May 15 Town put on the spot as Gaels win dramatic shoot out
A great night's entertainment ended on the steps of Town's clubhouse with AGB captain Martin Hamilton lifting the inaugural Cáirde Le Cheile sponsored cup, in front of a sizeable gathering, after two highly enjoyable encounters between the clubs in both codes.  AGB, having won the opening encounter last week at Pearse Park, knew that a draw in "soccer" would ensure their success, opened the game brightly and were unlucky not to take an early lead, a fine save from Town's keeper Noel Brauders stirring a sluggish Town into life.  Town settled into a pattern as their gaelic opponents struggled defensively with the offside rule.  Dick Lyons stole in to put Town in front and a second followed not long after with Anthony Kenny slotting past AGB keeper James Bolger.  Ollie Nolan, reeling back the years somewhat, was already "on a hat trick" (of misses!) ...

Martin Power gave Town breathing space as half time approached with a nice finish to seemingly seal the game, as a contest, for the home side.  AGB though had other ideas and produced a storming second half to heighten the drama at Lamberton and the crowd reacted accordingly as the gaels dared to pull off a major shock.  Two goals from set pieces gave AGB renewed hope and the comeback was completed when Sammy Roche drove home an exocet of a free kick from almost forty yards out, leaving the Town keeper with absolutely no chance.  One of the best goals seen at Lamberton for many a year!  The git!

Roche almost repeated the deed minutes later with another softly won free kick (thanks, Totsie!) smashed off the Town crossbar and away to safety.  Level at three apiece, Town found new wind.  No, not that kind of wind - new legs, whatever!  Anto Kenny found Mark Hanley, who had an excellent game, out wide left and Hanley cut in to finish with aplomb.  The fourth Town goal proved to be the winning goal on the night ensuring honours remained even between the two clubs.  Who would lift the Cáirde Le Cheile cup though?  As both teams gathered in the centre circle plotting a route to success, the kids all gathered behind the goal, on the hill, at the clubhouse end of the ground.  However, with the sun setting low, the two keepers opted to move downfield to the other goal for the fun and games.  This caused a scene straight from something like Zulu Dawn, as the kids, realising they were 'at the wrong end' all made a charge directly down the pitch!  Excellent fun!  After successfully converting their first couple of penalties, to gain a slender advantage, it was Ollie Nolan (sorry, Ol!) who was first to miss from twelve yards.  Ollie carved out a reputation over the years for his clinicial ways in front of goal.  Tonight wasn't to be one such night!  Mick Mordaunt (sorry, Mick!) had the opportunity to seal the cup for Town but in attempting to place it low and hard he lifted it high and to the keeper's left, deflected up and over.  Just like watching Liverpool.  The shoot out went into sudden death and Mark Hanley (desperately in need of a ciggie break) missed, leaving the stage for Ken O'Neill to secure the cup for the gaelic fraternity.  O'Neill, having seen his brother Brian score the only goal (for Town) a week previous in the gaelic match at Pearse Park, coolly slotted home and AGB were there.

Robert Donnelly from Cáirde Le Cheile (pictured left, in the centre), then spoke of the successful venture between the two sporting bodies and its value to the community.  Words that were echoed by winning captain from AGB, Martin Hamilton who must surely have been thinking to himself "what do we do with this, eh?!" as he gratefully received, and lifted, the cup.  All at Arklow Town congratulate our counterparts from AGB for the two sporting games, played in a great spirit and if only one word could sum up the antics of the past few weeks, it would be FUN.  The kids watching all loved it, the interest was excellent and at the end of the day both clubs will have raised funds that can be put to good use for both clubs.  Congratulations once again to Brendan Kenny and Martin Hamilton for creating this potential annual monster of an event.  AGB might well be off to IKEA to buy a trophy cabinet - we at Arklow Town need to find a defibrillator for al the arll fellas who are promising to get fit for next year's clash, but won't.  Sport, the undoubted winner this past fortnight.

Images, kindly taken by Paul Wolohan, can be viewed here.

May 5 Town graduates prove the difference in Gaelic win for Geraldines!
A superb collective effort tonight from Arklow Town's array of talented junior football managers as they pushed a somewhat youthful looking Arklow Geraldines / Ballymoney GAA side (full of Arklow Town dual players!) all the way in a game of football where you're allowed to pick the ball up, run and then give it away.  Strange game indeed.  Anyway, Town started brightly in front of a decent attendance at Pearse Park and with more composure in front of goal could have found themselves a goal or two to the good.  The Gers rallied and opened the scoring with a well taken shot that sailed over the bar for a point.  A second point for the home side soon followed before Town keeper Joe Ledwith was injured, hurting himself after deflecting one of many very wayward Gers shots off target. 

May 5 Carpe Diem!  We're READY TO RUMBLE!!!!!!!!!
The various managers of our junior sides can take immense satisfaction after vigorous training sessions has left our Managerial Select squad in a state of fitness that can only be merely described as "prime" as they get set to face our counterparts from Arklow Geraldines / Ballymoney GAA in the first of two fundraising matches this coming Wednesday evening.  Many hours have been put into the drive to get all managers back into the kind of shape some acknowledge existed sometime in the last millennium. Your support for both matches will be greatly appreciated as - lest we forget! - this is being played in order to raise sufficient funding for both clubs, who cater for many under age teams.  Pictured right, is captain Brendan Kenny (the good looking one) surrounded by two swarthy GAA types.  Purely for the record, it's about as close as those two will get to lifting the Cáirde Le Cheile sponsored cup, held firmly by Brendan.  "C'mon The Town!"

Apr 28 Managers "fit" and rarin' to go!
Arklow Town junior managers will step up their vigorous training schedule this coming Thursday evening, at Bridgewater Centre Park at 7.30pm, with the first of two clashes with their gaelic counterparts, from the Arklow Geraldines / Ballymoney GAA club, now only a week away.  The managers of both clubs have come together in a fundraising drive and will play two matches, one in each code, over the next fortnight.  All managers should now have a sponsor card and your support would be greatly appreciated.  For further details, all managers (and assistants!) please contact Brendan at 085 7302480 or alternatively email him here.

Apr 8 Shield Final places up for grabs

Under 9

Arklow Town U9D's are just one win away from securing a place in this season's Division 3B Shield Final.  If Roundwood can defeat Enniskerry B when they meet next Sunday then Town will be guaranteed a place in the Shield Final without even kicking a ball.  Patrick O'Brien's last minute winner last Sunday in Enniskerry has given the team a great chance of making the Final and if Roundwood do not oblige with a favour then the team can secure a place themselves the following weekend when hosting Wicklow Rovers C at the Leisure Centre.  The U9A side are already well placed to earn a place in the Premier Shield Final, currently lying a single point behind leaders Greystones but with two games in hand.  Town lie two points clear of third place Enniskerry and with the relative comfort of those games in hand, and points advantage, should qualify for the Shield Final with ease.  They could go some way to assuring that place when meeting Enniskerry A, at the Leisure Centre on Tuesday, April 15th.  The U9B side, fresh from an excellent performance and win away at St. Fergal's, are also well placed to provide Avonmore with opposition in the Division 1 Shield Final.  A win next weekend at home against Wicklow Rovers, aligned with Avonmore preserving their 100% record when facing Wolfe Tones in Bray will go a long way to ensuring Town qualify for the Final.  Town have still to travel to face Avonmore so all still to play for in Division 1.  In Division 3A it's looking as muddy as ever, with three sides still battling for the two Final places available.  Town's U9C side know that their fate remains in their own hands, two fixtures still to play, against both rival contenders.  Arklow United face Wolfe Tones next Sunday at Ferndale Park so Town might be in position to qualify for the Shield Final when facing their local rivals the following Tuesday night, also at Ferndale Park.  In the meantime, they have a cup semi final this coming Saturday morning to focus attentions, hoping to become the first Town side to reach a WDSL cup final this season.

Under 10

Fresh from securing a place in the semi final of the Joseph Blunt Cup, Arklow Town U10A switch attention now to getting their Shield campaign back on track after their 1-0 defeat at Newtown last time out.  Town lie three points behind new leaders Newtown but retain a precious two games in hand.  Greystones United A look likely to be the only real threat to a potential Arklow Town v Newtown Shield Final and Town do not face a trek to Greystones until the weekend of April 26/27, so qualification may be ensured before then.  The U10C side, promoted from Division 3 after narrowly missing out on the League title, are still in the mix for Division 2 honours, boosted by a great away cup win last weekend at St. Anthony's B.  With five games remaining they lie four points behind Roundwood and six off Wicklow Rovers B.  The U10D side are also in the mix, in Division 4, lying third at present just two points off top spot.  However, they have played more games than the two sides above them so will need to carry on winning games if to secure a Shield Final place.

Under 11

Prospects of either U11A or U11B look sadly slim at this point, although the B side, if finding scoring boots from somewhere could yet play an influential part in who makes the Final.

Under 12

A highly disappointing campaign by the U12A side sees them surprisingly at the foot of the Premier Division, as both Wicklow sides appear set to face each other for the honours.  The U12Bs are still within touching distance of those above them, and with games in hand could yet contest a place in the Shield Final.  An unlucky away defeat at unbeaten leaders Wolfe Tone should provide encouragement aplenty for the side as they prepare for a key game against second place Newtown next week.  Win that, and hope is renewed.

Under 13

Halfway through the Shield campaign it already looks like a "3 into 2 won't go" situation, with Town battling alongside both Ardmore Rovers and Wicklow Rovers for a Shield Final place.  Town need to get back on the winning trail oncemore if to pressure the sides above them, starting with a win against lowly St. Anthony's next weekend.  The U13B side have made a very impressive start to their Shield campaign and lie in joint first place alongside Greystones, both sides six points ahead of Coolboy, who have one game in hand.  Facing bottom placed St. Anthony's this weekend, Town should secure a further three points and step a little closer to a guaranteed Final place.

Under 14

Due to their successful run at National level, all the way to a SFAI Goodson Cup quarter final, the U14 side have hardly kicked a ball in WDSL competitions.  Having played only one game thus far in the Shield competition it is way too early to be making predictions!

Under 15

A first defeat in the Shield last weekend, against fellow leaders Wicklow Rovers, will not prove too harmful for the team's chances of making the Shield Final.  Lying still nine points ahead of third place Carnew, it is safe to say that Town will be renewing acquaintances with Wicklow Rovers come Shield Final day!

Under 16

With their worst performance of the season last weekend, Arklow Town's U16B side has done their best to make qualification for the Shield Final difficult.  The places in this season's Final will be decided next weekend as all four sides play their last fixture.  In Arklow's supposed favour is a trip to bottom side St. Anthony's, who have nothing but pride to play for.  Something has to give in the other fixture as rivals Wicklow Rovers face Greystones, with the winners assured of qualification.  A win for Town, in Kilcoole, will see the B team lining out in the Shield Final.

Apr 1 Club corporate packages now available
Due to numerous queries from parents attending our under age matches at the Leisure Centre over recent years it became obvious after some time that the Club needed to focus on the provision of proper spectator facilities, for parents and children alike at the venue, often the case being parents, players, families and friends alike all left exposed to the elements on the touchline.  Therefore, it is with great pride, in association with our corporate partners, we can now unveil our Corporate Hospitality Packages (Season 2008-09) for fans and friends of Arklow Town FC. 

We have three available corporate hospitality packages available, to cater for all your needs.  As an added incentive, your season ticket for the various corporate packages on sale allows you to avail of the services on offer for ALL under age games involving our sides. 

As the picture indicates [please click on image], the Kynoch Suite is situated pitchside on the ground level.  It has been best described as “an ideal vantage point for those who like to experience an explosive pitchside atmosphere”.  We offer free parking facilities with this corporate package and hot food and other amenities are available on demand, subject to terms and conditions.

The Mezzanine Level has limited spaces available, mainly due to advance bookings.  The view from the Mezzanine Level is stunning, arguably a perfect vantage point for those who prefer to admire a game tactically.  Your sheltered viewing on rainy wind swept days affords you the chance to monitor team tactics and positional changes in total spacious comfort.  As with the Kynoch Suite, free parking facilities are available and hot food nearby is optional. The Mezzanine Level has proven itself already to be a very popular option for the weekend match-goer – so book now to avoid disappointment.

Our top of the range Platinum View has it all, the best seats on the house.  Again, numbers are limited due to advance sales so we urge you to act quickly.  The Platinum View affords you a quite stunning panoramic view of both football fare underneath and aquatic sporting pursuits nearby.  A wide array of hot food is available if required, courtesy of Mr. Edward Rocquet Esq., and as with the other packages a free limited amount of car parking spaces are available to those who avail of this seasonal offer.

Please book now to avoid disappointment as these packages are selling very quickly.

Bookings of four or more people can avail of a special discount of 15%.

Prices:

Kynoch Suite:  €10 per corporate season ticket. Email here.

Mezzanine Level:  €18 per corporate season ticket.  Email here.

Platinum Level:  €30 per corporate season ticket.  Email here.

To avail of the one-off discount, please select your chosen Arklow Town FC Corporate Hospitality Packages by emailing John McDonald, stating clearly your preferred choice of corporate hospitality, one of the three levels still on sale now.

Alternatively, you can call John directly on our Corporate Hospitality Packages Phone Hotline (sponsored by Vodafone) -  087 2585081 and quote “I WANT LEISURE” to guarantee a 15% discount.

Feb 27 Irish development squad returns to Arklow
Arklow Town FC warmly welcome back the return of Vincent Butler and his Republic of Ireland U15 Development squad, to Bridgewater Centre Park next Wednesday night, March 5th for what should be a keenly fought contest between Butler's side and their hosts, Arklow Town's U15 side.  Their previous encounter, played on a chilly night back in November ended all square, 1-1, with the home side arguably the better side on the night.  No doubt Mr. Butler will be keen to see an improved performance from his charges on the night.  A very interesting night of football awaits and admission is free - so please do come along and support both club and country.

Feb 21 Draws made for various WDSL Cup competitions
The draws for the latter stages of the various cup competitions was made earlier tonight at the monthly meeting of the WDSL.  Fixtures involving our remaining sides are detailed as follows.  Full details of the various draws to follow:

Jan 18 Draw made for various WDSL Cup competitions
The draws for this season's WDSL Cup competitions were made late last night at the monthly meeting of the WDSL management in Wicklow.  In total, over 160 teams have entered into the various competitions, from under 9s through to under 16s.  Listed here below, the draws involving our own Arklow Town sides.  Full details of the various draws to follow: