St Fiach’s and Carnew Emmets to battle it out in Féile final
TWO very promising teams from Co. Wicklow reached the final of the under-14 Féile qualifiers back in 1990.
The richly talented outfits of St. Fiach’s of Shillelagh and Carnew Emmets were to go head to head in the decider after both sides came storming through their individual groups.
Both teams were littered with players who would go on to light up the playing fields of the county at various grades and, indeed, some still do to this day.
‘The stage is set for the final of the first juvenile competition of the season, the under-14 football Féile at Aughrim on Saturday at noon, between next-door neighbours, Carnew Emmets and St Fiach’s of Shillelagh. This promises to be a real thriller.
‘In Carnew they have an up and coming team. They had some wonderful displays to get to the final with wins over Dunlavin and
Arklow-Geraldines.
‘In their line-out they have excellent players in the O’Sullivans, Myers, D. Doran, W Austin, T. Collins, W. Brennan and C. Gregan. They won’t go down without a real fight.
What of Fiach’s? This is their first time competing in an under-14 final. They must be favourites to win this one as they have played some brilliant football to get to the final. They play a good brand of supporting football, beating strong teams like Éire Óg Greystones, Blessington and St. Patrick’s.
‘They have star players in their line-out in F. Scott, N. Murphy, K. Byrne, C. Clarke, S. Byrne, and J. Hansasy.
‘Whichever team wins will carry the Wicklow banner in Galway in July in the All-Ireland Féile. Referee will be C. O’Shea of Aughrim. Semi-finals
Carnew Emmets 2-4 Arklow Gers 2-0
Arklow Gers got off to a good start at Augrim with a good goal by C. O’Donovan. Shortly after Carnew hit back with a similar score by C. Gregan, but Arklow Gers led by 2-0 to 1-2 at half-time.
During the second half the stronger Carnew half-back line and midfielders came more into the game and it was only a matter of time until the forwards broke down the resistance of Arklow’s defence.
The vital score came from W. Brennan when he scored a good goal after a through ball from D. Doran. They had further points from P. Doyle amnd D. Doran. They ran out easy winners.
Arklow Gers had some good players in G. Walker, C. O’Donovan, B. McDonald and J. Kinch, and good for the winners were W. Austin, D. Doran, J. Molloy, T. Collins and W. Brennan.
St Fiach’s 5-5
St Patrick’s 0-0
St Fiach’s of Shillelagh laid the foundation for this victory when playing with the wind for the first half. They ran up a lead at half-time of 1-3 to no score, despite some brave efforts from G. Deehan, W. Wright, R. McElhinney and S. O’Brien for St. Pat’s.
They had no answer to the forceful combined football of St. Fiach’s in the second half.
They got some fine scores and held the advantage at midfield throughout where C. Blake played very well.
St. Fiach’s were very strong down the middle and had other fine players in F. Scott, C. Blake (1-1), K. Byrne, S. Byrne (1-1), A. Cullen and J. Hansasy (2-1).