CARLOW JUVENILE LEAGUE ROUND-UP
Under 15 Cup 2022/23
Hanover Harps AFC 4, Ballymurphy Celtic AFC 0,
Monday 1st May 2023 The Plots (Hanover Harps)
Hanover were at home to Ballymurphy and the home side took the lead when Leon
Fitzgerald put the ball past the keeper, soon after Dylan Farrell brought the lead to 2-0 when
Kyle Martin crossed the ball to Dylan’s head. Ballymurphy never gave Harps an inch and
their shots were just wide of the post. Half time Hanover 2 - Ballymurphy 0
The second half started the same as the first which saw the Harps applying all the pressure and they
were awarded a goal when TJ Brennan took the ball on his left foot and with a lovely strike put the
ball in the back of the net. Soon after Gael O Rock scored a header when the ball was crossed by
Leon Fitzgerald. Ballymurphy pressed hard and the Harps defence stood strong to keep them at bay.
Best for Harps were TJ Brennan, Leon Fitzgerald & Callum Dolan.
And it was an all-round team performance for Ballymurphy Celtic.
Under 15 Cup 2022/23
Bagenlstown AFC 1, Vale Wanderers AFC 1,
(Vale won 4-2 on penalties)
Monday 1st May 2023 McGrath Park (Bagenalstown)
Bagenalstown welcomed Vale Wanderers to the McGrath Park on a fine Monday evening for
a place in the semi-finals of the cup.The home side started off with some early possession
and attacking well down both wings but failing to get the better of Vales defence who were
strong all game John Lillis had a go from a free kick but Vales keeper got his hands to it,
Bagenalstown tried to force the rebound in but it was cleared off the line by the away side.
Vale played long balls up at every opportunity which Alan Fitzgerald picked up and ran
through Bagenalstown’s defence only to find Kyle Lyons charging out and clearing plenty of
balls, or to be pulled back for offside. But eventually one fell right for Fitzgerald and he
made no mistake this time 1-0 to Vale. Bagenalstown, a very tired team, picked themselves
up and went in search of an equaliser with Jake McAssey coming close but just couldn’t keep
his shot down. Halftime 1-0 to Vale.
Second half and Bagenalstown got on the ball straight away and enjoyed most of the possession.
Jake McAssey and Danny Travers were having big games and causing Vale problems and it was
Travers who supplied the cross for the on-rushing Mathew Stratton to finish 1-1. Bagenalstown kept
searching for a winner and made some changes with everyone running on empty and created plenty
of chances but were stopped every time by Vales defenders and goalkeeper who was having a big
game. Full time 1-1.
Extra time flew by with McAssey, Lillis and Amid Geoghegan all going close to scoring but wasn't to
be. Penalties decided it with Bagenalstown missing two and Vale scoring theirs. Cruel end to a
season for a team that done so well this year, the effort in both feile codes taking its toll. But hats off
to Vale who were very strong defensively and worked extremely hard, best of luck in the next round.
Best player's for Bagenalstown were Kyle Lyons, Sean Darcy, Jake McAssey and Danny Travers.
Best for Vale were their goalkeeper and their defence all done great jobs.
Under 16 Cup 2022/23
Bagenlstown AFC 2, Hanover Harps AFC 5,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 McGrath Park, Bagenalstown
Town entertained League leaders Hanover Harps, the game started evenly enough for the
first 20 minutes, then Hanover scored from a corner. Hanover scored their 2nd just before
half time. Half-time Bagenalstown 0-2 Hanover.
Town started well in the second half and scored when Ian Craddock set up Luis Chicot to tap
home. But Hanover came and scored 2 quick goals. Town made it 4-2 when John O Riordan
headed home from a corner. Hanover scored again to make the final score 5-2.
Best for Town Kyle Clarke Ian Craddock, Jason Dillon.
Under 14 Cup 2022/23
Parkville United AFC 4, Bagenalstown AFC 5,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Hawkins Lane, Tullow (Parkville United)
Parkville hosted Bagenalstown in the quarter final of the Cup. It was Bagenalstown who
started the stronger of the two and made it 1-0 early on after a tidy finish by Alex Doyle.
Parkville didn't let it dampen spirits and pulled a goal back through Tomas Doran. The two
teams were evenly matched until Parkville found their feet and made it 2-1 after an outside
of the box goal from Angie May Doran. Bagenalstown replied just on the brink of half time
and made it 2-2 after some great footwork by Ben Kelly and an equally great finish. Score 2-
2 at half time.
It was Bagenalstown who started the stronger side in the 2nd half and blew Parkville away
with two great goals by Alex Doyle after being on top for most of the 2nd half. It seemed
game dead and buried when Bagenalstown scored a 5th again by Alex Doyle but Parkville
didn't drop the heads and pulled back 2 goals to make it 5-4 just before the end.
Bagenalstown did well to see out the game and it ended 5-4 on the day. Hats off to both
teams on what was a great game for the neutral. Full-time score Parkville 4-5 Bagenlstown.
Great team performance by all the Parkville players.
Best for Bagenalstown were Alex Doyle, David Roche & Finnan Nolan.
Best of Luck to Bagenalstown in the next round.
Under 14 Cup 2022/23
Baltinglass Town AFC 1, Hanover Harps AFC Green 6,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Parkmore, Baltinglass
A tough cup match saw Baltinglass take on Hanover Green. A very tight 20 minutes of back-
and-forth play opened up to give Hanover the lead. Shortly after a lot of mistakes Hanover
continued to make chances to give themselves the lead and make the game comfortable.
Baltinglass’ Harry Murphy grabbed one back for the home team to give them some positive
momentum but the game was settled. A very hardworking Baltinglass were unlucky with set
pieces and a few chances. Some fantastic saves from Baltinglass kept them alive but time
had run out. An unlucky day saw Hanover up 6 -1 by the final whistle.
Best for Baltinglass were Josh Barry Doyle, Daniels Viskers and Jack Peter Nolan.
Girls Under 12 Cup 2022/23
Ballymurphy Celtic AFC 1, Killeshin AFC 5,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Ballymurphy
Killeshin made it to the U12 final after a well-deserved victory over a very determined
Ballymurphy side. The opening 15 mins was very even with both sides creating chances. The
deadlock was broken on 16 mins with a well taken Laura Malone strike. Malone made it two
nil on 22 mins with another excellent run and strike before her strike partner made it 3 and
4 nil at the break and the contest was over. HT 0-4 to Killeshin.
Ballymurphy held their own in the second half and pulled a deserved goal back from Zoe
Kelly. However the excellent Laura Malone made it 5 -1 with just minutes to go. Full-time
score Ballymurphy 1-5 Killeshin.
Killeshin’s Laura Malone was the stand out performer for the visitors.
For Ballymurphy Emilia Suwala, Ruth Flood and Hannah Duggan played their hearts out.
Girls Under 16 Cup 2022/23
Nurney Villa AFC 2, Vale Wanderers AFC 6,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 Augha Road, Nurney
This was a very entertaining game played in lovely conditions. Both teams played the game
in a competitive though very sporting manner. Nurney started the game on the front foot,
with Ellen Barrett causing a real threat for the Vale defence, and stinging the hands of Amy
Farrell in the Vale goal. Both teams were putting in great work, with Chloe Lawlor and Sarah
Devine prominent for Vale, and Holly Ryan and Nikola Deka for Nurney. Chloe Lawlor broke
the deadlock with a long-range effort for Vale, that evaded the gallant Holly Murphy in the
Nurney goal. Shortly afterwards, Kate Burke scored a terrific volley from a corner that curled
into the corner and just before half time, player of the match Kate Burke made it 3-0 to
Vale, putting perhaps an unfair complexion on the score at half-time. Half-time score was 0-
3 to Vale.
Nurney didn’t let the heads drop though, and came storming out of the traps in the second
half, with Ellen Barret played through on goal a few minutes into the second half, finishing
with aplomb into the corner. Natalia Deka and Kelly Tobin were putting in great work for
Nurney, and shortly afterwards, Ellen Barrett forced her way through in the box and again
finished clinically to make it 3-2 and it was ‘game on’. Both teams were putting everything
into it, but the clinical Kate Burke had two terrific volleys to put daylight between the teams,
and finished off again near the end with a fifth goal for herself, and a sixth for Vale
Wanderers, to finally put the game to bed. Nurney never gave up, and kept pushing to the
end, making the game an absorbing watch, and a credit to both teams.
Girls Under 16 Cup 2022/23
Burrin Celtic AFC 1, St Fiaccs AFC 4,
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 The Valley, Ballon (Burrin Celtic)
Burrin Celtic welcomed StFiaccs to the Valley tonight for the u16 cup Semi final. Burrin from
the start were unlucky not to be able to play their u14 girls due to the rules in the CDJL
league. So Burrin started with only 11 players and had to leave their 5 under 14 girls sitting
in the dug out to only be able to cheer the girls on . After 10 minutes of the game the Burrin
keeper Katelyn Shepard had to be taken off due to injury, when Isobel Cronin stepped in to
help her team mates out playing in goal for the first time and played her heart out. After 20
minutes Burrin were down to 10 players due to another jury. St Fiaccs went on to win the
game 5-0 the score was no reflection on the game as all 10 players for Burrin played their
hearts out right to the very end.
Under 12 League Division 1 2022/23
Burrin Celtic AFC 0, Hanover Harps AFC 1,
Wednesday 3rd May 2023 Hawkins Lane, Tullow, (Parkville United)
There was nothing between the teams in this top of the table ‘winner takes all’ clash in
Hawkins Lane Tullow on Wednesday night. In the end the bit of luck fell Hanover’s way and
the winning goal was a nicely floated corner ball that went directly in at the back post of the
Burrin net. A single goal was always going to be the likely margin that would separate these
two top class U12 teams.
Both teams gave it there all with few chances falling to either team due to the strong
defensive performances. A great league battle fell the way of Hanover tonight and it was
tough on Burrin Celtic to lose after such a great campaign but that’s the game these kids all
love, Win, Lose or Draw. Final score Burrin Celtic 0-1 Hanover Harps.
Under 13 Cup Round 1 2022/23
Parkville United AFC 6, St Josephs AFC 1,
Thursday 4th May 2023 Hawkins Lane, Tullow, (Parkville United)
Parkville welcomed St. Joseph's to Hawkins Lane on Thursday night. The rain was beating
down heavily but the weather didn't affect the performance of the Tullow lads. Parkville
were first on the score sheet when our hat-trick hero Luke O'Connor rattled the Joeys net.
Parkville never looked to be in any danger for the rest of the game, but the visitors never
gave up and just before the final whistle they scored a well-deserved goal. Final score
Parkville 6-1 St Josephs.
Parkville had a number of player's on the score sheet tonight. Luke O'Connor, Tòmás Doran,
Óisìn Wall and Bobby Cullen.
All round super team performance by Parkville and we’d like to thank St. Josephs for a very
sporting game despite the dreadful weather.
Under 13 Cup Round 1 2022/23
Nurney Villa AFC 1, New Oak Boys AFC 0,
Thursday 4rd May 2023 Augha Road, Nurney
Nurney dominated possession in the first half but were limited to long range shots by the
New Oak defence, until the 30th minute. Christopher Salmon played a great ball into the
feet of Danny Murphy, who slipped the ball between two defenders for Natalia Deka to run
onto and finish into the roof of the net. Half-time Nurney 1-0 New Oak.
The 2nd half New Oak became more dominant and pushed very hard to get the equaliser,
through a valiant effort from all, but Nurney were able to hold them at bay and ran out the
1-0 winners.
Eli Fleming, Jack Barrett and Kian Minchin stood out for Nurney.
Under 13 Cup Round 1 2022/23
Vale Wanderers AFC 5, Hanover Harps AFC 3,
Thursday 4rd May 2023 Superbowl, Leighlinbridge (Vale Wanderers)
A thrilling U-13 Cup match unfolded in The Superbowl tonight. It was the away team who
got off the mark first despite Vale starting the brighter of the two teams. But that spurred
the home side into action and Shaun Sibanda got onto an excellent through-ball just before
the end line, cut inside with a mazy run and finished to the far corner with his left foot. The
Vale lads continued to push hard and Sibanda scored two more before half-time to claim his
hat-trick. One of his goals showing excellent poacher's instinct when he prodded an
excellent Diarmuid Redmond goalward header from a corner to the back of the net. Half-
time Vale 3-1 Hanover.
At 3-1 up at Half-time the game didn't feel like it was over and both players and an excellent
crew of supporters for both teams sensed that the next goal was key. Hanover, to their
credit struck again and suddenly Vale looked a bit jittery, but sustained attacks from the
home side were eventually rewarded when Cómhal Murphy controlled the ball superbly and
struck home beyond the Harps keeper's reach. A lead of 4-2 settled the nerves but Vale
weren't finished yet and Callum Byrne absolutely buried a half-volley from outside the area.
Hanover grabbed a third goal as Vale were caught on the counter as they continued to
search for a 6th but the final whistle went to see Vale through to a meeting with Crettyard
in the next round. Full-time score Vale 5-3 Hanover.
Best for Vale in an excellent all-round team performance were Shaun Sibanda, Cómhal
Murphy, Callum Byrne & Josh Dermody.
Vale scorers: Shaun Sibanda, Cómhal Murphy and Callum Byrne.
Hanover scorers: Tire Adeleye and Ethan Walker.
South East Under 16 Sfai Cup Semi-Final 2022/23
Villa (Waterford) 3, Hanover Harps AFC 4,
Saturday 6th May 2023
Hanover Under 16s qualified for the SFAI Cup Regional Final after seeing of Villa FC after
extra time in Waterford on Saturday afternoon.
Played in very warm conditions Hanover
started the brighter and forced the home keeper into two excellent saves in the opening 15
minutes. Villa grew into the game and went ahead following a scramble after a corner .The
Carlow team had struck the crossbar before drawing level through Aaron Cunningham Burke
on what would prove to be a memorable day for him. Both teams were glad of half time with
the score at 1-1.
Hanover soaked up some early second half pressure before hitting the front again through
Cunningham Burke. The Carlow team had chances to seal the win before a ricochet in the
box fell to a Villa player and he drew the sides level. Hanover weren't going to lie down and
Aaron grabbed his hat trick with a drilled shot to the bottom corner. With 4 minutes on the
clock the Waterford side made it 3-3 with a close range finish. There was time for no more
and twenty minutes extra time awaited tired legs. In the first period of extra time a great
through ball released Cunningham Burke behind the home defence and left footed he made
no mistake to put Hanover 4-3 ahead. There was no way back this time for Villa and Hanover
saw it through to reach the final v Evergreen in a repeat of last seasons Under 15 decider.
Unfair to mention individuals in a brilliant team display but big thanks to 5 Under 15 players
for stepping up.
Under 12 Cup Round 2 2022/23
Burrin Celtic AFC 3, Nurney Villa AFC 0,
Saturday 6th May 2023 The Valley, Ballon (Burrin Celtic)
Burrin Celtic ran out the 3–0 winners at home to Nurney on Saturday morning. It was a tight
game throughout with only a single goal between the teams for over half the match. Celtic
opened the scoring midway through the first half after a scramble in the box that Joshua
Smithers O Connor pounced on to dispatch a shot into the back of the net. Nurney pushed
forward thereafter but the Burrin defensive line stood up to the pressure. The minimum gap
remained until Bill Roberts swapped from defense into attack and tucked the second nicely
to the left of the keeper after a lightening quick solo run. The game was all but over after a
standout assist from Cathal Bailey set up Roberts to convert for his brace. Full time score
Burrin 3-0 Hanover.
Both teams played well, but Burrin progress to a highly anticipated Quarter Final where they
will square up to Hanover on Thursday next at the Valley
Under 12 Cup Round 2 2022/23
Burrin Celtic AFC 0, St Patrick’s Boys AFC 2,
Saturday 6th May 2023 The Valley, Ballon (Burrin Celtic)
In a close encounter at The valley St Pats progress to the next round of the cup with a two
goal win. A goal midway through the first half saw Pat's 1-0 up at half time but Burrin had
some good chances with Padraic Hogan strong in the back line linking up with Liam Dowling
only for Pat's to stop them in their attacks on a few occasions.Half-time score Burrin 1-0
StPats.
Pat's were well on top in the early part of the second half and then got their second shortly
after from some nice play on the right wing and a ball from a cross fell between the goalie
and the forward and he calmly put it into the net. They then sat back with a 2 goal
advantage but Burrin Celtic never gave up all the way to the end. Full-time score Burrin 0-2
St Pats.
It was a great team effort from all as the season came to an end, well done Burrin Celtic and
best of luck to StPats.
Under 12 Cup Round 2 2022/23
Vale Wanderers AFC 2, St Fiacc’s AFC 3,
Saturday 6th May 2023 Superbowl, Leighlinbridge (Vale Wanderers)
The match kicked off with Vale taking the upper hand and controlling the early stages but
not making the most of the chances they created. Vale were rewarded for the possession
when Ethan Chambers battled through the defence and fired home after a great throw from
Alan Lawlor. St Fiaccs were battling right to the end of the half and penalised a Vale mistake
when Filipe shot home after good work from Gabriel. It was 1-1 at half time and all to play
for.
St Fiaccs started the second half stronger and a shot from Charlie Power curled into the net.
It was soon after that the game swung in St Fiaccs direction when Dylan Doyle crossed in
and a mix up between keeper and the Vale defender led to an OG. Vale fought right to the
final whistle and Alan Lawlor got just reward after a fantastic performance when he fired
home. Full time score Vale 2-3 St Fiaccs.
For St Fiaccs Jack Scully, Dylan Murphy and Tommy Keating performed well.
Best for Vale were Alan Lawlor, Rhys O Toole and Ethan Chambers.
Under 12 Cup Round 2 2022/23
Crettyard United AFC 6, Kilree Celtic AFC 2,
Saturday 6th May 2023 Crettyard United
Kilree visited Crettyard this morning in a very entertaining cup game. Crettyard got a great
start with a goal from Finn Kelly from almost kick off. Eoin Dowling added to it shortly after
before Kilree pulled one back. Eoin Dowling scored 3 more goals to make it 5-2 at half time.
Finn Kelly got his second goal early in the second to secure a 6-2 win for Crettyard to move
into the next round of the cup. Full time score Crettyard 6-2 Kilree.
Best for Crettyard were Sean Knowles, Mia Kearney, Dan Curran and Tom Graham was
excellent from the bench.
Kilree had super players all over the field.
Under 14 Cup 2022/23
New Oak Boys AFC 2, Bagenalstown AFC 1,
Saturday 6th May 2023 Burrin Road, Carlow (New Oak Boys)
Saturday morning saw the clash of New Oak F.C Vs Bagenalstown AFC in the Semi-Final of
the Cup.
Bagenalstown got the game started, playing the ball quickly and effectively up the pitch,
unfortunately to no avail. New Oak eventually settled into the game, Bagenalstown showed
their fighting spirit and battled along with New Oak for every ball. Both sides had their equal
share as both goalkeepers showed their qualities, Bagenalstown created the most dangerous
chance within the first half when a ball played over the top was not dealt with effectively,
unfortunately, the ball was hit just wide of the post. Half-time approached with both teams
stuck in a deadlock.
As the second half commenced the battles resumed from where they left off as both teams
proved why they are both deserving to be in a semi-final. Bagenalstown created a high-
quality chance when they played a ball down the channel to their attacker Alex Doyle who
carried the ball past the defenders before striking the ball, being saved very well by New
Oaks goalkeeper Nigel. New Oak responded soon after with a chance of their own which was
played into the box and hit toward Kaylem Geoghegan to head home the first of the game.
Alex Doyle responded five minutes later, striking a set piece brilliantly into the top corner of
the goal. New Oak aimed to reclaim the lead when they played a pass backward and attacked
with numbers, Keigan Lawlor taking control of a ball over the top and attacking the goal,
calmly putting the ball into the back of the net. Bagenalstown continued to fight until the very
end, creating a number of chances, and quality chances, unfortunately, the ball just would not
creep into the goal. Full time score New Oak 2-1 Bagenlstown.
The stand-out players for New Oak were: Cian Hyland, Kaylem Geoghegan, and Daniel
Nolan.
Everyone at New Oak would like to congratulate all the players and coaches at Bagenalstown
AFC for their fantastic season, and would like to wish them the best for the future, New Oak
would also like to thank everyone for their fantastic support during the game.
Under 14 Cup 2022/23
Hanover Harps AFC Green 0, Burrin Celtic AFC 0,
Saturday 6th May 2023 The Plots (Hanover Harps)
Hanover hosted Burrin Celtic today for their Cup Semi-final on what started as a wet and
miserable afternoon. Both teams started well, taking shots but none on target until Hanover’s
Alex Mazur found the back of the net to go 1-0 up after 15 minutes. With great play from
both sides and 2 fantastic goals from Brian Louw, half time ended 3-0.
Brian got his hat trick early into the second half and sent a beautiful corner kick into Gavin
McDermott for a 5-0 lead for Hanover. Burrin battled hard in the second half with some
lovely football and great fighting spirit. Their goalie pulled off a worthy penalty save. Full
time score Hanover 5-0 Burrin.
Best for Burrin were Bill Roberts, Bobby Finn & Callum Butler.
Best for Hanover were Axel O Rock, Brian Louw & Adam Haughney.
Goal scorers for Hanover were Brian Louw, Alex Mazur, Gavin McDermott & Charlie
McHugh.
Under 14 Cup Final 2022/23
St Fiaccs AFC 2, Burrin Celtic AFC 2,
(Burrin Celtic won 4-2 on penalties)
Saturday 6th May 2023 The Meadows, Graiguecullen (St Pats Boys)
On a warm Saturday morning in Graiguecullen St. Fiaccs and Burrin Celtic lined up for the cup final.
The game started at a great pace with chances being created at both ends. Burrin settled into some
possession and passed the ball around the midfield with great confidence. Lucy Kinsella pressed the
Fiaccs defence and won the ball then releasing Eimear Bolger who fired home to make it 1-0 to
Burrin. Burrin sat back and Fiaccs upped the pressure and kept Abby Keppel busy in the Burrin goal.
Right before half time Fiaccs won a corner and delivered in a great ball where the ball fell to Ashlee
Smith to tap home and make it 1-1 at half time.
Fiaccs started the second half very strong and with great determination to take the lead and they did
in style when Ashlee Smith probably scored the goal of the season picking the ball up in the centre
circle, she ran at the Burrin defence twisting and turning leaving defenders behind her before
smashing the ball into the bottom corner. This woke Burrin Celtic up who stepped up a gear and
applied pressure to the Fiaccs goal, Aoife Bergin picked the ball up in her half played a ball into Una
McFarland in midfield who released Lucy Kinsella down the left who played a great ball into the box
for Eimear Bolger to get her second of the game and a great team goal that started from the back.
The final whistle brought the game into extra time and both teams had chances to win it but
penalties was the outcome at the end of extra time.
Abby Keppel capped off a great game in goal for Burrin Celtic when saving the vital penalty seeing
Burrin win 4-2 in the shootout. A great advert for girls soccer in Carlow and both sets of players left
nothing on the field and should be proud of their achievements this year.
Burrin Celtic win the league and cup double and St. Fiaccs contributed to a great season in the U14
girls’ group and will no doubt be back battling on all fronts next season.
Onto the Gaynor cup for a good few of the girls on display and on this showing Carlow Academy is in
for a good cup run!
Carlow & District Juveniles League – Girls Cup Finals.
Reports by Bob Howson.
St Fiacc’s AFC v Burrin Celtic AFC – U14 Girls Cup.
First Half.
On an overcast, slightly breezy morning in St Pat’s grounds – St Fiacc’s met Burrin
Celtic in this U14’s Final.
It was a tentative start by both teams, as they tried to dispel their nerves and tried
to get into their normal rhythms.
St Fiacc’s were the first to show and following a good cross from Leah Nelson –
Cummins the ball fell to Ashlee Smith, whose goal-bound shot was blocked and
cleared by the Burrin defence.
On 8 minutes, Burrin took a 0 - 1 lead, as a cross from the right was swept home
by Eimear Bolger and this was followed by a scrappy period of play from both
teams.
St Fiacc’s won a corner and this was taken by Katelyn Moran and her cross found
Hannah Matthews, but her shot was blocked and cleared by the Burrin defence.
At this stage St Fiacc’s were pressing strongly but Burrin’s defence was equal to
the task.
Just before half-time St Fiacc’s won a corner and Burrin’s Keeper – Abbey Keppel
could only palm the ball into the air and Ashlee Smith – St Fiacc’s main striker
was on hand to poke the ball into the net to equal the scores at 1-1 and the second
half was set up for a real ‘ding dong’ battle in the second half.
Second Half.
It was a quiet enough start to the second half, with Burrin probing the St Fiacc’s
defence but they were staying strong.
St Fiacc’s Ali Doran – O’Connor picked up a loose ball and shot from 30 yards but
the shot was palmed out by Burrin’s Abbey Keppel for a corner and the resultant
cross bobbled around in the area, before it was cleared.
St Fiacc’s were starting to put a lot more pressure on Burrin as they sought another
score and at this stage of proceedings – there was no quarter given or asked for, as
both teams were giving it their all.
St Fiacc’s Ashlee Smith picked up a loose ball in midfield and weaved her way
through three or four Burrin defenders and then shot low and hard into the bottom
corner of the Burrin net to make the score 2 -1 to St Fiacc’s, in what was ‘a wonder
goal’ and was well worthy of winning a final.
A great run by Lucy Kinsella took her into the St Fiacc’s penalty box and she
passed to her fellow attacker – Eimear Bolger and she swept the ball into the net
from 10 yards, to score her brace and even the scores ar 2 -2.
Another great run by Burrin’s Ciara Rooney ended with her passing to Eimear
Bolger who fired in a shot that was only saved at the second attempt by Nicole
Osbourne and then the whistle was blown for full time and it was into ten minutes
each way of extra time.
Burrin started extra time in a strong way and Lucy Kinsella found herself clear on
the left and she crossed into the area where she found Eimear Bolger who snatched
at the chance when it looked easier to score and there was no further score with the
score being 2 – 2.
The second period of extra time saw little attacking play, as both teams were
getting tired, however with only seconds to go Burrin won a free kick on the edge
of St Fiacc’s penalty area and it was taken by Keelie Doyle and she fired a really
strong shot that crashed against the crossbar and rebounded to safety and it was
down to the dreaded ‘Penalty Shootout’.
Burrin came out as winners as they scored 4 goals to St Fiacc’s 2 goals and it was
joy unconfined for Burrin, with St Fiacc’s in floods of tears, which is a really hard
lesson for these young girls to endure.
Standing out for St Fiacc’s were Ashlee Smith, Ali Doran- O’Connor, Jasmine
Doyle and Leah Nelson- Cummins, whilst best for Burrin were Anna Cullen, Lucy
Kinsella, Eimear Bolger with Keelie Doyle taking the Man of the Match trophy.
St Fiacc’s AFC v Killeshin AFC – U12’s Cup.
Due to heavy downpours during this match – I was unable to do any writing as my
handbook was soaked through.
There was no score either in normal time or the extra time and it went to penalties,
which were won 4 to 2 by St Fiacc’s, which took some of the hurt out of the
situation for their Club.
Killeshin’s Laura Malone took the Man of the Match trophy after a brilliant
display.
New Oak Boys AFC v Nurney Villa AFC – U13’s Cup.
Both sides were straight into their stride, as the game started in brilliant sunshine.
A good run by Aoibhiann Keogh won a corner, which was cleared and then on 18
minutes, Luana Whelan made a great run and she shot low and hard into the corner
of the net, for New Oak to take a 1-0 lead.
Nurney’s Alice Carroll picked up a loose ball at the edge of the New Oak penalty
area and she fired in a good shot that was well saved by Ailbhe Sinnott.
New Oak’s Aoibhinn Keogh got a shot off that was only saved at the second
attempt by Nurney’s keeper – Karlie Doyle.
Half time came with New Oak leading by that single goal to nil.
Natalia Deka was having a terrific game and was leading by example and she made
a 40 yard run, beating a number of players and putting a really great cross, but
there was nobody there to finish off the cross.
On 8 minutes of the second half, New Oak’s - Emily Carpenter latched on to a ball
in the 6 yard box and fired into the bottom corner of the net to make the score 2 –0.
Another good run and cross by Natalia Deka was saved by Ailbhe Sinnott and just
after she had a shot that hit the side netting and whilst Nurney were working hard,
they were having no luck with their shooting.
With only ten minutes to go New Oak’s Emily Carpenter picked a loose ball some
25 yards out and she transferred the ball on to her trusty left foot and shot the ball
which flashed into the roof of the net, with Karlie Doyle having no chance for 3 –
0 and there was no way back for Nurney.
Standing out for New Oak were Anna Gurhy, Kate Murphy, Ailbhe Sinnott and
Emily Carpenter with her brace of goals, whilst standing out for Nurney were
Natasha Byrne, Elissa Nolan, Lucy Kearney, whilst the outstanding Natalia Deka
took the Man of the Match Trophy.
The Celtic Cup
Report by Bob Howson.
As part of the SFAI’s ongoing commitment to Grassroots and Underage Football the SFAI have
created a Representative U14 Boys Team to enter the above named Cup.
This Cup is a collaboration between the Scottish FA, who are hosting the event, the Northern Ireland
FA, the Isle of Man FA and the SFAI, with the intention of promoting underage Football.
The Tournament will be hosted in Scotland over the following dates – 23rd to the 25 th of June 2023.
A number of trials have been held over the last few months and I am delighted to advise that Carlow
and District Juveniles League have had two Players selected for the squad – these are Maksym
Gorczyca of St Patricks Boys and Timmy Adeleye of Hanover Harps.
We wish both of these players the very best of luck and we congratulate them in being part of the
Irish squad – this is the chance of a lifetime and I’m sure that they will acquit themselves admirably,
as well as doing Carlow proud and their Academy Coaches and Club Coaches deserve a mention, for
all the effort that they have put into developing these players.
Tuesday 9 May 2023
Under 13 cup round 2 to final 2023:
Killeshin AFC Div 1 v Parkville, 6.30pm, Referee: Jonathan Waters
Nurney Villa AFC v New Oak Boys AFC Div 1, 7pm, Referee: Martin Murphy
Hanover Harps AFC Div 1 v Burrin Celtic AFC, 6.30pm, Referee: Pat O' Connor
Baltinglass Town AFC v Killeshin Div 2, 7pm, Referee: Luke Nolan
Under 15 Cup 2023:
St Patricks Boys AFC Red v Burrin Celtic AFC, 6.45pm, Referee: Phil Neenan
Hanover Harps AFC v Vale Wanderers AFC, 7.45pm, Referee: Pat O’Connor.
Wednesday 10 May 2023
Under 12 cup 2023 Round 2 to final:
Ballymurphy Celtic Div 1 v Slaney Rovers AFC, 7pm, Referee: Seamus Ivers
Under 16 cup 2023:
St Patricks Boys AFC Green v Ballymurphy Celtic, 6.45pm, Referee: Artur Bienko
Hanover Harps AFC v St Patricks Boys AFC Red, 6.45pm, Referee: Pat Moran.
Thursday 11 May 2023
Under 12 cup 2023 Round 2 to final:
Burrin Celtic AFC Div 1 v Hanover Harps AFC Div 1, 7pm, Referee: Joe Byrne
St Patricks Boys AFC v St Fiaccs AFC, 7pm, Referee: Martin Murphy
Ballymurphy Celtic/Slaney Rovers v Ballymurphy Celtic Div 3, 7pm, Referee: Phil Neenan
New Oak Boys AFC v Crettyard United AFC, 7pm, Referee: Jonathan Waters
Friday 12 May 2023
Under 16 Girls Cup 2023:
Vale Wanderers AFC v St Fiacc's AFC, 7pm, Referee: Nathan Bannon.
Saturday 13 May 2023
Under 13 cup round 2 to final 2023:
Ballymurphy Celtic v Hanover Harps Div 1/Burrin Celtic, 12pm, Referee: Chris Coleman
Baltinglass Town/Killeshin Div2 v St Anne's AFC,
Crettyard United AFC v Vale Wanderers AFC, 12.30pm, Referee: Pat Moran
Under 14 Cup 2023:
New Oak Boys AFC v Hanover Harps AFC Green, 10am, Referee: David Donegan
Under 16 cup 2023:
Killeshin AFC v St Pats Green/Ballyumurphy, 10am, Referee: Pat Moran
Hanover Harps/St Pats Red v St Joseph's AFC Black, 12.15pm, Referee: Martin Murphy
