Mayo and Moy Davitts footballer Cian McHale kicked 1-8 in University of Limerick's extra time victory over Queen’s University in the Sigerson Cup semi final.
UL were down by five points at the start of injury time, before a quick two pointer from Westport's Conal Dawson and a goal from Kerryman Cathal Brosnan forced extra-time.
Eventual full score: UL won 3-23 to Queen's University's 2-21 after extra time.
Watch Cian McHale speak after the match with Eoin Horkan.
University of Limerick 3-23
Queen's University 2-21
Abbotstown
Eoin Horkan
It was the Limerick side that managed to come out victorious in this enthralling Sigerson semi final led by Cian McHale one goal and eight points.
In what was a tight opening ten minutes played in tough conditions on the 4g in Abbostown it was Limerick who took early control with minors from Mchale and Frank Irwin which were canceled out by Ronan Cassidy down the far end.
The lead was extended by Cathal Ryan before Queens grabbed an early foothold with four scores on the trot from Cassidy, Joey Clarke,Ryan McQuillan and Conall Higgins. The last ten minutes belonged to UL as they broke away, Cian McHale's controlled effort flew into the back of the net before McQuillan slotted over for the opposition. The last five minutes belonged to the Moy Davitts man as he added a free, an effort from play and a two pointer on the half time whistle giving his side a four point lead at the interval.
The start of the second half was controlled by the Belfast side. They were led by wing forwards Luke Diamond and Conal Higgins along with Conor O’Neill and Cassidy.This had them up by the minimum twelve minutes into the half.Playing with the wind Irwin made full advantage splitting the posts with a two point free giving his side the lead. This began a period of dominance for his side as Tommy Walsh came up from croner back to finish into the net before McHale and Conal Dawson had the side six points up on the half way mark of the second period.
A fine effort from Donal Scullion stopped the Limerick sides onslaught and began the comeback before a double from Higgins alongside strikes in the the rain of the boot of Noah Grimes,Cassidy and Scullion doubling his tally.
With twelve minutes left on the clock Queens raised their first green flag when McQuillan finished into the net. This was added to by a long range strike through O’Neill raising an orange flag.
The Munster side were five points down with six to go pushed forward but it wasn't until the final two minutes they managed to trouble the scoreboard. With the goal blocked by the defence Westport's Conal Dawson stepped up to slice over a two pointer to leave a goal between the sides. Just as it looked like the game was over Cathal Brosnan had other ideas as he unleashed an outrageous effort which flew into the top corner sending the semi final into extra time.
Whatever was said to UL worked as McHale fired over before captain Brian McNamara drove forward to double the lead before Irwin and another McHale double had the gap out to five on the half time whistle.
This looked like it had put them out of reach but within two minutes of the restart a Cassidy two pointer and a second goal from McQuillan had the tie level again.The subs from UL made the impact that manager Damian Power wanted. They helped them pull away in the final six minutes as Ryan gave them the lead again before Castlebar’s Sean Morohan flew forward from centre back to double the lead. The subs then made the impact with scores from Michael Freaney,Ciaran Collins and David Buckley ensured their place in Croke Park for Wednesday evening.
UL:Tristan O’Callghan;Tommy Walsh(1-0),Thomas Ross,Ben Dempsey(0-1);Paddy O’Driscoll,Sean Morohan(0-1),Charlie King,Brian McNamara(0-1).Cathal Keavney;Conal Dawson(0-3),Jack McCabe,Cathal Ryan(0-2);Cathal Brosnan(1-0),Cian McHale(1-8),Frank Irwin(0-4).
Subs Used:Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Keavney,Daithí Hogan for Jack McCabe,Cillian Campbell for Ben Dempsey,,Jack Melvin for Paddy O’Driscoll,David Bucley for Cathal Brosnan(0-1),Ciaran Collins (0-1), for Frank Irwin,Michael Freaney(0-1) for Charlie King,Evan Looney for Hugh O’Loughlin
Queens:Aaron Lee;Joy Clarke (0-1),Mathew Ennis,Patrick McGurk;Ruairí Forbes,Conor O’Neill,Donal Scullion;Cathal Hynds,Anton Tohill;Conal Higgins(0-4),Ronan Cassidy (0-5),Luke Diamond(0-2),Noah Grimes (0-1),Michael Burnett,Ryan McQuillan (2-3).
Subs Used: Ruairí Callaghan for Michael Ennis,Luke McManus for Donal Scullion,Niall Duffy for Conall Higgins,
Referee: Conor Dourneen(Cavan)
Arklow Town 2
Avonmore 1
Travers Insurance Park
Eoin Horkan
A spectacular long-range screamer from Mark Fitzgerald proved the decisive moment as the home side edged a fiercely contested encounter in Arklow on Saturday evening, keeping all three points in the town after a rollercoaster affair that ebbed and flowed from first whistle to last.
On a crisp evening with a lively crowd lining the pitch, it was the visitors from Rathdrum who made the more purposeful start, immediately signalling their intent to play on the front foot. Avonmore pressed high, moved the ball with tempo, and looked dangerous whenever they attacked down the flanks.
Central to their early dominance was Mark Cullen, who gave the Arklow defence a torrid opening period. Inside the first ten minutes, he very nearly opened the scoring with a clever lob that looked destined for the top corner, only for home keeper Chris Earls to produce a vital intervention, scrambling back to block the effort at full stretch. It was an early reminder that this was not going to be a comfortable evening for the Town side.
Moments later, Cullen was again at the heart of the action when his goal-bound strike from close range appeared certain to break the deadlock. However, Brandon Donnelly showed excellent awareness and composure to clear the ball off the line, sparing his side’s blushes and keeping the game scoreless.
Despite being under the cosh, Arklow gradually began to find their footing and showed flashes of their own attacking threat. A quick break saw Joe Ledwith link up well in midfield before driving forward and unleashing a powerful strike that flashed narrowly wide of the post. It was a warning sign that the home side still possessed plenty of quality going forward.
Avonmore, however, refused to relinquish their grip on the game. Their slick passing and movement continued to stretch the Arklow backline, and they went close again when Cormac McGraynor let fly from a wide angle. His shot dipped late and had Earls scrambling once more, but it drifted just past the far post.
Their persistence was eventually rewarded just before the 25-minute mark. A dangerous delivery from Callum Pursey caused chaos in the Arklow box, and in the ensuing scramble the ball broke kindly to John Murphy, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range. The visitors’ pressure had finally paid off, and their lead was no more than they deserved.
Rather than deflate the home side, the goal seemed to galvanise them. Arklow began to assert themselves more in midfield, winning second balls and pushing higher up the pitch. With eight minutes remaining in the first half, they found their route back into the game.
A beautifully weighted through ball from Ledwith split the Avonmore defence, releasing Jack Kavanagh clean through on goal. Showing composure beyond his years, Kavanagh calmly rounded the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net to level the tie and send the home supporters into raptures.
The final chance of a frenetic first half fell again to Ledwith, who met a looping cross with a well-timed header. Unfortunately for Arklow, it lacked the power to trouble the keeper, who gathered comfortably, and the sides went in at the break deadlocked.
The second half began in dramatic fashion. Within seven minutes of the restart, the complexion of the game changed in stunning fashion. From an Arklow corner that was only partially cleared, the ball fell invitingly to Mark Fitzgerald some thirty yards from goal. Without hesitation, he unleashed a ferocious strike that arrowed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a goal of the highest quality and one that will be talked about in Arklow for some time.
To their credit, Avonmore did not fold. They continued to create openings, with Cody Reid proving a constant menace down the wing. His pace and direct running caused problems, though his best effort of the half ultimately flew wide of the target.
Cullen, who had been so influential in the first half, also had another golden opportunity to equalise, but despite getting himself into a promising position, he was unable to find the back of the net, much to the relief of the home defence.
As the clock ticked down, Arklow grew more assured in possession and began to take control of proceedings. The final ten minutes belonged largely to the home side, though they were not without drama.
In a bizarre and unforgettable moment, Jack Kavanagh found himself clean through once again after a clever through ball. He rounded the goalkeeper with ease, but in a rush of excitement and perhaps overconfidence, he blazed his effort over the bar. Frustrated with himself, he impulsively removed his shirt in disgust – a decision that earned him a yellow card from the referee.
Despite that flash of madness, Arklow showed maturity beyond their years in the closing stages. They kept the ball well, managed the game intelligently, and denied Avonmore any late opportunities to snatch a point.
When the final whistle blew, there was a palpable sense of relief and satisfaction among the home players and supporters alike. In a game where they had been second best for long spells, it was ultimately Mark Fitzgerald’s moment of brilliance that proved the difference.
Arklow Town:Chris Earls;Ben Long,Mark Fitzgerald,Brandon Donnelly,Davie Kiely;Joe Elliot,Danny Byrne,Kevin O’Regan,Sam Bulter;Joe Ledwith,Jack Kavanagh.
Subs Used:Jake Byrne for Joe Ledwith,Darragh Walker for Dave Kiely,Ben Currie for Jack Kavanagh,Joe Reid for Kevin O’Regan,Luke Gray for Danny Byrne.
Avonmore:Jordan Chandler;Ryan Delamere,Cody Reid,Alife Breslin,Bren Gahan,Cian O’Hanrahan,Callum Pursey,John Murphy,Cormac McGraynor,Alex Olohan,Mark Cullen.
Subs Used:Matty Boland for Alex Olohan,Caleb Fox for Cody Reid,Christian Kalrigke for Bren Gahan
Referee Mark Wynne.
Jan 29, 2026 | 2:28 pm
University of Galway are through to the semi-finals of the Sigerson Cup following their quarter-final win against UCD last night.
The score was University of Galway 0-15 UCD 0-14.
Speaking after the match, Galway manager Maurice Sheridan gave his reaction to the result…
Castlebar’s John MacMonagle described the mood when they were down at half time…
https://www.midwestradio.ie/sports/sheridan-reacts-to-ug-sigerson-win/
Aghamore GAA footballer Tom O'Flaherty was speaking to The Mayo News after he helped University of Galway beat last year's Sigerson Cup finalists UCD.
In Belfield, there was late drama as the Maurice Sheridan managed University of Galway secured an impressive win as they shocked a hugely talented UCD team.
Final score: UCD 0-14 University of Galway 0-15.
Leinster PPS 2025-2026 South Leinster Junior Football D1 Section 1K/O Quarter-Final
Pres Bray 7-13
Dunamase College 6-6
Bray Emmetts GAA
Eoin Horkan
In what was an enthralling quarter final on Friday morning it was the north Wicklow side who eventually came out on top in this thirteen goal thriller.
It was a dream start for Pres in Bray as they ran into a very early lead with goals from Joshua Delaney and Conor Cooney, along with two white flags from Cooney. The early lead was canceled out by quick fire points from Nathan Lenehan before a goal from Cillian McLernon. Leaving a goal between the sides after ten minutes.
Playing with the wing Bray made it count with a fine score from wing back Patrick Coneely before Cooney and Harry Tighe slotted over along with another goal this time from opposite wing back Cameron Dalton just on the quarter hour mark.
A Lenehan minor along with a second goal from McLernon has the Laois side firmly back in the tie. These were canceled out by Delaney and Tighe quickly down the far end. A third green flag this time from Jack Flanagan had the Midlands side back in the tie. This was until Cooney managed to fire into the net down the far end after his side had been kept out on three occasions by the Dunamase goalie Harry McGree.
The second half began with Cooney finishing his hat trick before tagging another point. Not to be outdone, McLernon completed his down the far end as both attacks were flourishing. A trio of points came for the home side as Cillian Kerans,Tighe and then Oscar Nolan managed to fire over against the breeze inside the opening quarter of the half.
Pres started to empty the bench and an injury from the opposition meant it was going to thirteen a side. It was substitute Louis Johnston who rattled the net . The Laois side kept the pressure on with a free from McLernon before Lenehan finished a fine move into the back of the net before Sean Mulhall squeezed an effort over from a narrow angle.
The final ten minutes saw Kearns and Delaney adding to their tally along with another goal from McClernon.
The final score of the game came from substitute Cian McDonald to ensure a semi final berth for the Wicklow side.
Pres Bray:Aaron Mears;Alex Conefrey,Rory Byrne,John Walshe;Patrick Coneely(0-1),Oscar Nolan(0-1),Cameron Dalton(1-0);Harry Tighe(0-3);Joshua Delaney(2-1),Conor Cooney(3-4 2fs),Killian Kearns(0-2);Senan Kelly,Cian Phelan,Joe Gavin.
Subs Used:Jack Campbell for Alex Conefrey,Louis Johnston(1-0) for Senan Kelly,Cian McDonald(0-1) for Oscar Nolan,Matthew Doyle for Patrick Coneely, Noah Denver for Killian Kearns.
Dunamase College:Harry McGree;Ryan Judge, Aaron Twomey,Dean Morrissey;Fiachra Guinan,Aidan Fingleton(0-1),Billy McArdle.Sean Mulhall(0-1);Jamie Mulhall;Killian McLernon(4-1),Jack Flanagan(1-0),Alex Murphy,Nathan Lenehan(1-3),Tom Bailey
Referee:Eddie Leonard
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
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
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
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.
