WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 5th FEBRUARY 2023

Our WDFL division 3 team turned in a very impressive display to record their first win of the season against Carnew C at the Back Alley on Saturday afternoon. Anto Hill set them on their way before youths player Lorcan Sinnott and Cesar O'Sullivan from the penalty spot added goals to give them a deserved 3-0 victory.

Our under 13's great National cup run came to a heartbreaking end on Saturday when they went down narrowly to Killarney Athletic losing 1-0. It was the longest journey the lads could have encountered in the remainder of the competition and they put in a gallant effort, they were a credit to themselves, their families and their club. The first half saw both sides cancelling each other out as they showed each other the respect they deserved, a cagey affair indeed.  On twenty two minutes Sam Conyard went close with a powerful free which just went over. Two minutes before the break the home team went close when they struck the woodwork. The home side just edged the first half but the second half saw Rovers on the front foot as they pushed the home side back. But in fairness the game was tight and always looked like one goal would win it. Ten minutes into the second period Kale Conyard caused havoc in the home rearguard only to be denied by the keeper. Five minutes later the same player was denied again but this time Kale saw his well struck effort come back off the upright. The home side went up the other end from the breaking ball and Sam Czwalina in the Rovers goal came to Rovers rescue with a good save. That one goal we all thought would win the game came with twelve minutes remaining and unfortunately for Rovers it fell to the home team. The Killarney striker won the ball out on the left, cut in and fired a powerful shot into the bottom right hand corner to give them the lead. Rovers pushed forward looking for an equaliser and created a couple of decent chances, but the home keeper mopped up. On the final whistle Rovers had given it everything, every player gave it a hundred percent in a game that could have gone either way. We would like to wish Killarney the very best of luck in the remainder of the competition. A big thanks to all the parents for making the long journey to support the team and finally once again to all the players, Mo and Swazy, you done yourselves proud, it was a great achievement. SQUAD: Sam Czwalina, Ben O’Leary, Reece Behan, Kale Conyard, Harry Bowen, Harry Kavanagh, Tommy Morrissey, Tiernan Shortall, Sam Conyard Richard Carton, Daniel Connolly, Ryan Cox and Luke Connolly. Managers: Maurice Dunne and Kevin Czwalina

The club’s weekly junior football academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne, Jimmy Nolan and John Kelly. The academy takes place on the club grounds at Whitegates and is open to all kids from the age of 3 years to 8 years. The academy starts at 11 o’clock and finishes at 12. There is no need for registration so you can come along to any week that suits. Come along and learn the skills of football while having fun and enjoyment, it’s a great way of meeting new friends as you learn the skills as you get prepared for the introduction to participate in organised league football in the coming years. It is a very good way for the kids to meet new friends and interact with others, all the kids are put in their relevant age groups and its open to boys and girls. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Also, the club in conjunction with our Saturday morning junior academy run a Superheroes Football section for kids with special needs. It runs every Saturday on the astro pitch at Whitegates and will be overseen by coaches James Quinn and James Macklin. The Superheroes section will run from 11.15 to 12.15 on Saturdays. If you are interested, you should register your child by email to wicklowroverssuperheros@gmail.com or you can contact James Quinn at 086-3989769.

With the new junior season just about to start if anyone is looking to purchase club gear it can be done online by visiting www.wicklowroversclubshop.com  So if it’s socks and shorts, a polo shirt, rain jacket, coaches jacket, etc or something small like a beanie hat, water bottle, etc just visit the club shop or contact Colin Hindle at wrafcshop@gmail.com or by text at 087-1278510. Also, if you want to give someone a present but don’t know what to buy you can purchase a club voucher, all club items will come with the club crest.

Anyone with anything for our club notes, Facebook page or our club website can contact me by email at jimmy.nolan09@hotmail.com or by text to 087-9108706. For all news regarding the club, check out our club website at www.wicklowrovers.com or the club Facebook page.