Fethard continue their rise through the ranks

UNFORTUNATELY, due to an error contained in information supplied by the Wexford and District Schoolboys league, this newspaper incorrectly stated that Shamrock Rovers won the Under-13 Division 1A title last week.

We were somehow sent information that stated that the Enniscorthy Town side won their play-off 4-2 on penalties, when in fact it was the incredible run of Fethard Rangers, up through the divisions, that continued apace.

It really has been a stunning rise to the top table by the seaside club. They started their league lives as Under-11’s in the 2014/15 season and romped to the Division 2A title, collecting fourteen consecutive wins along the wa

The following season, playing in Division 2 after promotion, they were made fight all the way by Shamrock Rovers but still had enough to edge past the title rivals to take the crown and with it gain a second consecutive leap up the leagues.

They looked set to follow that same script this season, needing just a draw in their final league game to get over the line. They fell to Rovers 4-0 in that fixture but, showing the huge class and resilience they possess, bounced back to win the play-off, without four first team regulars. They went 1-0 up in the tie when Cillian Byrne headed home from close range.

However, Shamrock Rovers came back and levelled the tie in the last few minutes, smashing home to force twenty more minutes of football.

Extra-time came and went with no further goals, meaning penalties were needed to decide the destination of the title.

Aaron Doyle proved to be a hero, saving two penalties and Evan Whelan, Sean Nunan, Killian Byrne and Kyle Baker all scored to sent the Division 1A trophy back to Fethard.

They still have a chance to make it a truly remarkable season. The Cup final against Wexford Celtic is scheduled for this Saturday in Curracloe.

The Sinnottstown Lane club knocked them out of the Under-11 Cup two years ago but they haven’t played since so it should make for a fantastic final.