July 1 Trials set to begin this evening
Arklow Town Football Club commence trials across all age groups later this evening at Bridgewater Centre Park for our teams to compete in WDSL action next season, 2009/10.  The action starts with the prospective Under 8's being put through their paces from 6pm till 7pm.  The Under 9's and Under 10's are also trialling this evening, with other ages to follow tomorrow.  The trials, two for each age group, run till Sunday afternoon.  All players are required to register before participating in the trials and they must also wear shin guards throughout.  Arklow Town look forward to welcoming all players to the club over the course of the trials and we wish all players the very best.  Meanwhile, some further images taken at the recent Mini World Cup have been added to the Gallery.  More to follow in the days ahead...

 

June 27 Summer Camp just around the corner - book now!
Details of this summer's Arklow Town Football Club Summer Camp have now been finalised and the eagerly anticipated camp will take place at Bridgewater Centre Park in the week directly after the August Bank Holiday.  The four day camp will commence on Tuesday, August 4 and run till Friday, August 7, kicking off daily at 10.00am through to 2.00pm.  The Camp is open to all children between the ages of 6 and 14 years and will run on a similar fashion to last Easter's thoroughly enjoyable camp.  Application forms can be downloaded here.  Please follow the instructions on each application form.  Any queries, please contact any Junior Committee member for assistance.  Due to numbers, the Club has placed an application deadline - Wednesday, July 29 - so book now, early, to avoid disappointment.

June 25 Put the 11A's on the spot or fancy a bullseye?
This Saturday at the Leisure Centre, the 11A squad are inviting everyone to fancy their chances from the penalty spot, with their "Penalthon".  What's a penalthon?  Well, beginning at 10.00am in the morning and continuing right through till 4.00pm, they intend to take at least 1,000 penalty kicks.  Fancy having a go at putting one past the keeper?  Curious to see if they can achieve their goal?  Check out the fun and why not put them on the spot with a kick of your own!  Later in the evening, the 13A's are holding a fundraiser of their own, in John Joe's pub on Main Street, with an "Evening of Darts Fun".  Entry is only €5.00 per person and you can register in advance of the fun evening by contacting Paula at 086 1647147.  Alternatively, you can register on the day before the fun starts at 4pm.  Music follows afterwards from Deckie Hughes.  Both events are fundraising drives as both sides are gearing up for next month's trip to the Foyle Cup in Derry.  Please support both ventures.

June 25 New chairmen at both Senior and Junior levels
AGM's this week at both senior and junior levels both with changes in 'the big seat' at both levels.  Thomas Breen stepped down as senior chairman and Noel McDonald was elected unopposed.  Similarly, at junior level, Brian Byrne resigned from his position as chairman after four years at the helm, with Paul Breslin elected to the chair, again unopposed.  Committees were both returned en bloc but with a few extra additions, again at both levels.  Mr. Breen and Mr. Byrne were both thanked for their efforts and best wishes were afforded the new chairmen and their committees.

June 24 Town celebrate end of season in style with club awards
A wonderful occasion for all involved with Arklow Town Football Club, at the Arklow Bay Hotel last evening, with the Annual End Of Season Presentation Awards.  With an astounding level of success on the field, Town ensured celebrations off the field matched it with an Evening in the Arklow Bay Hotel proving to be an excellent occasion.  All teams present, and bedecked in club colours, providing a wonderful atmosphere as medals, trophies, cups, Shields, certificates and other plaudits were handed out to our successful players.  However, it was the unveiling of Town's partnership with Sheffield United that took centre stage as both Brian Byrne from Town and Terry Robinson, Sheffield United's international Chairman, revealed details of the association between the two clubs.  Town's Shane Murray, nominated earlier this season at the FAI International Awards for the U16 International Player Of The Season, took centre stage, much to the delight of many club colleagues, to sign professional terms with the Bramall Lane club.  It goes without saying that all involved with Arklow Town are deeply proud of Shane's achievements thus far and he will now move to Sheffield with our very best wishes.  More details to follow...

June 22 Mini World Cup an astounding success oncemore
Great weather matched the football as this year's Mini World Cup reached a dramatic conclusion at Lamberton at the weekend.  Record numbers of children participated over the fortnight with the feeling that this year's competition was the best yet, outdoing last year's excellent tournament.  Though helped with fine weather, it was the children who made the tournament what it is with some excellent fare.  High drama in the Under 12 Final with Ghana beating USA 2-1, thanks to a late late strike from Eoghan Doyle with just five seconds of normal time remaining.  Chile overcame Argentina in the Under 10 Final and quite simply, all those who took part in the Under 6's and Under 8's were all winners!  Images from the first weekend are now online and can be viewed here.  More images to follow shortly.

June 18 AGM's on the horizon for both Seniors and Juniors
Arklow Town Football Club (Juniors) are holding the Annual General Meeting in the Clubhouse next Monday evening, June 22, commencing at 8pm.  Just 48 hours later, the Senior side of the Club hold the Annual General Meeting, also due to commence at 8pm on the night.  All interested parties are welcome to attend the meetings, as one season draws to a close, the work begins on the next one...

June 17 Double winners end season on a high
Town's U12A side, Shield and Cup winners this season, ended the year on a high, finishing their outstanding League fixture against Greystones United A tonight, winning 4-1 to secure the runners up berth in the U12 Premier Division.  The result brings to an end the most outstanding of seasons for our many under age sides with nine League titles and five League runners up places secured.  Add to that the nine Shield titles, two Shield runners up places and five Cup successes - it all points to a very busy End of Season Presentation Night next Tuesday (June 23) in the Arklow Bay Hotel, when the Club celebrates a wonderful season.  Tonight's win for the U12A's was secured with goals coming from Adrian Earls, Graham Heaney, Martin Cullen and Cormac Murphy.

June 13 Doyle strike seals Double for Town 13B's
A Conor Doyle strike from distance with little more than fifteen minutes remaining on the clock saw Town's U13B side claim a wonderful WDSL League and Shield double.  Facing Greystones United A in the Shield Final, and firmly tagged as underdogs after a recent 4-0 reverse against the same team, Town were to save the best till last, a powerful team performance built upon inspirational defence from Paul Nolan amongst others.  Anthony Kelly put Town ahead in the first half, firing home from outside the area with Conor Doyle netting the winner after 'Stones' had levelled before half time.  Disappointment though for the 12B side, recent Shield winners, who missed out on a Double of their own when losing the WDSL U12 1st Division Cup Final against Arklow United.

June 12 Brave Town bow out of FAI Cup
Pride in defeat tonight for Matt Britton's side as Arklow Town's run in this season's FAI Cup was finally ended, with defeat away at League of Ireland First Division leaders, UCD.  Town's chances of advancing into the last sixteen were dealt a blow in advance of the cup tie, not allowed the opportunity to sign a keeper, with regular netminder Craig Britton suspended and Mervyn Travers on GAA duty this weekend.  Willie Doyle is renowned for putting them away at the other end but tonight he was more preoccupied with keeping them out, Town's emergency keeper.  Daragh Murray put Town deservedly ahead on the quarter hour mark and the travelling support dared to dream of further success.  However, it was not to be, as UCD struck with two first half goals and added a killer third not long after Town had a would-be equaliser ruled out.

June 10 The World descends on Lamberton for Mini World Cup
Everything is now in place for this year's Arklow Town FC Mini World Cup.  Now in its 32nd year the Mini World Cup has grown from strength to strength over the years, with many renowned players enjoying their first steps in football via the Mini World Cup.  This year's tournament kicks off on Saturday morning with the U6's and U8's taking centre stage; the U10's and U12's commence battle on Sunday.  The Mini World Cup Selection Committee have emerged from their darkened room after the difficult team selection process and the selected teams at all age levels can now be viewed here.  It goes without saying that all involved with the running of the Mini World Cup wish all participants a wonderful time, hoping that they all enjoy the fun that envelopes the tournament.  Let the Mini World Cup begin!  To whet the appetite, re-visit last season's wonderful Mini World Cup here.

June 9 Town seeking your support for Cup journey
This coming Friday evening sees Arklow Town's FAI Cup journey returning oncemore to Belfield in UCD, and a pretty stern examination no doubt awaits Town, having knocked out the Student's second XI in the FAI Cup 2nd Round, with goals from Kevin Farrell and Peter Finnegan putting Town into the FAI Cup 3rd Round for the very first time in the Club's history.  League of Ireland side UCD, are currently on top of the LOI First Division and no doubt will fancy their chances of avenging Town's previous visit to Belfield.  However, Matt Britton remains cautiously optimistic that his Town side can cause a cup upset and advance to the last 16.  The Club are providing a free bus service for all those interested in going to the match to support the Town side.  For further details, please contact either Thomas Breen at 086 8309340 or Seamus Donegan at 086 602 7510.

June 7 High drama as Town land three more
Drama aplenty today with Town sides vying for four WDSL titles.  Disappointment initially for Town's U11B side, who despite a stunning Garrett Kenny free kick, lost out to a late late winner against St. Anthony's.  Keith Byrne was the matchwinner for the U12A side, heading home the decisive goal against Wicklow Rovers A in extra time, to land Town the U12 Premier Shield title.  Elsewhere, James Graham netted the winning goal for Town's U16B side, who in defeating Wicklow Town landed the U16 Premier Shield title.  However, it was in the U15 Premier Shield Final where the action was most dramatic, with Town squeezing past Rathnew 6-4 after extra time, to take the Shield title and secure a Treble.  A sublime performance from Mark Hardy, who scored four of Town's six goals, with Darragh O'Leary drawing Town level in the closing moments of normal time.  Liam Carroll's strike in the second half of extra time secured the Treble for Town.

June 6 Town secure Treble with Forde strikes
Heavy winds and rain failed to deter Town celebrations earlier in Kilcoole as Town's U14A's secured a rare, and indeed precious, WDSL League, Cup and Shield treble.  Goals from Jordan Forde in the first half and Gavin Forde in the second half saw Town beating a gallant Rathnew side 2-1, with the Villagers netting late to give Town a few anxious moments before full time.  Manager Joe Byrne was delighed with his side's achievement and paid tribute to the lads and their efforts over the course of the season.  Disappointing news though for the U13A side with Lee Kenny's wrist injury totally overshadowing the Final.  Everyone wishes Lee a speedy recovery.

June 5 Town sides into Shield Finals
Town's U12A and U11B sides have reached Shield Finals with key away wins at Ardmore Rovers A and Greystones United B respectively.  Town's U12A side, having gone down 1-0 at home to Ardmore a few week's back travelled to Bray requiring nothing less than three points to secure a Shield Final place.  Goals from Kyle Jordan, Kaelin Broughan, Keith Byrne and Cormac Murphy ensured Town safely advanced to Sunday's Final against Wicklow Rovers.  The 11B's recorded an excellent 3-2 win at Greystones to set up a meeting with St. Anthony's on Sunday, in the U11 Division 1 Shield Final.  Goals from Paul Ryan, Corey Mills and Aaron O'Toole ensured Town booked their place in the Final.

June 2 Pipped at the post
Disappointment for Town's U9A side in tonight's WDSL U9 Premier Shield Final, against Enniskerry.  The game ebbed and flowed from the first whistle, with the Bog Meadow side taking a crucial lead midway through the first half, somewhat against the run of play.  Town tried valiantly all game to level matters but it wasn't to be their night, chasing a League and Shield double.  Enniskerry sealed victory with a deflected goal late in the game.  The U13B's, playing their second fixture in two days, lost out at leaders Greystones United A.  With one fixture remaining Town can still make the Shield Final but will need a little assistance from 'Stones to ensure they meet again.

Jun 1 Town's 15's lift Double - Town's sixth trophy on a busy weekend
A first half brace from Adam Brown and a second half strike from Mark Hardy secured a U15 Premier Cup success for Arklow Town, 3-1 winners over Rathnew.  Town have now added the cup to the League title won earlier this season and they face Rathnew again next weekend in a keenly anticipated Shield Final.  If Town can win that upcoming fixture against Rathnew then they will secure a treble.  Elsewhere, reports are breaking that the ladies participating in today's Ladies Mini Marathon in Dublin have completed their arduous task - passing shops - in record time, coming in on the two hour mark.  Congratulations to each and everyone who took time out to fundraise on behalf of the Club.  A social evening is planned for later tonight at Darcy Magee's on Main Street.  All are welcome.

May 31 The cups just keep on coming!  Super Sunday sees Town lift five cups
The sunshine may be hot but Town's season continues in even hotter fashion with four trophies won today, to add to yesterday's U14A cup success.  Nathan Doyle fired home a late winner in the Arklow derby with United, to secure a Division 2 Shield success for Town.  The U12A's overcame Coolboy 4-0 to lift the U12 Premier Cup with goals from Kaelin Broughan (2), Jordan Gannon and Adrian Earls.  Patrick Dempsey scored an excellent goal to secure a back to back Double for Arklow Town's U11A team, 1-0 winners over Newtown in the Shield Final.  In the meeting between Town's U16A and U16B sides, in the U16 Premier Cup Final, it was the A team who emerged victorious, winning 5-2, to secure a Double, having sealed the league title earlier in the week.

May 30 Town sizzle in Cup Final success
Town's U14A side added the WDSL U14 Premier Cup to the league title won emphatically before Christmas with a blistering team performance at the Carlisle Grounds earlier today, with Roundwood the gallant opposition.  The Division 1 side were no match for Town, who racked up a nine goal blitz on the Vartry based club.  Philip Nolan and James Sheehan bagged two apiece, while further goals came from Gavin Forde, Diarmuid Larkin, Dylan Hanlon, Patrick Power and Aidan O'Callaghan.  Elsewhere, the U11B side were afforded a walkover from Ashford, placing the 11B's a step closer to Shield Final action themselves.

May 26 Another title comes to Town
Arklow Town U16A's eased to a comfortable 5-0 win tonight away at Ardmore Rovers A to secure a ninth WDSL League title for the Club this season.  Goals from Clive Crammond, Dara Verney, Jack Tim Murphy, Aaron Barry and Jason Earls ensured the 16A's completed the set, league champions at every age level from age nine upwards.  The 14A's qualified for the Shield Final, maintaining their own treble ambitions, receiving a walkover from Wicklow Rovers A.  Also into a Shield Final are the 9A's, with an excellent 4-1 win away at St. Anthony's.  The U12B side emerged on top in a local derby with Arklow United, winning 2-1 with goals from Nathan Doyle and Luke Walker.

May 25 Town set for repeat examination after cup draw
School's out for summer once sang Alice Cooper many (full) moons ago.  That rule certainly does not apply for Town manager Matt Britton and his Leinster Senior Division 1 side, fresh from overcoming a difficult away tie at LSL Division 1B side UCD in the FAI Cup 2nd Round on Sunday, winning with goals coming from Kevin Farrell and Peter Finnegan, to ensure Town's name was in the hat for the very first time in the club's 61 year history in tonight's televised FAI Ford Cup 3rd Round draw, where the 22 League of Ireland sides all enter the fray.  The draw was made earlier this evening at Dublin's Burlington Hotel, with ex-Irish international Frank Stapleton performing the honours alongside FAI President, Mr. David Blood.  Town's reward for passing their UCD examination?  A trip back to the Belfield Bowl to face high flying League of Ireland Division 1 side, UCD!  The Dublin side have enjoyed an impressive start in LOI Division 1 this season and currently sit atop the division jointly with Waterford United.  All FAI Cup 3rd Round ties are due to be played on the weekend ending June 14.  Full FAI Cup 3rd Round details here.

May 24 Wicklow foiled in All Ireland Final
Two goals in quick succession midway through the second half ensured Cork U16 Schoolboys lifted the coveted SFAI U16 Paul O'Neill Cup at Arklow Town's Bridgewater Centre Park this afternoon.  A thunderbolt shot from Arminas Balevicius on the hour mark was followed with a goal from Josh O'Shea and despite the best efforts of Wicklow the Cork side prevailed.  The Wicklow side, made up entirely of Arklow Town players, though naturally disappointed with the outcome of the Final, should take solace in their achievements to date this season, notably lifting a second successive Leinster title en route to the showpiece final against Cork.

May 23 No doubting Thomas in 9B's Shield shoot out success
Keeper David Thomas was the hero for Arklow Town U9B's, after a dramatic sudden death penalty shoot out success over gallant Wolfe Tone A in Kilcoole earlier today.  A gripping encounter ended scoreless and the drama was heightened in the shoot out.  David Thomas saved Wolfe Tone's first penalty but the tension mounted as Rory Heffernan had to score Arklow's last spot kick, to bring Town into sudden death.  He slotted home and that was followed with Thomas making a wonderful save to tee up Harold Stephenson's kick, winning the Shield for Town.  The U10A's completed a memorable treble with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Greystones, goals from Ross Hanley (2) and Liam Scales.  Disappointment though for the U11A's, losing 2-0 to a good Newtown side in the U11 Premier Cup Final at the Carlisle Grounds.   Elsewhere, excellent home wins for the U12A's and U14A's.

May 18 All Ireland Final preview
A long held vision will hopefully come to fruition next weekend at Bridgewater Centre Park, when Wicklow’s Under 16 WDSL side entertain their Cork counterparts with a prestigious All Ireland title the prize awaiting the victors.  The Wicklow side is, of course, made up entirely of Arklow Town players and they will be hopeful that home advantage will prove key in their quest for a national title.  The Leinster champions secured their place in the SFAI's showpiece Inter-League Final with victory over Galway earlier this month, with goals from Shane Murray and Keith Armstrong enough to ease past the Tribesmen.

May 17 13B's take centre stage as weather decimates programme
A highly frustrating weekend of adverse weather puts Town's cup ambitions on hold, with the U11A's, U12A's, U12B's and U13A's all seeing their cup finals postponed.  Similarly, in WDSL Shield action, just two fixtures fulfilled over the weekend, with the U13B's travelling to Avoca earlier today and returning with an emphatic 7-2 victory over their hosts, St. Patrick's.  Keith Byrne fired a hat trick for Town with the three points putting the Division 1 League winners firmly into Shield contention.  Anthony Kelly bagged two with other goals coming from Ciaran O'Reilly and Dale O'Brien.  The U9C's were the only other side to play, welcoming Greystones to the Leisure Centre.  Following on from their excellent performance away at Carnew Town took an early lead, through Mattas Lukooenicius.  Drama in the closing moments though with the visitors equalising from the penalty spot, the game finishing 1-1.

May 15 Master class from Town secures Double
A clinical display from Town's U17 side earlier tonight has secured a WDL League and Cup double for the team.  Leading 1-0 at the interval thanks to a Jonathan Kelty strike Town tore Greystones United apart with a wonderful second half display, with further goals coming from Darragh Culleton, Aaron Barry, Shane Murray, Jack Tim Murphy and a second from Kelty.  The League title success comes hot on the heels of the WDL Cup success last month, when Town eased past St. Anthony's in a very one sided Final,

May 14 Town sides perform well on their travels
A good night "on the road" for our Town sides, all fulfilling away fixtures this evening.  Arguably the best performance of the night saw Town's U14B side frightening Wicklow Rovers A at Whitegates, with the promoted Division 1 side putting four past the home side before bowing 4-5 to their hosts.  The U9A's bounced back from Saturday's cup final reverse with a fine 4-0 win at Wicklow Rovers, with both Aaron Roche and Clive Keenan netting twice.  The result sees Town on the verge of a Shield Final with one fixture remaining.  The U11B's maintained their push for a Shield Final place with a 4-3 win away at Ashford.  Darren Dempsey netted twice with further goals coming from Aaron O'Toole and Harry Nuzum.  Town's 13B's performed well tonight but had to settle for a scoreless draw in Aughrim, with the result helping neither side in their quest for Shield honours.  The U15's meanwhile were afforded a walkover from the non-travelling Enniskerry side.  Homes wins last night for both U12A's, against St. Peter's Boys, and the U13A side, against Ardmore Rovers.

May 12 9C's turn on the style
Town's U9C team went incredibly close to pulling off one of the shock results of the season earlier tonight, eventually losing 2-1 away at Division 3A title chasing Carnew.  The U9C's have been playing some decent football all season and though tonight ended in defeat the entire team can rightly be proud of their efforts - arguably the best display all season.  Carnew needed the three points from tonight's league clash to force a play off for the title and were truly rocked by Town's display.  Mattas Lukooenicius was Town's scorer tonight and the side can now renew their Shield campaign with growing confidence.  Elsewhere, two strikes from Stuart O'Neill and Patrick Doyle were enough to ease the U16B's past Wicklow Town at Bridgewater Centre Park while the dress rehearsal for this Sunday's WDSL U11 Premier Cup clash between the U11A's and Newtown ended with Newtown winning 2-1, Town's first defeat in Shield action this year.  Cliona Crammond was Town's lone goalscorer with Town hoping to be back to full strength for the weekend's eagerly anticipated clash in the Carlisle Grounds.