Wicklow Rovers vs Avonmore

 Wicklow Rovers 3

Avonmore 2 

Eoin Horkan 

Whitegates

A clever  late header from Robbie Mearns proved decisive as Wicklow Rovers claimed all three points in a gripping five-goal encounter on Saturday afternoon, in what was one of the final fixtures played at Whitegates.

With a sense of occasion surrounding the tie, the home side were determined to mark it in style—and they nearly got off to the perfect start. Inside the opening minutes, both Mearns and Evan Conyard found space to test Avonmore goalkeeper Matty Boland, but the shot-stopper was equal to both efforts, setting the tone for what would become a personal duel between himself and the Rovers forward.

The breakthrough finally arrived on the minute mark  A well-worked move down the flank ended with a pinpoint delivery into the box, where Lorcan Sinnott rose highest to guide a header beyond Boland at his near post. It was a deserved lead for a Rovers side who had started on the front foot.

Boland continued to frustrate Mearns as the striker looked lively throughout, but Rovers doubled their advantage shortly after the quarter-hour mark. Nathan O’Sullivan surged down the wing and was brought down inside the area, leaving the referee with little choice but to award a penalty. Sinnott stepped up confidently and made no mistake from the spot, sending his strike past Boland.

Despite the early setback, Avonmore gradually began to grow into the game. Their first real chance came through Cian O’Hanrahan, whose effort was well dealt with by Jack Neville in the Rovers goal. That moment sparked a spell of sustained pressure from the visitors, led impressively by captain Callum Pursey in midfield.

Pursey’s influence began to tell as Avonmore pushed forward with intent. Ryan Delamere tried his luck from distance but fired over, while striker Alex Olohan also went close, dragging an effort just over the crossbar as the pressure mounted.

The breakthrough the visitors  deserved eventually arrived just past the half-hour mark. Neville did well initially to parry a powerful strike, but Olohan reacted quickest to the rebound, sliding the ball home under the goalkeeper to halve the deficit.

With momentum now firmly on their side,they continued to press. Pursey drove forward once more but couldn’t keep his shot down, and as half-time approached, the equaliser arrived. A scramble in the Rovers box saw Cody Reid pounce to bundle the ball over the line, ensuring the sides went in level at 2-2.

There was still time for one final scare before the break, as O’Hanrahan struck the post with a fine effort, leaving Rovers relieved to hear the half-time whistle.

The home side  came out with renewed purpose in the second half and nearly regained the lead early on. Conyard broke clear on goal, but once again Boland stood tall to deny him, continuing his impressive display between the posts.

The midfield pairing of Tomas Kennedy and Nathan O’Sullivan began to assert control for the home side, dictating the tempo and creating openings. Kennedy came close with a well-struck effort that was again kept out by Boland, as Rovers searched for a crucial third goal.

The Rathdrum based side  remained dangerous on the counter, and Mark Cullen nearly caught Neville off his line midway through the half, but his tight-angle effort drifted wide of the target.

With the clock ticking down and tensions rising, the decisive moment arrived with fifteen minutes remaining. O’Sullivan delivered a superb cross into the area, tempting Boland off his line. Mearns rose to meet it and powered a header goalward, guiding it past the stranded keeper to restore Rovers’ lead.

Th opposition threw everything forward in the closing stages in search of another equaliser, but Neville and his defence stood resolute under pressure. Despite a series of late attacks, Neville and his back line held firm to secure a hard-fought victory.

In a match full of drama, quality, and intensity, it was fitting that a moment of precision and composure ultimately separated the sides—ensuring Whitegates witnessed another memorable chapter before its final farewell.

Wicklow Rovers:Jack Neville,Mark Whelan,Kevin Cawley,Alex Sinnott,Paul McGrath,Tomas Kennedy,Nathan O’Sullivan,Shane Devlin,Evan Conyard,Lorcan Sinnott,Robbie Mearns 

Subs Used:Cormac Waldron for Mark Whelan Dillon Vickers  for Shane Devlin

Avonmore:Matty Boland,Ryan Delamere,Caleb Fox,Fiachra O’Hanrahan,John Murphy,Declan Breslin,Cody Reid,Callum Pursey,Alex Olohan,Cian O’Hanrahan,Mark Cullen.

Subs Used:Cormac McGraynor for Alex Olohan,Mark O’Reilly for Caleb Fox,Ross Williams for Declan Breslin.

Referee:Michael Kennedy 

Arklow United B vs Aughrim

 Arklow United B 4

Aughrim Rangers. 0

Eoin Horkan 

Credit Union park

A Niall Higgins double either side of the break helped the home side to what turned out to be a comfortable victory in the end.

The opening ten minutes of this Friday night game saw both sides creating half chances but neither goalkeeper was really troubled as the efforts flew over the bar.

Just before the quarter hour mark United had two shots, the first from Niall Higgins before a minute later James McBride let fly, these two efforts were well saved by Sean Roche in the opposition goal.

Moments later and completely against the run of play the visitors broke away but Eamon Kennedy’s effort was smothered by Paddy Gannon before the rebound was cleared off the line by Nathan Carr.

The Arklow midfield of Connors and Higgins were controlling the play and eventually just after the half an hour mark a well worked free kick where Ray Davis fed Higgins whose effort found the far corner of the net.

The last few minutes of the half saw another Davis free from range well kept out before the whistle was blown.

The early stages of the second half belonged to the away side as they managed to wrestle back control of this tie. Their first strike on the goal was through midfielder Tim Ivers which flew over the bar.

Minutes later Aughrim broke away but Paddy Gannon rushed off his line to smother the attack the ball then landed at the feet of Michael Young and with the keeper miles away from his goal Young’s effort went wide of the post.

The last fifteen minutes of this tie belonged to Arklow as they emptied the bench and this seemed to work as they managed to control the play again. This control led to Higgins nearly doubling his tally but his sumptuous volley from outside the box was expertly tipped onto the post by Roche.

The young Arklow front three all sixteen years young were causing the most damage in the last few minutes of the game. With his first touch in the league Cody O’Neill had a goalbound effort kept out before Roche did the same again with a McBride strike .

The home side’s pressure finally paid off with twelve to go as Higgins pressured the opposition before managing to put the ball into the net from a narrow angle.

With five minutes left it looked like United were well in control and managed to extend there lead when McBride broke away and produced a cultured finish to get his first goal of the season.

With the final whistle imminent a  Davis free kick found substitute James Keeley in the box to ensure victory for the home side.

Arklow United B:Paddy Gannon,Naoise Treacy,Dillon Mordaunt,Ray Davis,Nathan Carr,Niall Higgins,Tomas O’Reilly,Tom Connors,Faysal Muse,Stephen Byrne,James McBride.

Subs Used:James Keeley for Tomas O’Reilly,Cody O’Neill for Faysal Muse.

Aughrim United:Shane Roche,Aron Gannon,Luke Brown,Dylan Lynch,Michael Duster,Tim Ivers,Kyle Moules,Michael Young,James Doyle,Eamon Kennedy,Adrian Stokley.

Subs Used:Dylan Stapleton for Eamon Kennedy,Keelan Stapleton for Michael Duster,Cormac Keegan for Kyle Moules

Referee: Dominique Lachaussee

McMullen Cup

Good Counsel New Ross 34

Skerries Community College  22

Wicklow Rugby Club 

Eoin Horkan 

Good Counsel New Ross produced a strong all-round performance to overcome Skerries Community College 34–22 in an entertaining and at times tense encounter at Wicklow Rugby Club, with late drama ensuring the result was not secured until the closing stages.

Played in glorious Summer weather the New Ross made a fast start and quickly imposed themselves physically, with their forward pack laying a solid platform. Their early pressure paid off when No.12 James McDonald crossed for the first of his two tries, finishing off a well-worked move through midfield. Full-back Barry Furlong narrowly missed the opening conversion but soon made amends with a well-struck penalty to extend the lead.

Skerries responded with determination and showed glimpses of their attacking threat, but Good Counsel’s defensive organisation held firm. Tom Bolger at No.8 was particularly influential, carrying strongly and breaking tackles, and he powered over for his first try to give the New Ross side further control of the contest.

Despite a yellow card for Skerries midway through the first half, Good Counsel were unable to fully capitalise, although McDonald added his second try before the interval. Furlong, who endured a mixed day from the tee, missed another conversion attempt late in the half. Nevertheless, Good Counsel went into the break with a deserved eight point  lead.

The second half saw the south Wexford come out with renewed intensity. Furlong slotted a conversion early in the half after another well-constructed attack, and Bolger grabbed his second try of the game, underlining his dominance in the loose. At this stage, Good Counsel looked firmly in control.

However, momentum shifted in the 52nd minute when Good Counsel were reduced to 14 players following a yellow card. The opposition  took advantage of the extra space and began to build phases, applying sustained pressure on the New Ross defence. Although Furlong added another conversion during this period, he also saw an effort come back off the post, reflecting the fluctuating nature of the contest.

Winger Lee Whitty added what appeared to be a decisive try late in the game, finishing clinically in the corner after a sweeping backline move. Furlong converted one of his later attempts and also added another successful kick with ten minutes remaining, helping to stretch the lead.

Yet Skerries refused to fade and mounted a late surge, scoring two quick tries in the closing stages to make the game nervy for Ne Ross Their persistence was rewarded, and with Good Counsel also seeing a second player sent to the sin bin in the final minute, the pressure mounted.

In the end, however, Good Counsel held their composure to secure a deserved 34–22 victory. Their clinical finishing, particularly from McDonald and Bolger, along with Furlong’s contributions from the tee, proved decisive, while Skerries will take encouragement from their spirited late comeback.

Good Counsel: Philip Murphy,Tommy Byrne,Eoin Rice,Séan Brennan,Padraig Dunleavy;Fionn Kehoe,Mikey Kavanagh,Tom Bolger;Kealen Fahy,Sam Bolger;Sean Walsh,James McDonald,Harry Tritschler,Lee Whitty,Barry Furlong.

Subs Used:Kallen Byrne,Oisin Murphy,Nicholas Furness.

Skerries Community College:Rian Macken,Louis Staunton,Calum Farrely;Billy McCormack,James Staunton;Tom O’Connor,Adam Geran,Harvey Butler;James Walls,Joseph Kilbride;Charlie Hughes,Dylan Woods,Hugo May,Noah Downes, Louis Aoki

Subs Used:Robert Phelan,Darragh Russell,Aaron Kilty,JD Tattan.

Referee Aaron Gernon.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/sport/othersports/good-counsel-capture-mcmullen-cup-senior-rugby-crown/a973380423.html

Wicklow vs Kilkenny Minor

 Wicklow 1-10

Kilkenny 0-2

SETU Carlow 

Eoin Horkan 

This young Wicklos side produced some scintillating  football from start to finish to bring the minor plate back to the Garden county.

It was  a dream start for Wicklow’s  captain Darragh Harper, he managed to put his side two points up early in this tie. The first a free from close range after an early breach from the opposition before he added a second from play minutes later.

Under the lights in Carlow the Cats managed to narrow the gap to the minimum when centre forward Aaron McCormack who finally managed to break through after three minutes of strong Wicklow defending.

Just before the quarter hour mark the lead was back to two when Rhys Behan drove down the wing before firing over from a narrow angle. Both sides were finding it very difficult to break down each other's defences for  the next seven minutes. This was until Roundwood’s Zach Kavanagh powered into the game. He first set up Harper to add another to his account for the night.Then Kavanagh himself  raised two white flags in quick succession from long range. This gave his side a five point lead going in at the break.

Once tie resumed it was KilKenny who struck first with a free from the boot of Ryan Lawlor.Within minutes this was cancelled out when corner back Ronan O Brien found himself in front of the goal to split the posts.

The next ten minutes turned into a stale mate as both back lines seemed to be getting the better of their opponents .This was until the aforementioned Kavanagh won a ball from the kick out before firing over his third of the night.

This score along with emptying the bench paved the way for Wicklow to tag on another couple of scores before the final whistle .

The first of this patch was from midfielder Emmet Harney, before substitute Aaaon Nolan made an immediate impact slotting over from the twenty-one.

It was clear at this point that Wicklow would be bringing the plate back home, just to ensure victory Harper found himself in the right place to bury a goal just before the final whistle.

Wicklow;Eoin Davis;Ronan O’Brien(0-1),Ruairí Fleming,Kalem Buckley;Noah Tyrell,Ben O’Leary,Rhys Behan(0-1);Emmet Harney(0-1),Will O’Connor;Zach Kavanagh (0-3),Kayden McMahon,Conor Cooney;Darragh Haper (1-3 1f),David McCormack,Daniel Connolly.

Subs Used:Aaron Nolan(0-1) for Kayden McMahon,Callum Farrell for David McCormack,Alex McKenna for Kalem Buckley,Tadhg Reardon for Daniel Connolly,Thomas Nolan for Eoin Davis,Aaron Seagrave for Rhys Behan,Finn Walsh for Conor Cooney.

Kilkenny:Andrew Donohue;Paddy McCarthy,Padraig Kavanagh,Cian Murphy;Cian Dalton,David Phelan,Rory Buckley;Kalem Buggy,Andrew Dillon;Jamie Dowling,Aaron McCormack(0-1),Eoin Maher;Hugh Beirne,Ryan Lawlor(0-1f),Finn Gillespie.

Subs Used:Jack O’Driscoll,Sean O’Driscoll,Dara Sweetman,Oisin Maher,Joseph Brennan,Luke Kealy, Joaquim Nolan.

Referee 

Lucy DF Sweden Piece

 For young goalkeeper Lucy Doyle-Farrington, the past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, twelve days in Sweden representing her country with the Republic of Ireland women's national under-17 football team, gaining experience that will shape the next stage of her football journey.

The call-up was the latest step in a process that began months earlier. Lucy first came into the international setup through a series of training camps before progressing to friendly matches and eventually competitive qualifiers. Each stage brought new challenges, but also the chance to prove herself among the country’s most promising young players.

“It started off with a couple of training camps,” she explained. “Then it went into further friendlies and the first qualifier. After that we had another camp before the next qualifier where they announced the squad.”

That squad travelled to Sweden for a demanding round of fixtures. For the young goalkeeper  , it also meant the longest spell she had spent away from home with the international team.

Despite the excitement, nerves were inevitable.

“There were definitely a few nerves,” she admitted. “But sometimes you just have to use that to your advantage. I was buzzing to go into the camp. A lot of the same girls had been there from the start so we all kind of bounced off each other.”

That familiarity has helped create a strong atmosphere within the group. While competition for places is fierce — no one’s position is ever guaranteed.She said  the squad environment is one where every player supports the other.

“Any player that comes in is welcomed,” she said. “It’s up to you to stay there, but the girls are all so lovely. If you ever need anything you’re never by yourself.”

On the pitch, the tournament proved challenging. Ireland were unlucky not to take a win from the three matches, but the experience of competing at that level was invaluable for the squad’s development.

“There were results we would have liked,” Doyle-Farrington said, “but we went over and gave it a right go. When you look back on it, it’s the experience you take from it.”

One of the standout moments for the Wicklow goalkeeper came in the second match, where she was named Player of the Match after an impressive performance between the posts. Even so, her reaction reflected the team-first mentality she values.

“I didn’t think I’d be in the running,” she said. “It always comes back to the girls. You’re never going to win those awards without everyone around you supporting you.”

While she was delighted with the recognition, the result still mattered most.

“I was really happy, but at the same time I was gutted we didn’t get the result we wanted,” she said. “But there were so many learning curves from it.”

Among those lessons was the importance of enjoying the experience while carrying the responsibility of representing Ireland. She went on to explain how this particular camp helped her grow more comfortable within the group and embrace the moment.

“I kind of let myself be a part of it more — getting involved and everything,” she explained. “That’s something I’ll definitely carry on.”

Looking ahead, the focus is firmly on the future. With potentially two more years at under-17 level, Doyle-Farrington and her teammates are already targeting progress in the next round of qualifiers.

“We’re hoping to get out of Group B next year and get back into League A,” she said. “Everything we learned from this camp is something we can use the next time around.”

For Doyle-Farrington, the journey is still only beginning — but the pride of wearing the green jersey is already clear.

“Whether it goes your way or not,” she said, “you have to put pride into everything you do when you wear that jersey.”

The Arklow native is proudly sponsored by Bolands Arklow and J4K Midlands.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/the-future-is-in-safe-hands-with-wicklow-goalkeeper-lucy-doyle-farrington/a123573855.html

Shillelagh vs Ballywlatrim

 

Shillelagh United 7

Ballywaltrim B 1

Ballard Park 

Eoin Horkan

Flying Start Sets the Tone as United Seal Dramatic Victory

United made a blistering start in a game packed with goals and late drama, racing into an early lead inside the opening two minutes. Milo Quinn’s header crashed off the crossbar and Cian Lancaster was quickest to react, tapping home to give the hosts the perfect beginning.

The advantage was doubled within ten minutes when Donal Rawson was brought down in the box. Captain Quinn stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to put daylight between the sides.

Stunned by the early blows, the visitors gradually regained their composure and enjoyed a spell of possession. However, they struggled to make it count as the United defence, marshalled superbly by Lee Dagge and Darragh Rawson, stood firm under pressure.

Midway through the first half Donal Rawson came close to adding another when he controlled the ball neatly before unleashing a classy strike that rattled the post. The third goal did arrive on the half-hour mark. Quinn, who was causing constant problems for the opposition, delivered a superb cross which Rawson met to finally get his name on the scoresheet.

United continued to threaten down the flanks, with Jonathan Smith pushing forward from the wing, though his dangerous delivery was well dealt with by the visiting defence.

Just before the break the home side struck again. Quinn found space on the edge of the box and drilled a precise effort into the corner to give Shilllagh  a commanding lead at half-time.

The visitors emerged after the restart with renewed attacking intent and soon created a golden opportunity, only for the effort to be dramatically cleared off the line.

Chances began to flow at both ends as the tempo remained high in the south west Wicklow heat. Raswon looked certain to score when he broke through one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot was well saved. Moments later Ciaran Lambert curled an effort narrowly over the bar.

The Bray side  continued to push forward and carved out another opening, but Dagge reacted quickly, sweeping around behind his defensive line to gather and clear the danger.

The final fifteen minutes belonged firmly to United. Smith found himself perfectly placed to fire past the goalkeeper, and within two minutes the net was bulging again as Jason Cush produced a superb volley that flew past the keeper before he could react.

Despite the flurry of attacking play, United’s goal remained protected thanks to two outstanding saves from Thomas Rawson.

The closing moments produced one final burst of excitement. Cush slipped a pass through to Lambert who calmly finished. Straight from the restart Ryan Fitzpatrick launched an effort that soared through the air, struck the crossbar and bounced into the net.

The dramatic late strike sparked wild celebrations on the away bench as the final whistle brought a thrilling contest to a close.

Shillelagh United:Thomas Raswon,Jonathan Smith,Cian Lancaster;Lee Dagge,Darragh Rawson,Ciaran Lambert,Milo Quinn,Thomas Kelly,Donal Rawson,Conall Butler,Jason Cush.

Subs Used:Dean Carthy for Darragh Raswon,Oscar Judge for Cian Lancaster,Cian Doyle for Thomas Kelly. 

Ballywaltrim B;Sergiu Lubes,Duncan Bradley,Nathan O’Connor,Aaron Clancy,Cian Kinlan,Mark Byrne,Dylan O’Hagan,Jamie O’Brien,Joe Vickors,Des Traynor,Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Subs Used:Cian Ebbs for Jamie O’Brien.

Referee:Joe Byrne.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/flying-start-sets-tone-as-shillelagh-united-seal-comfortable-victory-over-ballywaltrim/a1437538960.html

St Anthony's vs Wicklow Rovers

 St Anthonys 7

Wicklow Rovers 1

Finn Park 

Eoin Horkan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee:Carl Doyle

Aaron O'Brien (WP)

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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