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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dave Devereux: It wasn't easy, but here's my Wexford Football League Premier Division team of the season
Unsurprisingly, the line-up is dominated by double winners North End United, who also went all the way to the final of the FAI Junior Cup, only to lose out to a strong Fairview Rangers outfit. Other things, like performances for Wexford's All-Ireland winning Oscar Traynor team, were also taken into account in what was a very successful season for football in the county. Besides North End, the other three teams in the big four – Gorey Rangers, Shamrock Rovers and Forth Celtic – make up the bulk of the remainder, although it's far from an easy task to whittle them down, considering we are lucky enough to have one of the biggest leagues in the country, with numerous quality players involved. The final squad certainly isn't beyond reproach – in fact I changed my mind two or three times while compiling it, and, if it was written tomorrow, allegiances may have switched once again. You could easily choose an entire squad from players that didn't make the cut and still end up with a formidable selection that would be a match for any team in the county. Defenders like Stephen Moloney, Ryan Cullen, Ian Sinnott, Seán Carmody, Chris Hooker and Ronan Devereux immediately spring to mind and there are many more besides. Midfielders Stephen Kinsella, Ethan Vickers, Gavin O'Brien, Luke Greene, Chris Kenny, Jack Mullan and Dermot Flood would grace most teams, while no defender would relish having Niall Connolly, Robbie Kane, Ciarán Paige, Paul Brennan, Adam Territt or Joe Finn running at them. Having seen certain teams more often than others during the campaign and watched Wexford's run to the national Oscar Traynor Trophy crown, it's undoubtedly a subjective list, and I'd be keen to hear the view of others. There's sure to be players that I have overlooked that deserve special mention. I've gone for a 1-4-3-3 formation, but feel free to have your say and compile a squad of your own. After all, it is a game of opinions. Unquestionably the best goalkeeper playing at Junior level in the county at present. The former Wexford FC netminder does his primary job of keeping the ball out of the net superbly. He is also extremely adept at playing out from the back and can ping a long pass to a team-mate, allowing them to run on to the ball without breaking stride. He was also the number one for Wexford Oscar Traynor manager Willie Peare as they claimed All-Ireland glory. Right-back – Conor Casserly (Gorey Rangers) Mr Dependable. The Gorey Rangers right-back has been consistently one of the top performers in the Wexford Football League Premier Division for a number of years. He rarely puts a foot wrong for either Gorey Rangers or Wexford. A great reader of the game that was one of the three players nominated for the Premier Division player of the year award. Centre-back – Gary Delaney A teak-tough tackler and commanding in the air, he is also comfortable on the ball and a true leader that starred for his club and the Wexford Football League. The former Wexford FC and Waterford United man often pops up with a crucial goal from a set-piece, as he did when he headed a late, late equaliser against Forth Celtic to force extra-time in the cup final. Centre-back – Reece Murphy The stylish young North End United player is more that capable of performing at a higher level and one or two clubs at League of Ireland level are bound to be interested in securing his services. He does his primary job of defending with quiet efficiency, while he is also extremely comfortable on the ball and can chip in with a goal or two. He showed in the FAI Junior Cup and Wexford FC Cup finals that he can do a job in midfield when called upon. Left-back – Todd Hynes The former Wexford Bohemians player is probably still finding his feet with North End, but he certainly became more influential as the season wore on. Being part of a Sky Blues defence that only conceded nine league goals all season speaks for itself, while he also played a huge role in Wexford's Oscar Traynor triumph. An attacking full-back that can produce cracking deliveries – both from open play and set-pieces. Midfield – Alan Rhodes (North End United) An often-underrated player, whose work sometimes goes under the radar. A quality, hard-working midfielder, who leads by example and always seems to put in a solid performance for his club North End United and the Wexford Oscar Traynor team. As well as being an assured footballer, he's also a great talker and brings a calmness to all around him as he encourages his team-mates. He was shortlisted for the Premier Division player of the year award and captained Wexford to All-Ireland glory. Midfield – John Peare (North End United) Peare is a player with an abundance of skill. A creative midfielder, who is also comfortable on the wing or in the number ten position. The former Moyne Rangers player loves to take on his man, can pick out a pass and, also knows how to find the net. Another All-Ireland winner with Wexford, who is a nightmare for opposition defenders. He gave a brilliant performance in the Wexford FC Cup final. Midfield – Cathal Dowd (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic man has come through the underage ranks at his club and has put in tremendous performances throughout the season. An all-action player, who has boundless energy and has chipped in with plenty of goals. He's still only 22, so he has an exciting future ahead of him in the game. Winger: Raphael Abidoye (Shamrock Rovers) Another Wexford Oscar Traynor player to make the cut, the Shamrock Rovers man is a potent force in front of goal when on song, which he illustrated when scoring four goals against the Defence Forces in the group stages. He reached double figures in league goals for his club this season, while also providing an impressive number of assists in the Premier Division. Winger: Ryan Busher (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic man was the leading scorer in the top-flight this term with 19 goals and he was named the top performer at the recent Wexford Football League player of the year awards. He is an attacker with an abundance of skill and a real eye for goal and he helped Wexford to Leinster and All-Ireland Oscar Traynor success. Centre-forward: Eoin Rhodes (North End United) Rhodes may not have matched the astronomical numbers he hit in the league in the previous season, but he's still the best target man around. His hold up play is second to none and he also contributed vital goals for the Sky Blues in their run to the FAI Junior Cup final as well as being a vital cog in the wheel for the Wexford Oscar Traynor team as the claimed All-Ireland glory – particularly his two goals in the semi-final in Ferrycarrig Park, when they beat holders Waterford 2-1. SUBSTITUTES Clive Lawler (Forth Celtic) The Forth Celtic netminder was the unfortunate player to miss the vital spot-kick in the Wexford FC Cup final as they agonisingly lost out to North End United in a penalty shoot-out, but that shouldn't take away from the consistently good performances he puts in for his side. An experienced and commanding presence in the box that always gives his all. Paul Murphy (North End United) It was difficult not finding a place for 'Spot' in the starting eleven as he's undoubtedly the best ever to play in the Wexford Football League. Murphy may be in the twilight of his career, but he still oozes class, and his leadership qualities can never be questioned. Tucked away his penalties in both normal time and the shoot-out in typical ice-cool fashion in the final to help his side win the Wexford FC Cup. Adam Beary (Forth Celtic) Beary may have lost a yard of pace since the days when he terrorised defences in a North End United shirt, but he still has an eye for goal. By topping the assist charts this season, he also showed his importance as a provider, linking up with fellow frontman Ryan Busher to devastating effect. Seán Fitzpatrick (Shamrock Rovers) The former Wexford FC player made a massive impact in the latter half of the season, scoring 12 goals in just 12 league appearance for the Enniscorthy outfit. His impressive haul included two hat-tricks and he certainly has a bright future in the game. Dapo Abidoye (Shamrock Rovers) Like his brother Raphael, Dapo is lethal in front of goal and was second in the Premier Division scoring charts this season with 14 goals. Having spent some time with Norwegian third tier side Bergsoy, the Shamrock Rovers attacker returned to help his side to a third-placed finish in the top-flight. Glen O'Brien (Gorey Rangers) O'Brien can play in the defence or in a more advanced position on the wing and he is sure to do a good job wherever he is asked to play. The Gorey Rangers man also played his part as Wexford claimed All-Ireland glory in the Oscar Traynor Trophy. Eryk Borowiec (New Ross Celtic) It's not easy to excel in a struggling team, but Borowiec did just that, shining in front of goal despite his side's relegation. He scored eight league goals, while also adding six in the LFA Junior Cup and two in the FAI Junior Cup. The striker is sure to terrorise Division 1 defences next season. Manager – Gary Dempsey He may have talent as his disposal that other coaches could only dream of, but to win a domestic double in his first full season as sole manager of North End United is a tremendous achievement, nonetheless. Dempsey also guided the Sky Blues to only their second-ever FAI Junior Cup final, where they unfortunately they came up short against a strong Fairview Rangers side.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ferreira nets double as Gorey Rangers dig deep to beat Wexford Albion in Under-16 Cup final
A late double from man of the match Martim Ferreira eventually got Gorey Rangers over the line in the Under-16 Eddie Tennant Memorial Cup final in Grove Park in Kilmuckridge on Saturday.
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Brilliant Busher bags Premier prize as Wexford Football League player of the year awards are handed out
The Forth Celtic attacker beat off stiff competition from fellow Wexford Oscar Traynor All-Ireland winners Alan Rhodes (North End United) and Conor Casserly (Gorey Rangers) to take the coveted prize. Niall Harney of Corach Ramblers won the Division 1 gong following a sterling season for the Neil O'Sullivan Cup winners, with Pa O'Shea of Ajax Athletic and Matty Kavanagh (Courtown Hibs) the other nominees. Tombrack United's James Coleman was the star man in Division 2, getting the nod ahead of Cloughbawn's Owen Furlong and Tadhg Brohan of Rosslare Rangers. Noel Roche of champions Bree United got the Division 3 prize, with Cillian Thomas (New Ross Town) and Dillon Shannon (Shamrock Rovers) also shortlisted. The prolific Danny O'Reilly was recognised for his displays for Division 3A and Billy Browne Cup double winners Rosslare Strand as he picked up the award ahead of Conor Byrne (Blackwater FC) and Aaron Moorehouse (Ferns United). The evergreen Anthony Hayes of Forth Celtic collected another ornament for the mantelpiece after leading Forth Celtic to Division 4 honours, pipping Abram O'Neill of St. Cormac's and Cushinstown's Nicky Sinnott. Shay Doyle of Division 4A champions Rosslare Rangers was rewarded for his efforts in helping his side to the title, while Andrew Doyle of Bridge Rovers and Dillon Nolan (Caim United) were also in the frame. Chris Atkinson of Castledockrell Newpark United won the Division 5 prize, with Tombrack United's Brian Hancock and Conor Twomey of St. Leonards also in the running. Castledockrell Newpark United picked up their second award of the night when Under-19 League prize went to Brian Roban, with Philly Yeates of Gorey Rangers and Cian Redmond of North End United also nominated. A Sky Blues player was chosen as they top performer in the Youths Premier Division, with North End captain Troy Sinnott receiving the accolade ahead of Alex Carton (Camolin Celtic) and Noah Byrne (Gorey Rangers). The Youths Division 1 prize went the way of Callum Fowler of Wexford Albion, a key component of their title winning side as his goals helped them to the crown with a 100 per cent record. Jamie Culleton of runners-up Rosslare Rangers and Richie Goff (Kilmore United) were the other nominees. Top scorer Oisín Mullally picked up the Youths Division 2 award for his major contribution in Campile United's title win. John Gaul of Corach Ramblers and Cormac Martin of Cushinstown were also shortlisted. Conor Byrne of Tombrack United took the plaudits in Youths Division 3, with Nick Marcenko of Courtown Hibs and Abram O'Neill also in the reckoning. In Youths Division 4 Jamie Curran of Enniscorthy Town took the honours ahead of Larry Sludds (Bree United) and Seán Stamp (St. Joseph's). Goal machine Alex Devereux of Gorey Rangers was feted with the Youths Division 5 award, while Conor Ryan of Cloughbawn and Cian Meleady of Killenagh Wanderers made the top three. Finally, the Pat Whitty Special Merit award went to Billy O'Sullivan of Enniscorthy United for his massive contribution to the game in the county.
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
North End United beat Gorey Rangers to retain Wexford Football League Premier Division crown
North End United warmed up for next weekend's FAI Junior Cup final in perfect fashion by edging out fierce rivals Gorey Rangers in Hollygrove on Sunday to retain their Wexford Football League Premier Division title.
Irish Independent
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford Football League: Gorey Rangers lead the way in Division 1 title race
Gorey Rangers hold a two-point advantage at the top of Division 1 after coming out on top 2-0 against North End United in Hollygrove on Sunday. Killian Cushe broke the deadlock early on and Dylan Vickers doubled their advantage in the second-half. Fellow title-chasers Courtown Hibs and Corach Ramblers came away with a point apiece after a 3-3 draw in Ounavarra Park. Darragh Curran opened the scoring for Courtown after just six minutes, but that was cancelled out by Shane Carroll seven minutes later and Niall Harney fired Ramblers in front on the half-hour mark. Des Wolohan levelled matters on the stroke of half-time and Hibs got their noses in front midway through the second-half when Curran scored his second. However, Corach battled back and Seán Byrne rescued a point in injury time. The title race now goes down to the final games of the season, with Gorey Rangers and Courtown Hibs going head-to-head in a north county derby, while Neil O'Sullivan Cup finalists Corach Ramblers host fourth-placed North End United. The Sky Blues hit Kilmore United for six goals without reply in Hollygrove on Wednesday evening. Aaron Roche and Darragh Shannon both scored doubles, while Robert Allen and Dylan Ennis chipped in with one apiece. Rathnure United earned their third win in a row, and their sixth in nine outings, with a 2-0 success against Glynn Barntown. Stephen Reilly broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute and Nicky Quigley grabbed their second ten minutes after the interval. Rathnure United completed the great escape, with a 1-1 draw against relegation rivals Ajax Athletic on Sunday seeing them avoid the drop after a strong end to the season. Substitute Michael O'Connor fired Rathnure in front in the 91st minute, with Alfredu replying deep into injury-time. A Bobby McGrath goal four minutes before the break was enough for Shelburne United to edge out Ajax Athletic 1-0 in Templeudigan on Wednesday. Division 2 Enniscorthy United secured runners-up spot in Division 2 with a 3-0 win over Rosslare Rangers in Neil O'Sullivan Park on Sunday. The hosts went in at the break leading 1-0 thanks to an own goal, and Brendan Dunne doubled their tally just before the hour mark. Darragh Roche got their third goal in the 67th minute. Neil O'Sullivan Cup finalists Rosslare Rangers picked up a 4-0 win away to promoted side Tombrack United on Wednesday evening. Liam Flood bagged a brace early in the second-half to put the visitors in complete control, while Alan Browne and Cian Byrne went on to add to their tally. Wexford Bohemians secured their Division 2 status by overcoming Bridge Rovers on penalties in the relegation play-off in Sinnottstown Lane on Sunday. The Castlebridge side got off to a good start with early goals from Paddy Connors and Corey Lawlor, but Bohs were ahead at the break thanks to a Seán Pailing strike and a Michael Murphy double. Lawlor grabbed his second goal in the 82nd minute to force extra-time, but the Drinagh outfit prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out, with goalkeeper Eoin Halligan saving two spot-kicks.
