U19 Hurling ARP vs LOT

 U19 B Hurling Championship Round 5

Arklow Rocks Parnells 3-4

Luke O’Toole’s 3-17

Balinakill

Eoin Horkan 

Luke O’Toole’s driven by Adam Lifely and Lorcan Toomey got there the better of the Rocks in Balinakill Sunday morning.

It was the Arklow side that raised the first white flag of the game when Jack O’Reilly spilt the posts early on.The next fifteen minutes belonged to the opposition as they drove forward and fired over eight unanswered points. The first of these came from the hurl of Adam Lifely who opened his account before efforts from Lorcan Toomey,Daniel Byrne, Daniel Duffy, Padraic Lambert and two more from that man Lifely. 

The final thirteen minutes of the half was a much more balanced affair. A great goal and point from Josh Curran dragged the Rocks back into the game. Down the far end Lifely managed to rattle the back of the net twice in a couple of minutes. 

With five minutes left a Cian Redmond goal and Mile Connors minor had the gap down to six.

Just on the stroke of half time Toomey drove down the middle of the pitch to get his side's third goal of the game.

An early Bill Connors sixty-five looked like it would breathe some life in the Arklow side's challenge but O’Tooles had other ideas.

Led by that man Lifely, Toomey and Lambert they kept the score ticking over before wing-back Dominick O’Loughlin got in on the act midway through the half.

In the final quarter the Rocks defence did start to grab a foothold but this didn't stop Lambert eventually doubling his tally for the day before Ross Weld slotted over from a narrow angle.The solitary response from the opposition came from Redmond who raised a second green flag for himself on the day.

Just to add insult to injury, a final free from Lifely meant his side would be heading into the Christmas break much happier.

Arklow Rocks Parnells:Cian Doyle;Tommie Kavanagh,Sé Killoran,Edward Breslin;Mikey Kinsella,Donnacha Murphy,Tiernan Pierce;Padraig Kelly,Miley Connors(0-1),Ryan Redmond,Adam O’Leary,Jack O’Reilly(0-1),;Josh Curran(1-1),Cian Redmond(2-0),Bill Connors(0-1 65).

Subs Used:Robert Waddell for Tommie Kavanagh

Luke O’Toole’s:Rhyan Moules;Darragh Rice,Sean Byrne,Oisin Fanning;Cillian Duffy,Daniel Duffy(0-1),Dominic O’Loughlin(0-1);Lorcan Toomey(1-3),George Doyle;Cormac Sheridan(0-1),Adam Lifely(1-5 2f),Daniel Byrne(0-1);John O’Reilly,Padraic Lambert(0-4),Ross Weld(0-1).

Subs Used:Adam Kearns,Darragh O’Byrne 

Referee James Phelan.

John Lester Piece

 

Feature Piece: John Lester – A Football Life Lived the Hard Way

Sitting in Ratnew, speaking to former League of Ireland midfielder and ex-English youth professional John Lester, it becomes clear very quickly that this is not a tale of easy breaks or smooth progressions. Instead, it’s a career shaped by persistence, bad luck, hard lessons, and an enduring love for the game.

Early Beginnings – Park Celtic to Leicester Celtic

John’s football journey began the way many Irish careers do: on concrete and grass in a local housing estate. At just six or seven years of age, he joined the very first Park Celtic team the club ever formed. From there, a kickabout in a friend’s garden during the 1990 World Cup changed everything.

Invited up to Leicester Celtic almost by chance, John quickly became part of a strong side competing at the top level of the DDSL. Leicester Celtic would be his football home through his formative years, winning trophies, developing players, and eventually drawing attention from across the water.

England Beckons – Trials and Everton

By the age of 12, English clubs began calling. West Ham, Newcastle, Everton, Wolves and others all showed interest. A standout moment came at 14 when John played in the Mill Cup with West Ham, winning the tournament and being named both Player of the Tournament and Fans’ Player of the Tournament.

Despite strong links with West Ham, John ultimately chose Everton. It wasn’t about money or prestige. It was about home. Liverpool was just half an hour away by plane, close enough that his father regularly travelled over on his motorbike to watch him play. John could still return to Ireland most weekends. Everton felt like a “home away from home”.

Setbacks, Injury and Reality Checks

John joined Everton at 15, leaving school behind. Education existed, but it never truly clicked. The football didn’t always fit either. Played out of position and struggling to settle, his career took a major hit when he suffered a broken leg, keeping him out for nine months.

Though he returned and played consistently afterwards, the feeling lingered that he never got a proper chance in his natural role as a box-to-box midfielder. By 19, with another year left on his deal, John made the call to come home.

Coming Home – Bohemians and Monaghan United

Back in Ireland, John’s ambition hadn’t faded. He joined Bohemians, who were full-time and fresh off a league and cup double. After limited opportunities, Stephen Kenny sent him on loan to Monaghan United — a move that changed everything.

Training full-time with Bohs and playing weekly with Monaghan, John flourished. He earned First Division Team of the Year honours and an Ireland U21 call-up. At 20, he was finally playing men’s football week in, week out — and loving it.

Chasing Games – Drogheda, Waterford, Limerick

Despite signing a new contract at Bohs, opportunities dried up. Wanting to play, John forced a move to Drogheda United, who were transitioning towards full-time football. Injuries struck again, including a serious groin issue that required surgery — an operation doctors warned could end his career.

He fought back, featuring for Waterford during a relegation battle before linking up with Pat Dolan in Limerick. A full season followed, but financial instability and fitness struggles meant another move was needed.

Galway United – Fitness, Fight and Survival

A connection through Tony Cousins brought John to Galway United, initially part-time before the club went full-time. Moving to Athenry and committing fully, John finally reached peak fitness. Galway survived relegation, but managerial changes and financial pressures saw him pushed towards the exit once again.

Repositioned at centre-half, written off, and injured, John fought his way back into the team. Galway stayed up — but at season’s end, there was no contract.

The Final League of Ireland Years

A brief stint followed at St Patrick’s Athletic under Jeff Kenna, then Longford Town where John captained the side but was released regardless. A return to Drogheda didn’t last long. At this point, his League of Ireland career had quietly come to an end.

Sheriff YC – Success at Junior Level

What followed was the most successful period of his playing life.

Joining Sheriff YC in the Leinster Senior League, John thrived. Over eight seasons, the club won seven league titles, four FAI Junior Cups, multiple Leinster titles, and completed two clean sweeps of every available trophy.

Sheriff weren’t just dominant — they were historic.

Later Years – Ratnew, North End & Still Going

After Sheriff, John continued playing into his late 30s with Ratnew, North End United, and later back again in Wicklow football. With North End, he added two more Leinster Junior Cups to his collection.

Now in his 40s, he’s still playing Premier Division football in Wicklow, mentoring younger players, and giving back through coaching — something he once said he’d never do.

Quick-Fire Q&A

Best player you played with (Pro):
Andy Reid

Best player you played with (Amateur):
Darragh Donnelly (Sheriff YC)

Best player you played against (Pro):
Thomas Hitzlsperger / Jermaine Jenas

Best player you played against (Amateur):
Seán Barcoe (Evergreen)

Best manager you played for:
Alan Reilly

Best manager you played against:
Pat Dolan

One thing you’d change about your career:
Nothing — no regrets.

Best advice you ever received:
Don’t give managers a reason to leave you out.

Advice to young players going abroad:
Stay at home as long as possible. Get educated. Play men’s football first.

Ireland levels represented:
U14, U15, U16, U17, U18, U21 (every level except senior)

CCM vs DLSP Bagnlestown

 Duff Cup Junior Cup Rugby 

Wicklow 69

Presentation De La Salle Bagnlestown 5

CCM made history winning the quarter final in Carlow sending them into the semi final for the second time in two years.

CCM delivered a ruthless attacking display as they swept aside Presentation De La Salle Bagnelstown with an emphatic 69–5 victory in this one-sided encounter, running in a total of eleven tries to underline their growing confidence and cohesion.

From the opening whistle, CCM set the tempo, dominating possession and territory and pinning the Carlow side deep inside their own half. The home forwards laid a solid platform early on, winning the physical battle at the breakdown and ensuring quick, clean ball for the backs to exploit.

Alex Tyson was the standout performer on the day, crossing the whitewash on four occasions as he repeatedly exposed gaps in the Bagnelstown defensive line. His pace and awareness proved too much to handle, with each try coming as a result of sustained pressure and well-timed support play.

The tries continued to flow from across the park, highlighting the depth of attacking options available to CCM. Alex Healy added a try of his own and was flawless from the tee, converting seven of the tries to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Alex McKenna and Luke Connolly both got in on the act, while Daniel Connolly and Patrick Treanor were rewarded for strong all-round performances with well-taken tries. Further scores from Tamati Rangitaawa and Josh Callery capped an impressive team effort, with CCM showing a willingness to move the ball wide and attack from deep at every opportunity.

Defensively, CCM were just as impressive, shutting down Bagnelstown’s limited chances and forcing handling errors with aggressive line speed and disciplined tackling. The visitors struggled to gain any momentum as wave after wave of CCM attacks came their way.

To their credit, the Carlow side battled to the final whistle and were rewarded with a late consolation try, ensuring the travelling support had something to cheer for despite the heavy defeat.

Overall, this was a commanding performance from CCM, who will take plenty of confidence from both the scoreline and the manner of the victory as they look ahead to sterner tests in the weeks to come.

CCM now play Newpark Comprehensive in Duff Cup semi final and qualify for 1st round of Father Godfrey Cup vs St Fintans Sutton on Thursday 8th January in Greystones RFC.

CCM;Patrick Treanor,Adam Armstrong,Josh Callery;Dylan Butler,Hunter Hennessy;Bill Guinan,Eoin Treanor,Luke Connolly (c); Alex Birrell,Alex Healy;Alex Tyson,Tamati Rangitaawa,Daniel Connolly,Christopher Delahunt,Alex McKenna.

Subs Used;Rory Grove,Ryan Dunne,CJ Armstrong,Cian Collins,Diarmuid Stone,Zach Hollingsworth,Adam Ryan 

St Kevins vs Pres Carlow

 Leinster PPS 2025-2026 South Leinster Senior Football C K/O Quarter Final

St Kevins Dunlavin 4-5

Presentation College Carlow 0-8

Dunlavin GAA Club

Eoin Horkan 

A lightning start from St Kevins  was the catalyst for sending them to the Leinster semi final.

In what was a perfect start for the home side led by captain Tom Doyle, he managed to raise the first green flag of the day. Within two minutes the net had been rattled again this time from midfielder Liam McDonnell who buried the ball into the net the day before his eighteenth birthday. The final goal of this three star performance was a delightful finish from Eoin Miley all inside ten minutes.

After this perfect start the visitors did battle back in but couldn't get the better of the strong Dunlavin defence. Just before the twenty, McDonnell added a minor before Aaronn Geoghegan found his range from a free out wide. The visitors did manage to narrow the gap with two forty-fives and an effort from play from the boot of midfielder Lorcan O’Connor. The final two scores of the half were from Ruairí Kavanagh Flood before Miley added a second to ensure his  side would go in at the break in a comfortable position.

Early in the second half the gap was narrowed as wing back John O’Neill found himself in the right position for the Carlow side to fire between the posts. It was then the turn of Doyle again who grabbed his second goal of the day with just under ten minutes gone in the half. 

The so called championship quarter belonged to the Carlow side as they battled back into the tie with an outrageous two pointer from Jack Keating before O’Connor and Keating put two more over before heading into the final ten minutes.

Then both sides started to run their benches as legs were getting tired in the underfoot conditions starting to worsen.

The final white flag of the game ensured  that every one of the Kevins boys would score from play when Pauidi Daly split the posts with a cultured effort.

St Kevins Dunlavin:Jamie Dillon;Josh Byrne,Jamie Burke,Eoin Craigie;Josh Warren,Chris Kehoe,Peadar O’Toole;Liam McDonnell(1-1),Sean Corrigan;Aaronn Geoghegan(0-1f),Eoin Miley(1-1),Ruairi Kavanagh  Flood(0-1)Paudi Daly(0-1),Stephen Anderson,Tom Doyle (2-0) ©

Subs Used:Cian Bruce for Stephen Anderson,Danny Farell for Jamie Burke,Cillian Wright for Aaron Kavanagh,Darragh Hussey for Ruairí Kavanagh  Flood, Jer Moore for Josh Warren

Presentation College  Carlow:Tommy Cooney;Kyle Maher,Ronan Kelly,Callum Martin;John O’Neill(0-1),Luke Haughey,Gael O’Rock;

Conor Buggy,Lorcan O’Connor(0-4 2 45 1f);Eoghan Houghrey,Jack Keating(0-3),TJ Brennan;Dylan Farrell,Peter Lynch,Conor McDaid.

Subs Used: Kevin Nolan  for Conor McDaid,Cathal Flynn for John O’Neill.

Referee Lar Murphy

Asgard Swimming

 Asgard Swimming Club Celebrates 25th Anniversary in Style at Irish Winter Nationals

Asgard Swimming Club marked a major milestone in its history with a hugely successful outing at the Irish Winter National Championships, celebrating its 25th anniversary in fitting fashion at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown over the weekend.

The Irish Winter Nationals, a prestigious Level 5 gala, brought together Ireland’s leading swimming clubs alongside international competitors, creating a high-performance environment that tested the very best. Representing the Arklow-based club were Isaac MacIntosh (17), Stephen Bell (16), Anya McKenna (15), Ciara McKevitt (15) and Maya Hogan (13), all of whom earned qualification through demanding entry standards.

Racing got underway on Friday with a series of impressive performances. Thirteen-year-old Maya Hogan made an outstanding debut at this level, recording a personal best of 1:10.74 in the 100m freestyle. Stephen Bell followed with a superb swim in the 200m individual medley, setting a new Asgard club record with a time of 2:12.46. Isaac MacIntosh showed his strength in the 100m breaststroke, touching home in 1:08.92, while Ciara McKevitt delivered a strong 200m butterfly — a remarkable achievement for an athlete who only began competitive swimming last year.

Day two saw further progress from the Wicklow swimmers. Bell once again demonstrated his endurance in the demanding 400m individual medley, clocking a new personal best of 4:47.62. Maya Hogan and Anya McKenna both impressed in the 50m butterfly, continuing the team’s positive momentum and confidence.

The final day of competition provided a memorable conclusion for Team Asgard. Stephen Bell dipped under the one-minute barrier for the first time in the 100m butterfly, a significant milestone in his development. Maya Hogan enjoyed another excellent day, recording personal bests in both the 100m butterfly and 50m freestyle. Isaac MacIntosh capped off the weekend with a strong performance in the 50m breaststroke, winning his heat, before earlier securing a personal best of 2:28.46 in the 200m breaststroke to earn a place in the B final against top national opposition.

The team was guided throughout the weekend by senior coach and club founder John Kealy, a former Deaflympic gold medallist and World Championship medallist. Widely regarded as the driving force behind the club, Kealy’s experience, dedication and support played a crucial role in the swimmers’ success.

Asgard Swimming Club’s appearance at the Irish Winter Nationals proved a fitting celebration of 25 years, highlighting not only impressive results but also the club’s enduring pride, spirit and commitment to excellence.

Ashford vs Avonmore

Ashford Rovers A 1

Avonmore 1

Ballinalea Park

Eoin Horkan

Honours Even After Wind-Swept Encounter in Ballinalea

With a strong wind swirling across Ballinalea, both Ashford Rovers and Avonmore produced an entertaining contest, creating a host of chances before ultimately having to settle for a share of the spoils in this hard-fought league encounter.

The Rathdrum-based Avonmore side started the stronger and looked lively from the opening exchanges, with Mark Cullen immediately causing problems for the home defence. Inside the opening minute Cullen found space down the flank and four minutes later he was at the centre of controversy when he went to ground in the box, only for the referee to wave away strong penalty appeals.

Avonmore continued to press early on and Cullen again went close when he latched onto a loose ball inside the area, but his goal-bound effort was bravely blocked by an Ashford defender.

Despite Avonmore’s early dominance, it was the home side who struck first and against the run of play. On ten minutes, a long ball forward was collected by Steven Kavanagh, who showed great awareness to whip a delicious cross into the box. Danny Byrne timed his run perfectly and made no mistake, finishing well to give Ashford a 1–0 lead.

The visitors almost hit back on the quarter-hour mark when a mix-up in the Rovers defence nearly resulted in an own goal. A misjudged back-pass flew past goalkeeper Craig Armstrong but the upright came to Ashford’s rescue, keeping the slender advantage intact.

Avonmore possessed a dangerous front three and striker Jack Manley proved a constant handful, controlling everything that came his way in the difficult conditions. Manley tested Armstrong shortly afterwards with a powerful effort that the Ashford keeper did well to save.

The middle third of the half belonged to Ashford as they began to impose themselves in midfield. They carved out a couple of promising opportunities, the first falling to Byrne, whose effort was cleared off the line. Moments later Colin Ashley surged down the wing and cut inside before firing narrowly wide of the post.

As half-time approached Avonmore finished strongly, with Manley at the heart of everything. His free-kick from distance drifted just the wrong side of the post before, on the stroke of the interval, he came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Rising highest to meet a corner, Manley’s controlled volley rattled the crossbar before bouncing wide, leaving Ashford relieved to go in ahead at the break.

The second half began at a quieter pace but burst into life when Ashley found himself through one-on-one for the home side. With time to pick his spot, he dragged his effort just wide of the post.

Cullen continued to threaten for Avonmore and soon found himself on the end of another chance, but his effort from a tight angle flashed past the near post.

As the visitors piled on the pressure, John Murphy tested Armstrong with a long-range free-kick that forced a good save from the Ashford goalkeeper.

With just under twenty minutes remaining, Avonmore finally got the goal their pressure deserved. Cullen cut in sharply off the wing, skipped past his marker and calmly finished past Armstrong to level the tie at 1–1.

The remainder of the contest belonged largely to Avonmore, who sensed the chance to claim all three points. Callum Pursey had the best opportunity when the ball broke kindly to him in the box, but he fired over the crossbar. A couple of half-chances followed, with Ashford defending resolutely as the clock ticked down.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, neither side could find that elusive second goal, and the final whistle brought an end to an absorbing encounter played in difficult conditions.

 

Ashford Rovers A:Craig Armstrong,Chris Smith,Conor Willams,Anto Byrne,Gary McNabb,Finn Brooks,Paul Maher,Colin Ashley,Danny Byrne,Niall Vaughan,Steven Kavanagh.

Subs Used Jason Ashley for Steven Kavanagh,Reane Murphy for Colin Ashley,Adam Daly for Finn Brooks.

Avonmore:Matty Boland,Ryan Hanlon,Cody Reid,Eric Olohan,Brendan Gahan,Cian O’Hanlon,Callum Pursey,John Murphy,Jack Manley,Alex Olohan,Mark Cullen.

Subs Used;Karls Phelan for Jack Manley,Calub Fox for Alex Olohan,Stephen Kavanagh for Cian O’Hanlon

Referee Mark Wynne

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/ashford-spurn-chance-to-go-top-as-avonmore-nail-share-of-the-spoils/a932355034.html

WDFL Arklow U vs Newtown U

 Arklow United 4

Newtown United 2

Arklow Credit Union Park 

Eoin Horkan 

Connolly’s Dead-Ball Masterclass Guides Arklow to Victory in Six-Goal Thriller

Two superb Shane Connolly free kicks ultimately proved the difference under the lights on Friday night as Arklow United edged out Newtown in a pulsating six-goal encounter that had the crowd on their feet from first whistle to last.

The game was barely sixty seconds old when the visitors stunned the home support with the ideal start. A Newtown free kick forced Dean Flood Hayes into an excellent stop, but the rebound dropped kindly to the ever-alert Dylan Fitzsimons. He slipped the ball into the path of Mark, who had the simplest of tap-ins to hand Newtown an early and unexpected advantage.

To their credit, Arklow reacted well to the shock setback. Over the next ten minutes they settled into rhythm and carved out a trio of chances, all falling to the lively Zach Kilbride. On three separate occasions he forced Darren Callopy into action, the Newtown keeper standing tall to preserve his side’s slender lead.

But the pressure eventually told. Just before the quarter-hour mark, an inviting cross from the right found Aidan Cox bursting into the box. His controlled header nestled into the bottom corner, restoring parity and igniting the contest.

Yet almost as soon as Arklow were back in the game, they found themselves behind again — and in bizarre fashion. Five minutes after the equaliser, Fitzsimons attempted an audacious overhead kick inside the box. The effort appeared to lack direction, but a wicked deflection wrong-footed Flood Hayes and spun into the net, leaving both sets of supporters momentarily stunned. Against the run of play, Newtown had reclaimed the lead.

As the half hour approached, Newtown pushed to extend their advantage. Sean Gregory unleashed a powerful effort from distance, but Flood Hayes produced another sharp save to keep the deficit at one.

That proved a turning point, for Arklow soon wrestled back control. On 34 minutes, the home side were awarded a free kick in prime range. Up stepped Shane Connolly, who unleashed a sensational strike that arrowed into the top corner. Callopy could only watch as the ball flew past him — a goal worthy of levelling any match.

From there, Arklow surged forward with renewed confidence. Kilbride, tormenting defenders with his pace down the wings, finally got the better of the keeper in the closing minutes of the half. After latching onto a long ball, he evaded a challenge and calmly slid the ball home to put Arklow ahead for the first time on the night.

But the half had one final moment of brilliance to offer, and again it came from Connolly. Deep into stoppage time, Arklow earned another free kick in a near-identical position. Lightning struck twice as Connolly struck another inch-perfect effort into the top corner. The crowd could scarcely believe it; two unstoppable free kicks, two moments of pure quality, and Arklow headed down the tunnel with a commanding 4–2 lead.

With a two-goal cushion, Arklow pushed forward again early in the second half. Jason Rowlands was the first to threaten, only to be denied by a brilliant double save from Callopy, who was doing everything in his power to keep Newtown in the contest.

Kilbride remained a constant menace on the flanks, his pace repeatedly stretching the Newtown defence. Midway through the half, he created another opportunity for himself but dragged his shot narrowly wide of the near post.

Both managers began turning to their benches as the match entered its final 20 minutes. One of Arklow’s substitutes, Matthew Dempsey, made an almost immediate impact. After a slick passage of build-up play, he found space inside the box but steered his effort wide of the upright.

Dempsey continued to look dangerous, carving out two more chances in quick succession. First, he broke through the defence but fired just past the far post; moments later, he forced Callopy into yet another important save.

Despite the flurry of opportunities, the second half seemed destined to finish without a goal. That was until Aaron Parle  burst through the middle in the dying minutes. His lofted effort beat the onrushing keeper but crashed off the crossbar, bouncing down and away to safety — a dramatic end to a breathless contest.

Arklow United:Dean Flood Hayes,Shane Connolly,Conor Blaney,Sean Harte,David O’Neill,Oisin Keegan,Zach Kilbride,Mark Nolan,Jason Rowlands,Graham Watts,Aidan Cox.

Subs Used:Matthew Dempsey for Aidan Cox,Fysal Muse for Graham Watts, Aaron Parle for Mark Nolan 

Newtown United:Darren Collopy,James Synott,Stuart Synott,Cian Walsh,Niall Stack,Sean Heffernan,Craig Bailey,Aaron Killick,Dylan Fitzsimons,Mark Fitzsimons,Sean Gregory.

Subs Used;Danny Testa for Stuart Synott,Dillon Carthy for Sean Gregory,Oisin Greenan for Niall Stack, Terry Murphy for Dillon Carthy.

Referee:Michael Kennedy

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/shane-connolly-free-kick-heroics-push-arklow-united-up-to-third/a1367327718.html

Carnew vs St Marys Carlow

 Leinster PPS 2025-2026 South Leinster Senior Football C  Quarter Final

Colaiste Bhride Carnew 8-14

St Mary’s Academy Carlow CBS 0-9

Kilrush 

Eoin Horkan 

Carnew produced a near-flawless display in Kilrush on Wednesday afternoon, overwhelming their Carlow neighbours and laying down an early-season marker in emphatic fashion.

An opening score from CBS wing-forward Conor Dunne hinted at a competitive affair, but the next fifteen minutes belonged entirely to Coláiste Bhríde. In a blistering spell, they rattled off two goals and four points without reply. Carlow minor Fiach Byrne kicked things off before Daniel Duffy crashed home the first goal, tagging on a point moments later. Byrne added two more white flags, and Ryan Doran raised a second green flag to put Carnew firmly in control.

The Wicklow side continued to dominate up to the twenty-minute mark, tagging on three more goals in a remarkable scoring burst. Daniel Byrne applied the finishing touch to the first, followed by further majors from Fiach Byrne and local favourite Jack Sheridan.

The visitors eventually steadied the ship approaching half-time, with midfielder Mikey Hand leading the charge. He clipped over three points, supported by the two corner-forwards, but the gap still stood at a daunting lead at the interval.

Hand again struck early on the resumption, hinting at a possible revival, but any hope of a comeback was quickly snuffed out. Sheridan completed his hat-trick with a quickfire double, while the tireless Byrne continued to wreak havoc out wide, adding two more points.

By the quarter-hour mark, Byrne  added a second goal to his tally, and with the game well beyond doubt, Carnew began to introduce their bench. Duffy doubled his earlier tally, with further points coming from Rhyan Moules and midfielder Milo Quinn.

The loudest roars of the afternoon were reserved for the closing moments, when substitutes Dylan Doyle and the ever-popular Jim O’Brien rounded off the scoring in style.

A special mention has to go to the spine of the Carnew back line as Lee Dagge and Eoin Tomkins were imperious through this game.

A dominant day in Kilrush — and a statement performance from a Carnew side clearly hitting their stride early.

This result sent the Wicklow side into a semi final against neighbours Tullow either next week or after Christmas

Colaiste Bhride Carnew:TJ Hynes;Myron Atkinson,Lee Dagge,Cormac Murphy;Rory Dee,Eoin Tomkins,Rian Buttle;Milo Quinn (0-1),Evan Byrne;Daniel Duffy,Daniel(1-4), Byrne(1-0),Fiach Byrne(2-5) 2fs);Rhyan Moules(0-2 1f),Ryan Doran(1-0),Jack Sheridan(3-0).

Subs Used:Thomas Rawson,Dylan Doyle (0-1),Colin Lawrence,Tom Brennan,Nicky Ryan,Fionn Macken,Ross Weld,Daniel Rawson,Jim O’Brien (0-1f), Michael Farrell.

St Mary’s Academy Carlow CBS:Ryan Gordon;Rhys McCanny,Eduard Muntean,Oisin Byrne;Darragh McEvoy,Eoghan              Kavanagh,Ryan Nolan;Thomas Lawlor,Mikey Hand(0-5);Conor Dunne(0-1),Leon Fitzpatrick(0-1),Daniel Kehoe;Luke Dooley(0-1),Brandon Murnane,Alex Mazur(0-1).

Referee Lar Murphy

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/colaiste-bhride-carnew-reach-south-leinster-semi-final-with-thumping-win/a1174469423.html