WDFL Semi Finals

 Sunday’s Game 

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

Eoin Horkan 

Travers Insurance Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

REFEREE: Colin Doyle.

Saturdays Match

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

WICKLOW 0

LIMERICK DISTRICT 3

Eoin Horkan Travers Insurance Park 

There was bitter disappointment for Wicklow as their hopes of rea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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