Saturday, 28 February 2026

St Anthony's vs Wicklow Rovers

St Anthonys 7

Wicklow Rovers 1

Finn Park

Eoin Horkan

St Anthony’s made a blistering start to this encounter, racing into the lead with their very first attack. Cian Davis set the tone when he tried his luck from distance and his powerful effort flew all the way to the net, leaving the visiting goalkeeper with no chance.

The opening ten minutes were dominated by the home side, who used the benefit of a strong breeze to pin Rovers deep inside their own half. St Anthony’s carved out three further opportunities during that spell but were unable to capitalise, with Dan Lacey and Callum Jones both going close without adding to the advantage.

The pressure soon told again. Just after the ten-minute mark, Anto's goalkeeper launched a long delivery towards the opposition penalty area. Under pressure, Rovers centre-back Mark Whelan could only divert the ball past his own keeper and into the net, compounding his side’s difficult start.

Two minutes later, the home side struck for a third time. Davis was again at the heart of the move, sliding a precise pass into the path of Lacey, who kept his composure to slot home confidently. With momentum fully on their side, St Anthony’s were rampant and showed no sign of easing off.

Their fourth goal arrived before the 20-minute mark. Midfielder Matthew Kennedy split the defence with a well-weighted through ball that sent Lacey clear, and he made no mistake in finishing beyond the advancing Neville. At that stage, it was a commanding display from the Kilcoole outfit, who were clinical and relentless in attack.

To their credit, Rovers gradually began to steady the ship after the whirlwind opening. They came close to getting on the scoresheet when Evan Conyard unleashed a strike that looked destined for goal, only for a brave and timely block to deny him.

The visitors did eventually find a breakthrough. From a Lorcan Sinnott corner, Robbie Dolan rose highest in a crowded penalty area to power a header to the net, giving his side a much-needed lift and reducing the deficit.

However, St Anthony’s responded before the interval to restore their dominance. With ten minutes remaining in the half, Kennedy drove forward with intent and the ball eventually broke to Davis on the edge of the area. The forward showed great composure to guide a tidy finish beyond Neville, claiming his second of the afternoon and ensuring the home side went in at the break firmly in control.

The second half proved to be a far tighter and more competitive affair. Rovers made a series of positional adjustments, including moving Alex Sinnott from midfield into the centre of defence, a switch that helped shore things up at the back. The visitors were far more organised and restricted St Anthony’s to fewer clear-cut chances for long periods.

At the other end, the Sinnott cousins began to exert greater influence. Lorcan was a constant threat either down the wing or up front while substitute NJ Sinnott injected fresh energy into the attack. NJ produced an excellent surging run that earned a free-kick on the edge of the box, though the resulting effort was sent over the crossbar.

As the half progressed and legs began to tire, both managers turned to their benches in search of fresh impetus. One of those changes paid immediate dividends in spectacular fashion. Substitute Callum Davis produced what was arguably the goal of the game, expertly controlling the ball on the edge of the area before unleashing a superb volley that rocketed into the net and extended his side’s lead in style.

The scoring was completed late on when Michael Gray tried his luck with a volley that took a decisive deflection, looping up and over the stranded goalkeeper before dropping into the far corner. It was a fittingly dramatic finish to a game that had burst into life from the opening whistle.

Despite the scoreline, credit must go to Wicklow goalkeeper Neville in the closing stages. In the final ten minutes he produced a couple of outstanding saves to deny further goals and prevent the margin from becoming even more emphatic.

St Anthony’s:Jesus Veron;Emmet Kenna,Lorcan Kenna,Milley Counihan,Graham McCormack,Matthew Kennedy,Callum Jones,Blake Ryan,Dan Lacey,Kevin O’Connor,Cian Davis.

Subs Used:Louis Thomas for Lorcan Kenna,Callum Davis for Callum Jones,Javi Hernandez for Graham McCormack,Conor Clark for Blake Ryan,Michael Gray for Cian Davis

Wicklow Rovers:Jack Neville,James Fagan, Chris Muies,Mark Whelan,David Butler,Shane Devlin ,Nathan O’Sullivan,Alex Sinnott,Lorcan Sinnott,Robbie Dolan,Evan Conyard.

Subs Used:NJ Sinnott for James Fagan,Trevor Conyard for Evan Conyard

Referee:Carl Doyle

Friday, 13 February 2026

Aaron O'Brien (WP)

History was made under the lights of Croke Park as the University of Limerick claimed their first ever Sigerson Cup title – and at the heart of it all was AGB clubman Aaron O’Brien proudly flying the Wicklow flag.

For decades, UL have been knocking on the door in the blue riband of third-level Gaelic football. This time, they kicked it down. In the cavernous surroundings of GAA headquarters, the Limerick-based college delivered a composed, driven performance to finally etch their name onto the famous trophy.

Moments after the final whistle, while teammates embraced and celebrations sparked into life, O’Brien had only one thing on his mind.

“The first thing I did after the final was grab my Wicklow flag out of the gear bag and tie it around my waist,” he smiled.

As the only Wicklow man on the UL panel, it was a moment of immense personal pride. In a squad stacked with inter-county talent from across Ireland, O’Brien carried the Garden County banner alone — but never without support.

“There were probably 10 or 20 people in the stands from Wicklow,” he said. “It’s nice to have that pull and representation. I know it’s Limerick, it’s a good bit away, but it shows that we can get it done.”

Playing in Croke Park is the dream of every young footballer. While the Sigerson final did not have the roar of 83,000 behind it, the occasion was no less special.

“They compare it to being like a cauldron there on a full house day,” O’Brien reflected. “But it’s a bit eerie when it’s empty. The pitch feels even wider. Even warming up on it, you just get a sense that it is a special place. Under the lights, it’s surreal.”

For UL, this victory did not come by chance. Built on years of development, elite preparation and the recruitment of top inter-county footballers, they now sit at the summit of the college game.

O’Brien, only in his second year at the University of Limerick, has already seen the standard required.

“It’s brilliant down there. We’d give most inter-county teams a rattle, if not more. The lads I’m playing with are fantastic,” he said.

Exposure to a variety of coaching styles has sharpened his game considerably.

“You’re getting coaches from different counties — different styles of coaching and play. I’m picking up little bits from all of them. Even the lads I’m friends with are giving me small bits of info. The standards are driven so high, and I’m trying to take that back into everything I do.”

With only a handful of players departing the panel, UL’s triumph may not be a once-off. The core of the squad remains intact, and competition for places is fierce.

“It’s not a case that I’ll get onto the team straight away next year either,” O’Brien admitted. “It’s such a tough team to get into. But if we’ve won it this year with this group, hopefully we can drive it on again.”

There is optimism, too, closer to home. With Wicklow preparing to attack Division 4 and the Tailteann Cup campaign, O’Brien believes brighter days lie ahead.

“Hopefully it’s all going to start falling into place. Stay hard working. There’s something promising coming.”

On a historic night for UL, as medals were lifted and history written, a Wicklow flag fluttered proudly around the waist of one young man. For AGB and for Wicklow football, that image may prove just as significant as the result itself.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/aaron-obrien-flies-wicklow-flag-after-uls-historic-sigerson-cup-win/a1522563553.html

Thursday, 12 February 2026

Aaron O'Brien (AGB)

Aaron O’Brien made history as part of the UL squad that captured the university’s first-ever Sigerson Cup title. Speaking after the final, Aaron said it still hasn’t fully sunk in, with the team “on cloud nine” and the celebrations continuing. Aaron also became the first from his club to win a Sigerson medal, describing the achievement as “an honour” and a proud moment for all involved, hoping it will be the first of many to follow.

Sean Morohan Reaction UL

UL crowned first-time Sigerson champions

Feb 12, 2026 | 7:52 am

UL are waking up this morning as Sigerson Cup champions for the first time in their history.

Mayo intercounty footballer Cian McHale scored 5 points, as they beat 24-time champions UCC by 0-17 to 1-11 in Croke Park last night.

https://www.midwestradio.ie/sports/ul-crowned-first-time-sigerson-champions/

Sigerson Cup UL vs UCC (MN)

University of Limerick 0-17

University College Cork 1-11

Eoin Horkan

Croke Park

It was a landmark evening for the University of Limerick as they claimed the Sigerson Cup for the first time in their history, bringing the famous trophy back to Shannonside after a thrilling decider at Croke Park.

UL made the ideal start under the lights at GAA HQ, settling quickly and moving into an early two-point lead. Ciarán Collins opened their account before Castlebar Mitchels’ Sean Morohan found his range to edge the Limerick side in front. However, their opponents responded in kind, with Kerry duo Cormac Dillon and Ruairí Murphy splitting the posts to draw matters level within minutes.

Undeterred, UL regained the initiative before the ten minute mark. Captain Brian McNamara led by example, surging forward from deep to restore his side’s advantage. Collins added another well-taken point, and tournament top scorer Cian McHale registered his first of the evening to extend the gap.

From there, UL began to exert real control. Cathal Ryan clipped over a fine effort, while Frank Irwin also got off the mark as the side from the Treaty city started to dominate possession and territory. The opposition struggled to cope with UL’s intensity, though Ciarán Santry eventually halted the momentum when he opened his tally to keep his side in touch.

The closing stages of the first half were played at a frantic pace. UL carved out promising goal opportunities through Irwin and McHale, but both efforts were snuffed out by determined defending. At the other end, a Michael McSweeny point was quickly cancelled out before Conall Dawson nudged UL ahead once more.

It appeared UL would carry a narrow lead into the interval, but there was late drama. A converted free from Conor Daly reduced the deficit before Santry struck for an opportunistic goal, pouncing at the perfect moment to rattle the net. In the blink of an eye, the sides were level at the break, setting up a gripping second half.

UL resumed with purpose. McHale, so often their go-to man, slotted over two early frees, while a sublime effort from Tom Cunningham kept the scoreboard ticking for the Leesiders Six minutes into the half, UL were a point to the good. Yet the contest continued to ebb and flow, with Daly once again demonstrating his accuracy to bring his side back on level terms.

Chances of major significance followed at both ends. Daly saw a goal-bound effort well saved, while Irwin broke through at the opposite end only to see his shot kept out at a comfortable height by the goalkeeper. The margins were fine, and neither side was willing to yield.

The sharpshooters continued to trade blows. McHale and Daly, the competition’s leading marksmen, swapped points in a captivating duel. The Moy Davitts man showcased his cultured left foot, adding two more superb scores to his tally as the tension inside Croke Park intensified.

With legs tiring in the final quarter, both management teams turned to their benches in search of fresh impetus. Kerry senior Cathal Brosnan edged his side in front, leaving just a goal between the teams as the clock ticked down.

UL, however, found another gear. Substitute Dáithí Hogan made an immediate impact, lively and direct in attack, doubling his personal tally after entering the fray. Ryan chipped in with another important point to steady UL’s challenge. Though the opposition responded with a forty-five from their goalkeeper and late scores from Dillon and substitute Olan Corcoran, UL held their nerve in the closing stages.

When the final whistle sounded, it sparked scenes of unbridled joy among the UL players and supporters. History had been made. The Sigerson Cup was heading to Limerick for the first time ever.

It was also a proud night from a Mayo perspective. No fewer than 11 Mayo players were included in the UL panel, with nine featuring on the panel Wednesdya night. Eoin McGreal and Cathal Keaveney were ruled out through injury, but their contributions throughout the campaign were equally valued.

UL;Tristan O’Callaghan;Tommy Walsh,Thomas Ross,Ben Dempsey;Paddy O’Driscoll,Sean Morohan(0-1),Charlie King;Brian McNamara(0-1),Ciaran Collins(0-2):Conall Dawson(0-1),Jack McCabe,Cathal Ryan(0-2);Cathal Brosnan(0-2),Cian McHale(0-5 2fs),Frank Irwin(0-1)

Subs Used:Thomas O'Donnell for Frank Irwin, DaithÍ Hogan(0-2) for Jack McCabe. Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Brosnan, Jack Melvin for Ben Dempsey, Cillian Cambell for Ciaran Collins

UCC:Austin Murphy(0-1 45);Dan Peet;Jacob O’Driscoll,Darragh O’Connor ;Liam Evans ,Colin Molloy,Chris Keneally;Michael McSweeney(0-1),Tom Cunningham(0-1);Ruairí Murphy(0-1),Emmet Daly,James Horgan;Cormac Dillon(0-2 1f),Conor Daly(0-3 2f),Ciaran Santry(1-1).

Subs Used:Donnacha Desmond for James Horgan. Thomas O’Mahony for Chris Keneally, Olan Corcoran(0-1) for Emmet Daly, David Buckley for Conor Daly, Gary Holland Micheal McSweeney

Referee:Brendan Cawley

https://www.mayonews.ie/news/gaa/2013862/match-report-joy-unconfined-as-ul-capture-sigerson-cup.html

Sigerson UL vs UCC (CT)

University of Limerick 1-11

University College Cork 0-17

Eoin Horkan

Croke Park

It was a historic night for UL as they brought the Sigerson cup back down to Shannonside for the first time in their history

It was a perfect start to this final in GAA HQ for UL as they raced into an early two point lead as Ciaran Collins and Castlebar’s Sean Morohan found their range early on. The tie was level minutes later as the Kerry duo of Cormac Dillon and Ruairí Murphy slotted over.

The Limerick based school managed to pull away before the tenth minute with captain Brian McNamara driving through to grab the lead again. This was added two by Collins and then top scorer Cian McHale got his opening score of the night.

This is where UL started to dominate with more scores from the boot of Cathal Ryan before Ballina’s Frank Irwin got in on the act. The opposition finally managed to stem the tie as Ciaran Santry opened his account for the day.

The last ten minutes of the half produced goal chances for Irwin and Mchale but both were well defended by UCC. A Cathal Brosnan was canceled out down the far end this was before Conall Dawson split the post. This looked like the end of the scoring but Cork had other ideas as a Daly free followed by an opportunistic goal from Santry had the tie level at the break.

Two early UL frees from that man McHale in between a sublime

Tom Cunningham's score had them up by one six minutes into the half. It was the tale of the sharpshooters as Daly had the opposition level within a minute.

Both sides squandered goal chances in the opening few minutes as Emmet Daly’s effort was well kept out before Irwin broke through and his strike was saved at a comfortable height.

The tournament's top scorer’s McHale and Daly traded scores with the Moy Davitt’s man adding two more to his tally with that cultured left foot.

The final quarter saw both sides empty their benches as legs were beginning to show in the Croke park night. Another effort from Kerry senior Brosanan had a goal between the sides. Then UL substitute Daithí Hogan who was very lively when he came off the bench doubled his account alongside another Ryan effort. The opposition did manage a forty-five through the goal keeper before a final effort from Dillon and substitute Olan Corcoran.

UL brought home the Sigerson cup for the first time in their history with eleven Mayo players in the squad nine on the night as Eoin McGreal and Cathal Keavney were both omitted due to injuries.

Subs Used:Thomas O'Donnell for Frank Irwin, DaithÍ Hogan(0-2) for Jack McCabe. Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Brosnan, Jack Melvin for Ben Dempsey, Cillian Cambell for Ciaran Collins

Subs Used:Donnacha Desmond for James Horgan. Thomas O’Mahony for Chris Keneally, Olan Corcoran(0-1) for Emmet Daly, David Buckley for Conor Daly, Gary Holland Micheal McSweeney

Referee:Brendan Cawley

Trench Cup MIC vs TC (CT)

Mary Immaculate College 2-21

Trinity College 3-19

Eoin Horkan

DCU Sports Ground

It was heartbreak for the ten Mayo players involved with Mary Immaculate College on Wednesday evening as Trinity College Dublin edged a dramatic encounter by the narrowest of margins after extra time.

Trinity made the ideal start. Ryan O’Dwyer settled early nerves when he converted a two-point free inside the opening two minutes. However, Mary I responded swiftly and were ahead before the tenth minute. Ciaran McCarthy split the posts twice, sandwiching a score from Daire Culligan, as the Limerick side began to find their rhythm.

Midway through the half Trinity hit a purple patch. A point from Padraig Boyle was followed by the game’s first goal when Tom McCarroll finished clinically to the net. O’Dwyer added another two-pointer to stretch their advantage. Mary I needed a response and it arrived through Dunmore’s Colm Costello, who flicked to the net to keep his side in touch.

That goal provided only brief respite. Con Smith and Ciaran Lennon added further scores to leave four between the sides with ten minutes remaining in the half. Trinity continued to press their advantage, with Darragh Dempsey and Lennon (two) keeping the scoreboard ticking over. A major blow followed close to the interval when wing-back Boyle struck for a goal, quickly supplemented by a Jack Burke point, to send Trinity in leading by ten at the break.

Facing a significant deficit, Mary I required something special in the second period — and they very nearly produced it. Mayo senior Bob Tuohy was introduced from the bench as they sought to inject fresh impetus. An early two-pointer from Costello was backed up by another McCarthy effort as Mary I began to chip away at the lead. Trinity steadied themselves through Lennon and O’Dwyer, but the momentum was beginning to shift.

Even with a quarter of the half gone and nine points separating the sides, Mary I refused to yield. Costello reduced the gap before Breaffy’s Aidan Cunningham produced a remarkable exhibition of long-range shooting. Cunningham arrowed over a succession of two-pointers to ignite the crowd in St Clare’s and breathe real belief into the Limerick college’s challenge.

Just when it seemed Mary I had seized control, Trinity answered through Dempsey and O’Dwyer to maintain their cushion. As normal time ticked towards its conclusion, Costello struck another two-pointer, sending the Treaty city supports into raptures and the game into extra time

The additional period began in difficult circumstances for Mary I, who were reduced to 14 players. Trinity capitalised, with Roscommon’s Lennon opening the scoring. Yet Mary I continued to battle bravely and Claremorris man Adam Beirne brought the sides level following a goalmouth with a fine controlled effort after he was sprung from the bench

With the numerical advantage, Trinity pressed forward. Ciaran Flanagan edged them ahead before captain Luke Casserly of Sligo struck a superb goal to give the Dubliners the initiative at the interval in extra time.

Back to a full complement for the second period, Mary I mounted one final push. Costello, enjoying a superb individual display, rifled home his second goal to level this enthralling final again/ However, that proved to be Mary I’s final score. A late point from Dempsey ultimately sealed a one-point victory for Trinity after a contest that had swung dramatically throughout.

While defeat was bitter, there were plenty of positives for the Mary I panel — particularly from a Mayo perspective. With ten Mayo players involved and only one set to depart ahead of next year’s Trench Cup campaign, the foundations remain strong. On this evidence, the future looks promising for this talented group despite the narrowest of losses.

There will be two trench cup medals heading to Mayo with Ballina’s David Feeney and Westport's Ciaran Murphy part of the extended panel for the Dublin College.

Mary Immaculate College;Shane O’Connell; Gavyn McManamon, Beirne Coen, David Slattery; Shane Cunningham,Daithí Kilcommins Fionnan O’Reilly; Conor Mulroy, Evan Cahill, Aidan Cunningham(0-6 3 2pt), Darren Keane, Sean Conneely; Ciaran McCarthy (0-3), D Culligan(0- 4 2pt 1m), Colm Costello (2-6 2 2pt)

Subs: Bob Tuohy (0-1) for D Keane, Adam Beirne (0-1) for S Conneely,Pearse Deane for A Cunningham, Jude Lavin for F O’Reilly, Ronan Heffernan for D Kilcommins

Trinity College;Sean O’Mullane;Luke Casserly,Tom Hughes,Michael McGrath;Padraig Boyle(1-1),Conor Leonard,Conal Cunningham;Ciaran Flanagan(0-1),Tom McCarroll(1-0);James Burke(0-1),Ryan O’Dywer(0-6 1 2pf),Rory McErlean;Darragh Dempsey(0-4),Con Smith(0-1),Ciaran Lennon(0-5 3fs).

Subs: Tynam Neville for R McErlean,Emmet Rogers for C Smith,Liam Fenton for T Neville,James McBreen for J Burke

Referee Conor Durneen

Trench Cup MiC vs TC (MN

Mary Immaculate College 2-21

Trinity College 3-19

Eoin Horkan

DCU Sports Ground

It wasn't to be for the ten Mayo boys in the Mary I squad on Wednesday evening as the Dublin college ran out victors by the narrowest of margins in extra time.

The home county side got off to the perfect start as Ryan O'Dwyer kicked over a two point free inside two minutes. The Limerick side had managed to take the lead before the tenth minute mark as Ciaran McCarthy fired over twice in between an effort from Daire Culligan.

In the next ten minutes the Dublin based college hit a purple patch with a minor from Padriag Boyle before his teammate Tom McCarroll raised his sides first green flag of the day. This was followed up with another orange flag from O’Dwyer along. The tide turned again briefly when Dunmore’s Colm Costello flicked an effort into the net. This was a slight reprieve as two more white flags came from Con Smith and Ciaran Lennon putting four between the sides with ten left before the break.

The onslaught on the Mary I goal continued up until the break as Darragh Dempsey and a double from Lennon had there side well in control.With three left on the clock a goal from wing back Boyle added to by Jack Burke had the College ten up at the break.

The second half produced a comeback for the ages as Mayo senior Bob Tuohy was introduced off the Limericks sides bench An early orange flag from Costello was added to by that man McCarthy .A Lennon strike from the angle calmed the Dublin sides nerves alongside another O’Dwyer strike .

With a quarter of the half gone it looked like all hope was lost for Mary I as they were still nine points down. This was until a Costello effort had the gap down to eight before an exhibition of long range shooting resulted in a flurry of orange flags in a row all from the boot of Breaffy’s Aidan Cunnigham which sent the crowd in St Claire’s into raptures.

Just as it looked like Mary I had the momentum it was halted as Dempsey and O’Dwyer kept the scores ticking over the far side. The final minutes of normal time began to Costello as he fired over another two pointer before Lennon raised what looked like it was going to be the insurance score. The Dunmore man had other ideas as he slicked over yet another effort from range to send the game to extra time.

The extra time proved tough for the Mary I men as they started the half with fourteen players. It was Roscommon man Lennon who opened the scoring for the Dublin side. From the rustling play Claremorris man Adam Beirne had this pulsating final level.

With the man advantage Trinity pushed forward and a minor from Ciaran Flanagan before a splendid goal from captain and Sligo man Luke Casserly before the half time whistle

With the numbers level in the second period Costello who was on fire rattled the back of the net for a second. This goal unfortunately was the last score of the game for the Treaty men as a final insurance score from the boot of Dempsey ensured a one point victory for Trinity.

With ten Mayo lads in the Mary I panel and only losing one of these for next year's Trench cup campaign the future bodes well for these aspiring young men.

Two Trench Cup medals are set to make their way to Mayo, as Ballina’s David Feeney and Westport’s Ciaran Murphy were both members of the Dublin College extended panel.

Subs: Bob Tuohy (0-1) for D Keane, Adam Beirne (0-1) for S Conneely,Pearse Deane for A Cunningham, Jude Lavin for F O’Reilly, Ronan Heffernan for D Kilcommins .

Subs: Tynam Neville for R McErlean,Emmet Rogers for C Smith,Liam Fenton for T Neville,James McBreen for J Burke

Referee Conor Durneen

Frank Irwin Reaction UL

There was his history created this evening in Croke Park as UL claimed their first ever Sigerson Cup title after they defeated UCC. The Limerick based students claimed victory on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-11. On the winning side, there were 12 Mayo players involved as Sean Morahan (Castlebar Mitchels), Conal Dawson (Westport), Frank Irwin (Ballina Stephenites) and Cian McHale (Moy Davitts) all started while Hugh O'Loughlin (Kilmaine) and Jack Melvin (Davitts) featured as substitutes.

Dylan O'Brien (Davitts), Colm McHale (Moy Davitts), Cathal Corless (Davitts), Diarmuid Coggins (Crossmolina), Cathal Keaveney (Parke) and Eoin McGreal (Garrymore) were also part of the victorious squad.

You can watch Ballina's Frank Irwin who caught up with Eoin Horkan after the match.

https://www.mayonews.ie/video/gaa/2013209/it-s-great-to-do-it-with-all-the-mayo-lads-says-frank-irwin-as-ul-claim-sigerson-cup.html

Joe Collins Piece

From Kilcoole to the Liberty: Joe Collins’ Leap of Faith

When Joe Collins speaks about his first days at Swansea City, there is no hint of overwhelm in his voice – just quiet determination and the kind of grounded perspective that has defined his journey from Kilcoole to the Championship.

Just days after signing for the Welsh club, the 18-year-old goalkeeper is already immersed in full-time academy life, far removed from the pitches of St Anthony’s where it all began. Yet, despite the distance, Wicklow remains at the heart of his story.

“I started around five years old with St Anthony’s in Kilcoole,” Collins recalls. “That’s where I really fell in love with football – and goalkeeping. Playing with your local mates, the lads you were in school with… that’s where the enjoyment came from.”

That enjoyment quickly turned into opportunity. By the age of eight, Collins had moved into the Dublin scene with Cabinteely, a shift prompted as much by circumstance as ambition. His older brother was already at the club, and when a goalkeeping spot opened up, Collins’ name was on the list.

“It was tough leaving St Anthony’s at that age,” he admits. “I didn’t really know if it was the right choice, but I knew the standard would be higher. My mom and dad were brilliant – they were happy to bring me up every day, and that made it possible.”

From Cabinteely, a short stint at St Joseph’s Boys followed before Collins linked up with Bray Wanderers at under-13 level. For a young Wicklow keeper, pulling on the Bray jersey carried a particular significance.

“Bray is the local League of Ireland club, so it was always a bit of a dream to play for them,” he says. “We trained in Enniskerry , so it was handy for my parents, and it was nice to be able to say, ‘I play for Bray.’”

Under goalkeeper coach Ronan McCarthy Collins’ development accelerated. Between under-13 and under-15 level, he says Bray was where he “really pushed on and started to get serious.”

Like many young players fast-tracked through elite pathways, Collins missed out on some traditional schoolboy milestones such as the Kennedy Cup. Instead, his formative experiences came in the League of Ireland environment and, briefly, with DDSL representative sides, including a Leinster win and an All-Ireland final appearance.

At 16, Collins made another significant move – this time to Bohemians. Several clubs were interested, but Bohs’ development plan stood out.

“I went straight into the under-19s, even though I was only 16,” he explains. “You’re playing against older, stronger lads, so you learn quickly about physicality and mental strength.”

One game still stands out above all others: a Leinster Senior Cup clash with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

“We had a lot of our under-19s playing against their senior team, and we won 4–3. The place was packed – it was probably the best game I’ve played in.”

Balancing football with school was not always easy, particularly in fifth and sixth year when Bohs’ first team trained in the mornings.

“I missed a good bit of school,” he admits. “It was tough for me and my parents – especially when I was injured and they were still driving me to physio. I can’t thank them enough.”

With his Bohemians contract ending, Collins set his sights on England. Trials followed at a Championship club and a Category One Premier League academy, but Swansea ultimately felt right.

“It wasn’t just about the club – it was the people, the plan they had for me, and how welcoming everyone was. I really enjoyed my week there more than anywhere else.”

Now based in digs for his first few weeks, Collins is training full-time with Swansea’s under-21s and hopes to push toward first-team involvement in time.

“The difference is huge,” he says. “Even the under-18s and under-21s are basically full-time. There’s so much structure, planning, and detail that goes into every week.”

Despite being the only Irish player currently at the club, Collins is settling in well – and his ambitions remain firmly Irish as well as Welsh.

“I want to break into Swansea’s first team, but I also want to play for Ireland at senior level. Those are the main goals.”

Collins has already represented Ireland at under-15, 16, 17, and 18 level, picking up at least seven caps in one under-17 campaign alone. Missing out on the under-19s has only sharpened his focus on making the under-21s next.

For now, though, Wicklow can take pride in another local lad making his mark across the water – one who still remembers where it all began.

QUICK FIRE WITH JOE COLLINS

Best player you’ve played with?
Mason Melia. “We played together at Joey’s and Bray, and in a lot of national squads. I’ve known him since we were kids in Kilcoole.”

Best player you’ve played against (internationally)?
Rodrigo Moura (Portugal). “He really stood out when we played them in the Euros.”

Best player you’ve played against in Ireland?
Oike Arazi. “I’ve played against him from a young age – really a top player.”

Best manager you’ve had?
Trevor Crowley. “So much experience, really good for me.”

Best piece of advice from a manager?
“Nothing specific comes to mind straight away – I’d need time to think about that one!”

Advice for young goalkeepers?
“Enjoy it when you’re young. When you get older, make sure it’s really what you want – then give yourself no excuses and do the right things.”

Hopes for the next few years?
“To break into Swansea’s first team and play for Ireland’s senior team.”

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/wicklow-goalkeeper-joe-collins-settling-into-new-opportunity-at-swansea-city-afc/a1078331038.html