie O’Reilly, Eoin Mac Manus , Tommy Butler, Blake Keogh, Ollie Dickenson, Oisín Franey, Seán Byrne, Arlo de Hóra 

Robert Merrigan (Manager), Jayden Hubbard, Seán Roche, Dara Colohan (C), Oisín Dunne, Harry Murphy, Barry Mernagh (Manager)

The U15 Journey: From Setbacks to Champions

No storyline captured the heart and grit of Rathnew more than the U15 A team. Two years ago, many of these same players didn’t even finish their U11 season, conceding four walkovers. Last season, they lost the U13 A Shield final by a point. And all year, chatter  was around the county centred on a “super Blesso team.”

But when challenge after challenge was thrown in front of them, Rathnew rose—every single time.

They beat Blessington three out of the four times they met this season. They worked harder than any team in the county, training on Brittas Bay on cold Sunday mornings alongside senior teams. “I don’t think anyone in Wicklow deserved a championship more,” Barry said. “These lads stood tall, kept their heads down and worked unbelievably hard.”

Their championship run capped off a season defined by growth, maturity, and unity.

Player of the Year David McCormick 

Most improved Feilim Drew Redmond 

Under 15 ‘A’ Féile and ‘A’ Championship Winners 2025

Robert Merrigan (Manager), Willie Smullen (Coach), Shane Doyle, Drew Mernagh, Lennon

Baker, Dylan O’Neill, Jake O’Connor, Simon Lynch, Roary Groves, Alex McKenna, Alfie Wallace (VC),

Alex Mernagh (VC), David McCormack, Ryan Dunne, Seán Byrne, John Nolan (Coach)

Barry Mernagh (Manager), Rian Ward, Jake Duffy, Jude Lawlor, Natan Sapilewski, Jayden

McGovern, Failim Drew Redmond, Ollie Quinn (C), Freddie Kavanagh, Ryan Armstrong, Robbie Doyle,Harry Kavanagh, Tiernan Nolan, Harry Messitt, Ed McGovern (Coach)

A Féile Adventure to Remember

If the championship was the crowning glory, the Féile was the spark that lit the fire.

The group’s trip to Derry created memories to last a lifetime—on and off the pitch. Players bonded, learned how to live like a team, and embraced the pressure of representing their club outside the county. They reached the national final, pushed every step of the way by Blessington and others.

And no reflection on the Féile would be complete without mentioning young Seán  Byrne , the team’s heartbeat off the field. “Every team needs a character,” Barry said. "Seán was just brilliant up in Derry.”

The journey north, the bus home, the shared experience—it galvanised the group. Barry is adamant: “If we hadn’t won the Féile, we wouldn’t have won the championship.”

Balancing 60 Players, Multiple Sports, and Endless Training

With around 60 players across age groups, balancing commitments was a full-time job. Some lads play rugby, others soccer, and many both. Barry and Rooster were on the pitch “seven nights a week,” running separate nights for different sports clashes and bringing everyone together on Sunday evenings.

But despite the chaos, something extraordinary happened: Rathnew won three championships without relying on cross-age players. Every team stood on its own feet—rare in modern underage football.

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Rathnew’s underage future is bright. The U13s moving up are “a class little team,” capable of anchoring the club for years. The current U15s will transition to minor under a familiar management team, easing the jump to older football.

Barry’s long-term aim hasn’t changed: developing players who will one day stand on the banks of Aughrim as senior footballers. “That’s what it’s all about,” he says. “Seeing the lads you coached playing senior football—that’s the dream.”

If this season is anything to go by, Rathnew are well on their way.

WDFL Ballywaltrim vs Coolboy Rangers

 

Ballywaltrim A 4

Coolboy 5

Eoin Horkan 

Ballywaltrim Community Centre

Friday night football in Bray served up a nine-goal spectacle, with the visitors ultimately holding their nerve after surviving a fierce Ballywaltrim fightback.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides feeling their way into the contest, but the away outfit very nearly struck first. A sharp break down the right looked certain to produce the opener until a superbly timed recovery tackle from a Ballywaltrim defender snuffed out the danger.

That scare seemed to jolt the hosts into life. Over the next five minutes Ballywaltrim began to dictate possession, and Andrew Conway registered the game’s first meaningful effort, drilling a low strike just wide. Moments later, they should have broken the deadlock when Anthony O’Toole rose highest in the box, only to see his powerful header brilliantly tipped away. Conway remained at the heart of the action, seeing a looping volley drift agonisingly over before another effort from a tight angle was well saved.

But football is ruthless, and completely against the run of play the visitors struck on twenty five  minutes. A rare foray forward earned them a corner, and when Corey Wallace curled it in, the ball evaded everyone and nestled straight into the far corner to give his side a shock lead.

The north Wicklow men managed the game well from that point to the break, slowing the tempo and frustrating the opposition  However, the second half had barely settled before Ballywaltrim drew level. O’Toole embarked on a brilliant solo run, skipping past two defenders before squaring for Conway, who made no mistake and finally got his reward.

Wave after wave of pressure followed, with Conway again denied by a fine save. And on the stroke of half-time, Ballywaltrim came inches from edging in front, only for Daniel McCann’s crisp strike to rattle the post, leaving the sides level in a breathless contest.

After the interval, the visitors struck first once more, and in some style. Corey Wallace stood over a free kick from well beyond shooting distance, and with seemingly no danger on the horizon he unleashed an absolute thunderbolt. The ball crashed off the bar, spun high into the air and dropped into the opposite corner to restore Coolboy’s advantage.

Ballywaltrim almost hit back immediately when Conway burst through on goal, but his low drive skidded narrowly wide — a sign that luck simply wasn’t on his side on the night.

Coolboy, buoyed by Wallace’s brace, carried a constant threat on the counter, and soon it was Evan Kavanagh’s turn to take centre stage. The winger surged down the flank before drilling a composed finish inside the far post. Moments later he doubled his tally, cushioning a loose ball at the edge of the area and steering it neatly into the side netting. The purple patch continued when substitute Mo Karai reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, poking home to hand the visitors what appeared to be an unassailable lead.

But Ballywaltrim weren’t finished yet. O’Toole powered a header home from a free kick five minutes later to spark renewed hope, and the final quarter-hour became a siege on the Coolboy goal. With twelve minutes remaining, O’Toole struck again, volleying in from a deep cross to set up a grandstand finish.

The drama escalated further when a Coolboy clearance ricocheted off Conor Kelly and into the net, dragging the margin back to a single goal with seven minutes still to play.

However, despite the late pressure, the south-east men dug in resolutely, surviving the onslaught to take all three points back down the M11.

Ballywaltrim A:Ben Fox, Shane O’Hagan,Daniel McCann,Ben Connolly, Daniel Kelly,Jamie Doyle, Zakaria Mazzoui,Sean Clark-Doyle,Andrew Carney, Anthony O’Toole -Harris,Jake Kane.

Subs Used:Adam Kelly for Zakaria Mazzoui,Zach Walsh for Jamie Doyle, Conor Kelly for Jake Kane, Michael Doyle for Sean Clark Doyle, Dunan Bradley for Shane O’Hagan.

Coolboy Rangers: Mat Canavan, Cathal Ryan Mulligan, Jamie Purcell (c), Rory Tallon, Jack House, Evan Kavanagh, Luke Wallace,Ryan O’Neill, Macdara O’Neill,Corey Wallace

Subs Used: Mo Karai for Ryan O’Neill

Referee:Mark Wynne

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/coolboy-rangers-hold-off-brave-ballywaltrim-fightback-in-nine-goal-thriller/a1651892030.html

LGFA Minor Semi Final

AGB 4-15

Tinahealy 0-5

Ballymoney

Eoin Horkan

AGB made full use of home advantage on Sunday morning as they cruised to a convincing victory in the county semi-final.

Facing both the sun and a stiff breeze, the hosts settled quickly and stamped their authority on the contest. They struck four early points inside the opening ten minutes, with Lilly Sommers, Eireann  O’Reilly, Katie Nuzum and Laoise Mellon all finding the target and keeping the umpires busy.

Having already missed two goal chances, Aine McKerr made no mistake shortly after the ten-minute mark, breaking through the defence to smash the ball into the net. Less than a minute later, Aoibhe Cullen followed suit with another well-taken goal, before Mellon added a point to cap off a dominant first quarter.

Firmly in control, AGB continued to press on. Further scores from Mellon and Cullen pushed their advantage to thirteen points as the half entered its final stages.

The visitors finally enjoyed a spell of pressure, breaching AGB’s strong defensive setup with two points from Lilly Stapleton—one from a free and another an outstanding dead-ball effort from a difficult angle. But a final point from McKerr ensured the home side went into the interval with a comfortable and deserved lead.

When play resumed, the influential Stapleton—who had been the visitors’ main threat—added two more points to her tally, sandwiched around a well-taken effort from Sommers at the opposite end. Approaching the ten-minute mark of the half, Mellon showed sharp control before driving a superb shot to the net from a tight angle.

With the third quarter drawing to a close, AGB continued to assert their dominance as Niamh Kavanagh coolly slotted home another goal, ensuring that every one of the starting forwards had found the scoresheet.

As the game ticked into the closing stages, Cullen struck for a quick-fire brace, with McKerr matching her teammate moments later. Both sides emptied their benches in the final minutes, and one of AGB’s substitutes, Sophie Hurley, made an immediate impact by sending over a fine point.  This was cancelled out by a final Stapleton strike . It was then the turn of centre-back Kate Priest rounded off the scoring with a composed effort, sealing her side’s well-earned passage to the final.

AGB:Eve Fitzpatrick;Rebecca Cleary,Sadhbh Ward,Catherine Bourke;Aimee Fox,Katie Priest(0-1), Farinn Wolohan;Ava Wolohan,Lilly Sommers(0-2);Katie Nuzum(0-1),Niamh Kavanagh(1-0),Eireann O’Reilly(0-1);Laoise Mellon(1-3),Aine McKerr(1-3 1f)),Aoibhe Cullen(1-3)

Subs Used; Sophie Hurley(0-1) for Lilly Sommers,Katie Conway for Laoise Mellon,Nessa Clancy for Katie Nuzum.

Tinahely;Bea Clancy;Ella Nolan,Sophie Reilly,Sheila Murphy;Grace Sheehy,Áine McDonald,Saoirse Tyrell;Ava Stapleton,Nia Winterborn;Lilly Stapleton (0-5 4fs),Laura Gregan,Fia Doyle;Aoibheann Connolly,Sophie O’Loughlin,Rosie Fox.

Subs Used:Tiffany O’Toole for Rosie Fox.

Referee:Ian Culbert

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/excellent-agb-fire-four-past-tinahely-as-they-advance-to-minor-a-lgfa-final/a1615558664.html

WDFL Rathnew vs Wicklow Rovers

 Rathnew AFC 4

Wicklow Rovers 1

Eoin Horkan 

Shamrock Park

An Adam Byrne brace proved the decisive factor in a lively and at times fiery local derby on Friday night, as the Village men saw off a spirited Rovers outfit in front of a sizeable crowd.

It was the visitors who settled quickest. Barely a few minutes had passed when Cian Nolan tore down the right flank, skipping past his marker before whipping a dangerous ball across the face of goal. To the frustration of the travelling supporters, it flashed beyond everyone arriving at the back post. Moments later, Rovers threatened again from a corner, Antonio Gamez found himself with the goal at his mercy, only to see his powerful effort beaten away by the in-form Sam Healy, who would go on to have a standout evening between the Rathnew posts.

As the quarter-hour approached, Rovers were firmly in the ascendancy. Their pace out wide was stretching the home backline, and another opening soon followed. This time, Alex Sinnott found himself with a clear sight of goal after a neat passage of play. But once more, Healy stood tall, parrying the effort and ensuring Rathnew remained on level terms despite the early pressure.

Against the run of play, the deadlock was broken—and in some style. With just under twenty minutes gone, the home side seized their moment. A high looping ball dropped kindly to Gary Byrne on the edge of the area. Showing sublime technique, he cushioned the ball before unleashing a sensational volley that flew beyond the Rovers keeper. It was a strike worthy of turning any derby, and it lifted the Village faithful to full voice.

Rovers, to their credit, refused to wilt. Almost immediately they carved out another opening, with JT Moorhouse getting on the end of a flowing move, only to find Healy once again equal to the task. The Rathnew keeper seemed determined that nothing soft would pass him on the night.

Approaching the half-hour mark, Sinnott broke free again after a loose ball fell kindly to him. But with the goal beckoning, he snatched at the chance, and Healy—alert as ever—swept in to gather comfortably. It was becoming a personal duel: Sinnott probing away, Healy answering everything thrown at him.

Rathnew were offering reminders of their threat at the other end, particularly from distance. Bill Moorehouse unleashed a thunderous strike from well outside the box that had the crowd gasping as it skimmed just past the upright. It served as a warning that the home side, though second best for spells, were lethal when given space.

Tempers flared five minutes before the interval when Nolan drew a foul that sparked the first major flashpoint of the match. Amid the protests and sideline agitation, Rathnew’s Dando Franey was dismissed from the technical area, adding an extra layer of tension to an already heated derby.

But it was the hosts who landed the next crucial blow. On the brink of half-time, Adam Byrne took advantage of hesitant defending, cushioning the ball beautifully before slotting into the corner from just inside the box. His composure doubled Rathnew’s lead and left Rovers facing an uphill task after a half in which they had created the better chances.

The second half opened in far scrappier fashion. Tackles were flying in, cards were shown with increasing regularity, and both sides struggled to find any rhythm. Just after the hour mark, Wicklow were awarded a free in a promising position. Sinnott stepped up once more, and though his strike took a deflection on its way through, the ever-assured home keeper reacted sharply, tipping it over.

Minutes later, Rathnew effectively sealed the contest. Breaking swiftly from midfield, Bill Moorehouse surged forward before slipping an inch-perfect pass to Byrne. The forward made no mistake, coolly slotting home to claim his second of the night and put Rathnew into a commanding three-goal lead.

Yet this derby still had life left in it. Sinnott—who had been Rovers’ most persistent threat—finally got the better of Healy with eighteen minutes remaining, bursting through the centre before finishing calmly to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. It was no more than he deserved for his relentless work rate.

Rovers pushed forward in search of a dramatic late turnaround, but the home side finished the stronger. Byrne, chasing what would have been a memorable hat-trick, found himself through on goal again in the closing stages. Rather than shoot, he unselfishly squared the ball across to substitute Ross Quinn, who tapped into an empty net to remove any lingering doubt and ensure all three points would be staying firmly in Shamrock Park.

When the final whistle sounded, it was the home supporters who roared in triumph. Rathnew had weathered sustained pressure, relied on moments of brilliance—and leaned heavily on the heroics of Sam Healy—before pulling away with clinical finishing. For Rovers, it was a night of frustration, one where dominance in patches yielded far less than their endeavour may have warranted.

In the end, though, the scoreboard told its story: a derby decided by big moments, a standout performance in goal, and the ruthless touch of Adam Byrne, whose double set the Village on their way to a hard-earned and memorable victory.

Rathnew:Sam Healy,Ethan Snell,Eddie Doyle,Jonah Graham,John Lester,Jack Healy,Toby Curran,Gary Byrne,Jordan Graham,Bill Moorehouse,Adam Byrne.

Subs Used:Scott Devlin for Jack Healy,Ross Quinn  for Bill Moorehouse,Eoin Doyle for Jordan Graham,Kristin Kearney for Eddie Doyle.

Wicklow Rovers:Darragh Hosey,Antonio Gamez,Mick Delaney, Ricky Quinn, Ben Algeri,Jamie Hayden,Tom Smullen,Brian Doyle,Cian Nolan,JT Moorehouse,Lorcan Sinnot.

Chris Muies for Brian Doyle, Alex Sinnott for Antonino Gamez,Thomas Kennedy for Jamie Hayden, NJ Sinnott for JT Moorehouse.

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