Apr 24 Immense disappointment as Town exit National Cup
A day that we hoped would promise much, a home tie in the last eight of this season's SFAI Goodson Cup ended in disappointment as Lourdes Celtic advanced to the last four, and a trip to St. Kevin's Boys.  Last week's win against Lakewood Athletic, a team from the Cork Premier League, has proved that this club can compete against the top tier of club teams at this level.  Having said this it is apparent that we need to continue to strive to improve and to learn that we have made great strides this year but we have more to do.  The game was in the balance up to midway through the second half.  The first half was quite even with little goal mouth action, a tense affair with defences on top.  It was looking likely that the first team who scored would go on to win and so it happened that Lourdes scored 15 minutes into the second half.  It was a miscued clearance from the Town defence which found its way to the Liverpool-bound Kelvin Jackson on the left wing.  Jackson made his way to the byline and crossed for a colleague to slot home with the home defence out of position.  In truth it was a cruel blow and one that the team were unable to recover from.  Lourdes with their confidence soaring then went onto score two more goals when the game became stretched and the home team trying to push on to get an equaliser.  The final scoreline did not reflect the game with the Lourdes management conceding at the end that they were equally sure that if the Town scored first their team would also have found it difficult to recover.  On the day while three goals were conceded as regard individual performances the defnders shaded it with Michael Walker, David Tompkins, Kevin Kennedy and Sean Byrne giving their all.  In addition Dean Doyle has to be mentioned for his performance which was again full of energy and effort with copious amounts of skill thrown into the mix.  The team now have 13 League games, a Shield semi final and Cup quarter final to play in the next 4 weeks which will mean two midweek games each week.  This ridiculous schedule is more demanding than any English Premier clubs has to contend with and with a number of the squad gearing up for Junior Cert exams all efforts will be made to finish our league programme with the help of eligible players from other teams in our club to enable the lads concentrate on their exams.  The managers would like to thank all who came to support us in today's National Cup game and all the parents who helped to provide refreshments for the Lourdes Celtic players and parents.

April 18 Walker double puts third Town team into last eight
Two superbly executed goals from striker Shane Walker sent Arklow Town U14's marching into the quarter finals of this season's SFAI U14 Goodson Cup after a gripping encounter with Cork side Lakewood Athletic in Cork earlier today.  The Munster kingpins, with home advantage, quite naturally fancied their chances of reaching the last eight of the National Cup with a home tie against Dublin side Lourdes Celtic awaiting the victors.  However, Town were very focused on the task in hand having already successfully tackled a succession of tricky away ties to reach this stage.  Indeed it was the Arklow club who showed the greater composure in a tight opening half with few chances being created by either side, an intriguing battle between two evenly matched sides.  Town's front pairing of Dean Doyle and Shane Walker worked tirelessly, with Doyle in particular working Lakewood's back four, chasing every ball, constantly harrassing the Cork defence.  Doyle's industry and guile afforded Walker the opportunity to give the Wicklow side a precious advantage before half time. A swift counter attack, full back Michael Walker finding midfielder Cormac Breslin on halfway.  Breslin showed good awareness before finding frontman Walker in a good attacking position.  Walker eased past one defender before firing low and hard across the Lakewood keeper to give the Arklow side a precious advantage before the break.  The second half proved to be a tense affair with both sides tussling for dominance in the middle of the park.  Town's central defensive pairing of David Tompkins and Kevin Kennedy were collosal, winning most ball and in general denying the home side an opening.  Full backs Michael Walker and Sean Byrne were measured in their play and as a unit the back four worked well to ensure keeper Ryan Murray's goal was well protected.  Wide players Craig Kinsella and Sean Hurley kept the home side on the back foot with a number of attacking moves down either flank and in central midfield both Cormac Breslin and Lee Kenny worked tirelessly.  Crucially Town grabbed the all important second goal, a fine move down the left wing with Sean Hurley central to Walker again unlocking the Cork side's defence.  Hurley in beating two opponents found Walker on the left edge of the penalty area and with a good first touch he ghosted past a defender before again unleashing a clinical strike beyond the keeper.  To be expected, the Cork side literally threw caution to the wind and they were fortunate to half the deficit when a clear offside was missed by the referee, and the Cork number nine slid home past Arklow keeper Ryan Murray.  Lakewood might have expected further chances to come their way in the latter stages but it was the Arklow team who looked the likelier to score, hitting the Cork side with clever composed counter attack football.  Town's win secures a notable achievement for the Arklow club, with three schoolboy teams now reaching the last eight at national level, and the envy of many of the game's leading clubs in the country.

Mar 28 Penalty shoot out heartbreak for gallant Town
Drama aplenty at Woodlands in Greystones today as Town faced Greystones United B in the Premier Cup.  Having fallen behind to an early goal Town's response was excellent, with Patrick Brennan levelling before half time.  Joseph Dunne netted a second goal for Town straight from the restart to put Town ahead and though Town continued to dominate the match they failed to find a third goal.  Town's worst fears were realised in injury time when the home team capitalised on Town's loss of concentration, firing home a dramatic leveller to take the tie into extra time.  Conor Doyle fired Town ahead in the first half of extra time with a trademark free kick and Adam Casserley then doubled Town's lead with a well taken goal after running on to a Conor Doyle through ball.  Town then switched off allowing Greystones to grab a lifeline when they netted a third goal.  That lifeline was well and truly taken in injury time at the end of extra time when they somehow managed to scramble home a fourth goal to bring the tie level once again.  With the game now being decided by the lottery of penalties lady luck opted to favour the home side as they ran out 3-0 winners to advance to the quarter final and leave Town wondering how on earth they had not advanced themselves.

Mar 20 Late Hurley strike puts Town into last 16
Arklow Town U14's advanced to the last 16 in this year's SFAI Goodson Cup with a hard fought 3-2 win away at Temple Villa earlier today.  The visitors held the upper hand throughout the first half on a difficult surface, taking the lead midway through the half when striker Shane Walker converted from a Cormac Breslin corner kick.  Walker then doubled Town's advantage early in the second half, again combining well with Breslin, a superbly placed header from a free kick putting Town 2-0 ahead and cruising towards the last 16.  However, the home side rallied and availed of two defensive lapses inside the next fifteen minutes to level the tie.  Town were forced to dig deep in the latter stages and indeed they showed great resolve to oncemore gain control of the game.  Possession was turned into a match winner with just five minutes remaining, again a good Arklow move out left giving winger Sean Hurley a chance to score and his inswinging effort eluded a mass of bodies in the six yard area, beating the home keeper and sending the Arklow side into the latter stages of the National Cup, where a trip to Cork side Lakewood Athletic now awaits.

Feb 21 Town get first point in Alliance League
Six goals and a share of the spoils earlier today as Town welcomed fellow WDSL side Aughrim Rangers to Bridgewater Centre Park for their Alliance League Premier Division clash.  Both sides short on points but full on entertainment with five goals in the opening half.  The visitors started the stronger, the home side slow to spring into life, and looked threatening with every attack, predominantly down their right wing.  Aughrim deservedly grabbed the lead with an excellent finish from their striker that left Town keeper Colm Mythen with absolutely no chance.  Town's response was positive and they soon levelled.  Shaun Tyrrell coming out of defence played a good ball out wide left to the lively Adam Casserley and he showed great awareness to find Vincent Lambert in space up front.  Lambert took the slide pass well and turning inside his marker he curled across the keeper into the far corner to give Town a quality leveller.  Lambert repeated the dose just two minutes later, a similar move and although the finish was not as excellent as his opening goal he still took it well.  Town in truth should have grabbed the game at this point, playing with a growing confidence and with the front pairing of Lambert and Casserley showing a desire for further goals the opportunity was there.  However, Town retreated as Aughrim found a second wind resulting in two goals before the break to turn the game on its head.  The second half, not as good a spectacle as the first, saw Town pressing for another equaliser and it was Conor Doyle who found one, from the penalty spot after Lambert had been held in the Aughrim area.

Feb 13 One of those days for Town...
Town's 14's were on the receiving end of a 3-0 scoreline against SDFL side Cabinteely FC earlier today at the Leisure Centre.  A tight game for the opening quarter or so, the first goal was always likely to prove telling.  Unfortunately for Town it was the visitors who struck first and in truth deservedly so.  Town battled on well with keeper Colin Kennedy making a number of excellent saves to deny the visitors further goals.  Also, Shaun Tyrrell and Enda Dempsey were both stalwarts in defence with a number of timely interventions.  The home team never really got into their stride and the confident away side continued to enjoy dominance, eventually netting their second goal midway through the second half.  Andrew Tancred came on for the last twenty minutes and he too produced a number of excellent stops, one in particular a fine finger tip save over the bar, but he was unable to deny the Dublin side a third goal.  Town will need to refocus and build on their efforts in the next game.

Jan 31 Late flurry harsh on Town
The scoreline of 4-1 does not reflect what was a very close contest at Ballywaltrim earlier today, Town's 14's facing Ardmore Rovers' SDFL side in this Alliance League Premier Division clash.  Playing against the breeze in the first half, Town conceded the opening goal when the defence was cut open through the middle.  Town worked hard though and kept it to a single goal until half time, when the wind advantage swung in their favour.  Town dug deep and competed very well, working for that equaliser.  Halfway through the second half Conor Doyle took the half chance presented to him to smash in the equaliser from close range - a well taken effort and reward for the team effort put in up to that moment.  With five minutes remaining a fierce unstoppable shot from the right hit the back of the Arklow net.  With Town looking to level oncemore they were hit twice late on in injury time.  Hopefully things will get back on track next week.

Jan 23 Unlucky Town denied a share of the spoils
A much improved team performance from the U14A's in this home encounter with Wicklow Rovers A in the opening round of Alliance League Premier Division fixtures at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  The last time these two sides meet, just before Christmas, the result was a 6-1 in favour of Rovers.  Town were determined to offer a better showing on this occasion and were ready from the off.  Colin Kelly started in goals for the first time in the absence of Andrew Tancred who was ill.  He commanded his box well and gave great confidence to his defence.  The defence was well marshalled by Enda Dempsey with Shaun Tyrrell having one of his best performances in his more familiar position at centre half.  Both Paul Nolan and Dale O'Brien (who had to come off injuried at half time) also kept the opposition at bay for long periods in the first half.  Cormac Byrne fitted in well at left back and kept things tight in the second half.  With the half time score of 1-0 in favour of the visitors, Town knew they were still in the game and continued to probe.  Robert Lyons had another super game raiding down the left and competed for every tackle.  Conor Doyle had a couple of free kicks in the second half which Wicklow did well to defend against, mindful of Conor's reputation for scoring from free kicks outside the box.   Paddy Walker was the little dynamo in midfield.  His close control was a joy to watch and it proved skill wins out over size a lot of the time.  Town's frontline, Patrick Brennan and Adam Casserley had little opportunities to shine but kept chasing and tackling back.  Captai n Sean Loughlin gave his all and was a good target man when he switched from midfield to centre forward in the second half.  In an effort to get a point from the match, Matthew Snell and Vincent Lambert were sent on and again gave their all.  The management were disappointed to lose out but were really impressed with the efforts of everybody on the day, both individually and collectively.  Coach Willie Walker is looking forward to Wednesday's training session to see what time improvements can be made on last week's run around the roads of Arklow.  It certainly helped the stamina this week.  Well done lads.

Dec 19 Tough day for Town
Town's 14A's slumped to their second defeat of the season with a 6-1 reverse at home to leaders Wicklow Rovers A.  Joseph Dunne was Town's solitary scorer on the day.  No match report.

Dec 5 Resilient Town dig deep to reach Open draw
A long journey in testing weather conditions proved fruitful for Arklow Town U14's as they overcame home team Abbeyleix Athletic in a five goal thriller at Fr. Breen Park in Abbeyleix earlier today to advance to the open draw stage of this year's SFAI Goodson Cup.  The visitors had opened brightly, utilising both flanks to good effect inside the opening three minutes, with Craig Kinsella showing great desire on the right to create an opening for striker Dean Doyle.  Doyle turned his marker well but a weak effort was easily saved by the Abbeyleix keeper.  Against the run of play the home team struck first, in the fifth minute, when a long diagonal ball played over Town's back four found the number 11 clean through and he slid home underneath the advancing keeper, Ryan Murray.  Eight minutes later the home side doubled their lead with a carbon copy of their first goal.  Indecision in Town's back four allowed the Abbeyleix number nine to slot a second goal into an empty net.  Town were rocked.  Sean Hurley tried to drag Arklow back into the game, a surging run down the left wing, earning Town a corner kick.  From the set piece Town went close with defender David Tompkins almost getting on the end of Garry O'Neill's cross.  Though dominating play the Arklow side were showing signs of frustration and almost conceded a calamitous third with the half hour looming.  Again, a long ball split the Arklow rearguard but keeper Murray cleared bravely at the feet of the Abbeyleix number nine.  At the other end, the home keeper did well to keep out a Sean Hurley speculative lob after Cian O'hAnnáin had created a half opening for the Town winger.  Three minutes before half time Arklow Town grabbed a lifeline.  Hurley won a corner kick after a strong run down the left wing and from Garry O'Neill's superb cross defender Tompkins rose highest to thunder home an unstoppable bullet header.  Shane Walker, making a welcome return from injury, was introduced at the beginning of the second half, replacing O'hAnnáin, and he carved out an opening from nothing in the seventh minute with a well struck effort that was well saved.  Dean Doyle went even closer just three minutes later with a header after fine work from Hurley out wide.  Abbeyleix threatened to restore their two goal lead, a quick fire counter attack leaving Arklow's defence stretched.  David Tompkins however was alert and a strong tackle averted the danger.  Lee Kenny kept Arklow's ambitions alive just sixty seconds later, clearing off the line as Abbeyleix threatened from a corner.  Doyle, Hurley and Walker all went close with efforts on target for the away team as tiredness began to show with the game entering the closing ten minutes.  Town pressure was finally rewarded with nine minutes remaining, an in-swinging corner kick across the Abbeyleix area saw the ball only half cleared and straight into the path of Cormac Breslin just outside the area and he drove home a magnificent strike beyond the despairing reaches of the home keeper, triggering wild celebrations amongst the tavelling Arklow faithful.  Half chances at either end in injury time added to the drama but extra time was required.  Arklow Town looked the likelier side to profit in the extra period, and in keeping with the dramatic nature of the game it was the returning Shane Walker who clinically won the game for the visitors midway through the first period of extra time.   Sean Hurley crossed from the left wing and Walker timed his run to perfection to cut in between the central defence and keeper to steer Arklow Town into the open national draw for a second successive season.

Images from today's dramatic SFAI Goodson Cup clash:

Nov 15 Disastrous opening for Wicklow
A difficult day for the nine Arklow Town players who represented the County U14 team earlier today, travelling south to face Wexford in Curracloe.  This was a tight game up to five minutes before half time, with the sides level at one all at that point.  Sean Roche the bustling Wexford centre forward had got behind the Wicklow defence inside the first 5 minutes to sidefoot past the Wicklow keeper, Stephen McGuinness.  This set the tone for the game.  The Wexford side were quickest out of the blocks, better prepared for the game, quicker to the ball around the pitch, and had a greater desire to win the game.  Nonetheless the Wicklow side drew level after 20 minutes.  A curling Sean Hurley free kick was spilled into the net by the home keeper.  The Wicklow lads then had a couple of good chances, Garry O'Neill heading narrowly over, and Dean Doyle should have had a penalty when impeded in the box on his way to goal.  Dean's honesty in trying to stay on his feet after the late challenge was not rewarded with the obvious penalty.  Wicklow then endured a nightmare five minutes conceding three rapid fire goals.  Roche again got behind the Wicklow defence with ease to sidefoot number two.  Donal Shanley was causing all sorts of problems for Wicklow's left side and his cross was sidefooted home for the third, with the Wicklow lads convinced the scorer was offside.  Wexford scored again in their next attack.  The Wicklow defence cleared only as far as Jonny St. Ledger who hit a wonderful first time shot that gave Stephen McGuinness no chance.  Again on another day the goal would have been ruled out as three Wexford players were standing in an offside position, impeding the keeper's view of the ball but the official adjudged that they were not interfering with play.  At half time a clearly injured David Tompkins was withdrawn for Wicklow to be replaced by Aughrim's Conor Lambert who did an excellent man marking job on the dangerous Sean Roche throughout the second half.  Wexford went on to score a further two goals in the second half.  Wicklow had their chances.  Sean Hurley, Wicklow's most dangerous player on the day, had a number of attempts which went narrowly wide, Garry O'Neill had a shot well saved by the keeper and a Cormac Breslin free kick was pushed onto the bar and out by the excellent home keeper late in the game.  The game petered out in the last five minutes with the Wicklow lads tiring.  While the performance of the Wicklow team was disappointing, especially their collapse at the end of the first half, it has to be said that the preparation of this team for this competition has been shambolic. Declan Bollard, the WDSL coach, is doing his best to retrieve a bad situation, where the much trumpeted management team of Barry Murphy and Stephen Rice, both Shamrock Rovers players, who had agreed to manage the team after their own league campaign was finished pulled out at the last minute.  There has been no trials to speak of to date and given that seven of last year's starting Kennedy Cup team moved to Dublin clubs in the summer it should have been a priority for the WDSL to have an extensive trials programme over the past two months to afford the other players in the County an opportunity to get onto this panel.

Nov 8 Town ease into fourth round
A comfortable win for Town's U14s against Wolfe Tone A, to ease into the 4th round of the SFAI Goodson Cup.  The Town have a home tie in the next round against the winners of the Abbeyleix versus Kilcock game.  While the Bray side started strongly and took the lead after a defensive mix up, the Town soon got into their stride and were 4-1 up at the break.  Five more goals without reply followed in the second half.  The Wolfe Tone players are to be congratulated on their perseverance  and never say die approach to the game, and they never threw in the towel in this game.  The scorers on the day were Craig Kinsella (3), Cian O'hAnnáin (3), Gary O'Neill (2), and Sean Hurley (2).  The Town have now played 6 competitive games this season scoring 44 times and conceding just 3.  There will be more difficult outings in the coming season but the management team were satisfied that all players played their part in a good team effort and while Craig and Cian take the plaudits for each bagging a hat trick, it is the team play and approach which matters and individual performances are only as good as the outcome for the team as a whole.  The 15A's have a break this coming week as the County U14 team are in action versus Wexford in Curracloe on Sunday next.  We would expect that a lot of the team will make the panel but with four days to go to kick off a panel has not been selected as yet never mind the panel having a chance to train.  Nonetheless all those selected will do their utmost to get one over on our friends from Wexford.

Oct 18 Town advance with ease
A resounding victory earlier today for Town's 14A team (playing in WDSL competition as 15A), travelling to Beechwood (SDFL), in the second round of the SFAI Goodson Cup.  In truth this was a one sided affair though in fairness it was a very good display from the Town, as Beechwood started with a defensive formation hoping to keep the away side scoreless for as long as possible.  They managed this for the first 10 minutes, but were 4-0 down at half time.  The second half was exhibition stuff from the Town with a number of fantastic individual goals, notably from Cormac Breslin, Aaron Byrne and Lee Kenny who scored a flying volley with his right foot.  Others on the scoresheet were Craig Kinsella (2), Sean Hurley (2), Cian O'hAnnáin (2), and Dean Doyle.  While all played well,  Craig Kinsella and Kevin Kennedy in particular caught the eye.  Mention also for Ryan Murray and the defence who kept their fourth clean sheet in five competitive games so far this season.  In the next round the team face Wolfe Tone, in Bray, which will be a difficult game which the team and management will want to approach with great caution.

Oct 11 Mistakes cost Town dearly
Having dominated early proceeding Town went ahead with a smashing free kick from Conor Doyle from outside the box.  Within 10 minutes Rangers were level against the run of play with a quick break.  Arklow playing with three up front again took control and were rewarded with a goal from Anthony Kelly, who with Robert Lyons had the Aughrim defence at sixes and sevens for most of the first half.  For the second time Aughrim came back to equalize on the stroke of half time.  The second half was equally frantic with Aughrim scoring first and then from the resulting kick off came down and scored a fourth.   Town dug deep and were rewarded with a second goal from Conor Doyle, again from a free kick, this time inside the box.  With some good footwork from substitute Adam Casserley, Arklow drew level with Robert Lyons bagging the fourth.  Unfortunately some poor tackling and a lack of concentration let Aughrim in to score two late goals.  Conor Doyle hit the woodwork late on but it was not to be Arklow's day.  A number of harsh lessons were learnt but the team could not be faulted for their lack of effort.

Oct 4 Good win for Town
Captain Sean Loughlin scored early in the first half and before half time they were unlucky not to extend their lead after creating a number of goal scoring chances.  The second half started in similar fashion but Town had still to convert possession into goals. Eventually the pressure told with Patrick Brennan firing a screamer into the top corner from outside the box.  Wolfe Tone then pushed on and were rewarded with a goal with 15 minutes to go.  With some poor tackles, Wolfe Tone got in behind Town's defence to level matters.  Or so they thought, as the referee deemed the goal offside.  Dale O'Brien then came on and his efforts were rewarded with his first goal of the season, Town's third.  Wolfe Tone replied with a second to set up a frantic last few minutes with Arklow worth their win on the day.

Sep 26 Strong Abbeyleix side too good for Town
Disappointment for Town's U14B team, exiting the SFAI U14 Goodson Cup at the first hurdle, losing 6-0 to a very disciplined Abbeyleix side.  Town were undone in the first half, going into the break four down.  A much improved effort in the second half, Vincent Lambert doing well in midfield.  However, try as Town did, the visitors proved too strong.  Early into a new season and still in need of games, lesson will be learnt from today's game that will assist Town over the league campaign this season.

Sep 19 Big win for Town in season opener
A great start to the new season earlier today for Town's U14A team, defeating Newtown 8-2 at the Leisure Centre. Five up by half time, with goals from Vincent Lambert, Patrick Brennan, Joseph Dunne, Conor Doyle and Sean Loughlin setting them on their way.  Joseph Dunne completed his hat trick early in the second half before being replace by Keilin Walker up front.  Adam Casserley rounded off the scoring for Town.  A lack of concentration late on enabled the visitors to fire home two late goals, to give the final scoreline a different look.  Anthony Kelly had another fine game on the right of midfield, with Robert Lyons raiding down the left.  The Town will meet stronger opposition this year and will need to be focused for next week's National Cup game against Abbeyleix.

Aug 10 Squad listings for season 2009/10
The following are the team selections for the new season, 2009/10.  The team selections listed below have been based on the recent club trials, Mini World Cup tournament (where applicable), club summer camp and other tournaments involving Town sides.  Manager assessments from season 2008/09 have also been taken into consideration, with the squad selections being made in an open and honest manner.

Squad Details - Season 2009/10

U14A
Shaun Tyrrell, Cormac Byrne, Sean Harris, Paul Nolan, Enda Dempsey, Matthew Snell, Anthony Kelly, Conor Doyle, Robert Lyons, Sean Loughlin, Patrick Brennan, Keilin Walker, Joseph Dunne, Vincent Lambert, George Horsman, Joe Byrne, Cambert Caldmir, Dale O'Brien, Colm Mythen, Adam Casserley, Patrick Walker, Andrew Tancred, Malachy Brennan.
Managers:  Cathal Brennan, Joe Dunne, Willie Walker, Tommy Byrne.