WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 20th AUGUST 2023
Junior action resumed at the weekend, the under 12B's resumed their league campaign on Saturday morning when they travelled to take on a strong Avonmore side in Tullylusk. Things were going well for the team in the first half when the led 1-0 at the break through a Ryan Newsome goal. Avonmore came out all guns blazing in the second period to hit Rovers with five unanswered goals to run out 5-1 winners on the day. Best players on the day were goalkeeper Riain Kavanagh, James Carroll, Chris Delahunt, and Charlie Lawlor.
On Sunday the 12C’s took on Arklow United B and came out on top winning 2-0 in what was a tight encounter. On the balance of play Rovers deserved the three points. Nathan Byrne had two great efforts but was denied each time, but it was third time lucky when he fired Rovers ahead. Kai Jameson doubled the Rovers lead in the second half and Rovers could even afford a penalty miss which rattled the crossbar. Arklow did have chances but found Loukas Karamalis in excellent form in the Rovers goal. Thanks Arklow United for another closely fought game. Our 13A’s recorded a good 3-1 win over their nearest rivals Newtown Juniors. In what is always a good tussle between these sides this was no different. Rovers put in an excellent shift but got nothing easy from the Newtown side. Sam Conyard, Kale Conyard and Ryan Cox hit the all-important goals. Big thanks to Newtown for yet another competitive game. A footnote from the game was it was great to see Richie Carton back from a long layoff through injury, welcome back Richie. The 13B's got the second half of their league campaign off to a flyer with an excellent 6-0 away victory over St Anthonys B at Finn Park. In what was an excellent all round team performance we had three players who hit two goals apiece. Danny Vickers, Will O’Callaghan and Dougie Bowie all rattled in braces to restart with a positive performance and result. The 15’s were involved in a thrilling 2-2 draw with local neighbours Rathnew in Shamrock Park. It was Rovers who made the early running but got hit on the break which saw Rathnew go one up. Rovers levelled before the break when Ronan Phelan set up Jack Healy who made it 1-1. The second half saw Rovers creating numerous chances but couldn’t put the finishing touch to them. Good work inside the Rathnew area by David Johnstons set up Jack Healy for an easy finish to put Rovers 2-1 up. Rathnew never give up and as Rovers pressed for a third the Villagers hit Rovers on the break to equalise to make it 2-2 and that’s how the game finished up. Thanks to Rathnew for a competitive encounter and we wish you well for the remainder of the season.
The club are currently looking for players (born 2007) who are interested in playing in the WDFL Youth League for the upcoming 2023/24 season. Anyone interested can contact Trevor Conyard at 086-8446556 or pm us on the club Facebook page. The club are also seeking players (born 2005/06) for our under 19 WDFL team to compete in the under 19 league in Wicklow. Any player interested in playing at this age group for the club should contact Trevor Conyard at 086-8446556 or pm us on our Facebook page.
The venue for our Saturday morning junior academy will change because of the maintenance work been carried out on the main pitch at Whitegates. The club’s weekly junior football academy will continue every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne and Jimmy Nolan but for the month of August it will take place just up the road from Whitegates at East Glendalough Secondary School. The academy 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. The club would like to thank East Glendalough School for helping us out while our pitch is undergoing maintenance work, your help in these circumstances is very much appreciated, thank you.
Everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC were deeply saddened to hear of the recent sad passing of Martin Carr, Ashtown, Wicklow Town, Co. Wicklow. Martin was a major help and friend to Wicklow Rovers AFC in getting the club started when he allowed the club the use of the Rocky Road pitch and has done so for close on 50 years now. The number of kids and adults from the community to get enjoyment through his kind gesture is second to none and the club will be forever grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with his sister Ann, cousins, extended family and friends at this sad time. Martin, may you rest in peace.
