July 8 2010 Shane selected for FAI Emerging Talent squad
Town's Shane Walker has been called up into the FAI Emerging Talent squad that will take part in next month's Umbro Galway Cup, which takes place between August 4th and 7th.  The tournament, now in its sixth year, is divided into four age categories, with Shane donning the Irish shirt in the Under 15 Elite Section.  The Irish squad will face Ipswich Town, Norwegian side Stabaek and Welsh club Bangor City in their opening Group A fixtures.  Group B contains defending champions Leicester City, Cherry Orchard, Aberdeen and Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna Boys.  Shane follows in the footsteps of now former Arklow Town clubmate Aaron Barry who featured in the FAI's Emerging Talent squad back in 2007 at the same tournament.  The WDSL U13 squad will also participate in the Umbro Cup, playing in the Boys Elite section.  Details of this year's tournament can be viewed here.

Apr 2 2010 Town duo shine in Irish victory
Arklow Town duo Adam Hanlon and Jack Tim Murphy both impressed as the Republic of Ireland U18 Schools side defeated Scotland 5-2 at Ballybofey tonight in their Victory Shield clash.  The win over the Scots places the Irish side on top of the five nation Victory Shield competition with one remaining fixture, away to England, to be played on April 30.  Murphy started the second half, replacing Sean Brosnan, and Hanlon came on just past the hour mark, replacing Stephen Chambers.  Level at half time, 2-2, the Irish regained the lead in the 55th minute through substitute Gary Shaw.  Town's Hanlon almost doubled the home side's lead minutes after coming on, an electrifying run into the Scottish area was then followed with a stirring effort just inches over the bar.  Jack Tim Murphy was central to the Irish doubling their lead with just nine minutes remaining, a similar run to Hanlon's previous move saw Murphy bursting through.  Held up by a Scottish defender Murphy held the ball well finding Sean Skelly in space and Skelly smashed home Ireland's fourth.  Late in the game, with the visitors pushing for late goals, the Irish grabbed a fifth, again through Skelly.  Match report here.

Mar 10 2010 Academy side turn on the style
Two goals in either half saw the Arklow Town / Sheffield United Academy defeat the Republic of Ireland U16 team at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier this evening.  As with previous visits the national team were most welcome for what was always going to be a keenly contested game, both sides benefitting from the exercise.  The home team edged ahead in the 20th minute with a Mark Hardy cross being firmly headed home by Dara Verney.  Alan Sunderland, lively throughout the opening half and a thorn in the side of the Irish back four, was taken down inside the area when poised to strike, and he stepped up himself to double Arklow's lead.  Mark Hardy put the contest beyond the national team with a third goal early into the second half, a left foot drive high into the net.  Craig Keane added a fourth midway through the half as both teams then utilised their squads.  All in all, an entertaining night's football with the home team enjoying the plaudits.

Images from tonight's game:

Mar 5 2010 Academy side set to face National team
Arklow Town Football Club once again welcome the Republic of Ireland U16 team to Bridgewater Centre Park for a friendly fixture between John Morling's national side and the Arklow Town/Sheffield United Academy.  The Arklow club agreed a co-operative partnership agreement with English club Sheffield United last summer and the Academy side will face the young boys in green.  The Republic of Ireland's U16 squad consists of an elite group of players who are being developed under manager John Morling to step up to competitive UEFA Championship standard and having earlier this month faced Italy, Portugal and Holland in tournament action out in Albufeira will now return to home shores and the short trek down to Arklow.  Admission for the clash between the Arklow Town/Sheffield United Academy and the Republic of Ireland U16's is free and takes place at Bridgewater Centre Park, Lamberton on Wednesday, March 10 with a 7.00pm kick off.  All are welcome.

Jan 21 2010 Town duo earn FAI Schools call up
Congratulations to Adam Hanlon and Jack Tim Murphy on their selection to play for the FAI Schools (U18) team in the upcoming international friendly versus Australia.  Both Town players impressed when playing for Leinster Schools at last October's FAI Schools Inter-Provincial Tournament and earned their call up to the national team.  They will face the Australians next Thursday afternoon, a 1pm kick off at the Oscar Traynor complex in Coolock, Dublin.  The duo are following in the footsteps of former clubmate Shane Murray who also earned international recognition at this level, playing and scoring against New Zealand Schools in 2008.  In a statement, Greg Batten, Head Scout at Sheffield United, expressed delight with the boys' selection, "the two lads are growing in stature."

Jan 12 2010 Ledwith earns call up to Colleges National squad
Arklow Town's Daniel Ledwith has been selected by national team manager Danny Crowley for this season's Colleges National squad.  Studying at IT Carlow and playing in the Colleges and Universities Football League Premier West Division Ledwith impressed the National management team at trials in December.  Daniel, in making the 20-man squad, will face fixtures against both Defence Forces and Universities Representative teams as well as undertaking a Development trip abroad later this year.  Congrats from all at the club.

Aug 7 2009 Aaron flying the flag in Holland
Defender Aaron Barry has travelled to Holland this week, to participate in the annual Rijnpoort Tournament, held in Wateringen, near The Hague, a member of the FAI Emerging Talent Under 18 squad.  The national side will face a tough examination with the tournament being played over three days, August 7 to 9 inclusive.  A number of leading Dutch clubs have entered teams into the tournament and the international flavour of the competition is strengthened with clubs like Norwich City and Swedish outfit Halmstadt BK also participating.  Town's Daniel Ledwith played in last year's tournament for the FAI Emerging Talent squad and they finished third overall.  The Irish kick off this year's tournament against the hosts, Velo, later this evening.  Tomorrow, Saturday, they face two fixtures against FC Nordsjaelland and Quick Den Haag before ending the tournament on Sunday with games against Norwich City and then Ado Den Haag.  Aaron has already enjoyed a hectic schedule this summer.  Last month he travelled to Hungary with club colleague Domhnall Minogue to guest for Hungarian side Ferencvaros, competing in the coveted Puskas Tournament.  The two Arklow players revelled in their new surroundings as Ferencvaros triumphed against noted opponents such as Real Madrid and Panathinikos.  He (and team mate Jack Tim Murphy) then travelled to Sheffield for three week's training with the Blades' academy side, alongside former clubmate Shane Murray, who signed professional terms with the English club earlier this summer. Under the guidance of Sheffield United's academy director Ron Reid, the players were put through their paces at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.  Aaron returned home to play for the Black and Whites in the Foyle Cup, where Town secured a Shield title.  Aaron has previous international experience having earned selection for the Under 15 Emerging Talent squad that played at the Galway Umbro Cup two season's ago.  Indeed, during that tournament he had the unique experience of playing against his club.  Meanwhile, former clubmate Shane Murray has enjoyed a highly satisfying Milk Cup tournament with his club Sheffield United.  The Yorkshire side, fielding a very young team, reached the final of the prestigious tournament, held annually in Northern Ireland, losing 2-1 to the holders Manchester United.  With the game televised live on BBC the Arklow native showcased his talent superbly well with a disciplined performance, and was unlucky not to score in the final.  His efforts caught the attention of the pundits and commentators alike as they highlighted his performance throughout.

Mar 25 2009 All smiles at Lamberton as club meets country
An excellent night of football at Lamberton tonight as both club and country provided plenty of entertainment for the healthy attendance.  In these recessionary times, free admission to watch the national U16 side and one of the country's better club sides in this age category can't be bad - and a sizeable crowd was present inside Bridgewater Centre Park for the occasion, club meeting country.  Irish manager, Vincent Butler, making his last visit to Lamberton as Irish manager, retiring from his position after a forthcoming tournament on the continent, availed of the opportunity to run the rule over his squad and he has many positives to take from tonight's game.  A tight first half saw both sides probing for openings, chances few and far between.  Town did suffer a blow with the loss of Shane Murray but it was his replacement James Scallan who went closest with a driven effort from outside the box that flew narrowly over the crossbar. In the second half it was the home side who stepped up their performance, injecting pace and drive across the park.  The game's solitary goal came from an excellently worked nine man Arklow move that saw Jonathan Kelty bursting through the middle to fire low past Ireland keeper Craig Hanlon.  An added honour for the club came with the introduction of Town keeper Nathan Condell, replacing Shelbourne's Hanlon in the Irish goal.  Nathan's solid performance roundly topped an excellent night for schoolboy football, and its continual development at Arklow Town.  Gallery from tonight's game here.

Mar 25 2009 Vincent Butler - An Appreciation
Once again Vincent Butler, his management team and young players are welcomed to Lamberton tonight. This will be the last time Vincent attends here as Manager of the Ireland team and we in this Club hope it will not be his last time to visit Lamberton.

I first met Vincent Butler 32 years ago. He was a founder member and driving force behind the development of the football side of Belvedere Youth Club, alongside Noel O’Reilly (RIP), Fergus McCabe et al. These names have become well known throughout the game in Ireland. These people, and others, nurtured the development of football for young people in the north inner city area. I was lucky to witness five formative years of the life of that new club, when it reached school going age.

The narrative was simple, to play a passing game, to play fairly, and to honour the game. This was not always easy, as the wind regularly whistled the length of the 'open plan' Fairview Park, but that was the philosophy.  I doubt that the football man Vincent Butler has veered much from that philosophy, that he and the others in that club promoted many years ago.

What I do know is that the Irish Schoolboy soccer scene he leaves behind is much healthier than the one he inherited. He has been at the vanguard of the movement to hold trials for the schoolboy international teams in the country areas, which has heralded a new dawn for football in the regions, beyond the City. The symbolism of this simple act conveys the message to our young players, and indeed even to us wisened sceptics, that, if you are good enough, irrespective of who you play for, then we will find you and give you your chance.

A Schoolboy football meritocracy…. thank you Vincent Butler.

This has been of tremendous benefit to clubs like ours who no longer haemorrhage our best players to the Dublin clubs. The game in the regions is flourishing as a result. Shane Murray recently became the first player from the Wicklow and District Schoolboy / Schoolgirl League (WDSL) to be capped, and indeed captain the Irish Schoolboys team. His talent would not have been recognised before in the olden days. He plays in an unfashionable league; in some people’s eyes don’t you know... 

A further footnote in this changing soccer landscape occurred at the start of this month, when this Arklow team, on that very same windy Fairview Park, defeated a Belvedere side boasting many capped players, in the last 16 round of the National Cup. There will be many tributes to Vincent Butler in the months ahead.

I and my colleagues in Arklow Town Football Club will recognise him, selfishly perhaps, for the advice and guidance he has given to Brian, and Daragh, over the past few years, and the respect he has shown to this club and perhaps more importantly to our young players in that time.

Others will heap more fulsome praise on him for his many achievements.

I will remember him mostly from 30 odd years ago. I remember the blue Renault 6 (or was it red?). I remember the name, ‘Doc’, as he was known to those young people from the north inner city, but mostly I remember the young people whose lives he and the others mentioned helped to shape and influence, all through playing the beautiful game. I was one of them.

Paul Breslin
Arklow Town Football Club

Mar 22 2009 Irish side return to Lamberton
Arklow Town Football Club have left no stone unturned in preparation for Wednesday night's eagerly anticipated clash between the U16's and the national side, managed by Vincent Butler.  The two sides were initially due to face each other last month but the adverse weather at that time ensured the game was postponed till now.  The teams have faced each other three times now at Lamberton this past year, with the national side edging home in the last outing, thanks to a free kick from Crumlin United's Daniel Purdy.  Irish manager Vincent Butler retires from his post as U16 manager at the end of the season and views this game with Town as ideal preparation for the national side's progression this spring.  Indeed, the game holds similar importance for Town, in the build up to the last eight quarter final clash in the SFAI National Cup, away at Cork side Corinthians.  Kick off is at 7pm and admission is free.

Feb 8 2009 Proud night for Murray and Town at FAI Awards
Derby County's Mark O'Brien pipped Town's Shane Murray for the FAI U16 International Player Of The Year award at the annual FAI Awards, held earlier this evening at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.  The annual awards ceremony was shown on RTE 2, with former World Player of the Year Ruud Gullit the special guest of the FAI.  The nomination for Shane recognises his undoubted talent after a year that has seen him performing consistently well in the Green shirt.  Shane was well supported tonight with family and friends present for the award ceremony - a proud moment for player, family and club.  Well done, Shane!  Onwards and upwards...

Feb 3 2009  International Friendly game versus Republic of Ireland postponed
Having played three times over the past year or so, little to separate the sides, it appears as though both have been beaten by the weather this time around as tomorrow's eagerly anticipated fixture between the Republic of Ireland's U16 side and Arklow Town's U16 side has been postponed due to the severe weather conditions.  The game has been provisionally rescheduled for next month, on Wednesday March 25.  The two previous encounters provided excellent football on both nights, in front of good attendances and hopefully when the game does go ahead a sizeable crowd will be in attendance to support both club and country!

Dec 22 2008  Murray earns FAI U16 Player Of The Year Nomination 
Arklow Town’s exciting midfielder Shane Murray has added to his array of honours to date with a nomination for the FAI Under 16 player of the year.  The Football Association of Ireland will host their annual eircom / FAI International Awards at a ceremony in the Citywest Hotel on February 8th next.  Murray’s nomination for the prestigious U16 player of the year title crowns a fantastic year for the Arklow youth and comes in the same week where he scored a key goal for the FAI Irish Schools team in their 2-2 draw with New Zealand Schools.  Shane enjoyed a highly successful 2007/08 season in the green shirt, scoring three goals for his country and again being honoured with the captain's armband against Malta when the Irish side reached the final of the Maltese International Tournament.  Shane’s performance and progress has been monitored by numerous Premier League clubs and this nomination will only add to his stature.  His nomination reinforces Arklow Town’s firmly held belief that players can develop to international standards within their structure and also that of the WDSL.

Dec 12  Murray spot on as Kiwi's leave it late
Shane Murray had a major role to fulfil today when playing for the Irish Schools against their New Zealand counterparts at the Oscar Traynor Ground in Coolock.  Murray weaved a little magic in the penalty area before being fouled and the Arklow player stepped up himself to score from the spot kick.  Ireland were leading 2-1 with seconds to go but conceded an injury time goal to leave everyone happy with a 2-2 outcome.

Dec 11  Murray set to face Kiwis for Irish Schools
Shane Murray has been selected to play for the FAI Schools International side as they entertain the New Zealand squad at the Oscar Traynor ground in Coolock tomorrow, Friday, with kick off at the Dublin venue at 1.00pm.  Murray, alongside club mate James Scallan, was a member of the successful Leinster Schools side that recently secured the Inter Provincial title after games in Athlone and Tullamore and will be keen to impress in the friendly fixture as the Irish Schools International side have been invited to participate in a four team tournament to be held in St. Helier in Jersey next February.

Oct 8 2008  Town rue missed chances against Irish
Arklow Town Football Club welcomed Irish national manager Vincent Butler and his Republic of Ireland under 16 side to Lamberton on Wednesday evening last for a prestigious game against the home club’s acclaimed under 16 side.  The third fixture between the sides over the past year proved to be a tight affair, similar in pattern to the previous two encounters.  Returning from injury, Town’s Jack Tim Murphy created the first opening, for Keith Armstrong, but the latter failed to capitalise on the through ball.  A foul on David Murphy gave the Irish side a free kick on the edge of the Town penalty area, and though Daniel Purdy’s effort went wide it served to give Town advance warning of his potency from deadball situations.  Paul Rice cleared well after the Irish put together a nice move down the left flank as the national team threatened to get on top. 

Enjoying a good spell, the national side then spurned a glorious opportunity to score when the home defence was left wide open with Daniel McGuinness seeing his goal-bound effort superbly pushed around the far post by Town’s keeper, Jason Earls.  With the game being played over three thirty minute periods of play; both teams made changes and Town began to gain the upper hand with a succession of raids down both wings. Daniel Ledwith, cutting in from the left, beat Irish defender Conor Morrissey and had an effort on goal superbly blocked by Gary Merritt.  Shane Murray then crossed from the right wing with William Flanagan perfectly placed to strike.  Unfortunately for the home side Flanagan missed his golden opportunity.    Town, enjoying a strong period of dominance, went closer still moments later when Dara Verney saw his effort rebound off the crossbar after a goalmouth scramble.  The loose ball then rebounded off the foot of the post and was cleared.  It was to prove decisive later in the game as try as they did the home side struggled to breach a strong Irish back four.

The third period of play began as the second had finished, with Town still probing for an opening.  Shane Murray went on a lengthy run, weaving his way into the Irish box and his crossed effort to the back post was cleared.  Tired legs began to tell as the Irish lads began to ask questions of Town’s defence.  A late challenge on Crumlin United’s Daniel Purdy saw the Irish given a free kick on the left edge of the Arklow area.  Purdy himself stepped up to fire home the dead ball, much to the annoyance of the home side who should really have cleared.  A surging run at the heart of the Irish defence by Adam Hanlon almost saw the Town player in for a clear strike on goal.  However, about to pull the trigger from the edge of the box, the impressive Robert Maloney blocked Hanlon's goal-bound effort.

The final whistle blew soon afterwards, securing a 1-0 win for the Irish side.  Arklow, though downbeat with the manner in which they lost the game, can take great heart from the commitment and application put into giving the national team a stern test, acknowledged afterwards by Irish team manager Vincent Butler as he prepares his side for a tough trek to Turkey.

Images from tonight's game:

Sep 29 2008  Full Irish U16 team coming to Town
Town's Bridgewater Centre Park will be the place to be on Wednesday October 8 when Republic of Ireland international manager Vincent Butler brings his full U16 side to Lamberton to face our own U16 side.  This will be the third time inside the past twelve months that Butler has brought sides to Arklow and if previous meetings are any barometer of form then a good night's football for all is guaranteed.  The two previous meetings ended level with both games finishing 1-1.  So, will it be third time lucky for Arklow Town, to put one over the national side - or will the so-called luck of the Irish win the day?  Kick off is at 7.30pm and a sizeable crowd is expected.

Aug 6 2008 Irish Development squad share the spoils with Leeds
Mark Hardy enjoyed a second successive day's football with the FAI's Development Squad over in Galway, at the Umbro Cup, as the Irish and Leeds United played out a scoreless draw at the Drom venue.  Tomorrow, Mark will be in the Irish side facing Newcastle United, with a win essential in order for the Irish side to progress to the knockout stage of the tournament.  Meanwhile, club mate Daniel Ledwith has flown out to Holland to play for the Irish U18 Emerging Talent side who are participating in the Rijnpoort tournament.  Details of that tournament to follow.

Mark has also travelled to Sheffield United for trials with the English club and it remains a possibility he could yet face the English side in the Galway Umbro Cup as they are playing at the same age level as the Republic’s Development squad.  Incidentally, Mark follows in the footsteps of fellow clubmate Aaron Barry who also earned FAI recognition last season playing for the Republic of Ireland Development squad in the Umbro Galway Cup.

Aug 3 2008 Murray's star continues to rise with call up into Irish U17 squad
Town's Shane Murray, having been previously capped at U12, U15 and U16 levels, has now merited inclusion in the latest Republic of Ireland U17 squad which next week travels to Bulgaria for one week, facing their hosts in two matches during their stay.  Shane enjoyed a highly successful 2007/08 season in the green shirt, scoring three goals for his country and being honoured with the captain's armband against Malta when the Irish side reached the final of the Maltese International Tournament.  Irish manager Sean McCaffrey is hoping to build on the success his U17 side enjoyed when qualifying last spring for the UEFA Finals.  Murray will be keen to further stake a claim for inclusion in McCaffrey's squads with a new season just around the corner.

July 25 2008  Ledwith set for Dutch experience after Irish call up
Republic of Ireland Emerging Talent manager John Morling has called up Arklow Town's versatile Daniel Ledwith into the U18 squad that will travel to Holland to participate in the annual Rijnpoort Football Tournament.  The squad flies into Amsterdam on August 7 and will face their first test 24 hours later when presented with a stern challenge from strong Dutch and German opponents at the home of Velo FC in Wateringen.  The young Irish side will play three games over two days before returning home on August 10.  Ledwith has been close to securing inclusion in a number of squads over the past two years and it is hoped that his selection this time around could see the young Arklow Town player cementing his position in the national side.

June 22 2008 Murray strike caps a good day at the office
After a busy weekend of national trials at the AUL complex in Dublin, involving a number of Town players, Shane Murray lined out for an Irish U17 side to face a representative side from the Down and Connor League.  The Irish national side ended up 3-1 victors with Shane firing home a screamer, Ireland's second goal.  Shane then returned to Arklow, to attend the club's annual presentation day, where he picked up an award from the club, recognising his achievements in Green this past season.  Awards were also handed out to players and teams of all ages, from under 8 up to under 16.  Details of the Club's Annual Presentation Day and a gallery of images can be found here.

June 21 2008  Ankle injury sidelines Aaron
Major disappointment for Town's Aaron Barry with the news that he has chipped a bone in his ankle and will now be sidelined for at least six weeks.  Aaron took a knock playing in a challenge match at the Irish trials, on Friday afternoon at the AUL complex in Clonshaugh, Dublin.  Aaron's injury casts doubt over his ability to participate in next month's prestigious Foyle Cup, played in Derry.  Everyone at the club wishes Aaron a speedy recovery.  Keith Armstrong was another to suffer misfortune yesterday, the victim of a vomiting bug which prevented him from participating in the trials.  News, good and bad, often comes in threes - and Jack Tim Murphy's unfortunate absense from the same trials completes the trilogy of woe, as Jack Tim was unable to attend the trials due to family holiday commitments clashing with the trials.

June 10 2008  Ten gunning for the Green shirt
Ten Arklow Town players have been drafted into the Irish national team trials, to take place later this month at the AUL complex in Clonshaugh.  Ciaran Byrne, Mark Hardy and Ian Reid will all participate in the U16 trials, which take place on Saturday, June 21st. Five Town players - Rory O'Neill, Aaron Barry, Shane Murray, Jack Tim Murphy and Keith Armstrong - will all attend the U17 trials on Friday, June 20th.  James Scallan and Danny Ledwith will participate in the U18 Emerging Talent trials, which take place at the AUL complex on Tuesday, July 1st.  Best of luck to all concerned.

Apr 15 2008  David caps international debut with a win to make the Maltese cross!
Arklow Town's David O'Neill earned his first cap earlier today playing for the Republic of Ireland U18s down in Turner's Cross, Cork as the Boys in Green played host to Malta in the first of two international friendlies.  Having donned the green shirt previously in trial games tonight was a proud moment for David as he earned his first proper cap, having an excellent game throughout as the Irish prevailed, winning 1-0 with the lone strike coming from the penalty spot after 51 minutes of an entertaining game.  The sides will meet for a second time this coming Thursday evening, at St. Coleman's Park.  Match report

Apr 10 2008  David gets nod to don the Green while Shane enjoys a bit of Blarney
Further good news with the announcement that Arklow Town's promising David "Don" O'Neill has been called up into the national squad for the forthcoming U18 international fixtures against Malta, both games being played in Cork.  Seventeen year old "Don" cut short a holiday out in Spain recently to grab a chance to show the Irish management his undoubted talent when shining in a trial match featuring a provisional squad of players.  His cause was aided when scoring a cracking winning goal on the night and all at Arklow Town wish him the very best and hope he does well.  Meanwhile, down in Cork, the Irish U16 squad faced a very strong and athletic German side in the first of two international fixtures this week, losing to a single strike.  Arklow's Shane Murray, earning his eleventh international call up and now becoming a regular at this level, played for an hour and acquitted himself ably.

Manager Vincent Butler, in bringing his U16 squad to the Blarney venue, was quick to recognise the emerging talent outside of Dublin now being rightly afforded a chance to prosper on the international stage, saying, "In this squad we have players from Donegal, Louth, Meath, Wicklow, Tipperary, Cork and Mayo. Football is growing in popularity in all areas and there are coaching structures, coaching schemes and academies that are bearing fruit now in the numbers coming through. We’ve got very promising players in this squad – the two Cork lads have done well for us at centre-back (John Egan and Anthony O’Connor), in midfield Shane Murray is not a very big lad but he is a very clever player, Ryan Connolly on the left-wing is doing very well and at centre-forward Selcuk Tidim has scored give goals in six starts for us.”   Shane sat out the second meeting between Ireland and Germany, at Listowel, an unused substitute as the sides ended level, 1-1 the final scoreline.  Match report

Mar 20 2008  Turks outclass Irish in Malta tournament decider
The Republic of Ireland's winning streak in the Malta International Tournament came firmly to a halt earlier today as a classy Turkish U16 side eased past the Irish side, winning 3-0.  Manager Vincent Butler knew today's task would be a tough ask, acknowleding that Turkey "will be difficult; they have already beaten us twice on their home pitch earlier in the season and have a lot of quality in their side.”   Shane Murray started oncemore, hoping to add to his goal from the last game against Malta, and can be satisfied with his own performance in what was a tough day for the Irish lads.  No shame in losing to their Turkish counterparts, a recognised very good side who have defeated the Irish U16s three times now in recent meetings.

Mar 18 2008 Murray caps off great day with armband and a goal
Shane Murray enjoyed a near perfect day as the Republic of Ireland U16 side, fresh from their fantastic win over the Italian U16 side in their opening Malta International Tournament clash, in Valetta, followed up with a near flawless 5-0 win over their hosts, played earlier today at the National Stadium Training Grounds.  Manager Vincent Butler kept his promise to start with a number of players omitted from the starting XI who faced the Italians, and Shane came on as an early second half subsititute, with the Irish side 1-0 up.  The Irish ended up winning 5-0 with Shane himself converting a penalty and finishing the game captaining the successful Irish team:  a definite first for the Arklow Town record books.  Shane's goal from the spot was his third for his country having previously scored against Wales and ironicially his next opponents, Turkey, who Ireland face on Thursday afternoon in a game that will decide who wins the Malta International Tournament as both sides have won their two games to date.

Shane was included in the Irish side who last faced the Turks in Izmir, with the temperature in excess of 35 degrees celcius.  Thursday's opponents will know all about Murray's ability after he let fly from over thirty yards out, scoring an absolute cracker of a goal as the home side that day prevailed 5-2 thanks to a late flurry of goals as the Irish side visibly wilted in the Izmir heat.  Match report

Mar 16 2008  Murray shines as Irish defeat Italians
Arklow Town's Shane Murray more than played his part as Vincent Butler's Irish U16 side defeated their Italian counterparts in the opening fixture of the Malta International Tournament earlier this evening.  Murray had an outstanding game and played the entire match, as the Irish thwarted their much vaunted opponents with a solitary goal from German based striker Selcuk Tidim enough on the day to win the game.  With confidence sky high they now face their hosts Malta in their second game of the tournament on Tuesday, at the National Stadium Training Grounds.  Match report

Mar 11 2008  Trio earn national selection calls
Shane Murray has been included in the Republic of Ireland U16 squad to travel to Malta this weekend, to participate in the Malta International tournament.  They will come up against Italy this Sunday, March 16 before facing host nation Malta at the National Stadium Training Grounds in Valetta on Tuesday.  Their last game is against Turkey, to be played on Thursday, March 21.  Elsewhere, good news for both Danny Ledwith and James Scallan, who have been invited to attend the FAI's Emerging Talent training day, in Dublin, on March 20th.  Good luck to all.

Mar 5 2008  Honours even for the second time
Little to separate the Republic of Ireland U15 Development squad and Arklow Town earlier tonight at Bridgewater Centre Park, as both sides once again finished level, 1-1 the final scoreline.  Town opened the scoring in the second half, a wonderful move up the right flank ending with James Graham getting on the end of an excellent cross from Aaron Barry to finish with aplomb.  The Republic side levelled matters later in the second half after a defensive lapse from a set piece in the home rearguard allowed the visitors an opportunity they were always unlikely to spurn.  In the end, a good workout for both teams and a good turnout to watch what was an entertaining match.

Jan 19 2008  Arklow Town U16 Sel. 1 Republic of Ireland U15 Dev. Squad 1
Edited highlights from the friendly game played on November 21, 2007 at Bridgewater Centre Park between our U16 Select and Vincent Butler's Republic of Ireland U15 Development squad.  A good turnout on the night, many braving the chilly elements, to witness what was an entertaining affair played over three thirty minute periods, ending level with both sides scoring one apiece.  Match highlights

Nov 29 2007 Murray and Irish denied win in Belgium by last gasp strike
After impressing the Irish management team in last week's 1-1 draw between Arklow Town and the Irish U15 Development side at Bridgewater Centre Park, Shane Murray was afforded the chance to shine earlier this evening as an Irish U16 side faced their Belgian hosts in the second of two international matches played over the past 72 hours.  Shane, who did not feature in the first game (0-0), played near Liege on Tuesday evening, was in the starting XI tonight as the sides met at the Entente Blegnytoise stadium in Liege.  He enjoyed a satisfactory evening with the Irish side taking the lead over their fancied hosts through German-born striker Selcuk Tidim scoring his first goal for Ireland.  The Belgians levelled in the third of four minutes of injury time, to deny the Irish lads a fine victory.  Manager Vincent Butler said afterwards, "We drew in a scoreless game with Belgium on Tuesday and that was a fair result but we were the better team today. We outplayed them despite the lashing rain and very heavy pitch. It was a terrific display in the circumstances and the players showed great spirit and determination."  Match report

Nov 22 2007 Murray selected in travelling Irish squad for Belgium
Shane Murray has once again been included in the Irish squad selected by manager Vincent Butler, to travel to Belgium next week, to face their hosts in two international friendly fixtures, playing on Tuesday next and the following Thursday.  Butler was in Arklow last evening running the rule over his U15 Development squad who were facing an Arklow Town U16 Select that included Shane and other Arklow Town players who have also received recognition from the international management team.  Shane has scored twice now on recent outings for the national side, against Wales and Turkey.  All at the club wish him well next week when away on international duty.

Nov 21 2007 Honours even at Lamberton
A good attendance turned up at a chilly Bridgewater Centre Park, for the meeting of the Irish U15 Development squad and an Arklow Town U16 Selection.  An entertaining evening ended with matters level, the final score 1-1.  Both sides can be happy with their night's work, with many changes made to both sides over three periods of thirty minutes' play.  Clive Crammond put the home side ahead with the Irish side responding not long afterwards through Crumlin United's Daniel Purdy.

Sep 18 2007 Turkish sauna for Irish U16's
Town's Shane Murray started on the bench in today's U16 international friendly against Turkey, played in scorching temperatures in Izmir.  What was always going to be a stern test for the Irish was made twice as hard when goalkeeper Josh Byrne spilled a ball early into the second half, to afford the home side a two goal lead.  Shane was given his chance shortly afterwards, coming on as a sub in the 55th minute and the Irish side acquitted themselves ably afterwards with some slick passing.  A converted penalty twelve minutes from time gave the Irish side some hope of levelling matters but it wasn't to be and the Turks prevailed, winning 2-1.  Shane, by all acounts, played very well and is certain to start in the second friendly this coming Thursday evening at the same venue.  Match report

Sep 17 2007 Murray travels to Turkey for international double
Arklow Town's Shane Murray who capped a fine personal performance with a debut international goal in the recent clash with Wales over in Port Talbot has been selected to play for the Republic of Ireland U16 squad as they travelled earlier today to face their Turkish counterparts in two friendly internationals to be played this week.  The first of the two games will be played on Tuesday evening, in Izmir, with a 5.00pm kick off local time.  The second game, at the same venue and same kick off time, will be played on Thursday evening.  We wish him every success.  More >>

Aug 30 2007 Murray shines brightly for Ireland
Shane Murray created a little bit of club history earlier tonight becoming the first Arklow Town player to score at international level.  Shane was part of the Irish side who travelled to Port Talbot to face the Welsh national team in an Under 16 friendly.  Shane was selected to start, playing a holding roll in midfield.  However, twenty one minutes into the game, Shane was to produce the first key moment of the game when he instigated an intricate passage of play resulting in him finding himself in an advanced position on the edge of the Welsh box, where he was able to fire home his first ever goal at international level, giving the Irish side a deserved 1-0 lead.  Two minutes later, the Irish increased their lead when Conor Murphy slotted home.  The management team made wholesale changes at half time but Shane, who was enjoying a superb evening, remained at the helm of all things good in the midfield holding role.  The Welsh side eventually saw their continuous second half pressure rewarded with two goals in quick succession, to see the international finish a respectable 2-2 draw, leaving the Irish side retaining the Pembroke Perpetual Shield.  All at Arklow Town would sincerely like to congratulate Shane Murray on his achievement tonight and here's to many more international caps!  For full match report - here

Aug 14 2007 Murray earns call up into Irish training camp
Shane Murray, who last season earned his first Irish cap, has been called up by the Irish management, to train with the Elite panel down in Limerick University.  The panel will train for four consecutive days, ending August 17th.  We wish him well with the international squad. Meanwhile, down in Tullow, in Co. Carlow, we have a good number of U14s and U15s all attending regional squad trials and initial reports are that all of the Town lads are doing well.