Fairwood Celtic pull out of Div. 2

FAIRWOOD CELTIC became the latest side to bite the dust as they withdrew from the Pat O’Toole Division 2 this week. And their decision looks to have decided the relegation issue. Their final two fixtures – against fellow strugglers Glencormac United and Roundwood – have now been given as walkovers and that has propelled the duo realistically out of Saints FC’s reach.

Glencormac United also gave a walkover themselves this week as they didn’t travel to Avoca on Wednesday evening and in doing so, pushed St. Patrick’s ever closer to sealing the league crown.

A win in either of their remaining fixtures will at the very least secure a play-off for the league – that’s assuming Rathnew pick up 12 points from their remaining ties.

But a win and another positive result would see the Saints crowned champions.

On the field, Celtic Stars won promotion to the Andy McEvoy Premier 1 this week. They enjoyed a facile 1-3 win over Seaview Wanderers on Tuesday evening at the Bridgewater Centre Park to confirm their place in the top flight next term. Mark Egan, Ray Murphy and Lukasz Niewiadomski hit the goals for the side who, despite promotion, look set to ply their trade in the Carlow League next year.

Rathnew AFC B cannot go up and nor can Newtown United B who would theoretically be next in line. The Magpies faced Roundwood in the Vartry Grounds during the week and Karl Carthy and Vinny McCann both notched to help them to a 0-2 win.