Sligo?Leitrim Kennedy Cup ( Sligo Independent)

 

Sligo/Leitrim Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 1

 

North Tipperary 0

 

In what what their coach classed a games of two halves it was the side from the north east who managed to hold out for a well deserved victory

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sligo/Leitrim 4

 

Longford 1

 

In this second round tie SL produced some fantastic football from the opening minutes to win out three goal winners .

After a tight tense affair yesterday Sligo produced some great football from the opening times whistle to take control of this game early. They had deservedly taken  the lead inside  five minutes when Ethan  Medas crossed for Daniel Connoly to finish expertly. Within three minutes they had tripled their lead with efforts from Medas and Connoly on the double .

After this flurry of goals Sligo/Leitrim controlled the tie till the break

After the interval it was much the same with SL playing the ball around . This dominance eventually led to a fourth goal with a long range strike from Killian  Hynes.

In the last play of the game Longford managed to net a consolation through Alvin  Kontoh.

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 1

 

DDSL 1

 

On Tuesday evening with most of the games over in the competition these two sides played out a highly entertaining draw ensuring the Dublin side would top the group on goal difference.

 

The Connacht side clearly had a game plan from the outset. This was to defend with all they had while striker Daniel Connolly would cause a threat up the other end. This plan worked perfectly as Connolly broke away to give his side the lead midway through the half. It was the Dublin side that pushed forward all the way to the interval but some resolute defending kept SL a goal up at the break.

Once the second half began it was much the same with the Leinster side controlling possession but not creating any major opportunities.

This was until just before the water break they won a corner which was headed in by captain Alfie  Cully. This goal meant Sligo needed the win to top the group . A long range Connolly effort grazed the outside of the post just before the final whistle.

Leaving the tie level at full time.

 

Sligo/Leitrim then drew one of the home sides Limerick Desmond in the bowl quarter final

 

Sligo/Leitrim 1 Pen 3

 

 

Limerick Desmond 1 Pen 4

 

It wasn't to be for Sligo/ Leitrim in the bowl quarter final as their West Limerick opponents managed to come out on top in the penalty shootout.

 

The Connacht side who had produced a fine display against DDSL the night before carved out the opening opportunity of this game but Cian Boylan’s effort was well saved. The West Limerick side then gained control and created two chances, the first fell to Finn Ruttle and then Tiernan O’ Flynn but neither could get the ball past Sean Deacy.

A couple of minutes after the resumption the home county side took the lead when O’Flynn controlled well before finishing into the corner of the net. With less than five minutes to go in the tie both sides nearly netted but Leon O’ Connor’s effort was saved before Limerick cleared the ball away after a goalmouth scramble.

 

As the second half dragged on it was clear that both defenses had now got the measure of their opponents . With this happening it looked like the home side had done enough but with seven minutes to go Sligo/ Leitrim fired in a free which was put into his own net. This meant the quarter final was heading to penalties.

 

Sligo stepped up first through James Sheridan but both his first and retaken penalty were saved by Ronan O’ Carroll.

Limerick then scored all three of their next three penalties from Dan Healy, Leon O’ Connor and Charlie O’ Mahoney. The Connacht side's response was goals from Eryk Chmielas and Cian Boylan in between a missed effort from Oscar Fahey.

Last up was Cory Myles Gordon who netted before Micheal O’ Kelly won the tie for the Limerick side.

 

Up next for Sligo/ Leitrim is a battle against there Connacht neighbors Mayo

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 5

 

Mayo 1

 

A clinical five star display saw Sligo / Leitrim get the better of their Connacht rivals on Thursday afternoon in UL.

 

After Mayo did all the running in the opening minutes it was S/L who took the lead with an effort from Killian Hynes after his initial effort was blocked. After the early goal the side in blue sat back on their lead but defended well to keep the lead. With two minutes left in the half Oscar Fahey broke through to double his side's lead. The ref was about to blow the whistle for half time  when that man Fahey doubled his tally for the day.

 

Within a minute of the game starting S/L added a fourth of the day this time as  Fahey completed his hat trick inside six minutes of game time. Both sides then started to empty their bench as the final whistle got closer. In the final two minutes of the game both sides managed to find the net, it was that man Fahey who added his fourth before golden boot chasing James Dever found the back of the net with the last shot of the game.

 

Place match 13/14.

 

Sligo Leitrim 2

 

Limerick District 3

 

Anyone in attendance at this five goal thriller Midday Friday was treated to a great game of football that the home side eventually managed to come out on top of.

 

Within three minutes of the game Limerick had created a chance from a free but it was well saved by Sean Deacy. It was the home side that then took the lead minutes later through Alex Meaney.Once this goal went in Sligo/ Leitrim defended valiantly as a side and kept the game scoreless until nearly half time. Then against the run of play they leveled the tie when Arrow Harps player Ethan Medas got on the end of a James Sheridan free kick.

 

When the game resumed neither side could manage to break each other down before the second water break. The game then burst into life with five minutes to go as the District side broke away through Paudie Quilter who found the back of the net. Limerick then thought they had ensured victory moments later when Rian Stewart doubled  the advantage on the cusp of full-time. With three minutes added on S/L battled back and were awarded a penalty which the competition top scorer Oscar Fahey slotted away just before the whistle was blown for full time.

 

 

Sligo/ Leitrim Squad:

Stephen McDonagh: Abbey Utd

Travis Conlon Abbey Utd

Callum Kenny Ballisodare Utd

Daniel Connolly: Ballisodare Utd

Tom Cosgrove Calry Bohs

Conor McCabe Carrick Town

Sean Barry Carrick Town

Bruce O’ Hagan: Manorhamilton Rangers

Cian Boylan: Manorhamilton Rangers

Ciaran Gunning; Merville Utd

Fionn Devins: Strand Celtic

Killian Hynes: Strand Celtic

James Sheridan: Strand Celtic

Sean Deacy: Yeats Utd

Corey Miles Gordon

Oliver Ettery: St John’s

Oscar Fahey: St Johns

Zach Carty St John’s

Ethan  Medas: Arrow Harps

 

Head of Delegation: Michael Mulvaney

Manager: John Conlon

Coach Aidan Kenny

Physio: David Brick

Kit Keith Carty

Mayo Kennedy Cup ( Mayo News)

 

Mayo Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

 

Mayo 2

 

North Dublin1

 

A late double in the last ten minutes of this tie saw Mayo come away with all three points in their opening group game in UL on Monday evening.

 

Just before the halftime whistle it was NDSL who took the lead with an effort from Sam Coffey

 

The second half was a much tighter affair with both sides creating chances. It wasn't until the last ten minutes where it burst into life. There were eight minutes left on the clock when Ethan  Canny played a ball to Cillian  Keating who  leveled the tie for the Connacht side.

With the ref about to blow the final whistle Mayo produced a fine goal after winning a penalty which was dispatched by James  Dever to make sure they would finish the day with all three points. 

 

 

Mayo 0

 

West Cork 4

 

It wasn't to be for the youthful mayo team in this 2nd round game.

 

After a tight opening period of play mayo managed to hold out the Munster side till just after the water break

 

This youthful Mayo side battled hard in this tie but just before the first break in the game Oisin McCrathy managed to find the back of the net.  Mayo then managed to hold strong at the back until well into the second half as they showed experience and courage beyond their years to keep the score down to a goal.

The Munster side managed to double their lead just before the forty minute mark when Luke O’ Neill fired home. The last two goals of the game came in the last ten minutes through Paddy Haughney and Conall Whooley.

 

 

 

Mayo 5

 

WWEC 2

 

Mayo produced a performance well beyond their years to grab all three points in this game to land them in second place in their group.

 

This game was end to end from the outset as the side from the south east took an early lead three minutes in when Barra Alian found the net. Not to be disheartened Mayo started to gain a foothold in the game but couldn't manage to break through a resolute opposition rearguard in the opening half.

Within minutes of the resumption Mayo had leveled the tie deservedly when Jamie Holmes rattled the back of the net. Just before the second water break WWEC broke away against the run of play to grab the lead back with a strike from Harry Power.

After the final interval Mayo’s James Dever took center stage netting a hat trick inside fifteen minutes while Sean Walsh also found the net to give the Connacht side a well deserved victory.

 

 

 

 

 

Mayo 1

 

Kilkenny 2

 

In Mayo’ s quarter final on Wednesday afternoon they produced a fine display of football but unfortunately couldn't get the better of their southeast opponents .

 

From the outset it was clear that this stage wasn't going to phase this young Mayo side. The Connacht side held out their opponents until the twelfth minute when Alex Shepard found the back of the net. As the half drew to a close Mayo were starting to gain control and eventually found a leveler through one of the tournament's top scorers James Dever. This left the tie level at the break.

 

When the game resumed both sides started to create more chances , unfortunately it was the Leinster side who eventually took the lead for a second time as Brion Walsh found the back of the net just before the second water break.

Mayo tried to grab that equalizer but the final whistle caught up with this youthful side in the end.

 

This result meant they would come up against there Connacht rivals Sligo/ Leitrim on Thursday afternoon.

 

Mayo 1

 

Sligo Leitrim 5

 

Four goals from Sligo/ Leitrim Oscar Fahey was the difference between the sides as Mayo battled hard from the opening whistle in UL on Thursday afternoon.

 

Mayo played some great football in tough conditions against their neighbors but unfortunately a Killian Hynes effort had the opposition ahead early on. This didn't seem to affect the Mayo team as golden boot chasing James Dever had two goal bound efforts that went wide before the break. Within the six minutes either side of half time Oscar Fahey had netted a hat trick for the opposition.

Even with this deficit Mayo pushed forward with Dever and Sean Walsh nearly breaking down the defense.

With the full time whistle in sight Fahey added his fourth of the game. As added time began a long ball from the Mayo defense was brilliantly controlled and finished by Dever which Mayo richly deserved.

 

Mayo 2 Pen 2

 

Donegal 2 Pens 4

 

The Northern side came out on top after Mayo battled hard throughout this game on Friday midday led by James Dever who was hoping to finish the tournament as top scorer.

 

From the outset it was clear that there would be goals in this game as both teams attacked at will. Within five minutes Donegal had taken the lead through Thalji Al Daher. This young and exciting Mayo team battled back into the tie and three minutes later were level as Dever netted his first of the game. As the half time whistle loomed Mayo took the lead through Dever again who broke away to finish expertly  past the keeper.

The Ulster side started to gain control in the tie and only for a double save by Noah Murphy the tie would have been level.  Eventually Murphy was passed when Ryan Quinn leveled the game just before the water break.

Neither side managed to create any more chances before the final whistle meaning this final game would be decided on penalties.

 

Mayo 1st was taken by Rian Gavin which grazed the outside of the bar. Up first for Donegal was Ronan Tunney who finished into the corner.

Mayos next two penalties were scored by Keelan McHale and Jamie Holmes. In response the opposition scored through Odhran McLaughlin and Kaiden Spence.

Donegal’s  final penalty was dispatched by Cillian McBrearty before Mayo’s Dara Rafter fired wide by the narrowest of margins.

Mayo finished  15th in the competition which was no mean feat for this young side.

 

After the game we heard from Manager Gabrile Downes who explained how “ it has been a really enjoyable week, we originally set out and improve from last years ranking. Which we did by 5 places.”

In the last few weeks Mayo have had to call on a number of young players and he details how well the young side have done. “ Considering the trauma wwe have gone through with the squad they have done really and made everyone in Mayo proud.”

 

 

Mayo’s James Dever finished the competition as joint top sorcerer with eight goals. James speaks about how the  tournament was very good and he also deflects  the praise from himself to his teammates saying, “ the team did very well together for a team that had not much experience coming into the competition.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kennedy Cup 2024 Squad:

Noah Murphy; Castlebar Celtic

Keelan McHale: Castlebar Celtic

Tom Francis; Castlebar Celtic

Jai Wilson: Ballina Town

Darragh Fleming: Ballina Town

Rian Gavin: Westport United

James Dever: Castlebar Celtic 

Daniel Lyons: Manulla

Chris Maughan: Ballina Town

Cillian Keating: Castlebar Celtic

Donal Hynes: Westport United 

Zac Bristow: Castlebar Town

Jamie Holmes: Westport United

Ethan Canny:Manulla

Dara Rafter: Ballina Town

Michael Ruane: Straide + Foxford United

Sean Walsh: Straide + Foxford United

Fionn Killeen: Westport United

Callum Costello: Straide + Foxford United 

James Brisson: Ballina Town

 

Head of Delegation: Patrick Lambe

Manager: Gabriel Downes

Coach: Alan Mulchrone

David Bristow

Wexford Kennedy Cup ( Wexford People)

 

Wexford Kennedy Cup 2024

 

Wexford 3

 

Dundalk 0

 

Wexford wearing the barcelona colors produced some scintillating football to win this first round game in UL.

 

From the outset Wexford looked to play the ball around while standing resolute in defense anytime Dundalk attacked there goal. The first half looked to be finishing goalless. Then with seven minutes to go up stepped Lee Jordan to finish calmly into the corner on the break after some great build up play.

After the interval it was that man Jordan who netted from an acute angle after dispossessing the goalie near the endline. The ref was about to blow the final whistle when up stepped Patryk Werra to lash in the south east side's third goal, this one coming from long range.

 

Wexford 1

 

Wicklow 1

 

A solid defense performance after going down to ten men saw this Wexford wide stay unbeaten after the opening two rounds of the tournament in UL.

 

From the outset it was clear that nothing would separate these two noisy neighbors .

Wexford produced the first chance of the tie but the goalline scramble was well cleared .

Both sides produced half chances before an after the water break, it was clear that it would have to be a special strike to take the lead

With five minutes to go before half time Wexford center back Bobby Connell fired in a volley from the edge of the box . Giving his side the lead at the break.

After the interval it was all Wicklow led by Cian Murphy up front.

It was the striker who nearly set up the equalizer but David McCormack's effort was well saved .

Moments later Murphy produced some fine skill to be awarded a penalty which was converted by Sam Conyard.

After Wexford goalkeeper Elliott Barrett saw a straight red for handling outside the box , a strong defensive performance saw them come away with a share of the spoils in this M11 Derby.

 

 

Wexford 1

 

Limerick District 0

 

A solitary first half goal was the difference in this top of the table clash.

It was the southeast side who got the better of one of the home teams in the final group game Tuesday evening.

 

After a tough battle against their neighbors Wexford knew a win would ensure them top spot in this group. From the first whistle the southeast pressed up on their counterparts and within five minutes Cormac Cunningham had won the ball back high up the pitch before firing into the top corner. Both sides found it difficult to get any clear cut chances, but just before the water break Limerick’s Jack Taheny broke free from the defense but his shot was excellently saved by Oscar Cullen in the net.

From the first break up until the halftime whistle neither side could gain a foothold in the tie as the middle third of the pitch turned into a battle ground.

Leaving Wexford one up at the break.

After the whistle was blown for the resumption both sides continued to try to gain that all important foothold. This didn't materialize  as neither side managed to create any clear cut chances in the second half even with bodies tiring.

This left the Yellow bellies delighted at the final whistle as they had done enough to stay in the Cup side of the draw.

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford were then drawn to play West Cork in the cup quarter final Wednesday evening in UL.

 

 

Cup Quarter Final

 

Wexford 1

 

West Cork 0

 

Wexford have turned out to be one of the best defensive sides in the tournament because after this result they have only let in one goal up until the semi final.

 

The first half of this quarter final was a tough battle as both  sides evened each other out. It was the south east side who eventually started to gain control around the middle. This led to a number of chances in the opening half but none of them managed to get through a resolute West Cork rearguard .

After the resumption Wexford piled on the pressure and eventually broke the deadlock as Lee Jordan managed to rattle the back of the net with twenty minutes left in the game. The Munster side started to push forward after the second water break but led by captain Sean Galway the southeast side managed to hold out to win the tie by a solitary goal. This meant they would be in the cup semi final on Thursday afternoon.

 

Cup Semi Final

 

Wexford 0

 

South Belfast 3

 

It was South Blefast who finally broke down the meanest defense in the Kennedy Cup as they got the better of their southeast opponents in this hotly anticipated semi final.

 

These two teams had only played each other recently in the inter league and this was clear to see as they matched up quite evenly.

The deadlock was broken  inside ten minutes when Rocco Devlin found Beto Unhabo to fire past the returning Eliott Barrett.This early setback didn't seem to affect the game plan of Wexford as they battled back to create a number of chances. The majority of which fell to the impressive striker Lee Jordan who unfortunately couldn't find that elusive leveling goal  before the halftime whistle.

Within minutes of the second half starting the Ulster side had doubled their average as that man Devlin found Winner Kabuya who slotted in past Barrett. Wexford did battle admirably to try to narrow the gap but they couldn't get the better of the opposition defensive unit.

As the final whistle drew closer the Belfast side were awarded a penalty which was converted by Daniel Anderson to ensure victory and a cup final slot for his side .

 

3rd and 4th place match

 

Wexford 0

 

Galway .1

 

It wasn't to be for Wexford as a solitary goal was the difference in there  last game of the whole tournament

 

From the beginning of this tie on Friday evening in UL it was clear that a goal would probably be the main difference to see who would place higher in the final standings.

The Connacht side fired in the first show across the wexford bows but their free kick flew over the bar.

Chances were few and far between in this tie but the best one before the first break fell to Wexford’s Aaron Nolan but his effort was well blocked by the opposition.

After the resumption Galway took the lead when Ronan Keating's effort flew into the net. Leaving his side one up at the break.

After half time the southeast side battled back into contention creating chances  either side of the water break but they couldnt break down the Galway defense.

Up until the final whistle Galway stood strong and kept out  Wexford who valiantly tried to find that elusive equalizer.

 

Wexford should be proud of their fourth place finish in the competition.

 

After the game we got the thoughts of Manager Simon Barnes. He details how “ it has been a brilliant week and the lads have been excellent.” Finishing fourth in the tournament was a fantastic result for his side. He goes on to say how “ he has had a great four years with them, and hopes they go onto bigger and better things.”

As a final word he mentions three  of the players who are lucky enough to be traveling to Blackpool next Friday with the SFAI squad. “ We have three lads going to Blackpool next week, these are Sean Galway, Darryl Kehoe and Aaron Nolan.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford Kennedy Cup Squad

Séan Galway: New Ross Town

Elliott Barrett: St Joseph’s

Oisín Ó Suilleabhán: St Joseph’s

Lewis Nolan: St Joseph’s

Oscar Cullen: Moyne Rangers

Aaron Nolan: Newpark United

Daryl O’ Brien: Bridge Rovers

Billy Heffernan: Oylegate United

Bobby Connell: New Ross Town

Patryk Werra: St Joseph’s

Oisín O’Connor: St Joseph’s

Charlie McCrathy: Cushinstown

David Byrne: Rosslare Rangers

Lee Jordan: Shamrock Rovers.

Jack Harding Kenny: Curracloe United

Cormac Cunningham: Forth Celtic

Luke Collins Turner: Shamrock Rovers

Leonardas Krugelevicius: Campile United

Bernard Switton: Gorey Celtic

Darryl Kehoe: St Joseph’s

 

Head of Delegation: Ian Lawlor

Manager: Simor Barnes

GK Coach: John Rossiter

Coach: Andrew Byrne

Coach: Killian Moran

Physio Michael O’ Neill

Secretary Anne Marie O’ Neill.

Wicklow Kennedy Cup ( Wicklow People)

 

Wicklow Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

 

Wicklow 0

 

Limerick District  3

 

It wasn't to be for Wickow in the opening round of fixtures in UL on Monday evening as the home side ran out 3 goal winners .

 

One of the three home sides opened the scoring within 3 minutes from Alex  Meaney.  This bad start did not affect the Wicklow side as they gained control in the middle of the park and started to create chances , but a mix of Alex Clancy in the opposition net along with the woodwork they couldn't find a way through before half time

 

The Limerick District side started to gain a foothold in the tie after the break , within six minutes they had doubled the lead with an effort from Padraig  Ahern.As the tie was drawing to a conclusion Louis  Fitzgerald netted a third goal to keep all three points in Limerick in this opening round tie.

 

 

 

Wicklow 1

 

Wexford 1

 

Wicklow produced a great display of football but couldn't manage to get all three points against the southeast rivals Tuesday morning.

 

The opening couple of minutes of this M11 derby  proved to be a tight tense affair as no team could gain a foothold in the middle. The first chance in the tie fell to Wexford but the goalline scramble was well cleared by the opposition. The Garden county then managed to carve out a chance at the edge of the box which Sam Conyard drove wide of the post.

After the first break chances became more prominent with Conyard's long range effort deflecting wide of the upright . Moments later after a good save which resulted in a corner, Wexford broke the deadlock with a well timed volley off the boot of  Bobby Connell.

This gave them a lead against the run of play at half time.

When the game resumed Wicklow took complete control led by Cian Murphy along with Sam Conyard and David McCormack . It was this trio that combined to put McCormack through on goal,  his effort was expertly saved by Elliott Barett.

With twenty minutes to go the tie was leveled as Murphy won a penalty which was converted by Sam Conyard.

With the final whistle in sight it was the aforementioned McCormack whose goalbound effort was saved outside the box by Barrett which resulted in him getting his marching orders. Even with an extra man Wicklow unfortunately couldn't get that elusive second goal which would have given them a deserved three points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wicklow 1

 

Dundalk 0

 

A sublime effort from Cian Murphy in the second half meant Wicklow would come third in their group in UL after battling past their Louth rivals Tuesday evening.

 

After a tight tense opening quarter it was Wicklow who eventually took control of this tie. They nearly took the lead from a corner but the goal line scramble was cleared by the opposition. Just before the half time whistle Cian Murphy broke away from the defense and played a ball to Zach Kavanagh but his goal bound effort was deflected into the keeper to leave this tie scoreless and the break.

When the game resumed it was Wicklow who stayed in position , but found it difficult to carve out any meaningful opportunities. This was until Cian Murphy stepped up with twelve minutes to go to fire into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. After that elusive goal Dundalk  did push forward but the resolute Wicklow rearguard  kept them out on two occasions.

This was enough to ensure the victory for the southwest side.

 

Wicklow were then  drawn to play NDSL in the shield quarter final on Wednesday evening.

 

 

Wicklow 0

 

NDSL 2

 

On Wednesday afternoon Wicklow came up against another local rival NDSL ( North Dublin schoolboy league.) Two goals in between the water break was enough to see the Dublin side prevail.

 

After a strong display in the last game Wicklow flew out of the box creating two early chances, the first was a goalmouth scramble that was well cleared by the opposition defense inside three minutes. Within a couple of minutes only for a last ditch tackle Wicklow nearly broke the deadlock. After that opening flurry of chances NDSL started to gain control as Thomas Matthews drove over a volley after the ball dropped to him.

Once the first water break had completed NDSL then started to pressure the Wicklow goal. This pressure eventually led to the opener through Patrick Bourke. It looked like Wicklow would only go in one down after excellent saves from goalie Lucy Doyle Farrington  at the break. This then  changed when the opposition won a penalty which was converted by Damian Fechner on the half time whistle.

 

When the tie resumed Wicklow battled back into it as Kayle Conyard controlled a long free kick before dragging his effort wide.The last chance of note in this quarter final fell to Luke Hilliard , but unfortunately Wickow couldn't make any major inroads into this two goal lead.

 

This meant their next game in the competition would be against North Tipperary in the Shield Place matches .

 

 

Wicklow 2

 

North Tipperary 1

 

A dominant display from Wicklow saw them get the better of their Munster opponents on Thursday  midday in UL.

 

After a nervy opening couple of minutes North Tipp took the lead with their first attack of the game when Jack Guilfoyle broke away to give his side the lead. This was the only chance that his side created as Wicklow took control. The first opportunity to level came when Tristan Fogarty got the ball ahead of the goalie to cross in but there was nobody there to finish.

Once the whistle had gone after the water break it was Sam Conyard who took control in the middle of the park, his first effort flew narrowly wide. With nine minutes left to go in the half Conyard curled in a free kick from out on the wing to bring Wicklow level.

Once the second half began Wicklow brought the cavalry of the bench and one of them Falim. Redmond made an immediate impact firing in seven minutes later.

The last chances of the game fell to Redmond along with Zach Kavanagh and Cian Murphy but unfortunately none of them could add that insurance goal.

 

Wicklow now play Midlands Friday in their final game of the competition.

 

Place match 21st/22nd

Wicklow 4

 

Midlands 2

 

A goal each from the Conyard twins was the difference between these two sides on Friday morning in UL.

 

Wicklow took early control of this tie creating chances at will the first falling to Sam Conyard whose effort flew over the bar. On the tenth minute it was Conyard this time who broke the deadlock with his second direct freekick of the tournament. Leaving his side one up at the water break. When the tie resumed Midlands had an effort that deflected wide before Conyard let fly again with another effort.

The second half was much more exciting as both sides emptied their benches in the final game. The side from the middle of the country leveled the tie with a strike from there main man Sam Meegan.This score did not affect Wicklow as within three minutes Samuel Moraghan starting his first game put his side ahead again. Just before the second break in play the tie was level when Oliver Goulding finished into the net.

In their final fifteen minutes of the tournament the side in blue and yellow produced some fantastic football to ensure the win. The goal to take the lead was scored by captain Kale  Conyard before David McCormack ended the tie with Wicklow’s fourth goal.

Also a special mention to Chriptoposher Neary who broke his foot a few weeks ago in Roundwood , he got on the pitch at the start of this game to take the kick off.

 

After the final whistle we spoke to Michelle Canosa who finished up with the team today. He spoke about “ how it was a really good competition and we performed very well.”

Going back over the tournament he says his favorite memory “ will be the match against Wexford where they showed we are made off.”

 

He finished off by saying “: “I have learned so much from this team and I want to also thank the parents for giving me the opportunity to manage the team over the last few years.”

 

We then hear from one of the other coaches/ fathers Trevor Conyard whose sons made history in the Kennedy Cup being the only twins to have ever  scored in the same game. He says that “ Sam practices his set pieces all the time and this could be seen during the tournament and Kale was lucky  to find himself in the right place to score.” This was a great way to finish the tournament for a well rounded Wicklow side.

 

 

 

 

Squad

Lucy Doyle Farrington: Arklow United

AJ Doyle: Newtown Juniors

Tristan Fogarty: Arklow United

 Luke Hilliard Shillelagh United

 Richie Carton: Wicklow Rovers

 Sam Morahan: Glencormac United

Conor Shevlin: Newtown Juniors

 Alex Murphy: Rathnew

Shane Doyle: Rathnew

 Chris Neary: Arklow United

 James Conyard: Ashford Rovers

 Max O’Connor: Ashford Rovers

Cian Murphy: Arklow United

Failim Redmond: Rathnew

David McCormack: Wicklow Rovers 

Ryan Cox: Wicklow Rovers

Kale Conyard: Wicklow Rovers

Sam Conyard: Wicklow Rovers

Tommy Morrisey: Wicklow Rovers

Zach Kavanagh: Wicklow Rovers

 

Head of Delegation: Alan Kelly

Manager: Michelle Canosa

Coach Louise Fogarty

Coach Andrew McDonagh

Kit/ Coach ; Trevor Conyard

Wexford Kennedy Cup 2024 ( Wexford Weekly)

Wexford Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford 3

 

Dundalk 0

 

Wexford, wearing the Barcelona colors, played an impressive game to win the first round match at UL.

 

From the beginning, Wexford played the ball around and maintained a strong defense whenever Dundalk attacked. The first half seemed to be ending without goals. However, with seven minutes to go, Lee Jordan calmly finished into the corner on the break after some great build-up play.

 

In the second half, it was Jordan again who scored from a difficult angle after dispossessing the goalkeeper near the endline. Just before the final whistle, Patryk Werra scored the third goal for the southeast side from long range.

 

 

 

 

Wexford 1

 

Wicklow 1

 

A solid defensive performance, even after being reduced to ten men, kept Wexford unbeaten after the first two rounds of the tournament in UL.

 

From the start, it was evident that these two fierce rivals were evenly matched. Wexford created the first significant chance, but a goal-line scramble was successfully cleared. Both teams had half chances before and after the water break, making it clear that only a remarkable strike would break the deadlock.

 

With five minutes left in the first half, Wexford center back Bobby Connell scored a volley from the edge of the box, giving his team a halftime lead.

 

After the break, Wicklow dominated, led by forward Cian Murphy. Murphy nearly set up the equalizer, but David McCormack's effort was well saved. Shortly after, Murphy's impressive skills earned a penalty, which Sam Conyard converted.

 

Wexford goalkeeper Elliott Barrett received a straight red card for handling the ball outside the box. Despite this setback, Wexford's strong defensive performance ensured they secured a share of the points in this M11 Derby.

 

Wexford 1

 

Limerick District 0

 

A solitary first-half goal proved decisive in this top-of-the-table clash, as the southeast side emerged victorious against one of the home teams in the final group game on Tuesday evening.

 

Wexford, knowing that a win would secure them the top spot in the group, started the match with intense pressure on their opponents. Within five minutes, Cormac Cunningham capitalized on a high press, winning the ball back and firing it into the top corner. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances, but just before the water break, Limerick’s Jack Taheny broke through the defense only to have his shot brilliantly saved by Oscar Cullen.

 

From the water break to halftime, neither team could gain control as the midfield turned into a battleground, leaving Wexford with a 1-0 lead at the break.

 

In the second half, both sides continued to search for a crucial foothold, but clear-cut chances remained elusive despite the players' fatigue. As the final whistle blew, Wexford celebrated their hard-fought victory, having done enough to secure their place in the Cup side of the draw.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford were then drawn to play West Cork in the cup quarter final Wednesday evening in UL.

 

 

Cup Quarter Final

 

Wexford 1

 

West Cork 0

 

Wexford have proven to be one of the best defensive teams in the tournament, having conceded only one goal up to the semifinal.

 

The first half of this quarterfinal was a hard-fought battle, with both sides evenly matched. However, the southeast side gradually gained control in midfield, creating several chances that were thwarted by West Cork's solid defense.

 

After the break, Wexford intensified their pressure and eventually broke the deadlock when Lee Jordan found the back of the net with twenty minutes remaining. Despite Munster's side pushing forward after the second water break, Wexford, led by captain Sean Galway, held firm to secure a 1-0 victory. This win advanced them to the cup semifinal on Thursday afternoon.

 

 

Cup Semi Final

 

Wexford 0

 

South Belfast 3

 

South Belfast finally broke down the tournament's toughest defense, defeating their southeast opponents in this highly anticipated Kennedy Cup semifinal.

 

Having recently faced each other in the inter-league competition, the two teams were evenly matched from the start. The deadlock was broken within ten minutes when Rocco Devlin set up Beto Unhabo, who fired past the returning Elliott Barrett. Despite this early setback, Wexford stuck to their game plan and created several chances, most of which fell to the impressive striker Lee Jordan, who couldn't find the equalizer before halftime.

 

Minutes into the second half, Devlin assisted again, this time setting up Winner Kabuya to slot the ball past Barrett, doubling South Belfast's lead. Wexford battled admirably to narrow the gap but couldn't break through the opposition's strong defense. As the final whistle approached, Belfast were awarded a penalty, which Daniel Anderson converted, securing their victory and a place in the cup final.

 

 

3rd and 4th place match

 

Wexford 0

 

Galway .1

 

Wexford fell short in their final game of the tournament, with a solitary goal making the difference.

 

From the start of this Friday evening tie in UL, it was evident that a single goal would likely determine the higher placement in the final standings. The Connacht side had the first attempt with a free kick that sailed over the bar. Clear chances were rare, but Wexford’s Aaron Nolan had the best opportunity before the first break, only for his effort to be well blocked by the opposition.

 

After the break, Galway took the lead with Ronan Keating's shot finding the net, putting them ahead at halftime. In the second half, Wexford fought hard to get back into the game, creating chances on either side of the water break, but they couldn’t break through Galway’s defense. Until the final whistle, Galway stood strong, denying Wexford's valiant attempts to equalize.

 

Wexford should be proud of their fourth-place finish in the competition.

 

After the game we got the thoughts of Manager Simon Barnes. He details how “it has been a brilliant week and the lads have been excellent.” Finishing fourth in the tournament was a fantastic result for his side. He goes on to say how “ he has had a great four years with them, and hopes they go onto bigger and better things.”

As a final word he mentions three  of the players who are lucky enough to be traveling to Blackpool next Friday with the SFAI squad. “ We have three lads going to Blackpool next week, these are Sean Galway, Darryl Kehoe and Aaron Nolan.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wexford Kennedy Cup Squad

Séan Galway: New Ross Town

Elliott Barrett: St Joseph’s

Oisín Ó Suilleabhán: St Joseph’s

Lewis Nolan: St Joseph’s

Oscar Cullen: Moyne Rangers

Aaron Nolan: Newpark United

Daryl O’ Brien: Bridge Rovers

Billy Heffernan: Oylegate United

Bobby Connell: New Ross Town

Patryk Werra: St Joseph’s

Oisín O’Connor: St Joseph’s

Charlie McCarthy: Cushinstown

David Byrne: Rosslare Rangers

Lee Jordan: Shamrock Rovers.

Jack Harding Kenny: Curracloe United

Cormac Cunningham: Forth Celtic

Luke Collins Turner: Shamrock Rovers

Leonardas Krugelevicius: Campile United

Bernard Switton: Gorey Celtic

Darryl Kehoe: St Joseph’s

 

Head of Delegation: Ian Lawlor

Manager: Simor Barnes

GK Coach: John Rossiter

Coach: Andrew Byrne

Coach: Killian Moran

Physio Michael O’ Neill

Secretary Anne Marie O’ Neill.

https://wexfordweekly.com/2024/06/17/a-round-up-of-wexfords- performances-in-the-2024-kennedy-cup/sport/