Arklow U18 Girls vs Kilkenny

Left to right.

Br

Clea Kinsella, Ruby Tracey, Aoibe Merrigan, Sinead McCarthy, Freya Molloy, Julia Byrne, Holly Healy, Ellie McCann, Laragh O Callaghan-Royo, Alex Murphy, Idabella Hill.

Fr.

Ruby Healy, Sophia Hunt- Byrne, Pearl Tyner, Freya Brennan (co captain), Sophia White (co captain), Emma Gannon, Jade Carroll, Zoe Hunt-Byrne, Lia Hulin, Olivia Burke

ARKLOW U18 GIRLS CROWNED LEINSTER PREMIER CHAMPIONS*

Arklow 20

Mullingar 19

Kilkenny RFC

Eoin Horkan 

On a beautiful day in Kilkenny RFC on Sunday 26th April the two top teams in Leinster met for the fourth time this season. Arklow owed Mullingar some revenge after losing a hard fought game in the cup semi final only last week, and the south east girls got their revenge.

Arklow made all the early running, with the forwards pushing hard, and Ruby Healy almost getting over the line, but rather than being held up she pushed the ball back for it to be spread out to the backs and Ruby Tracey scored in the corner. Despite Arklows strong start, Mullingar moved into a 12 - 5 lead. 

They had to work hard for that lead, with Freya Molloy, Sophia Byrne and co captain Freya Brennan putting in monstrous tackles throughout. Freya Molloy's carrying eventually paid off with a try of her own to leave it 12-10 to Mullingar at half time.

The second half was a cagey affair with Mullingar eventually working their way over the try line with a good move off a scrum. But Arklow weren't done yet, and co-captain Sophia White, fresh from her exploits with Ireland in the six  nations, took a quick tap penalty and burst over the line to leave it 19-15 with time left. 

This was an attritional game on hard ground, with both teams needing to tend to players throughout, so only referee Simon Porter really knew how long was left, but that didn't worry the Arklow girls, and a good kick in play saw Emma Gannon, covering on the wing, chase down the kick and grubber the ball twice before touching down in the corner. 

 There was a point in it  with only minutes to play, and Mullingar weren't finished. Arklow played keep ball to run down the clock, with the forwards doing some hard short carrying, ably assisted by Pearl Tyner and her fellow backs, but the ball was turned over and Arklow found themselves defending their line with a minute to go. Mullingar threw everything at Arklow, but it was to be Arklows day, with huge tackles from Pearl Tyner and Sinead McCarthy stopping them in their tracks and Arklow eventually turning the ball over with Isabella Hill diving on a loose ball and winning the penalty. But the referee still had time on his watch, and Mullingar came out on top at the resulting kick, before the ball was turned over again deep in Arklows twenty two , for an Arklow scrum. This time referee Porter spoke those magic words, final play, and Sophia White booted the ball dead to the final whistle and a one point win.

 The scenes of celebration were a pleasure to see as this Arklow team had fallen short in the South East Cup final and the Leinster Cup Semi Final, and a win on the biggest stage is nothing more than they deserved.

St Anthony's vs Wicklow Rovers WC

 St Anthony’s 5

Wicklow Rovers 1 

Eoin Horkan 

Finn Park

A clinical last twenty minutes proved crucial as the home side made  through to the next round of the Wicklow Cup On Sunday afternoon.

In a frenetic start to this cup game both sides could have taken the lead inside the first ten minutes. It was the visitors that created the first chance when Evan Conyard’s effort deflected over the bar.After this early scare  the Kilcoole side through Jamie Murray had a strike on goal saved. Moments later Cian Davis broke away down the wing, his effort narrowly missed the far post.

Both sides were creating chances at will as Conyard unleashed a volley that was well  kept out. Just before the twenty minute mark Robbie Means' effort from the edge of the box flew over the crossbar.

With the heat the ref was about to call a water break but  Davis had different ideas as Blake Ryan’s slide rule ball fell to him and he learned from his previous effort as he drove the ball into the far corner to give his side the lead.

After the first break in play the next fifteen minutes belonged to Rovers as they controlled the game led by Nathan Sullivan and Tomas Kennedy in the middle of the park. Captain Alex Sinnott had a glorious chance from a corner but it was expertly blocked.

The next two chances for the away side Lorcan Sinnott who was causing trouble out wide but unfortunately for Wicklow he couldn't get the breakthrough.The final chance of this purple patch fell to striker Robbie Means whose header from point blank range went over the bar.

Just as it looked like the half would finish with the scoreline. The home side broke away, a Jamie Murray cross found David Lacey who tapped into the net.

On the half time whistle Rovers got the goal their play deserved when a one-two between Means and Sullivan found the midfielder whose controlled lobbed finish found the far corner.

An early free kick in the second half from Chris Muies was well kept out by Jesus Rodrigo in the opponents goal. The next twenty minutes of this cup tie saw both sides making a number of changes. The Anto’s subs started to gain a foothold early on with Louis Thomas curbing  the influence of Sinnott on the wing. With a quarter of the half gone Sinnott went down injured and had to be replaced by player/manager Trevor Conyard who at time controlled the ball Pirlo esque in the middle of the park.

The home side's bench did make more of an impact as they had more players to bring on. 

In the final twenty minutes they managed to take complete control of this tie.

This time Davis turned provider as his pinpoint cross found the chest of David Lacey to extend his side's advantage.

As the opponents pushed forward looking to get back into the game it was Anto’s who were more clinical on the break. Their fourth goal was a fine team move as Kevin O’Connor’s pass found Michael Gray to put the ball into the roof of the net.

With the game over as a contest the fifth goal of the game came with seven minutes to go when Lacey found  Blake to put the ball under Neville to send his side into the next round.

St Anthony’s:Jesus Rodrigo Verdu,Emmet Kenna,Mike Counihan,Graham McCormack,Blake Ryan,Matt Kennedy,Callum Jones,Cian Davis,David Lacey,Kevin O’Connor,Jamie Murray Snr.

Subs Used:Louis Thomas for Mike Counihan,Peter Bourke for Graham McCormack,Michael Gray for Emmet Kenna, Lorcan Kenna for Blake Ryan.

Wicklow Rovers:Jack Neville,Ben Doyle,Chris Muies,David Butler,David McGann,Alex Sinnott,Nathan Sullivan,Thomas Kennedy,Evan Conyard,Lorcan Sinnott,Robbie Means.

Subs Used:Mark Whelan for Ben Doyle,Trevor Conyard for Lorcan Sinnott. 

Referee Dominique Lachaussee

WDFL Semi Finals

 Sunday’s Game 

WDSL MATCH REPORT – U12 SFAI 2025/26 INTER-LEAGUE SHIELD SEMI-FINAL
Wicklow Blue 0
Cavan Monaghan 1

Eoin Horkan 

Travers Insurance Park

Wicklow Blue saw their U12 SFAI Inter-League Shield journey come to a narrow end on Sunday afternoon, as a single first-half strike proved decisive in a tightly contested semi-final in Arklow 

Played in bright conditions on Sunday, this was a game that never lacked effort or commitment, with both sides evenly matched throughout. Chances were limited in the opening period, reflecting the cautious approach from two well-organised teams. Ultimately, the difference came down to one moment of sharpness in front of goal.

The visitors showed early intent, around twenty  minutes in when their captain Joshua Kelly tested Wicklow goalkeeper Joshua Vaccora with a powerful effort from distance, which was superbly turned over the crossbar. However, just  minutes later, the breakthrough arrived. A defensive mix-up at the back allowed Cillian Corrigan to react quickest, poking the ball over the line from close range to give Cavan- Monaghan the lead.

Wicklow responded positively before the break and came close to leveling. A well-delivered corner from Danny Cronin Kenny found Thomas Kaye at the back post, but his header drifted just wide, leaving the home side trailing at the interval.

The second half opened up with more attacking intent from both teams. Wicklow began brightly, and within minutes of the restart, Kaye surged forward from deep before setting up substitute Jacob Habott, whose first-time effort from the edge of the box narrowly missed the target. 

The visitors continued to pose a threat on the counter, with substitute Sammy McArdle creating an opening in around the forty minute mark. His cutback found Kelly, but the midfielder’s shot went wide.

Wicklow pushed hard in the closing stages in search of an equaliser. Paidi Wafer was particularly influential, producing a superb solo run just after the break,  before forcing a strong save from goalkeeper Jayden Rushe. Shortly after, Wafer delivered a cross-field ball to the back post where Asher Horan guided a header across goal, only for it to drift agonisingly wide.

Despite their efforts, Wicklow were unable to find a way through, and Cavan Monaghan held firm to book their place in the final, where they will face either Kildare or Inishowen YSL.

A spirited performance from Wicklow, but one moment ultimately proved the difference in a finely balanced contest.

WICKLOW BLUE: Joshua Vaccora,Thomas Kaye, Jamie Cleary, Cillian Quaid; Luke Hannon, Alfie Horan; Paidi Wafer, Finn Travers, Danny Cronin Kenny.

SUBS: Oliver Gettings, Asher Horan, Jacob Habott, Tom Donoughe, Joshua Vaccora.Kyle Brady

CAVAN MONAGHAN: Jayden Rushe; Finn Briody, Matthew Murtagh, Jaxon Haynes; Lucas Arnold, Joshua Kelly; Oisin Finlay, Cillian Corrigan, Mason Brady.

SUBS: Charlie Murtagh, Charlie Clerkin, Mason Cullen, Fiachra Darcy, Ryan McCahey, Ross O’Sullivan, Sammy McArdle, Lochlainn Byrne, Senan Campbell.

REFEREE: Colin Doyle.

Saturdays Match

WDSL MATCH REPORT - U15 SFAI 2025/26 INTER-LEAGUE CUP

WICKLOW 0

LIMERICK DISTRICT 3

Eoin Horkan Travers Insurance Park 

There was bitter disappointment for Wicklow as their hopes of rea

ching the U15 SFAI Inter-League Cup final were dashed by a sharp and efficient Limerick District in Arklow Saturday afternoon 

Played under clear skies, the Garden County outfit were left to rue their difficulties in dealing with set-pieces, an area that ultimately proved decisive in this semi-final clash. While Wicklow battled throughout, Limerick’s greater cutting edge in key moments saw them advance comfortably to the decider.

The visitors held a one-goal advantage at the interval, having struck late in a closely fought opening half. They wasted little time in asserting control after the restart, adding a second early in the second period before sealing the result with a third midway through the half.

The first half offered little between the sides in general play, with Wicklow struggling to settle into a rhythm and instead looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Limerick, however, always carried a threat from dead-ball situations, using their physical presence to good effect.

That pressure told in the twenty-sixth minute. A well-delivered corner from the left by Craig Sheehan caused problems at the back post, where Adam O’Shea regained possession and returned the ball into the danger zone. Wicklow failed to clear their lines, allowing Casey Ryan to finish neatly from close range.

Limerick nearly struck again in the twenty-eighth minute from a similar situation, but Robbie Doyle came to the rescue with a vital clearance off the line. Wicklow responded shortly after, with Doyle getting on the end of a Cian Ward delivery, though his effort failed to trouble the target.

The second goal, which always looked crucial, arrived for the visitors  just two minutes after the restart. Sheehan was again involved, driving forward before Oliver Galecki’s deflected effort fell kindly to O’Shea, who made no mistake from close range. Wicklow appealed for offside, but the decision went against them.

Wicklow did attempt to respond and came close when sustained pressure from a Doyle corner led to a series of blocked shots before Lee Ryan produced an excellent save to deny Cian Ward from close range.

The visitors put the game beyond doubt in the forty-eighth minute when Samuel Crowley’s corner was met by Sam Sweeney, who powered home a header at the near post.

Wicklow goalkeeper Matthew Gough produced a fine double save soon after, while substitute Ethan Duffy also impressed late on, but it was Limerick who marched on to the final, where they will face either Kilkenny or South Belfast.

WICKLOW: Matthew Gough; Fionn Jayawardene, Tommie Ryan, Milo O’Toole, Freddie Kavanagh; Robbie Doyle, Will Carey; Rian Ward, Cian Ward, Calvin Doyle; Cian Murphy.

SUBS: Oskar Dominic, Darragh Hackett, Patrick Parker, Evan Gregan, Ciaran Kenny, Seàn Byrne, Ethan Duffy.

LIMERICK DISTRICT: Lee Ryan; Casey Doran, Shay McGuire, Sam Sweeney, Aden France; Samuel Crowley, Ciaran Maher; Shane McAnulty, Oliver Galecki, Craig Sheehan; Adam O’Shea.

SUBS: Danny Graham, Andy Mullen, Shay Ahern, Dylan Keenan, Aidan O’Neill, Sam Bowen, Kacper Poprawski, George Conway.

REFEREE: Darren O’Brien. ASSISTANTS: Joe Byrne, Colm Keeley (all Wicklow ISRS).

Duff Cup Final GCNR vs GCS

 Good Counsel New Ross 19

Gorey Community School 19

Eoin Horkan 

Wexford Rugby Club 

Gorey Community School were crowned champions after a gripping and fiercely contested Wexford derby final, edging out Good Counsel New Ross in dramatic fashion. In a match played at a relentless pace from the opening whistle, it was Gorey who ultimately prevailed under the Leinster Schools rule, awarded victory on the basis of scoring the first try in what proved to be an unforgettable encounter.

The sides were inseparable for long stretches, trading blows in both territory and possession, but it was Gorey who struck the opening blow following a sustained spell of pressure deep inside the Good Counsel half. Phase after phase stretched the New Ross defence before Hugh Ryan powered over, a reward for patience and clinical execution at close range. That early breakthrough would later prove pivotal 

Good Counsel responded with intent, showing real physicality through the middle channels, but Gorey’s structure and discipline held firm. The second try of the game showcased Gorey’s attacking cohesion, coming from a well-worked set piece move orchestrated by captain Ryan Finn Owely. Quick hands and precise timing created the space for Brooklyn Fleming to finish, underlining Gorey’s ability to turn planning into points.

The contest ebbed and flowed throughout, with both sides demonstrating impressive skill and determination. However, Gorey continued to find moments of attacking inspiration, none more so than a brilliant individual effort from Samuel Gough, whose pace and footwork lit up the tie as the game built towards a thrilling conclusion in the first half.

The New Ross side emerged from the break with renewed purpose and immediately made their mark. Padraig Whelan grabbed their opening try of the half, finishing well after strong attacking play, with Daniel Bolger adding the conversion to reduce the deficit and ignite their challenge.

Momentum continued to swing in Good Counsel’s favour as they took control up front. A powerful scrum five metres out laid the platform for captain Tadhg Wyse, who picked from the base and drove over for a crucial score. Bolger once again showed his quality from the tee, landing an excellent conversion from out wide to put a try between the sides This  set up a tense finale.

With time ticking down, Good Counsel pressed relentlessly, testing the Gorey defence with wave after wave of attack. Their persistence appeared to pay off in the dying moments when Daniel Bolger crossed the line following intense pressure. The resulting conversion caused chaos as the ball fell off the tee which led to a penalty to Good Counsel due to a high tackle.

From the penalty, New Ross couldn't capitalize as the north Wexford side stood strong near their line.

Despite finishing level on the scoreboard, Gorey were ultimately crowned champions, their first-half opening try proving decisive under competition rules in a final that will live long in the memory.

Good Counsel New Ross:Michael O’Connell,Ryan Quigley,Max Bolger;Daniel Leacy,Fionn MacEochaidh;Sam Dowling,Tommy Kavanagh,Tadhg Wyse ©;Oscar Bennett,Tom Hickey;Stephen Murphy,Finn O’Reilly;Xavier Wilkowski,Darragh Ross,Daneil Bolger.

Subs Used:Oisin Foley,Padraig Whelan,Paidí Phelan,Harry Power,Daniel Shannon,Peadar Browne,Aidan O’Callaghan,Oisin Clarke.

Gorey Community School;Dylan Kelly,Andrew Jones,Adam Kelly;Conor Redmond,Sean Curley;Jimmy Collier,Dylan Cowap,Charlie Kennedy;Freddie Dolphin,Harry Swaine;Ryan Finn Owely(c),Brooklyn Fleming;Zach Curran,Samuel Gough,Dan Kelly.

Subs Used:Tom Rothwell,Michael McGuiness,Hugh Ryan,Tiernan Gahan Owley,Ethan Hayes,Anthony Golasko,Jack Darcy,Dylan Tyrell.

Referee:Dave Morris.

Rathnew vs Ashford Rovers WDFL

 Rathnew 2

Ashford Rovers 2

Eoin Horkan 

Shamrock Park 

A late strike from Eoin Doyle, arriving seven minutes from time, ensured the home side completed a stirring comeback to remain firmly in the title hunt after an absorbing derby clash in Rathnew on Sunday.

The opening stages were tight and cagey, with neither side willing to overcommit in the first ten minutes. It was the visitors, however, who struck first with the game’s opening chance. A surging run from Paul Moran carved open the defence, and his delivery into the area was met by Danny Byrne, who kept his composure to slot neatly past the goalkeeper.

Moments later, the home crowd were left perplexed when a dangerous ball into the box appeared to present a clear penalty opportunity, only for the referee to award a free out to the visitors instead.

Despite that setback, the home side began to assert themselves. Toby Curran delivered a teasing cross that found Bill Moorehouse inside the area, but his volley lacked the power to trouble the goalkeeper. Momentum was beginning to swing, yet it was the visitors who struck again approaching the half-hour mark. A well-worked corner caused problems in the box, and Moran reacted quickest to steer the ball into the corner of the net and double his side’s advantage.

The remainder of the half saw both defences on top, with clear-cut chances at a premium as each side cancelled the other out. The final opportunity before the break fell to Ross Quinn, but determined defending ensured the visitors went in at the interval with a firm grip on proceedings.

Whatever words were exchanged in the Rathnew dressing room at half-time had the desired effect, as the hosts emerged with renewed purpose. They immediately pressed high up the pitch, with Moorehouse, Quinn and Jodi Merrigan leading the charge.

That early pressure soon yielded chances. Curran tried his luck from distance after picking up a loose ball, but his effort was well dealt with by goalkeeper Craig Armstrong. Moorehouse followed up shortly after with a strike from the edge of the box, only to be denied by another excellent save.

The home side thought they had reduced the deficit ten minutes into the half when a long ball found Moorehouse and he finished confidently, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

They were not to be denied for long. On the quarter-hour mark, Curran delivered once more into the danger area, and Merrigan was on hand to apply the finishing touch, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

Play was then halted for a lengthy period following a head injury to visiting centre-back Anto Byrne, with concern evident around Shamrock Park. Thankfully, Byrne was able to continue, allowing the contest to resume.

From that point on, the game belonged to the home side as they relentlessly chased an equaliser. Armstrong found himself at the centre of the action, producing a series of fine saves to keep his side in front. Jack Healy was first to be denied, while Merrigan continued to pose a constant threat, seeing a dangerous run halted by resolute defending before sending a cross come shot narrowly wide.

Substitute Evan O’Connor also came close in the closing stages, only to be thwarted once again by the inspired Armstrong, who was doing everything in his power to preserve his side’s lead.

However, the pressure eventually told. With seven minutes remaining, a Moorehouse corner caused chaos in the penalty area, and Doyle was perfectly placed to guide the ball into the net, completing a deserved comeback for the hosts.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing minutes, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough as the referee brought an end to a gripping and hard-fought local derby that kept spectators enthralled until the final whistle.

Rathnew:Sam Healy,Ethan Snell,Jonah Graham,Jason Devlin,Calum Kelly,Jack Healy,Toby Curran,Eoin Doyle,Jodi Merrigan,Bill Moorehouse,Ross Quinn.

Subs Used:Evan O’Connor for Ross Quinn, Dylan Kavanagh for Jonah Graham 

Ashford Rovers:Craig Armstrong,Jason Ashley,Christ Smit,Gary McNabb,Anto Byrne,Brian Harrington,Paul Moran,Finn Brooks,Danny Byrne,Conor Williams,Colin Ashley.

Subs Used:Liam Kavanagh for Jason Ashley,Brian O’Sullivan for Anto Byrne ,Stephen Kavanagh for Danny Byrne,Adrian Murphy for Danny Harrington. 

Referee:Dominique Lachaussee

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/doyle-strike-completes-comeback-as-rathnew-share-spoils-with-ashford-rovers/a1112126559.html

Thomas Scott Cup

 

Arklow Celtic 2

Coolboy Rangers 3  (AET)

Kane Group Build Park

Eoin Horkan 

A controlled finish in extra time from Coolboy’s Evan Kavanagh saw them come away victorious in this five goal thriller.

Within the first minute of the game the home side nearly took the lead when a Mark Doyle corner nearly found its way directly into the goal.

On the ten minute mark the pressure the home side were piling on the opponents goal nearly paid off but the cross/shot from Mikey Doyle missed the far post.

In the next phase of play and completely against the run of play Rangers broke away, Darren Jordan was taken down inside the box which resulted in a penalty. Up stepped captain Corey Wallace to send the keeper the wrong way and give his side the lead.The next fifteen minutes of the half belonged to Celtic as they went in search of the equaliser. A Craig Caufield header flew over the bar.

On the twenty minute mark the tie was levelled with a very well worked free kick. Conor Byrne stood over the ball on the edge of the box before cleverly finding Larry Byrne to head into the corner from close range.

The swirling breeze was favouring Arklow as they started to pepper the goal with efforts from Mark Doyle and Caufield. Neither of which troubled the goalie.

The last ten minutes saw Rangers press forward which resulted in a mix up in the defense that fell to Evan Kavanagh whose strike missed the post. The last chance of the half fell to Jordan who drove the ball past the goalie but Aaron Dunne cleared a certain goal.

The away side had the aid of the breeze in the second half and were starting to control the middle third. This led to a couple of free kicks. Wallace stood over them but couldn't hit the target from range. A Paddy Walker strike from range was well saved by Anthony Gahan in the Coolboy goal.

With just twenty minutes gone in the half the game had fallen into a midfield battle and neither side could muster many chances. Then the game changed when Wallace controlled a ball out wide and let fly from near the half way line. His strike wind assisted flew into the net.

The home side then went in search of the leveller in the last twenty minutes. A solid rearguard performance from Rangers looked like it was enough.With a minute left in  normal time Celtic won a free kick out wide which was whipped into the net by Mikey Doyle  sending the home crowd into rapturous as it found the back of the net.

The added time saw both sides creating chances  but couldn't hit the net as extra time came.

The toss in extra time was won by Arklow but it was Coolboy who managed to take the lead. After four minutes when Wallace played a sumptuous through ball to Kavanagh who finished into the corner.The rest of the opening half produced some great deafening to keep the advantage going in at the break

After the interval both sides were tying and chances were even more at a premium. The closest Arklow got was a corner which was well defended. The opponents created one last chance but Paddy Walker produced a well timed block on the full time whistle.

Arklow Cetic:Edwin Walker,Larry Byrne,Craig Kelly,Adam Vanderheijden,Aaron Dunne,Craig Caufield,Rokas Kneizys,Paddy Walker,Mikey Doyle, Mark Doyle,Conor Byrne.

Subs Used;Evan Vanderheijden for Conor Byrne,Ryan McGowan for Mark Doyle,Sean Dunne for Rokas Kneizys,Sean Byrne for Craig Kelly,Mark Wolohan for Adam Vanderheijden.

Coolboy Rangers:Anthony Gahan,Andrew Gettings,Larry Kinsella,Brad Walsh,Rory Tallon,Cathal Rooney,Macdara O’Neill,Ryan Mulligan,Darren Jordan,Corey Wallace,Evan Kavanagh.

Subs Used:Adam Farrell for Andrew Gettings,Wayne Roche for Evan Kavanagh.

Referee Carl Doyle

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/kavanagh-nets-winner-as-coolboy-rangers-edge-out-arklow-celtic-to-march-on-in-thomas-scott-cup/a1629108317.html

Arklow U vs St Anthony's

 

Arklow United A 0

St Anthony’s 2

Arklow Credit Union Park 

Eoin Horkan 

Two goals in the last twenty minutes saw the Kilcoole side keep their title ambitions alive in Arklow on Friday night.

Within two minutes of the opening whistle the visitors nearly took the lead when Cian Davis unleashed an effort that was well kept out by Dean Flood Hayes. From the outset St Anthony’s were controlling this tie. On the ten minute mark Dan Lacey broke away and tried to round the United goalie managed to touch the ball away to save a certain goal. After this early dominance the home side battled back and after a fine solo run from young winger James McBride that ball fell to Oisin Keegan whose volley flew over the bar. This was a slight reprieve as the opponents were managing to create a number of chances. In almost a carbon copy of the Arklow chance a cross from Michael Gray found Lacey but with the goal at his mercy he managed to put the ball over the crossbar.

The rest of the half belonged to the home side as Keegan and Matt Dempsey started to wrestle back the control of this tie. They nearly managed to take the lead from a dead ball but Niall Delahunt couldn't keep his volley under the bar. The chances were coming quicker now from United as Zack Kilbride produced a fantastic solo run  down the wing. He cut inside but his effort managed to graze the top of the bar.

The crowd were getting restless as they couldn't understand how no one had broken the deadlock.

The last couple of chances of the half stayed with the home side, a Shane Connolly free from the corner was inches from hitting the top corner.  

Thai last chances both sides would go in at the break ruing the chances they had missed.

Within minutes of the restart United should have taken the lead but Aaron Parle Kinsella’s header managed to fly over the crossbar with nobody within three yards of him. On  the  counter attack Steven Kavanagh broke away but Conor Clark stood strong in the Kilcoole side's goal.

The last twenty minutes of this tie belonged to Anto’s as they went searching for the decisive goal in this tie.They managed to get a corner which fell to Peter Bure the net rattled but the ball hit the sid netting as the Kilcoole crowd that they had taken the lead.

Minutes later Lacey broke away from the United defense as he was about to unleash a shot he was fouled by the defender who was trying to make up the ground. Up stepped Kevin O’Connor who put the ball into the corner sending Flood Hayes the wrong way.

The home side's final chance to level the tie fell  to substitute Mark Nolan whose volley was well saved by Clark. It looked like the penalty was going to be the difference until the final play of the game. St Anthony’s broke away with Dan Lacey who controlled the ball before cutting in on the end line, then chipping the ball into the top corner on the full time whistle.

Arklow United:Dean Flood Hayes,Shane Connolly,Conor Blainey,Niall Delahunt,David O’Neill,Stephen Kavanagh,Zack Kilbride,Oisin Keegan,Mark Dempsey,Aaron Parle Kinsella,James McBride.

Subs Used:Mark Nolan Aaron Parle Kinsella,Graham Watts for Stephen Kavanagh,Darren Dempsey for Mark Dempsey,Aidan Cox for James McBride 

St Anthony’s;Conor Clark,Louis Thomas,Javi Hernandez,Mikey Counihan,Peter Burke,Blake Ryan,Cian Davis,Jamie Murray,Dan Lacey,Kevin O’Connor,Michael Gray.

Subs Used: Matthew Kennedy for Javi Hernandez,Jamie Riro Ruda for Cian Davis,Danny Webb for Jamie Murray.

Referee:Dominique Lachaussee

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/st-anthonys-keep-their-wicklow-title-ambitions-alive-with-hard-fought-win-over-arklow-united/a276093579.html