Under-15 League of Ireland: Carlow Kilkenny FC fall just short in national decider

Wexford FC 2
Carlow Kilkenny 0

By PAUL BROPHY

CARLOW KILKENNY FC did everything but score in the final of the Under 15 League of Ireland Shield against Wexford in Ferrycarrig Park, eventually going down 2-0.

In his last game as coach of the local team, James Toner’s possession based game was neutralised by a physical bigger Wexford side.

The home side took the lead early on when Wexford attacker Sean Fitzpatrick put a dangerous ball across the box for Kilkenny man Mikey Raggett to place in the bottom corner, Wexford one up.

Carlow Kilkenny fought back when Brandon Kelly and Jamie Murphy combined but unfortunately, Murphy’s shot was just wide.

Wexford doubled their advantaged before half time when Wexford captain Sean Carew long-range shot was deflected past the hapless Josh Coady in the Carlow Kilkenny goal. Moments later Josh Coady was called into action again to pull off a point blank save from Wexford’s Darby Purcell.

The second half was all one-way traffic with Carlow Kilkenny moving the ball at great pace, skipper Jack Byrne dictating the flow in the middle of the field. Midway through the second half Carlow Kilkenny sharpshooter Dean Owens freekick on the edge of the box rattled the crossbar. Owens again had a chance to get Carlow Kilkenny back into the game when the tricky Brandon Kelly put in across which was met by Owens but easily dealt with by Wexford.

In the end, the home side held to win their first under 15 title. Both sides will renew rivalries again in the Cup Quarter Final in Dermidus Park on Saturday 19th October.

All Carlow Kilkenny FC Committee members would like to thank all players, coaching staff and parents for their incredible efforts during the league campaign. Finally all at Carlow Kilkenny would like to thank and wish outgoing head coach James Toner the very best as he takes up a coaching position in the United States.

Wexford FC

Luke Murphy, Morgan Ellis, Robbie O’Toole, Conor Kelly, Brandon Rossitor, Conor Carew, Sean Fitzpatrick, Harry Curtis, Sam Norval, Sam Nordal, Nikodem Czernik, Darby Purcell, Keelan Byrne, Ewan Russell, Eoghan O’Lionain, Conor Maher, Mikey Raggett, Harry Lloyd, James Boland, Max Stone.

Carlow Kilkenny FC

Josh Coady, Scott Roycroft, Tom Maloney, Kyle Foley, Evin Rudkins, Jack Byrne, Eoin Dempsey, Cathal Kennedy, Jamie Murphy, Dean Owens, Cillian Hackett, Aaron Dorgan, Andrew Synoradski, Jamie Furlong, Shane Duffy, Dylan Hunston, Peter Grogan, Che Delaney Scott, Brandon Kelly, Cian Ward.