u15 SE Shield final

Arklow 24 Carlow 15 Leinster South East Shield final The long-awaited u15 South East Shield Final was played last Saturday at 12 o clock. Carlow was looking to retain the title that there u15s had one last year. Both sides started the game at 100 miles an hour with both teams equalling each other out in the opening phases of play, Arklow then started to gain a hold on the ball and after a period of possession Arklow hooker Jamie Tobin managed to break his way through the Carlow defense to score the opening try of the game to give Arklow an early advantage. Arklow kept the pressure on from the resulting kick-off and after some fine work from the forwards, they managed to make their way into the opposition 22 before a moment of confusing allowed Arklow prop Billy Molloy touch down a bouncing over the line to add to Arklow Advantage. Fly-half Conn Kinsella slotted a touchline conversion worthy of winning any match. These early scores kicked Carlow into action, as they gained control of the ball nearly directly from the kick they moved their way up the pitch before eventually touching down in the corner. Carlow kept up the pressure as the game edged towards half time, with nearly the final play of the half they managed to cross the Arklow whitewash again. This left Arklow 2 points up at the half time. j Carlow kept up the pressure on the Arklow line and after some heroic defending they eventually managed to cross the try line again giving them a 3 point lead. Arklow forwards managed to gain a foothold again playing against a strong breeze. With the Arklow forwards breaking tackle at will this led to more space on the pitch which Calvin Kyra Arklow winger touching the ball down in the corner to give Arklow the lead again. Arklow kept the pressure on the Carlow with some great work from there pack. After two great runs from Arklow players flanker Luke Doyle managed to get his hands on the ball leaving Carlow defenders he managed to score a try under the post which was duly converted by Kinsella. Giving Arklow a 9 point lead. For the last 10 minutes of the game, the teams even each other out with some great defending on both sides. Eventually, Carlow was penalized which gave Arklow the ball. All they had to do was get the ball out of play. Which gave Arklow a 9 point win in the final Leaving the final score 24-15.

U16 Jako Cup 31/5/19

Coolboy 7

Wicklow Rovers 0

Celtic Park Arklow

Eoin Horkan

Anyone that was in attendance in Celtic Park got to witness a clinical Coolboy side come out on top of Wicklow Rovers to reach the u16 Jako Cup final.

Coolboy started the game the way a team would like to start a semi-final. In almost the first play of the game they managed to play the ball over the Wicklow defense but the ball was well covered by the Wicklow keeper. Both sides then evened each other out in the next few phases of play.  After 7 minutes Coolboy managed to get themselves into an early lead through striker Finnian Collins who managed to latch onto a ball in the Wicklow box before slotting the ball into the far corner of the net. The game settled down again for the next couple of minutes with both defenses managing to halt each other. Coolboy winger Oisin Gorman then made a burst down the wing but his shot narrowly missed the far corner of the net.  With half an hour gone in the game, Coolboy won a corner which ended up at the feet of that man Collins again who turned on the edge of the box and drove a fine shot into the back of the net. With the game petering towards the half time whistle Coolboy managed to get one last chance but the long-range effort from Zack Furlong flew narrowly past the post. Leaving the score 2-0 at half time

The 2^nd half started off at a much slower pace with both sides making substitutes in the early parts. Defenses were coming out on top again for the opening 10 minutes before the game opened up again. Wicklow had a great chance through a corner but the header from sub-Ben Larson went narrowly over the bar. From the resulting kick out Coolboy striker Collins managed to get through the Wicklow defense before the Wicklow keeper managed to stop his attempt on goal. Wicklow started to play well after this chance, but the Coolboy defense managed to stop them any time they got near the goal. With 68 minutes gone and against the run of the play, Coolboy winger Oisin Gorman managed to put the game to bed as a contest with a great strike into the back of the net.  With the game heading into the final 5 minutes, nobody would have predicted what was about to happen next. Nearly every time Coolboy attack ended up in another goal. Gorman managed to get hold of a loose ball in the box before rolling the ball into an empty net.  Gorman then completed his hat trick after yet again been in the right place at the right time to slot the ball into the empty net.  Striker Collins then managed to try and get his hat trick but try as he might it didn’t happen his final chance hitting the post with the ball rolling around in the box eventually made its way into the net. Just before the final, the whistle went the aforementioned Gorman managed to get his 4^th goal of the game after beating a defender before firing the ball into the net to finish the game completely.

Coolboy; Rhys Nolan, Patrick Murphy, Shane Byrne, Rory Adare, Callum Hutton Aaron Corless, Cathal Rooney, Kai Davis, Finnian Collins, Zack Furlong, Oisin Gorman

Wicklow Rovers; Jack Jennings, Micheal Cassidy, Patrick Owens, Donal O Donoghue, Fionn O Brien, Kevin Leonard, Sean Murphy, Adam O Reily Callum Raul, Ewan Culbert Kyle O Neil

Subs on David Lally, Keelan Vickers, Ben Larson

Wicklow senior football League

Arklow Gerlandines Ballymoney 1-12

Baltinglass 2-9

 Anyone that was in attendance in Pearse Park last Sunday  got to witness a great top of the table clash between two sides wanting to gain a foothold at the top of the league table.

Baltinglass started off the game very quickly. From the opening they got the ball into the forward line before corner forward Adam McHugh managed to hit the opening point of the match. In response, AGB hit 2 quick frees the first a well-taken strike from the ground from the left foot of wing forward Darragh Culleton before full forward JP Hurley slotted a 21 yard free. Baltinglass then leveled the game through a long-range free from goalkeeper Mark Jackson. Hurley responded with another free for AGB before Baltinglass went on the offensive scoring 1-2 without reply. The first of these foray of scores coming from the boot of Christopher Heaslip before McHugh hit another fine point from play. Baltinglass then hit a fine goal on the counter-attack when Healy got his hands on the ball and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. With the game edging towards the half time whistle AGB hit two quick-fire points before the break the first coming from Hurley again this time from play before center back Andrew Maher fired a free over the bar. Leaving two points between the teams at the break.

The 2^nd half started off much like the first with Baltinglass hitting the opening score again this coming from towering midfielder Jordan Deans. Yet again AGB hit two quick points in reply. The first coming from a free which the boot of Hurley slotted over again before AGB corner forward Philp Healy fired over an outrageous score from out near the sideline. Both sides then traded goals. Baltinglass hitting the net first with the goal coming through wing back Pat Burke who managed to break through the AGB defense before firing the ball into the net.  AGB hit back with a goal nearly straight away after some great tackling by the forward's corner-forward Philp Healy managed to get a fist on the ball just ahead of the onrushing keeper. Both players were injured in the play which would have repercussions at the end of the game. After that goal, AGB started to express themselves hitting three points in row two of these coming from the boot of Hurley again. The first from a placed ball before hitting another from play. Wing back Karl Kirwan got his name on the score sheet with a fine score from the 45-yard line. Baltinglass fired over a score in response from wing forward Cian Lee. AGB hit two more dead balls over the bar coming from the aforementioned Hurley and Maher. This gave AGB a three-point lead heading towards the final whistle.  Baltinglass now needed too on the offensive after winning a free in added time they slotted it over instead of going for the jugular.  Substitute Johnny Keogh then managed to fire over another score. With nearly seven minutes of added time up Baltinglass won a free on the 45-yard line which goalkeeper Mark Jackson duly converted to leave the game level.

AGB Mervyn Travers; Tadhg O Callaghan, Jim Tyrell, Jack Hamilton; Karl Kirwan, Andy Maher, Ciaran O Shea ; Stephen Hurley, Chris O Brien; Darragh Culleton, Philp Gleeson, Darragh Fitzgerald; Philp Healy, JP Hurley, Cormac O Shea

Scorers JP Hurley (0-7 4fs 3p) Philp Healy (1-1) Andy Maher (0-2fs) Darragh Culleton (0-1f) Karl Kirwan (0-1)

Subs used; Daire McBride for Darragh Culleton

Baltinglass Mark Jackson, Paddy Kirwan, Tom Burke, Stephen Heaslip, Pat Burke Kevin Murphy, Billy Murphy, Mikey English, Jordon Deans; Christopher Heaslip, Peader Burke, Cian Lee ; Christopher Grimes, Sean O Brien, Adam McHugh

Scorers; Adam McHugh (0-3) Mark Jackson (0-2) Christopher Heaslip (1-1)  Jordan Deans (0-1) Pat Burke(1-0) Cian Lee (0-1) Johnny Keogh (0-1)

Subs Used; Johnny Keogh for Kevin Murphy, Ian Sheeran for Sean O Brien

Leinster U15 Quarter Final

Boyne 31

Arklow 31

Last Sunday morning Arklow traveled up the road to Drogheda to play a Leinster quarter-final. The last time this Arklow side were up here the game definitely didn’t go their way as they were on the back of a 50 point defeat. Sunday was a completely different story altogether.

Boyne playing at home started the game well getting their hands on the ball very early. They spread the ball along the back which eventually led to a try in the corner. Giving them an early 5 point lead. This try kicked Arklow into gear and in nearly the resulting play they managed to get the ball back. After a sustained period of pressure from the away team managed to get the leveling try through Luke Doyle which was converted by Conn Kinsella. Arklow playing with a strong breeze piled the pressure on pinning Boyne back in their own half. Try as they might they couldn’t get a 2^nd try.  In the final play of the half managed to break through the Arklow defense and get the ball down over the line which was converted giving the home side a 5 point lead at the break 12-7

Boyne started off the 2^nd half in flying form getting two very fast tries in the opening minutes of the game. Giving the home side a 24-7 lead at the beginning of the half. From the resulting dropkick, Arklow managed to gain a foothold in the Boyne half again. The Arklow pressure paid off when center Dean Kelly Farrell managed to drive his way over the Boyne line for a try. From the resulting restart, Kelly Farrell managed to get his hands on the ball deep in his 22. He ran back at the Boyne defense and after breaking through numerous tackles offloaded the ball to his center partner Oisin Beirne who managed to get across the Boyne line with defenders chasing him. The try was again converted by Kinsella.With 13 minutes to go Arklow piled on the pressure to level the game. After some great work from The Arklow forward back the aforementioned Farrell broke through a crumbling Boyne defense to cross the whitewash again. Kinsella added the resulting two points to level the game with 10 minutes to go. Boyne managed to get the ball again from the kick-off and after some strong defense from Arklow. Boyne managed to Burrow there way over the line and convert the try to give the home side a 7 point advantage going into the final minutes of play.  In the final minutes of the game, Arklow managed to get their hands on the ball again in the middle of the pitch. Kelly Farrell went on a mesmerizing run leaving Boyne defenders in his wake. As he got to the line Boyne thought they had held him up. He cleverly managed to turn his body to dot the ball over the whitewash; Kinsella added the extra two to draw the game again.

The game ended level but due to Leinster regulations, the scorers of the first try wins the game. Boyne went through on a technicality 

Arklow u15 rugby friendly

Arklow 34

Greystones 36

Anyone that has an interest missed a cracker of a rugby match in the oval last Sunday morning. Arklow hosted their neighbours from up the road. This game was a friendly in name only. It was played as nearly a competitive match with both sides going hell for leather from the first minute

 The away side started the game well scoring an early try in the first five minutes of the game.  This kicked the home side into action and after a sustained period of pressure Arklow centre Dean Kelly Farrell managed to burrow his way through the Greystones defence to level the scores with a try. Fly half Conn Kinsella added the extra two points.  In a very end to end game Greystones managed to get over the whitewash twice very quickly. Arklow replied again through the aforementioned Kelly Farrell who managed to cross the line again.  Arklow forwards worked there socks off for the next couple of minutes with their power pushing the opposition defence. This led to a penalty near the line where Arklow hooker Jamie Tobin got the ball and drove his way over the line this was yet again converted by Kinsella

            The 2^nd half of the game started much like the first with Greystones getting the 1^st score of the half adding the extra two. In nearly a carbon copy of the 1^st half Kelly Farrell managed to cross the line again for the home side.  The game went from side to side with both sides cancelling each other out till Greystones managed to cross the line again deep in the corner which they managed to convert the extra two. Arklow pushed forward again and after a period of intense pressure on the opposition line Greystones thought they had won the ball back but the ball slipped out and Arklow scrum, half Padraig Bermingham  cleverly touched the ball down to give Arklow a fighting chance .With the game in the melting pot in the dying embers. Greystones managed to crash over the line again, before in the final play of the game Arklow Conn Kinsella managed to slalom his way through the Greystones defence to add a final try. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough as Arklow lost out.

Arklow u15 League

Arklow 14

Tullow 24

Anyone that was up early last Saturday in Arklow witnessed a great top of the table clash in the oval.  Both sides were looking to get home advantage for the league quarterfinals.

The away side started well piling on the pressure from the first whistle. After a sustained period of pressure from the visitors, they managed to cross the whitewash very early on to give them an early 5 point lead. The away side kept the foot on the throttle going up the field and attacking every chance they had.T his intense pressure led to Tullow second try followed by a conversion which gave them a 12 point lead midway through the first half. These two scores kicked the home side into action. They pressed forward from then until the end of the half. After some very good defending Arklow no.8 Oran Kelly got his hands on the ball and drove over the line. They try converted by Conn Kinsella leaving 12-7 heading towards half time.  Arklow kept the pressure on for the remainder of the half but try as they might Tullow kept them out for the rest of the half with a strong defensive performance. Leaving the score 12-7 at half time.

The second half started much like the first with Tullow starting on the front foot again. There attacking lines causing problems for Arklow defense. These attacks led to another try for the away side which was converted this time to extend their lead to 19-7. In almost a mirror image of the first half Arklow attack kicked back into action. After a sustained period of pressure on the Tullow line. Arklow won a scrum no.8 Kelly picked it off the back and yet again got over the try line. Kinsella converted again. With the game heading into the final 10 minutes, Arklow camped themselves inside the Tullow half. The away side heroic defending kept Arklow out eventually Tullow managed to break away in the final minute and cross the line to finally put the game to bed. Giving Tullow a 24 -14 win.

Arklow u15s Leinster Cup

Arklow 14

Wexford 22

U15 Leinster Cup

 There was a great cup game played last Saturday afternoon in Arklow between two southeast sides.  The home side was looking to keep their momentum going after a few very strong performances at home. Playing with a strong wind in the first half the home side started very strongly getting the first try of the game through center Dean Kelly Farrell, who managed to break his way through the opposition defense before dotting the ball down under the posts. Fly-half Conn Kinsella cleverly drop-kicked the conversion over to give Arklow an early 7 point lead.  The game ebbed and flowed for the next 10 minutes with Wexford putting pressure on the Arklow try line. Try as they might Wexford couldn’t get through. With Arklow using the wind every time to clear their lines.  Eventually, Wexford pressure paid off as they got over the try line and slotted the resulting conversion to level the game. With the game edging towards half time the home side piled on the pressure again with foray after foray into the opposition twenty-two. This intense pressure led to indiscipline from the Wexford defense. With the final play of the half Arklow won a penalty and after a quick tap, the ball landed in the hands of Arkow no.8 Oran Kelly who burst his way through the  Wexford defense for the home sides 2^nd try. Kinsella dropped the conversion over to give them a 7 point lead at the break

The 2^nd half was nearly a mirror image of the first, with the team that had the wind gaining the advantage. Wexford piled on the pressure from the first whistle and after some heroic defending from the home side, they managed to cross the whitewash for a score.  They missed the resulting conversion which kept the home side in the lead. A couple of phases of play later Wexford managed to break through the cover again to cross the line but again missed the resulting kick. With the game in its final quarter and still only one score in it Arklow managed to get control of the ball in the Wexford half. Some more indiscipline got the home side right down into the 22 where they were camped for nearly 10 minutes. But a mix of great defending and clever fouling Wexford managed to keep the home side at bay. With the final play of the game, Wexford managed to break away and cross the line for one last time. Giving the away side an 8 point win in the cup 

Junior Camogie Final Replay

Aughrim 1-4

Annacurra 1-6

Eoin Horkan

Pearse Park

Junior Camogie Final Replay

Last Sunday evening in Arklow gave the chance to the women of Aughrim and Annacurra to lock horns again in what turned out to be a very entertaining camogie final.

The start of the game was played at a fairly frenetic pace but scoring was at a premium in the opening phases of play due to both defenses been very strong on top of that there was a breeze that was difficult to judge. After a period of great defending Annacurra hit the first score from play from Grainne Quigley who judged the breeze to perfection to land a great score from play. This score kicked Aughrim into gear. This led to an Aughrim goal through midfielder Emma Murphy who latched on to the ball in the midfield and hit a ball in towards the goal and after the sticks went flying the ball ended up in the back of the Annacurra net.   Annacurra then hit their purple patch on the scoreboard. The first of these scores coming from the aforementioned Quigley who yet again judged the breeze well hitting another point from out the field.  Annacurra corner forward Sarah Barnes then managed to win a ball out near the sideline and from a very acute angle, she managed to split the posts with a fine point. With the sides now level Annacurra hit what turned out to be a huge blow for Aughrim in the context of the match, wing forward Aisling Shannon latched onto a ball near the 21yard line after a melee near the goal. Shannon hit a fierce shot which rattled the back of the net. From nearly the next attack Shannon then fired over a great score. With the game edging towards the half-time whistle Aughrim fired over a free from Sheenagh Byrne. Leaving the score 1-1 to 1-4 at the half-time whistle.

The 2^nd half started much like the 1^st with both defenses seeming to come out on top. A lot of the play was in the middle third of the pitch. Aughrim hit the first score of the second half after about 6 minutes of play with Sheenagh Byrne hitting over another free from out the field. For the resulting few minutes both teams evened each other out before Annacurra hit a ball in towards the Aughrim square this resulted in some fine defending from Aughrim who eventually got rid of the ball this resulted in a 45 for Annacurra, which Nicole Quigley calmly slotted between the posts. With both defenses been so strong scores were very hard to come by from both sides especially from play. Aughrim hit there next score from a free from Byrne. Annacurra then responded with a fantastic long-range free through Grainne Quigley. With the game edging near the final whistle Aughrim tried everything to get the goal to level it. The game was in its dying moments when they won a free on the 21yard line which Byrne quickly put over the bar. The ref allowed one more attack in which Aughrim managed to manufacture another 21 yard free Byrne was over the free and hit it towards the goal but Annacurra defended heroically and eventually cleared the ball to win the game by two points 1-4 – 1-6.

Aughrim; Grace Harper; Aine O Shea, Eirin O Toole, Aoife Healy; Doireann O Brien, Aoife O Brien, Emer O Toole; Ellen O Hare. Emma Murphy (1-0); Mia O Connor, Kate Campbell, Sheenagh Byrne (0-4f); Annette Keenan, Rachel Campbell, Katie O Byrne

Subs Used: Aoife Bolger for Katie O Byrne, Ava Whelan for Mia O Connor, Amy O Neil for Annette Keenan

Annacurra; Kali Thompson; Nadine Fitzgerald, Eimear Gregory, Cara Robinson; Aisling Quigley, Grainne Quigley (0-3), Sarah Lifely ; Emily Rose Byrne, Niamh Shannon; Grace O Sullivan, Emma Doyle Aisling Shannon (1-1); Sarah Barnes (0-1), Nicole Quigley (0-1f), Ciara Shannon

Subs Used Alison Maules for Ciara Shannon 

U12s A2 Jako Cup Final

U12s A2 Jako Cup Final

Rathnew 2

Greystones Utd B 1

Eoin Horkan

Arklow Celtic FC

Last Saturday in the first of the cup finals was played in sweltering heat in Arklow. The first of these finals between Rathnew and Greystones was what all cup finals should be a close battle between two great sides.

The game started off quite tight with both sides looking nervous when they were on the ball. Rathnew then started to settle themselves down. Rathnew managed to manufacture themselves a free kick after some nice build-up play. Rathnew striker and captain Jamie Moorehouse Hayden took control of the situation. His strike from the free outside the box deflected against the edge of the wall and made its way into the bottom corner of the net. The next section of the game went by with very little incident with Rathnew still slightly on top but not been able to make many penetrating moves.  With the fact it was so warm the teams were allowed a water break halfway through the first half. Whatever was said to the young Greystones boys at the break helped them as they started to get more of the ball this resulted in a great chance just after the break when midfielder Charlie McKenna got hold of the ball in a dangerous position, but just couldn’t keep his shot down as it flew over the bar.

In response, Rathnew industries winger Lennon Mcgettigan Byrne got half a chance but his shot from a narrow-angle just went wide of the post. As the game was edging towards half-time Greystones midfielder Luke Smyth got control of the ball and with a Maradona esque slalom run he got straight through the defense and finished the ball into the back of the net. Leaving the game level at the break

The second half started off very much like the first with both teams containing each other well. Until after some fine build-up lead to a chance for Greystones Jamie Kavanagh who effort was saved well by Rathnew keeper Scott Doyle.  The game started to open up now with Rathnew starting to dominate. This led to two quick-fire chances the first for striker Hayden which was well saved by James O Dowd in the Greystones goal. From the resulting corner, O Dowd made another fantastic save to keep his side in the game. As it looked like the game was heading towards extra time Rathnew hit a sucker punch from a corner with the keeper making a good initial save the ball was rolling around the box. Rathnew poacher Patrick Grezyco managed to get his foot to the ball to put it in the net. That goal ended the game as a contest as Rathnew held possession and closed the game out too gives them a great cup final win.

Rathnew; 1, Scott Doyle, 2  Izzy Richardson 3, Darragh Leavy, 4,  Emmett Ronan 5,, Tynan Read, 6,  Lennon McGettigan Byrne, 8, John Hunter,9,  Jamie Moorehouse Hayden, 10,  Patrick Grezyco

Subs used; 11, Leo Read for Izzy Richardson, 7, Bill Moorehouse for Lennon McGettigan Byrne, Lennon on for Tynan Read 

Greystones 1, James O Dowd, 2, Cian Divilly, 12, Cathal Byrne, 8, Dary Smith, 5Luke Smyth, 6 Charlie McKenna 7 Jamie Kavanagh, 10 Noah Ryan, 11 Sean Barry

Suns used; 9 Thomas Large for Jamie Kavanagh,4 Sebastian Neaw for Sean Barry,13 Joe Creed for Charlie McKenna, 3  Sean O Nualain for Sean Barry 

U12s A1 Jako Cup Final

U12s A1 Jako Cup Final

Coolboy 0

Avonmore A 1

Eoin Horkan

Arklow Celtic FC

The second final of the day was played in yet warmer conditions which led to both teams displaying to us some very open and attacking football.

Coolboy came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders they nearly took the lead from a corner inside the first couple of minutes. Unfortunately for them, the header from Killian O Keefe flew over the bar. There was a carbon copy two minutes later but unfortunately, the effort from the corner flew over the bar. Avonmore striker Mark Reilly almost managed to get in behind the Coolboy defense but the defender stood his ground and Mark shot flew over the bar. Coolboy were in almost complete control of the game when midfielder Lee Doyle got the ball but after getting past a couple of players his effort went just wide of the Avonmore goal. Coolboy fine play was starting to come to the fore as there number 10 ... Cullen got behind the Avonmore defense but his shot flew wide of the near post.

Avonmore chances were few and far between but they did manage to carve the odd chance. From a corner, the ball came back out to the taker Leighton Doyle who cut inside the defender but his effort flew over the bar. Coolboy midfield was still dominant this led to another chance for Lee Doyle who put his shot straight at the keeper. As the half was drawing to a close coolboy winger Eoin .... Was running on to a through ball but the Avonmore keeper got there just in front of him. Leaving  the scores level at the interval

Whatever was said to Avonmore at the break changed this game completely. They came out at the start of the half and started playing some lovely football. This resulted in the finest move of the game with the ball ending up at the feet of the aforementioned Reilly who slid the ball into the corner of the net. The goal came completely against the run of play.  Coolboy kicked back into gear almost immediately creating another chance but after a great shot from Cain Byrne, the Avonmore keeper made a fine save.  Cullen had yet another great chance for Coolboy but yet again the keeper pulled off a fine save.  Keepers were on top in this period with Coolboy goalie Callum Keenaghan pulling off to fine saves in quick succession from Reilly again. Coolboy chances were fading quickly as time ticked on eventually you could see their heads dropping as they tried everything in their power to score but try as they might this never transpire. Avonmore held on for a very hard fought 1-0 win

Coolboy; 1; Callum Keenaghan, 7 Cian Byrne, 4; Thomas Kelly, 11 Eoin,,,, 8 Conor Hamilton 9 Bryan Tullan 3  Killian O Keefe 6, Lee Doyle,,, Cullen

Avonmore 1 , Reece Magee, 2, Oscar Dowling, 3, Joe Sinnott, 5 Leighton Doran 6, Kian Fluskey, 7,  Mark Reilly, 8, Gavin Cullen 12,  Paddy Harper

Subs on 11, Conor Hayes and 10 Ethan Tarmey 

Wicklow JAFC Shillelagh vs Baltinglass

Shillelagh 0-8

Baltinglass 1-7

Eoin Horkan

Pearse Park 

Baltinglass came out on top of a very tight tense affair played in Arklow last Friday evening.

The game started off very tight and niggly with Baltinglass hitting the first score of the game with a free from their talismanic full forward Puadie Swinbourne. This was the first score of the game coming from the Carrickmacross man.. Sjillelagh hit a reply almost immediately after from wing back who slotted over a free from the 21-yard line. The game was end to end for the next couple of plays before Baltinglass corner forward Brian Lord cut in through the opposition defense before slotting over a fine score.Sheilagh made a positional switch putting dangerous wing forward Brendan Behan into a two man full forward line along side Mark Collins. This move worked a treat with Collins latching onto a ball which he fired towards the goal but unfortunately for Collins Shillelagh Keeper Laurie Cullen pulled off a great save to put the ball over the bar. Whelan slotted over another free before that man Behan got onto a ball and fired it between the post. Swinbourne hit another trademark free in reply before Lord weaved his way through Shillelagh defensive system before firing over another score.  With the game in the balance heading into the half time break, Shillelagh edged their noses in front through center forward Gary Murphy hitting a fine long range score., Leaving Shillelagh 0-5-0-4 at half time.

Whatever was said to Baltinglass at the half time it certainly worked, because shortly after the throw in they hit the most important score of the game which was a goal coming from that man Swinbourne who was at the end of a fine flowing move before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.  Behan fire over a 45 in response before the game became very ill tempered this resulted in both teams getting a player sent off. Shillelagh corner forward David Cullen getting a straight red for striking out on an opposition defender this resulted in a tussle which resulted in Baltingalss full back Tommy Cullen also getting a straight red for his misdemeanor. Swinbourne hitting over two more points one from play before he slotted over another free. Both teams started to empty their benches in the final part of the game. Shillelagh sub-Stephen Byrne making an immediate impact with getting a point with almost his first touch. Shillelagh went looking for a goal but try as they might they couldn't find a breakthrough. The closest they got was a consolation score from Gary Murphy. Baltinglass sub-John Gillespie hit the final point of the game giving Baltinglass the win.

Scorers Baltinglass  Puadie Swinbourne (1-4 ) Brian Lord (0-2) John Gillespie (0-1)

Shillelagh D Whelan (0-2)  Mark Collins (0-1)  Brendan Behan (0-2) Gary Murphy (0-2)  Stephen Byrne (0-1)

Shillelagh   Laurie Cullen, Daniel Behan, Sean Carroll, Enda Foley; Keith Collins, Darragh Foley, David Whelan; Patrick Hennessy, Ray Murphy;

 Robbie Elliot, Gary Murphy, Brendan Behan; Mark Collins, Noel Murphy, David Cullen 

 Subs used Stephen Byrne for Robbie Elliot (46 min) Jim O Brien for Keith Collins (52 min) 

Baltinglass Patsy Keogh; David Jethings, James Keane Sean Parke; Micheal Dowling Tommy Cullen Paddy Kirwan; Lee Furlong, Mark Ashton; Stephen Quinn, James Quinn, Robin Farrell; Jack Timmons Paudie Swinbourne, Brian Lord 

Subs used   Niall Kirwan  for Enday Foley (22 min ) John Gillespie  for Mark Ashton (54 min) 

Wicklow JBFC AGB vs Kiltegan

Wicklow JBFC

 

Arklow Gerlandines Ballymoney 1-10

Kiltegan 0-6

Eoin Horkan

Pearse Park

Last Wednesday night the final round of the Wicklow Junior Championship was played between AGB and Kiltegan

Kiltegan started the game off like they meant to go on scoring three unanswered points. The first of these scores coming from centre-forward James Doyle hitting a fine score over the black spot. Doyle then got his name on the scoresheet again this time slotting over a free from the 21yrd line. Kiltegan then fired over there 3rd point of the game this score coming from corner-forward Padraig Keogh AGB got their first point in reply coming through corner forward Donal o Keefe.AGB hit three more points in succession. All of these scores came from AGB running at the Kiltegan defense The first of these points coming from midfielder Jack Darcy after he made a great solo run through the Kiltegan defense. Maurading wing back Jonathan Doyle then hit over another fine long-range score for AGB before Darcy hit another score which was basically a carbon copy of his first score. Kiltegan hit their final score of the first half with a traditional corner forward score winning the ball in front of the defender and slotting over a point. This score came from Steve Coogan. AGB hit the final two points of the first half one better than the other. Wing forward Garrett Kenny flicked the ball up on the run before hitting a fine score over from 30 yards. The final point of the half came from O Keefe again who put the ball over the bar from almost an impossible angle.' Leaving the score 0-6-0-4 at halftime.

The start of the second half started off a bit tighter with both sides trading scores. AGB hitting the first of these coming from corner forward Quentin O Reily before Keogh hit a reply for Kiltegan.AGB then hit the most important score of the game with the aforementioned Kenny getting on the ball on the Kiltegan 21yarrd line before making his way through the defense before slotting the ball into the back of the Kiltegan net. Keogh slotted over another free in reply for Kiltegan The game then went from end to end for the next couple of minutes with both sides wasting chances including both goalposts been hit. AGB hit the final three points of the game the first coming that flying wing back Doyle again before midfielder Jack Furlong hit another fine long-range score. Like the first half corner forward O Keefe ended the scoring with a great score to finish off the game. Leaving the final score

1-10-0-6.

Scorers AGB G Kenny (1-1) J Darcy (0-2) J Doyle (0-2) D'O Keefe (0-3) J Furlong (0-1) Q O Reily (0-1))

Kiltegan P Keogh (0-3) J Doyle(0-2) S Coogan (0-1)

AGB Kyle O Conor; Micheal O Sullivan, Tadhg O Callaghan, Ryan Stafford; Tom Hurley Paul O Donoghue Jonathan Doyle; Jack Furlong Jack Darcy; Gavin Bentley, Alan Mcbride, Garrett Kenny; Quentin O Reily Ian Bracken, Donal O Keefe

Kiltegan; Ciaran O Toole; Niall Foley, Colm O Conor, Faustas Andulens; James O Brien, Brien Kearney, Jamie Daly; John O Toole, Dan Kearney; Philp Penrose, James Doyle, Luke Byrne; Steve Coogan, Mark Ryan, Padraig Keogh

Subs used AGB Brendan o Sullivan for Ryan Stafford, S O Donoghue for Gavin Bentley(42 min)  Corey Mills for Ian Bracken (53 mins) Gary Fennell for Quentin o Reily (56 min) Stuart Mills for Garrett Kenny (58 min )

Kiltegan Ciaran Doyle for Faustas Andenlus, Mark Pierce for Luke Byrne (ht subs) Emmet Murphy for Philp Penrose (50 min) Darren Hobson for Steve Coogan (53 min)  Mark Brady for Padraig Keogh ( 56 min)

Wicklow Senior Hurling Championship Eire Og vs Kiltegan

Eire Og Greystones 2-17

Kiltegan 0-12

Eoin Horkan

Pearse Park 

Last Friday night in there was a great high scoring championship game played between Greystones and Kiltegan.

Greystones came flying out of the blocks getting the first point of the game directly from the throw in through center forward Anthony Byrne. Kiltegan hit back almost immediately with full forward Kevin Byrne hitting a fine score from play.  Eire Og the put their foot down getting four unanswered points from play. The first two of these coming from dangerous corner forward James( Pooch) Cranley. Wing forward Danny Nolan made a made a marauding run up the field and slotted the ball over the black spot. Cranley hit another trade mark score. Kiltegan in reply got a point through their own dangerous corner forward Sean Germaine. Anthony Byrne hit another point in reply for Eire OG. Germaine then hit over a free for Kiltegan. Cranley slotted over another point before full forward Micheal Walsh got his name on the score sheet with a lovely point from play. Wing forward Gavin Parslow tagged on another fine point for Eire OG.Germaine hit over another point for Kiltegan. With the game heading towards half time, Greystones hit a sucker punch getting the first goal of the game. Centre forward Byrne won a high ball on the 21-yard line before turning inside his marker and burying a shot into the top of the Kiltegan net.Cranley hit another lovely score before wing back Peter Keane hit a fine long range point from his own half. This left Eire Og 1-11 to 0-4 up at half time

Kiltegan hit the first score of the second half through Germaine hitting over another free. Cranley knocked over another score before Eire Og got their second goal. This coming through corner forward Hugh o Neil who managed to get his hurl on the ball in a goal mouth scramble to put the ball in the net.Kiltegan got two points in reply with midfielder  Padraig Byrne hitting a great long range point before Germaine put over another free. Greystones hit another purple patch getting three unanswered points from play two of them coming from the aforementioned Byrne before Nolan also got another point. Germine slotted over another free .Eire Og wing back Leon Byrne then managed to get his name on the scoresheet with another fine long range point Kiltegan hit two points in reply the first coming from wing forward Padraig o Toole and the second coming from Germaine who hit another free over the black spot. Cranley hit over Greystones final point of the game. Kiltegan finished the game off with two points from play, coming from center forward Aaron Byrne and the final score of the game coming from Padraig o Toole. Leaving the final score 2-17 to 0-12 to Eire Og.

Scorers Eire Og; J Cranley(0-7) A Byrne (1-4) D Nolan (0-2) M Walsh (0-1) G Parslow (0-1) P Keane (0-1) H O Neil (1-0) L Byrne (0-1)

Kiltegan  S Germaine (0-7) K Byrne (0-1), P O Toole(0-2) A Byrne (0-1) P Byrne (0-1)

Greystones; Dan O Neil, Sean Hughes, Billy Cuddihy, Daniel O Conor; Peter Keane, Mick Arrigan, Leon Byrne; Shane  Nolan, Kristin Flynn, Danny Nolan, Anthony Byrne, Gavin Parslow, Hugh O Neil, Micheal Walsh, J Cranley.

subs used Daniel Sammon for Micheal Walsh; Sean Corless for Gavin Parslow  Conal Deeney for Hugh O Niel  Ger white for Leon Byrne John Deeney for Shane Nolan

Kiltegan; Lucke Byrne, James O Brien Bryan Kearney, Nigel Nolan; Dan Kearney, Jeffrey Brimny, Colm O Conor; Rory Finn, Padraig Byrne, JJ Phelan Aaron Byrne, Padraig O Toole; Steven Coogan, Kevin Byrne, Sean Germaine

Subs Used Mark Pierce for Steven Coogan Ciaran Doyle for Nigel Nolan, MJ Moran for Sean Hughes  Christ O Toole for JJ Phelan John o Keefe for Dan Kearney



.

Wicklow Junior A Championship AGB Vs Lacken

AGB 3-13 

Lacken 1-9 

Pearse Park 

Eoin Horkan

Last Thursday night in Arklow The second round of the Wicklow Junior championship was played with some great scoring from both sides.

The home side AGB started the game off at a frenetic pace with the first score of the game been a goal. This coming from pacy wing forward Peter Hempenstall who burst through the defense before neatly placing the ball into the bottom corner. AGB followed this sore up with another point from play from corner forward Quentin o Reily.In reply, Sean Murphy slotted a free for Lacken before Hempenstall got another point from play/. Murphy slotted another free. AGB then went on a scoring spree getting 1-3 without reply. The first of these been another goal coming from through the other wing forward Garett Kenny Alan Mcbride and Kenny hit over two more points from play before Mcbride hit over a free. With the game heading towards half time, Lacken hit two more points both coming from full forward Sean Murphy both fine long range scores leaving the score 2-5 to 0 -4 at half time.

AGB started the 2nd half very much like they started the 1st. With Quentin O Reily scoring another fine point from play after some fine build up work. Murphy got two frees in reply for Lacken. AGB then hit another foray of scores with no reply from Lacken.  Midfielder Jack Furlong hit the first of these points from long range point. Before sub-Shane  Donoghue slotted another point before the aforementioned Kenny hit another one over the black spot. Lacken then won a penalty after some fine play. Corner forward David Reddy slotted the penalty under the body of the AGB keeper Bolger.AGB hit one final purple patch before the end of the game. With all the scores coming from the play The first of these coming from midfielder Tiernan Mcbride before sub-Gary Fennel Fennel got his name on the score sheet. Hempenstall got his name on the score sheet again before wing back Jonathan Doyle made a burst up the field to put over another fine score.Lacken then hit their purple patch before the end with Murphy hitting over two dead balls one from a free and one 45.before hitting a monster long range point. Reddy hit over Lacken final score of the game. AGB went on one final foray up the pitch with the ball ending up in the hands of the evergreen McBride who went to put the ball over the bar but his shot was under hit and it looped over the goalie's head into the back of the net. Leaving the score 3-13 - 1-9 at the end of the game.

Scorers AGB; G Kenny (1-2) P Hempenstall (1-2) Q O Reily (0-2) A Mcbride (1-2)  J Furlong (0-1) S Donoghue(0-1) G Fennell (0-1) J Doyle (0-1) T Mcbride (0-1)

Lacken D Reddy (1-1 S Murphy (0-8) 

AGB James Bolger; Micheal o Sullivan Tadhg O Callaghan, Tom Hurley; Jack Darcy, Donal O Keefe J Doyle, Tiernan Mcbride, Jack Furlong; Peter Hempenstall, Alan Mcbride, Garett Kenny; Quentin O Reilly, Gavin Bentley, Corey Mills

Subs Used Shane  Donoghue for Donal O Keefe, Brendan O Sullivan for Jack Darcy, Gary Fennell, for Quentin O Reily, Freddie Miller for Corey Mills Liam Gregory for Corey Mills

Lacken James O Neil; Paddy Nolan, Daniel Griffin, Kenneth Balfe; Tom Mcguire, Eoin Cripps, Jordan Balfe, Matt Cripps Paul Phibbs Aron Griffin Philp Gallagher Conor Phipps, Sean Murphy David Reddy

Gaelic Football ; Wicklow vs Wexford u16 Carlow Cup 20/07/17

Wicklow 2-11

Wexford 2-13

Pearse Park 

Eoin Horkan

Last Thursday night in Arklow the Semi final of the Carlow cup was played in what was at times some very unfavorable conditions. Even with this being the case both sets of forwards came out on top in a very topsy turby match.

Wicklow started off the game at a frenetic pace scoring 1-1 inside the first five minutes. The goal was the first score after some very good build up play Wicklow corner forward Ruairi Tomkins stepped inside his marker and slotted the ball into the back of the net Wicklow full forward Eoin Darcy followed up the goal with a fine point from play. Wexford then kicked into gear with their first score coming from wing forward Jack Finucan scoring a point from a free before dangerous corner forward Lee Jordan popped over a point from play. Darcy scored a free in reply for Wicklow. Wexford got two points in reply with wing back Adrian Breen getting the first of these after making his way up the field before Finucan got another free. Some good defending followed for the next few minutes before Wicklow forward Darcy managed to get his hands on the ball to fire over another point from play.  

From the resulting kick out Wexford went on the attack and the aforementioned Finucan found space in front of the Wicklow goal before burying the ball into the back of the net. In retaliation to the goal, Wicklow replied with a goal of their own through corner forward Tomkins. Wexford got two points in reply both coming from their half forward line the first coming from Niall Connolly and the next coming through big center forward Mark Boyle. With the game edging towards half time both teams went on meaningful attacks with Wicklow getting another few points coming from corner forward Alan  Barrett and  Tomkins getting another point from some great build up play. Full forward Darcy scored a point from play before Wexford midfielder Ciaran Kavanagh made a lung bursting run up the field before putting the ball over the bar. Wicklow finished the half of well with points from play coming through Darcy again and center forward Niall Gaffney getting his name on the scoresheet. Leaving the score 2-7 - 1-7 to Wicklow at half time. 

Wexford must have got a good talking too at half time because they started the second half like a house on fire scoring 1-3 without reply in the first ten minutes.The first of these score coming from corner forward Jordan before that big center forward Boyle managed to get his hands on the ball in front of the Wicklow goal mouth before putting the ball into the back of the Wicklow net.That dangerous Wexford corner forward Jordan popped another score over the bar. Wexford followed up with another score from wing forward Finucan. This foray of scores kicked Wicklow into action scoring three points in reply all these scores coming from free kicks after some indiscipline from the Wexford defense.  Darcy scoring two of these frees with corner forward Ruari Tomkins hitting another free. Jordan fired over another free for Wexford to put them one point ahead. Wicklow leveled the game through Tomkins who scored a point worthy of winning any game swinning the ball over his right shoulder from a very difficult angle.    

Wexford finished the game off with Jordan scoring a free before getting an insurance point from play to put the game away from Wicklow in the final minute. Leaving the final score 2-11 - 2-13

Wicklow Kian Geraghty; Ben Fennel, Cian McHugh, Rory Whelan; David Lawlor, Dave Devine; Nicky Kearney, Cian Walsh Eoghan Byrne, David Maloney, Niall Gaffney, Oisin Cullen; Alan Barrett, Eoin Darcy, Ruarri Tomkins 

Scorers; E Darcy (0-6) R Tomkins(2-3)  N Gaffney (0-1) A Barrett (0-1)

Subs Johhny Kehoe for Eoghan Byrne, Gavin Fogarty for Nicky Kearney, Shaun Cranley for David Maloney, Dave Wright for Rory Whelan  Kevin Quinn  for Dave Wright 

Wexford Jack Nolan; Rob Murphy, Jason Deveraux, Gloudy Makvese, Darragh Canavan, James O Leary, Adrian Breen Ciaran Kavanagh, Harry Kehoe; Niall Connoly, Mark BoyleJack Finucan; Lee Jordan, James Dixon, Conor Hughes

Scorers  J Finucan (1-3) A Breen (0-1) L Jordan (0-6) M Boyle (1-1) N Connoly ((0-1) C Kavanagh(0-1)

Subs Ollie Gahan for Gloudy Makvese, Noel Rowsome for Adrian Breen, Gary hall Roche for Niall Connoly Ben Morris for Jack Finucan, Adam Mullins for James Dixon

Gaelic Football Junior A Championshp Carnew Vs St Pats 11/07/17

St Pats Wicklow 3-16

Carnew 0-3 

Eoin Horkan 

Pearse Park Arklow 

 Wow that was some display of scoring from Jonny Carton Last Tuesday night in Arklow when   the first round of the Wicklow Junior Championship was played between St Pats of Wicklow and Carnew 

The first five minutes of the game was very scrappy with both sides going on attacks but nothing meaningful came out of these attack. Pats then put the first score on the board through centre-forward Simon Boucher who scored a lovely point from play after some great play from the half back line. from the resulting kick out Pats won possession of the ball and after some very patient build up play midfielder Bosco Guinan scored a fine long range point. Carnew went up the other end of the pitch trying to get on the score sheet. They won a debatable free on the 21yard line. Evergreen full forward John Joe Myers put the ball over the bar. If his shot was a few inches lower the ball would have ended up in the back of the Pats net. This frightened Pats and kicked them into gear. From the free to the end of the 1st half Pats kept Carnew scoreless. While Pats themselves scored four unanswered points. The first of these coming from young corner forward Jack Kelly.For the next few minutes, Pats were very patient playing the ball around the 45-yard line before marauding wing-back Colin O Toole broke through the carnew defense and blasted the ball over the bar from inside the 21. Pats last two points of the half came from experienced corner forward Jonny Carton who scored a fine point from play before slotting the ball over from a close-in free. 

The 2nd half started off much like the first with Pats scoring the first point from play through full forward Joe Quinn.In reply Carnew full forward Myers got another score from a free This was Carnew last score until almost the end of the game  Pats then hit the first sucker with the aforementioned Carton getting the first goal of the game after some fine interplay. Caton the put on a scoring spree getting four points in a row two points from frees and then two from play.Boucher and Carton then traded scores for Pats. Boucher's coming from play and Carton coming from another free. Carton the buried another goal to really show Pats dominance at this stage. Pats started to empty their bench and this stage to give all their players game time. The first of these subs Brendan Cox scoring a great point from play. Carnew then scored a late consolation point through their player/manager Quentin House.In reply to this point, Pats scored another 1-2 before the final whistle. The points coming from Boucher and Kelly and the goal coming from Carton to top of a fine virtuoso display from him 

Wicklow scorers  J Carton (3-8 (4f )  S Boucher (0-3) J Kelly (0-2) B Guinan (0-1) B Cox (0-1) C O Toole(0-!)

Carnew JJ Myers (0-2F) Q House(0-1)

Wicklow Ian Murphy Kris Kavanagh, Lorcan Smullen Aron Dunne Ronan Conely David Byrne, Colin O Toole, Bill McHugh, Bosco Guinan Hugh Humby, Simon Boucher, Rhys Kelly; QuinnJack Kelly, Quinn Jonny Carton

 Subs used Shay Dunne for Colin O Toole, Brendan Cox for Rhys Kelly, Adam Cox for Joe Quinn, Eoin McGauley for Aron Dunne Sean Buckley for Hugh Humby 

Carnew; Colm Murphy; Graham Byrne, Patrick Nolan, Paul Murphy; Robert Roche, Micheal Collins, Stephen Murphy; Billy Rickerby, Dermot Doran; Micheal Osbourne, Gary Doran; Liam Kenny, Darragh Kelly, John Joe Myers, Padraig Doyle 

Subs used Quentin House for Stephen Murphy 

Gaelic Football Limerick vs Wicklow Division 4 football

Limerick 2-13  Wicklow 2-09

Eoin Horkan at Newcastle West

April 8 2017 12:00 AM

 

Wicklow's last game in the national football league was played on Sunday away in limerick. On a beautiful day, Limerick came out on top of a very tight, tense affair.

Wicklow came flying out of the blocks in Limerick with a fine point from play from Darren Hayden before Paddy Byrne latched on to a bouncing ball on the 21-yard line before slaloming his way through the limerick defence before slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

In reply, Limerick opened the scoring through full-forward Danny Neville. Wicklow kept the pressure on after this and this resulted in them winning a 45. Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson made his up the field and slotted the 45 over the bar.

Rory Finn won a ball in midfield before bursting through a few Limerick players and hitting a monster score from the 45-yard line. Limerick seemed stunned by this fast start by Wicklow.

They then kicked into action scoring a goal and the points without reply. The Limerick scoring spree was started off by their goalie Brian Scanlon who equalled his Wicklow counterpart by scoring a 45.

Limerick wing forward Seamus O'Caroll then latched onto a ball before putting it into the back of the Wicklow net.

Limerick continued there scoring with corner-forward Sean McSweeney before the aforementioned Neville scored another point.

The game ebbed and flowed for the next few minutes before Wicklow got yet another fine long range score coming from Hayden yet again.

In reply, corner-forward Padraig Scanlon slotted another point over the bar. With the game moving towards half-time Wicklow wing forward Mark Kenny got on a ball and drove towards the Limerick goal as he ran along the end line no one expected much but out of nowhere Kenny unleashed a raspier of a shot that flew into the back of the Limerick net.

McSweeney and Kenny then traded frees just before the break, leaving the scoreline reading Limerick 1-6, Wicklow 2-5 at half-time.

The second half was a much more defensive from the Limerick side. The half started off well for the home team with Neville yet again getting another point from play.

Wicklow forward Kenny got two scores in reply, with one lovely point from play before slotting over a free kick.

Limerick then got a decisive score through full-forward Danny Neville who got his foot too the ball as it was rolling around the Wicklow goalmouth and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Limerick then started too empty their bench with substitute Jamie Lee making an immediate impact by scoring a point from play.

Neville hit another point from play before Lee got on the score sheet again with a free.

After this flurry of score from Limerick, Wicklow hit another score through Kenny from a free.

The Limerick forwards were doing more damage when the ball was near them, especially Neville and substitute Lee; Neville hitting another score from play with Lee slotting another free.

Wicklow substitute Mark Fitzsimons got a final point for Wicklow at the end of the game, before lee hit a final point from play, too, leaving the final score reading Limerick 2-13, Wicklow 2-9.

Johnny Magee said that his charges played well in Newcastlewest, controlling the play for some of the game.

"We played well, we were in control of the game for good periods over the 70 minutes. We were shutting them out well. They had soem possession but they were hitting wides and we were happy they were getting the shots off from where they were, out wide.

"We were organised and disciplined and when we went forward we were economical," he added.

The Wicklow players will now go back ot their clubs for two weeks before returning to the county set up for five weeks ahead of the Louth clash, a game they are going in to as rank outsiders.

Scorers

Limerick: D Neville 1-5, J Lee 0-4, S O'Carroll 1-0, B Scanlon 0-1, P Scanlon 0-1, S McSweeney 0-2.

Wicklow: M Kenny 1-4, D Hayden 0-2, Paddy Byrne 1-0, R Finn 0-1, M Jackson 0-1, M Fitzsimons 0-1.

Limerick: Brian Scanlon; Garrett Noonan, Johnny McCarthy, Sean O'Dea; Daniel Daly, Ian Corbett, Padraig Quinn; Darragh Tracey, David Ward; Peter Nash, James Naughton, Seamus O'Carroll; Sean Sweeney, Danny Neville, Padraig Scanlon. Subs: Tony McCarthy for Daniel Daly; Jamie McGarry for James Naughton; Brian Donavan for Jamie Lee; Jamie Ryan for Sean McSweeney; Paul White for Padraig Quinn.

Wicklow: Mark Jackson; Eoin Murtagh, Ross O'Brien, Jamie Snell; Darren Hayden, Dean Healy, Ciaran Hyland; Rory Finn, David Boothman; Conor Ffrench, Stephen Kelly, Mark Kenny; Paddy Byrne, John Crowe, Peadar Traynor. Subs: Brendan Kennedy for P Traynor; Mark Fitzsimons for Paddy Byrne; Caolan MacGorman for E Murtagh.

Referee: Kevin Murphy

Hurling Mary I vs NUIG Fitzgibbon cup quarter final

2017 Fitzgibbon Cup ¼  Final.

Mary I     4-18

NUIG       1-16

A great display from defending champions Mary I gave them a comfortable 11 point victory over the visitors  NUIG.

Mary I started got off to flier with wing forward Darragh O Donavon scoring his first point. Nuig then levelled with a fine point from play from midfielder Ian fox. O Donavon the hit another fine long range point before  Mary I then went on their meaningful attack, midfielder Colm Galvin using his pace to get free from his marker his belter of a shot but  hit the crossbar with the quick - thinking corner forward Tadhg Gallagher finishing the rebounding sliotar into the back of the net, giving them a three point cushion

NUIG got two frees in reply. The first coming from centre back Connor Cleary bagging a fine long range free from well inside his own half, then  Corner forward Ger Hennely  slotted another from long range . The scores then started coming thick and fast from both sides with Mary I wing forward scoring two points from play before the aforementioned Hennely got a free in reply.  Aaron Gillane slotted the next two points, one from  a placed ball. Hennely scored two more long ranges frees for the visitors.

Mary I  had two  the next two white flags Corner forward Luke Meade had a fine point from play while the ever more influential Gillane slotted yet another free for Mary I .

NUIGs Conor Whelan then got the ball on the sideline then turned his marker inside out before hitting a point from an outrageous angle over the bar.. Not to be outdone by that great score Mary I then went on attack and after some great play from corner forward Tadhg Gallagher the ball was sent across the square to fellow corner forward Meade and after some amazing stick work  finished the ball ending up in the back of the NUIG net.

Yet again Hennely replied with two more scores one from a free and the other from play. The final few minutes of a pulsating half saw both teams put on scoring spurts getting three points each Mary I scores all coming from the stick of Gillane scoring two from play and one from a free , NUIG scores came from full forward Sam Conlan a majestic side-line cut from Conor Whelan and a fine point from Ian fox.  Leaving the half time score Mary I 2-11…..   NUIG 0-11…...

Much like the first half Mary I came out of the traps quicker with centre forward Michael O'Neil putting the ball over the black spot almost immediately after the restart. Like most of the game NUIGs response from the hurl of Hennely who scored two more points one from play and another from a free. Mary I then hit NUIG with a real sucker punch wing forward Gillane found himself at the edge of the square and after a fine bit of play buried the ball into the back of the net. Whelan and Gillane then traded scores with Whelan scoring from play and Gillane hitting over another excellent free. O'Neill popped up with another fine score for the home team. Yet again Hennely kept the scoreboard ticking over  with a badly needed  point.

Gillane sealed the visitors fate, again gaining possession  on the edge of the square  and  expertly finished the ball into the net. Yet again Gillane and Hennely traded frees.

As the game started to fizzle out both sides started to empty their benches. Meade got another lovely score for Mary I before NUIG scored a consolation goal through wing forward Gearoid Loughnane . Mary I finished the game two more points one from sub Tommy Monaghan and the other coming from the aforementioned  O'Neill, finishing off a rather facile win  4-16…...... to    1-18….... and booking their spot in this years semi final.

Mary I ( C Barrett, ; D Sweeney , R English, E Quirke; ,C Twomey,R Maher ,A Flynn , C Galvin , S Cahill D O Donavan(0-2) , M O Neill(0-3) A Gillane (2-10)  T Gallagher (1-0) C Lynch  L Meade (1-2)

Subs Used ; T Monaghan(0-1) for T Gallagher , T Grimes for D O Donavon , C Stapleton for C Twomey, T O Mahony for C Lynch , L Ryan for A Gillane

NUIG  C Tuohy ; C Cosgrove , B Fitzpatrick, C Ryan; M Connelly, C Cleary(0-1), G Forde , I Fox (0-2)  G Loughnanne(1-0) , K Mchugo, C Whelan (0-3) G Henelly (0-9) S Conlan (0-1) A Helebert

Subs Used G Fennely for A Helebert J Commins for K Mchugo C Cosgrave for G Forde S Barrett for G Loughnanne