Monday
Wicklow 6
Sligo/ Leitrim 3
Four goals from Rathnew’s Drew Mernagh meant all three points were going to Wicklow in this nine goal thriller.
From the opening whistle Wicklow played with high intensity managing to create three early chances but through a mix of good defending and goalkeeping they were kept out. The pressure eventually paid off eight minutes in when Drew Mernagh broke away from the defence to fire home. Wicklow were well on top and with ten minutes left in the half the game sparked into life as Mernagh doubled his tally. The tie was leveled four minutes later as Sligo/ Leitrim used the wind to their advantage, firing in two quick goals. Just as it looked like the sides would go in at the break level , Mernagh had other ideas as he netted a penalty before slotting home a fourth on the half time whistle.
Once the tie resumed Wicklow started to empty their bench as it was going to be a long week of games. With seven minutes gone Freddie Kavanagh put the tie to bed. The opposition fired in a late consolation goal before Tyler McElvaney finished off the contest finishing from a tight angle.
Tuesday
Wicklow 0
Donegal 5
Ten man Wicklow couldn't hold out Donegal as they ran out five goal winners on Tuesday morning .
After changing the team up completely from Monday, the subs did make an impact early on in this tie as defensively they stood strong until the deadlock was finally broken seven minutes from the break. Within two minutes the game swung completely in Donegal favour when Wicklow were reduced to ten men when Rian Gledhill was given his marching orders. With four minutes left in the half the lead was doubled.
After the break Donegal’s extra body proved crucial in the morning heat as they fired in three more goals inside seven minutes.
The southeast side did mount a comeback and carved out a couple of half chances in the second half but couldn't manage to narrow the gap before full time.
Wicklow 2
Carlow 4
Carlow came out on top in this six goal thriller on Tuesday evening.
The first shot in anger from Wicklow came from Drew Mernagh inside five minutes but his effort was expertly saved before the rebound was cleared by the opposition. In nearly ther next attack the neighbours managed to rattle the back of the net when F Doyle effort flew in. This didn't stop Wicklow as they battled back creating a number of efforts but none troubled the net. In the final minutes of the half and against the run of play Carlow broke away and doubled there through P Cranny.
The opening minutes of the second half became a titanic struggle as both sides found it difficult to break though . With fifteen to go it looked like the game was over when Carlow netted their third as Cantwell found the back of the net. The garden county had other ideas as centre back Will Carey unleashed an effort from long range.They pushed forward and were then caught out on the counter with a fourth. The final goal of this derby came from McElvaney again who finished neatly into the corner.
Wednesday
Shield Quarter Final
Wicklow 1
Longford 4
Longford secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Wicklow, with three first-half goals setting the tone for the match. Despite the scoreline, Wicklow produced an impressive second-half display that wasn’t fully reflected on the scoreboard.
The first half belonged to Longford, who struck three times to establish a commanding lead. Their sharp finishing and clinical chances gave them a strong advantage going into the break. Wicklow struggled to contain Longford’s attacking threat early on, conceding goals that proved costly.
However, Wicklow responded with great spirit after halftime. They created several strong chances, including a well-taken goal that gave hope of a comeback from Sean Levins . A number of other chances were created including two efforts of the woodwork and a penalty save which was taken by Mernagh.The opposition also had a penalty saved by Ben Morrissey and impressively cleared another penalty off the line by Fion Kelly Farrell showing great resilience and determination.
Despite their improved play in the second half, Wicklow couldn’t find the additional goals needed to close the gap. The final score didn’t quite capture the intensity and pressure Wicklow applied after the break. With this strong second-half performance, Wicklow will look to build on their positives moving forward.
Thursday
Wicklow 5
Limerick County 2
Wicklow delivered a commanding performance to secure a 5-2 victory over Limerick County, with Drew Mernagh stealing the spotlight by netting an impressive hat-trick.
From the outset, Wicklow looked sharp, pressing high and moving the ball with intent. Fionn Jayawardene opened the scoring early, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from a free kick. Limerick County responded with a goal of their own, but Wicklow continued to dictate the pace.
Just before the halftime whistle Wicklow extended their lead, with a Stephen O’ Flahert effort. In the final two minutes of the half up stepped Tyler McEvaney who was dangerous on the wing to assist two Drew Mernagh goals inside two minutes.
Wicklow’s backline remained composed throughout, ensuring their side maintained control even as Limerick pushed forward. The hat trick was completed by Mernagh early in the second half. The balance between attack and defence proved decisive, and Wicklow’s cohesive team effort earned them a well-deserved win. Mernagh’s standout display capped off a memorable day for the home side. A late consolation goal narrowed the gap to three which did not reflect the dominance Wicklow showed.
Friday Place Match 26th/27th
Wicklow 2
South Belfast 6
In a game that did not reflect the result Wicklow found it difficult on Friday morning .
In a thrilling encounter, South Belfast secured a 6-2 victory over Wicklow, but it was far from straightforward for the Northern side.
The first half saw South Belfast dominate, building a comfortable lead with clinical finishing and quick attacking play. However, Wicklow showed great resilience after the break, scoring two goals early in the second half from Sean Levins and Tyler McEvaney to narrow the deficit to just one, igniting hope among their supporters.
Despite Wicklow’s spirited fightback and improved performance in the second half, South Belfast responded strongly with three late goals to firmly seal the win. These late strikes ensured the visitors kept control and prevented Wicklow from mounting a full comeback.
Wicklow’s goals were a testament to their determination and fighting spirit, highlighting their ability to challenge even when trailing. Although the final scoreline favored South Belfast, Wicklow’s second-half display was a positive takeaway.
This left them finishing 27th overall in the Kennedy cup.
On a historic note Rathnew’s Drew Mernagh finished top scorer in the competition .
We get the thoughts of the young striker after he received his award scoring 7 goals in the tournament.
Mernagh explains “ that he is honoured to receive this award , he kept pushing as hard as he could to see where it got him.”
He added “ I couldn't have done this without my teammates there, the ones that get the ball to me to put me in this position.”
At the end of the tournament we hear from the head of Wicklow soccer Peter Porter. He pisces the boys in the majority of matches and explains how in the games they won they had a great work ethic. “ In the matches they played the boys showed some great grit and determination even when they were behind in games.”
On Wednesday he explained how one player was injured and couldn't play in the tournament but did play his own part in the torment “ On Tuesday night Cian Ward got to participate in the draw which was a great moment for him.”
Finally he adds that having such a great team around Drew Mernagh helped him become the tournament's top scorer. “ Having Drew as top scorer was a great achievement but no goals would happen without the support of his teammates.
Wicklow Squad:Ethan Duffy Ashford Rovers AFC,Drew Doyle Rathnew AFC,Robbie Doyle Rathnew AFC,Will Carey Wicklow Rovers,Ciaran Kenny Shillelagh Utd AFC,
Jude Lawlor Rathnew AFC Cian Ward Aughrim Rangers,
Drew Mernagh Rathnew AFC,Fionn Kelly Farrell Arklow United Sean Byrne Aughrim Rangers,Evan Gregan Coolboy Rangers,Simon Lynch Wicklow Rovers AFC
Milo O’ Toole Aughrim Rangers,Stephen O’Flaherty Arklow Town, Fionn Jayawardene Rathnew AFC,Sean Levins Rathnew AFC,Rian Gledhill Ashford Rovers AFC,
Tyler McElvaney Rathnew AFC, Freddie Kavanagh Rathnew AFC, Ben Morrissey Wicklow Rovers AFC
Manager: Brian Kavanagh
Coach: Rosie Doyle: Sarah Duffy, Alan Kelly
First Aid Cathal Condren.
Head of Delegation:Peter Porter
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