All the latest news from Wicklow

Wicklow Ladies Football Update

Senior and Junior leagues
The first rounds of the junior and senior leagues have been
completed over the past two weeks. The inclement weather
forced some postponements and the remainder of the games
were played in poor conditions, but nonetheless there were
some excellent performances with teams putting down markers
for the season ahead.

Junior League Clara 4-9 Eire Óg 4-7
Match of the weekend was this clash by the sea in Greystones.
A howling gale made it difficult to play good football but
to their credit the teams provided an entertaining game
for the brave spectators. Despite playing against the wind
in the first half Clara had the majority of the possession
and went in at half time with a 2-point lead. Maria Hogan
opened the second half with a goal to put Clara 5 points
ahead. But Eire Óg battled hard and were the better side
in the second half, narrowly missing out on a share of the
spoils as Clara keeper Leanne Lifley made 2 vital saves
in the dying minutes. Her opposite number Áine McCarthy
had a fine debut for Eire Óg, for whom Lorna Fusciardi and
Leah Horan were also on form.

Newcomers Donard were beaten by Baltinglass but put up a
strong performance in their first ever game. Fiona Finn
and Geraldine Norton were the stars for Baltinglass. In
the other junior game another team making their debut, Newtown,
faced last year’s success story Arklow Geraldines. As expected
Arklow ran out comfortable winners, but Newtown showed plenty
of promise with Claire Kenny and Fiona McManus giving good
performances. Kilcoole had a bye in this first round.

Senior League An Tochar 2-6 Blessington 2-3
An Tochar returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory
over their old rivals last Friday evening. Nicole Fitzgerald
was An Tochar’s best player on the night, while for the
losing side Aideen Byrne, Carmel Whelan and Mary Whelan
(1-1) stood out.

Kilbride 2-7 Bray Emmets 1-5
The major upset in the first round was the defeat of last
year’s champions by senior newcomers Manor Kilbride. The
western team were full value for their win with a determined
performance, showing that they will be serious contenders
this year. Deirdre O’Riordain ran the show from the middle
of the field, ably supported by Aisling Freehil and an impressive
first half from Jean Duffy. Lisa Brady was best for a poor
Bray side which never looked capable of matching Kilbride
on the day.

Carnew 4-11 Valleymount 3-8
In an exciting, high scoring contest the border club’s experience
stood them in good stead and they eventually took the points.
Both clubs were disappointed with last season and will be
looking to make their mark in senior football this year.

Junior League tables

Senior League Tables