Wicklow Camogie Bray vs Knockananna

 

Bray Emmets 1-5

 

Knockananna 4-11

 

Eoin Horkan

 

A first half hat trick from Shauna Goetelen was the big difference between the sides on Saturday evening in Pearse Park.

 

Playing with the aid of a breeze and the lowering sun in Arklow, the reigning champions flew out of the blocks with corner forward Shauna Goetelen raising a white and green inside the opening eight minutes after an opening  score from Ciara Slattery for Bray. This early goal was only the beginning as Goetelen had a hat trick inside the opening eighteen minutes. Further scores from Sarah and Ciara Byrne along with another effort from play from the sharpshooter had the lead out to twelve inside twenty minutes. The opposition managed to wrestle back momentum for a couple of minutes when Aoife Nic Dhonnacha narrowed the gap before a few minutes of great defending kept the scoreline down. The final five minutes resulted in a final goal of the half from S Byrne before Aobha Harmon and Sinead Byrne slotted over minors for their side.

 

What a great start for the Emmets after the break as they worked the ball well before  Emma Nesbitt finished into the net. This was a slight reprieve before Goetelen  Harmon and a double from C Byrne had extended the gap inside  ten minutes. The rest of this tie belonged to Bray as Goetelen and her teammates managed to add one more to their tally. This was responded to with three points from Nic Dhonnacha from play and a free as they managed to hold the champions to a point in the final quarter with their defense standing strong as Kelly Gilbert and her teammates showed they some great resilience in the last few minutes.

 

Bray Emmets:Siofra Ní Mhidigh;Jane Butler,Laura Doyle,Katie Butler;Rosa Lacey,Saoirse Canavan,Kelly Butler;Emma Doyle,Hannah Scullion;Amy Butler,Niamh McCormack,Ciara Slattery(0-1);Emma Nesbitt(1-0),Aoife Nic Dhonnacha(0-4 3fs),Caoimhe Lohan

Subs Used:Sarah Lambe for Amy Butler,Shauna Ryan for Niamh McCormack,Mairead Leacy for Jane Butler. Emma Roche for Ciara Slattery, Eleanor Carroll for Emma Nesbitt.

 

Knockananna;Tara McDonald;Alice Mulhall,Ciara Stokes,Eimer Mutton;Aine McDonald,Emer O’Sullivan,Eimer Breslin,Roisin Byrne,Jessie Byrne;Sarah Byrne(1-1),Jackie Kinch,Aobha Harmon(0-2);Sinead Byrne(0-1),Ciara Byrne(0-3 2f),Shauna Goetelen(3-4).

Subs Used:Emily Hatton for Eimer Breslin, Emily Mulhall for Alice Mulhall, Aine Byrne for Ciara Byrne

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/shannagh-goetelen-hat-trick-for-knockananna-puts-paid-to-brays-season/a1147468085.html

Wicklow Camogie Carnew vs Kiltegan

 

Carnew 1-6

 

Kiltegan 2-8

 

Pearse Park

 

A last-minute goal from Amber House ensured victory for Kiltegan in what turned out to be an enthralling semifinal in Arklow on Saturday afternoon.

 

The opening half  of this  semifinal belonged to the O’Toole twins from Kiltegan. It was Aishling that opened the score for her side from play before Aoife Molloy leveled the game within two minutes. With the aid of a strong breeze O’Toole slotted a second before Sophie Bermingham fired over an outrageous free from the halfway line. Just before the twenty-minute mark it was that wing forward O’Toole who added a third to her tally. This was cancelled out by a free down the clubhouse by Muireann Darcy. The final two minors of the half came from twin sister Eimear as she was set up by Aishling before she slotted free to give her side a four-point lead at the break.

 

Within minutes of the restart the Emmets nearly had the gap to the minimum, but the dangerous Aoife Molloy had her effort whistle past the post. The gap was extended with another Eimear place ball before her long range free found its way into the net.

The momentum was well and truly with the side from the west, but two Darcy frees for Carnew in between another dead ball had the gap narrowed and began a comeback midway through the half.

The final ten minutes  belonged to Carnew as a point from Karen O’Brien had the gap down to six with eight minutes left. Playing a number of long balls into Kiltegan’s  square paid off as Ella Doran managed to get the ball over the line before Emma Kinnear managed to raise a white flag. With two points in the game and the clock nearly up a long ball went into the square which was finished into the net by Amber House to send her side through to the final.

 

 

Carnew:Caitlin Hughes;Helen Hughes,Alanna Dagge,Marie Deegan;Kila Kenny,Tara Doran,Emma Kinnear(0-1);Mary Collins,Karen O’Brien;Laoise Doran,Siofra Kenny(0-1),Muireann Darcy(0-3f);Ella Doran(1-0),Aoife Molloy(0-1),Maebh Molloy.

Subs Used; Erin Callaghan for Maebh Molloy,Leanne Twamley for Laoise Doran,Lauren Myers for Kila Kenny.

 

Kiltegan;Rebecca Donegan;Shefali Daly Danne,Sarah Jane Winders,Emma Byrne;Jackie Byrne,Sophie Bermingham(0-1f),Fiona Hobson;Alibhe McGurie,Eimear O’Toole(1-4 2f);Faye Corrigan,Rosie Keogh,Aishling O’Toole(0-3 2fs),Tara O’Brien,Ciara Boland,Amber House(1-0).

Subs Used: Leah Spillane for Rosie Keogh,Tanisha Daly Danne for Ciara Boland,Miriam O’Keefe for Shefali Daly Danne,Sophie Kavanagh for Tara O’Brien.

 

Referee Frank Hegarty.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/kiltegan-come-through-thrilling-carnew-tussle-to-reach-camogie-final/a1398270192.html

WDSL Arklow vs Rathnew

 

Rathnew 1 T Curran (49)

 

Arklow United 2 M Nolan (43) A Cox (86)

A goal in the final five minutes  from substitute Aidan Cox saw the Arklow side come away with all three points in the opening game of the season.

 It was the home side who against the run of play  created the opening chance of the game when Toby Curran’s solo run was well defended in the opposition box. The momentum and control of the opening fifteen minutes belonged to the Arklow side as a cross from Zach Kilbride was just too far ahead of his striker to take the lead. The momentum in this game was wrestled back by the home team with Curran and Gary Byrne controlling the middle of the park. The chances were becoming more prominent for the home side as Jack Healy and Ross Quinn both had attempts but neither seemed to trouble the net. As the half grew on, both sides had half volley efforts that flew over the bar, before Quinn’s goal bound effort was well blocked by the United defense.

Just on the stroke of half time and against the run of play a ball broke in the Rathnew box and an ill-fated attempt to gather the ball from the goalie led to a penalty., which was converted by Mark Nolan to give his side the lead at the break.

 

Within minutes of the resumption the tie was level as Quinn mis controlled the ball in the box which landed at the feet of Curran who coolly slotted into the net. It looked like the village had taken the lead as Jordan Graham hit the top of the net, but it was called offside.  The chances that United were creating all seemed to be coming from the pace of Kilbride down the wing as he broke away but pulled his effort wide. As the half went  on both sides were starting to show the start of the season fitness as chances became fewer as legs began to get tired. With subs being introduced it was the south Wicklow side who made the most of this. In the final five minutes of the game Kilbride broke away again before feeding Matthew Dempsey, whose effort was well saved but Aidan Cox’s header from the rebound looped over the defenders on the line to win the game for his side.

 

 

 

Rathnew AFC:Dylan Keogh,Ethan Snell,Kyle Devlin,Sam Healy,John Lester,Jack Healy,Toby Curran,Gary Byrne,Jordan Graham,Adam Byrne,Ross Quinn.

Subs Used:James Stafford for Jack Healy,Cian Furlong for Jordan Graham,Evan O’Connor for Adam Byrne.

 

Arklow United; Dean Flood Hayes,Stephen Kavanagh,Conor Blainey,David O’Neill,Sean Harte,Darren Dempsey,Zach Kilbride,Oisin Keegan,Mark Nolan,Cian LP,Graham Watts.

Subs Used:Aidan Cox for Oisin Keegan, Niall Delahunt for Graham Watts, Shane Connolly for Darren Dempsey,Matthew Dempsey for Mark Nolan.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/late-cox-goal-clinches-three-points-for-arklow-utd-in-wdfl-opener/a924005348.html

Reece Doyle Kickboxing

 

Reece Doyle (Arklow) Crowned WAKO Youth European Champion

From the moment he first laced up his gloves at just four years old, Reece has shown an unwavering commitment to kickboxing. Training out of Tallaght Martial Arts under the guidance of head coaches Dave Heffernan and Martin Bannon, he dedicates four days each week to travelling to Tallaght, while also sharpening his skills every Sunday with the National Ring Sport coach in Blanchardstown.

Having already competed on the Tatami across Europe in Turkey, Italy, Amsterdam, Hungary, the UK and Northern Ireland, 2025 marked a new chapter in Reece’s journey as he transitioned into the ring. The move paid off in spectacular fashion as he became National Champion, earning the honor of representing Team Ireland once again at the WAKO European Youth Championships in Jesolo, Venice, held from September 12th to 21st.

Reece’s path to glory saw him face Azerbaijan in the semi-final, where he secured victory with a second-round stoppage. In the final, he delivered a masterclass against his opponent from Montenegro, dominating all three rounds to claim a unanimous decision. That triumph crowned him WAKO Youth European Champion 2025 in the Full Contact -51kg category.

Reflecting on his achievement, Reece said the title was a reward for years of commitment and discipline. “All the hard work and dedication had paid off,” he explained. “It was worth the sacrifices I made over the summer when I chose to train instead of being out with friends.”

 

Reece’s coach in Tallaght Dave Heffernan  summed up the Wicklow man perfectly after his win in Italy  . “This title is the culmination of many years of hard work, dedication and commitment to the sport both from Reece and his parents.  He is a very respectful, mannerly young man who is eager to learn and improve, doing it all with a big smile. A definite role model for our young athletes.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/othersports/arklow-kickboxer-wins-gold-at-european-championships/a134467243.html

WDSL 1st Roundup 19-22 September

 WDSL Roundup Weekend 19-22 September

 

 This is our first piece in relation to the Wicklow district soccer league for the year.

 A quick update on the weekend's action and what is coming up next weekend as it's going to be quite a busy weekend of action with all the national cup ties.

Here is your summary.

 

Aughrim Rangers were crowned League Winners this weekend after defeating Wicklow Rovers 4 :3

Rangers crowned U15 Premier League champions after seven-goal thriller

The honor of being the first League champion in the 2025 WDSL K&K Windows season belongs to Aughrim Rangers, who sealed the U15 Premier League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

Facing Wicklow Rovers A at Andy Allen Park, Rangers were forced to dig deep in a pulsating contest that ended 4-3. Rovers threatened to spoil the celebrations early when Daniel Connolly struck from a tight angle after just four minutes.

But Rangers roared back. Igor Sul levelled with a stunning half-volley on 15 minutes before Michael Reeves headed them ahead three minutes later. Two quickfire goals early in the second half seemed to settle the tie. After O’Toole showed composure to net after rounding the keeper, before setting up Caleb Horan for a tidy finish that put Rangers 4-1 up.

Wicklow, however, refused to roll over. Daniel Clarke reduced the deficit, and Tommy Morrison struck late to make it 4-3, ensuring a tense finale.

Despite the late scare, Rangers held firm to claim silverware with a game to spare. Seven points clear, they cannot be caught, with Wicklow Rovers guaranteed runners-up following Arklow United A’s 1-1 draw with Newtown Juniors.

AUGHRIM RANGERS: Peadar Keegan; Conor Quinn, Sean Byrne, Matas Sakalys, Eoghan Byrne; Milo O’Toole, Cayden Fluskey; Caleb Horan, Cillian Maher, Michael Reeves; Daniel Dolan.  SUBS: Josh Keogh, Igor Sul, Sean Byrne, Calvin Matthews, Julio Garcia Pineda.

 

Historic First Girls League Kicks Off in Wicklow

History will be made in Wicklow this October with the launch of the county’s first-ever girls league, beginning at 2014 level.

The initiative comes after years of effort, driven by Peter Porter, who worked tirelessly with clubs to build momentum. “After trying to get girls football up and running for several years, it is finally here,” he said. “At first the interest was warm, but once football was played, more girls and clubs got involved. In 2026, we will expand to multiple younger age groups. The aim is to progress teams into our League ETP program and compete in national tournaments such as the SFAI competitions, Gaynor Cup and Galway Cup.”

The inaugural season will feature Ashford Rovers, Arklow United, Aughrim Rangers, Newcastle United, Newtown Juniors, Roundwood AFC and Wicklow Town, making an exciting new chapter for the sport in the county.

 

This coming weekend will see the first Round of the SFAI National Cup.

Best wishes to all teams.

 

Round 1 Ties to be Played Weekend 27^th / 28^th Sep, home times below.

 

U12s National Cup

St Anthonys   v                      Tullamore Town Sun 1pm Finn Park

Ashford                       v                      T&S United                             Sun 2:30pm Ballinalea Park

Portlaoise                    v                      Wicklow Town

Naas                           v                      Arklow Utd

Arklow Town  v                      Bye

 

U13s National Cup

Arklow Utd                              v                      St Joseph                               Sun 12pm Arklow Credit Union Park

St Anthonys                            v                      St Francis                               Sat 1pm Finn Park

Clane Utd                               v                      Ashford

Wicklow Rovers v                   Birr Town                             Sat 2pm Whitegates

Arklow Town 1   v                   Bye

Arklow Town 2   v                   Bye

 

U14s National Cup

Mullingar                                 v                      Arklow Utd A

Wicklow Rovers                      v                      Kilcock                        Sun 2pm Whitegates

Arklow Utd B                           v                      Monasterevin    Sun 2pm Arklow Credit Union Park

St Anthonys                            v                      Arklow Town                           Sun 11:30am Finn Park

Newtown                                 v                      Bye

 

U15s National Cup

Clane Utd                               v                      Arklow Town

Arklow Utd                              v                      Aughrim                                  Sat 12pm Arklow Credit Union Park

Portlaoise                               v                      Coolboy

Ashford                                   v                      Bye

Wicklow Rovers                      v                      Bye

Newtown                                 v                      Bye

 

U16s National Cup

Aughrim                                  v                      Mullingar                     Sun 12pm Allen Park

Arklow Town                           v                      Rathangan                  Sun 2pm Travers Insurance 

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/aughrim-rangers-first-league-winners-of-wicklow-dsl-season/a1367393975.html

European Kickboxing Wicklow

 

Wicklow Kickboxers Impress at European Championships

Five young athletes from Eagle Martial Arts proudly represented Ireland at the prestigious WAKO Youth European Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy, held from September 12th to 21st. With over 2,500 competitors from more than 40 nations, the standard was exceptionally high, but the Wicklow team rose to the challenge and brought home two medals.

Bray’s rising star, Adam Keating (12), claimed a brilliant silver medal in the Points Fighting Younger Cadet -28kg category. After a series of strong performances, he narrowly missed out on gold in a tense final against Great Britain.

Meanwhile, Arklow’s Alex Whyte (15) secured a bronze medal in the demanding -54kg Low Kick division. Displaying skill and grit in the ring, he overcame tough opponents from Kosovo and Ukraine before bowing out in the semi-finals.

Teammates Josh Keating (10), Dylan Molloy (17), and Erik Riblovs (18) also delivered outstanding performances, reaching the quarterfinals. Each faced fierce competition against fighters from Greece, Ukraine, and Great Britain, with their contests decided by the narrowest of margins.

Head coach Julie McHale from, a former World and European Champion, praised her athletes for their commitment, courage, and sportsmanship. She highlighted the experience as invaluable for their future development, noting that competing at this level provides a platform to grow and achieve even greater success.

 

 

Photo from left to right:

Dylan Molloy, Josh Keating, Alex Whyte, Adam Keating, Erik’s Riblovs and Coach Julie Mchale 

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/othersports/wicklow-club-take-european-kickboxing-by-storm-and-return-with-medals/a1225167494.html

Mayo Senior Relegation (CT)

 

Charlestown 0-13

 

Mayo Gaels 0-12

 

Fr O’Hora Park

 

Eoin Horkan

 

What an ending to this tie three Paul Towey points in injury time ensured victory for his side and made sure they stayed in senior for another year.

 

The opening couple of minutes of this semifinal produced a mix of fine defending along with both sides missing chances with a swirling breeze in Claremorris.

It was the east Mayo side that got the first score of the game through Paul Towey. The tie was level within ten minutes as Jack Fallon found his range after three early misses from his side. With the conditions worsening Towey added a free before a Gallagher double first Adam then John had the Gaels a point up just before the twenty-minute mark. Both sides were defending well especially the Gaels as Towey was being double marked. As the half grew to a close Towey levelled it before the opposition fired the last three scores of the half. This time a Jennings double, Padraig first before James finished the scoring in  between another Gallagher effort to ensure his side would go in at the break three up.

 

Once the tie resumed it was the Sarsfields with the words of manager Ginger Tiernan ringing in their ears who powered forward. The tie was level within eight minutes as Towey added two along with a minor from the boot of Jack Mahon. The Gaels did manage to create a goal chance minutes later but Ethan Henry's effort flew past the post. Within minutes the lead was extended as that man again Towey slotted over before Gallagher cancelled it out down the opposite end. With the midway point looming Ruairí Cullen hit a score from an outrageous angle added to then by Towey. Just as it looked like Charlestown had the momentum up stepped Adan Gallagher to raise an orange flag to give his side the lead again. The final ten minutes of normal time belonged to the south Mayo side even after an effort from Towey. They seemed to hit a purple patch with Jennings, Henry and Liam Hughes  all raising white flags, the latter just at the end of normal time. The Gaels crowd had done enough but from the resulting kick out opposition captain Gareth O’Donnell rose highest. This resulted in a two-point free that Towey slotted over to level the game. It looked like extra time was looming but a final free from the sharpshooter ensured senior status for his side for 2026.

 

 

 

Charlestown:Kenneth Brennan;Tadgh Horkan,Ben Conway,Niall Drudy;Sean Dunleavy,Jack Corley,Ruairí Cullen(0-1);Niall Fleming,Patrick Goldrick;Jack Mahon(0-10,Matthew Lenehan,Gareth O’Donnell;Alan Woods,Paul Towey (0-116fs,1 2pf),Ben Crean

Subs Used:Owen Flannery for Sean Dunleavy,Paddy Lenehan for Alan Woods

 

 

Mayo Gaels:Paul Mannion;John Finn,David Quinn ,Alan Brennan;Ruairí Keane,Liam Hughes(0-1),Sean Keane;Ronan Commons,Ethan Henry(0-1);Padraig Jennings (0-1),Adam Gallagher(0-3),Kevin Lynch;James Jennings(0-2),Jack Fallon (0-1),John Gallagher(0-31f).

Subs Used:Ryab McGurrin for Jack Fallon,Peter Gallagher for Padraig Jennings,Enda Jennings for Kevin Lynch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Referee John Walker

 

Mayo Senior Relegation (MN)

 

Charlestown 0-13

 

Mayo Gaels 0-12

 

Fr O’Hora Park

 

Eoin Horkan

 

 

What a dramatic finish this semi-final served up, as three points from Paul Towey deep into injury time snatched victory and guaranteed his side another year at senior level.

The opening exchanges were tight and nervy, with both teams guilty of early misses in swirling Claremorris conditions. The east Mayo men settled first, Towey clipping over the game’s opening score. Ten minutes later parity was restored when Jack Fallon finally found his range after three earlier wides for his side.

Towey nudged his team back in front with a free before the Gaels struck back with a quickfire double—Adam Gallagher pointing first, then John adding another—to edge them one clear approaching the 20-minute mark. The Gaels’ defense stood firm, doubling up on Towey at every opportunity, but the Charlestown sharpshooter still found space to level matters.

As the half drew to a close, however, the Gaels seized control. A Jennings double—Padraig with the first, James with the second—sandwiched around another Gallagher point pushed them three clear at the break.

On the restart, Sarsfields came out fired up, clearly spurred on by manager Ginger Tiernan’s halftime words. Within eight minutes they had hauled themselves level again, Towey landing two points and Jack Mahon splitting the posts. The Gaels threatened a breakthrough goal soon after, but Ethan Henry’s low drive flashed narrowly wide of the post.

Towey then edged Charlestown in front once more, only for Gallagher to respond at the other end. As the game reached its midpoint, Ruairí Cullen curled over an outrageous effort from the sideline, with Towey quickly adding another to stretch the lead. Just when momentum seemed to be tilting Charlestown’s way, Adam Gallagher cut through and raised an orange flag, swinging the advantage back in favor of the Gaels.

The final ten minutes of normal time looked to belong to the south Mayo outfit. Despite another Towey score, the Gaels found their rhythm, with Jennings, Henry, and Liam Hughes all raising white flags. Hughes’s point, arriving right on the stroke of full-time, appeared to have sealed the deal, and the Gaels’ supporters roared as though survival was assured.

But the drama was far from over. From the resulting kickout, Charlestown captain Gareth O’Donnell soared highest, winning possession at a crucial moment. His drive forward earned a free, which Towey coolly slotted to level the game .

With extra time looming large, there was still time for one final twist. A late free fell to Towey once again, and the talisman made no error, curling over the match-winning point to complete a remarkable personal tally and confirm Charlestown’s senior status for 2026.

In a contest defined by resilience, drama, and shifting momentum, it was Towey’s composure under pressure that proved the difference. For the Gaels, it was heartbreak after coming so close; for Charlestown, it was jubilation, their star forward delivering when it mattered most.

 

Charlestown:Kenneth Brennan;Tadgh Horkan,Ben Conway,Niall Drudy;Sean Dunleavy,Jack Corley,Ruairí Cullen(0-1);Niall Fleming,Patrick Goldrick;Jack Mahon(0-10,Matthew Lenehan,Gareth O’Donnell;Alan Woods,Paul Towey (0-116fs  12pf),Ben Crean

Subs Used:Owen Flannery for Sean Dunleavy,Paddy Lenehan for Alan Woods

 

Mayo Gaels:Paul Mannion;John Finn,David Quinn ,Alan Brennan;Ruairí Keane,Liam Hughes(0-1),Sean Keane;Ronan Commons,Ethan Henry(0-1);Padraig Jennings (0-1),Adam Gallagher(0-3),Kevin Lynch;James Jennings(0-2),Jack Fallon (0-1),John Gallagher(0-31f).

Subs Used:Ryab McGurrin for Jack Fallon,Peter Gallagher for Padraig Jennings,Enda Jennings for Kevin Lynch

 

 

Referee John Walker

Mayo Intermidate Womens Semi Final (WP)

 

Claremorris 1-15

 

Ballyhaunis 3-6

 

Fr O’Hora Park

 

Eoin Horkan

 

A goal from Laura Kelly midway through the second half proved decisive as the home side emerged winners by the narrowest of margins in a thrilling four-goal contest.

The visitors from east Mayo were first to make an impression on the scoreboard when Leah Johnston calmly slotted a free over the bar. That early advantage did not last long, however, as the hosts responded quickly. Within ten minutes, points from Ashleagh Salmon and Bree Hession had turned the tide in their favor. Playing with the benefit of a strong breeze, Claremorris began to press on and stretch the gap. Claremorris struck three points in succession, the first from Aine Lynn, while Rebecca Kean added a brace to further punish the visitors.

Despite being under pressure, Ballyhaunis struck back against the run of play. Katelyn O’Sullivan weaved her way past several defenders before lofting the ball over the bar to keep her side in touch. Hession replied almost immediately at the opposite end to restore the cushion. As the first half moved into its final ten minutes, the home side wrestled back momentum. Gemma Foody and Kate Madden chipped away at the deficit before Madden produced the game’s opening goal with a long-range strike that went  into the net.

The final minutes before the interval produced more drama, with Nina Wallace and Laura Kelly adding further scores. When the whistle sounded for half-time, the hosts held a slender one-point lead.

After the restart, the home side in blue wasted little time in reasserting themselves. Hession opened with two scores—first converting from a placed ball before following up minutes later with a neat finish from play. Madden also added a point in between, helping to keep her side in the semi-final.

The key moment of the game arrived just seven minutes into the half when Hession linked up with Kean, who supplied the perfect assist for Laura Kelly to rifle the ball into the net. That strike not only lifted the home crowd but also swung the contest firmly in their direction. The goal was followed by two more points from Kean and another effort from Kelly, leaving the hosts eight points clear approaching the midpoint of the half.

To their credit, Ballyhaunis refused to fold. Led by captain Erin Murray, the visitors rallied in the final quarter. A point from play by Gemma Foody was quickly followed by Murray punching the ball to the net with twelve minutes remaining. Suddenly the gap was cut to four, and with ten minutes left on the clock, nerves began to spread among both sets of supporters.

Ballyhaunis sensed an opportunity and kept pressing. Their persistence paid off when a defensive lapse allowed Foody to close the margin to just a single point with eight minutes left. The tension was palpable, but the home side responded with composure. A Hession free steadied the ship, and in the closing stages Isobel Phillips fisted over to seal the victory.

Claremorris: Claire Kean:Marina Cawley,Alana Fitzpatrick ,Eilis Higgins;Ashling Cummins,Amy Cummins,Sienna Kelly;Isobel Phillips(0-1),Siomha McNulty;Ashleagh Salmon(0-1),Bree Hession(0-5 3fs),Aine Lynn(0-1);Nina Wallace(0-1),Laura Kelly(1-2),Rebecca Kean(0-4).

Subs Used:Roisin Horkan for Siomha McNulty, Emma Fallon for Aine Lynn,Mary Ann Ward for Nina Wallace

 

 

BallyhaunisBallyhaunis:Aisling Tarpey;Laura O’Connell,Mae Hession,Orla Smith;Chloe Ryan,Erin Murray(1-0),Martina Carney;Aibhinn Herr,Geri Maye Henry;Leah Johnston(0-1f),Niamh Foody,Leah Finnegan;Katie Madden (1-2), ,Gemma Foody(1-2), Katelyn O’Sullivan (0-1).

Erin Higgins for Geri Maye Henry,Sinead O’Neill for Laura O’ Connell,Geri Maye Henry for Katelyn O’Sullivan

 

 

Referee: Sean O’Neill (Balla)

Mayo Intermidate Womens Semi Final (MN)

 

Claremorris 1-15

 

Ballyhaunis 3-8

 

Fr O’Hora Park

 

Eoin Horkan

 

A Laura Kelly goal midway through the second half as the home side came out victorious by the odd goal in four.

 

It was the east Mayo side that troubled the scoreboard first as a free from Leah Johston sailed over the bar. The home side had taken the lead inside ten minutes with efforts from Ashleagh Salmon and Bree Hession. Playing with the aid off a strong wind Claremorris pushed on with three more points from Aine Lynn before Rebecca Kean added two to her sides tally.The gap was narrowed against the run of play when Katelyn O’Sullivan slalomed her way though the defence to slot over before Hession cancelled it out down the opposite end.The last ten minutes of the half belonged to home side as Gemma Foody and Kate Madden brought the score closer before the aforementioned Madden found the back of the net with a strike from range.The final two scores of the half came from Nina Wallace and Laura Kelly to ensure the home side would go in leading at the break by the minimum.

 

After the interval it was the side in blue who extended their lead with a double from Hession, the first from a dead ball before a second minutes later from play in between a Madden effort.

With seven minutes gone the decisive moment of the game came when Hession fed Kean who assisted Kelly in firing into the net. This was followed up by two more white flags from Kean to along with another Kelly strike to put her side eight up just before the midway point of the half. The final quarter of the game belonged to the home side led by captain Erin Murray. A Gemma Foody effort from play was then added to when Murray fisted a ball into the opposition net with twelve left on the clock. With four points in it and ten left the crowd from both sides were starting to get nervous and with eight minutes left on the clock a mixup at the back led to Foody putting the minimum between the sides. This was it though for Ballyhaunis as a Hession free and a fisted score  from Isobel Phillips ensured victory for their side.

 

 

 

Claremorris:Claire Kean:Marina Cawley,Alana Fitzpatrick ,Eilis Higgins;Ashling Cummins,Amy Cummins,Sienna Kelly;Isobel Phillips(0-1),Siomha McNulty;Ashleagh Salmon(0-1),Bree Hession(0-5 3fs),Aine Lynn(0-1);Nina Wallace(0-1),Laura Kelly(1-2),Rebecca Kean(0-4).

Subs Used:Roisin Horkan for Siomha McNulty, Emma Fallon for Aine Lynn,Mary Ann Ward for Nina Wallace

 

 

Ballyhaunis:Aisling Tarpey;Laura O’Connell,Mae Hession,Orla Smith;Chloe Ryan,Erin Murray(1-0),Martina Carney;Aibhinn Herr,Geeri Maye Henry;Leah Johnston(0-1f),Niamh Foody,Leah Finnegan;Katie Madden (1-2), Gemma Foody(1-2), Katelyn O’Sullivan (0-1).

Subs Used:Erin Higgins for Geri Maye Henry,Sinead O’Neill for Laura O’ Connell,Geri Maye Henry for Katelyn O’Sullivan.

 

Referee Sean O’ Neill (Balla)

https://www.mayonews.ie/video/gaa/1900011/reaction-claremorris-book-place-in-mayo-intermediate-championship-final.html

Lucy DF Italy Feature Piece

 

Wicklow’s  Lucy Doyle-Farrington is enjoying a whirlwind rise through the ranks of Irish football, fresh from a victory in the women’s U17 football tournament in Italy with the Republic of Ireland under-17s in Italy and appearing on the bench for Wexford Youths’ senior side.

The 15-year-old goalkeeper has long been tipped as one to watch, but the past few weeks have underlined her potential. Doyle-Farrington travelled to Italy with the Irish U17 squad after impressing in recent trials, and she returned home as a tournament winner.

Ireland faced North Macedonia, Slovenia, and hosts Italy in the competition, keeping clean sheets across the board. Doyle-Farrington featured in both the North Macedonia and Italy fixtures, the latter a tense final that ended in a 1–0 win for the Girls in Green. “The nerves were high before kick-off,” she admitted, “but once I walked out on the pitch I knew I just had to focus on what I could do. Keeping a clean sheet in the final was amazing, and celebrating with the girls and the staff afterwards was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Her international rise has been complemented by steady progress at club level. Having signed for Wexford Youths’ under-19s this year, she has been training and playing across the U17 and U19 setups, benefiting from the club’s reputation for developing young talent. “Wexford is an absolutely amazing club to grow at,” she said. “The coaches have pushed me to improve every week.”

That progress was recognised recently when Doyle-Farrington was called up to the senior matchday squad for Wexford’s league clash with Athlone Town. Though only a substitute on the day, the call-up marked another significant step in her career. “It was an honour I didn’t expect so soon,” she explained. “To even be considered was amazing, and to be in that environment gave me huge confidence.”

Much of her development, she insists, is down to the guidance she has received at both national and club level. The National Academy has provided not just high-quality training but also education in areas such as nutrition and off-pitch preparation. “The coaches are incredible,” Doyle-Farrington said. “They’ll answer any question and help in any way they can. It makes such a difference.”

Looking ahead, the Arklow  teenager is determined to keep pushing herself. With the possibility of stepping up to Ireland’s U19s and chasing further senior minutes with Wexford, Doyle-Farrington knows the next year could be defining. “It’s all about working hard and performing at the level I know I can,” she said.

Kilcoole vs Kilmac Junior A Wicklow

 Kilcoole 1-15

Kilmacanogue 4-7

Eoin Horkan

Pearse Park 

A goal ladened second half from the men  from the foot of the sugarloaf saw them beat their near neighbors by a point In Arklow in atrocious conditions. 

In a perfect start to the game for the Kilcoole men, it was full forward Jack Bellamy who managed to get his hands on the ball before firing into the back of the net inside five minutes. With the middle third of Pearse Park becoming a battle ground the lead was extended when midfielder Shane Collins drove the ball between the posts before Bellamy added a two-point free inside twelve minutes.

The full forward Bellamy was causing havoc as he added another minor before his teammate Sean Byrne finished off with a final white flag before the twentieth minute.

As the half-time whistle loomed the opposition managed to get on the scoreboard when John Fox rattled the back of the net against the run of play. The side with the advantage tagged on five  final scores through Byrne Eoin Keddy  and three more efforts from that man Bellamy, in between a sight reprieve from Rob Conan from midfield . This left nine between the sides at the break.

In a lightning start to the second half Conan found himself through on goal on the counterattack to slot home for his side. The gap was then extended by Blake Ryan adding his name to his sides tally before Kilmac hit a purple patch. With a free advantage Stephen Flynn finished a third goal expertly weaving his way through the defence before Simon Doyle added a minor along with John Fox adding three to his name from center forward midway through the half.

This woke the Goosebank men up with Bellamy and Ryan stemming the tide as we moved into the championship quarter.

The final goal of the game was a fourth when Ben O’ Callaghan managed to raise a final green flag before Fox slotted over an outrageous effort for an orange flag to give his side a four-point lead. 

In the final eight  minutes it was all the favorites with a goal line scramble kept out before two more Bellamy dead balls had narrowed the gap to  the new minimum with two left on the clock. 

The final chance of the game fell to Bellamy but his two point free narrowly missed the post on the final whistle.

Kilcoole:Jaden Murduff;Conor Murphy Toole,Keith Reynolds,Conor O’Mahony;James Scullion,Ronan Keddy,Luke Evans;Shane Collins(0-1),Sean Byrne(0-2);Finian Hughes;Eoin Keddy(0-1),Blake Ryan(0-2);Roy Byrne,Jack Bellamy(1-9 3fs 1 2pf 145),Charlie Frawley.

Subs Used:Jack Collier for James Scullion, Lee Dutton for Charlie Frawley

Kilmacanogue:Peter O’Toole;Mick Whelan,Cian Rafferty,Eoin Tuohy;Gavan Burke,Kevin Redden,Adam Dutton;Josh Mould,Rob Conan(1-1);Simon Doyle,John Fox(1-,6 2 2pf)Mikey Doyle;Stephen Flynn (1-0),Niall Meldon,Ben O’ Callaghan(1-0).

Subs Used:Stephen Cahill for Josh Mould,Donal Tuohy for Kevin Redden, Finn Kelly for Ben O’ Callaghan 

Referee Kieron Kenny