Newtown and Glencormac to meet in the big Cup final
Kilmac men secure Wicklow Cup final spot for first time
GLENCORMAC UNITED created history in Pat O’Toole park Rathdrum on Sunday last when they qualified for the Wicklow Cup final for the first time in their 44-year history.
A first half strike by Nathan Waters was added to in the second period by a beautiful free kick from Sam O’Callaghan and an insurance goal at the death by supersub Michael Rooney after Carnew’s own substitute extrodinaire Wayne Kinsella had thrown the south Wicklow men a lifeline late on.
With the prize of a meeting with Newtown awaiting the victors in the Carlisle Ground on June 3, the Glens were quickley on the front foot with Sam O’Callaghan giving an early indication of his his set piece mastery, testing Carnew keeper Sean Kinsella with an early free kick.
The early exchanges saw Glencormac’s Ben O’Callaghan taking control of the middle third and Nathan Waters looking lively whenever a ball was in his vicinity.
As the half wore on Carnew came more into the contest with Justin House, Killian Gilligan and Rob Young all striking half chances off target from distance.
On 26 minutes, United’s Dean McCormack set Sam Kerr in on goal however the striker struck over when he maybe had more time than he realised. Back came Carnew with Gilligan forcing a good reaction save from Gabor Radoczy in the Glens goal.
Eventually the goal came on 36 minutes. A free kick for Glencormac just inside the Carnew half was whipped in with pace by Sam O’Callaghan and Nathan Waters was on hand to power his header past Kinsella from eight yards out.
Carnew looked to respond with Adam doyle forcing a save from Radoczy before on the stroke of half time United’s left winger James Delahunty went on a mazy run before forcing an excellent save from Kinsella.
In the 51st minute, Glencormac got the second goal they craved. Sam O’Callaghan 22 yards out lofted a deadball up and over the wall and despite Kinsella getting a hand to it, he could not keep it out.
Minutes later O’Callaghan was back doing his primary job making a last ditch challenge to snuff out a Carnew attack.
Carnew were struggling to get any foothold in the contest. Glencormac appeared to be coasting to victory, however sub Wayne Kinsella did provide some hope with five minutes to play, he collected a breaking ball 20 yards out and drilled low and hard through a maze of bodies beyond Radoczy’s reach.
The hope was short lived as barely two minutes later Glencormac’s 38-year-old supersub Michael Rooney got on the end of a loose ball to place home through a plethora of Carnew bodies.
Carnew ill discipline saw Adam Barnes and Will O’Neill get their marching orders as the game wound down.
An exciting contest with Carnew’s P.J. O’Keeffe been their stand out player.
However, most of the eye catching performances were for the victors with Nathan Waters excellent up front, James Delahunty and Ben O’Callaghan impressive in midfield however man of the match was Sam O’Callaghan at left back. He performed his defensive duties superbly, scored a goal and his set piece deliveries led to the other two.
Speaking to Glencormac manager Colm Mulligan afterwards you could here the passion and pride in his team and club. He remarked: “This is for the great clubmen that kept Glencormac going over the years.
“The likes of Shay Kiernan, Aiden Golden, Karl Bradshaw and Trevor Carr.
“We have not won anything since the 2002 Carton Walsh Cup and to be in with a chance of three trophies at the end of May is fantastic for such a small club.”
With the talent he has at his disposal a fantastic year could become a legendary year in the annals of the north Wicklow club.
Glencormac United: 1. Gabor Radoczy, 2. Stephen Kirwan, 3. Sam O’Callaghan, 4. Luke O’Callaghan, 5. Mark Delahunty, 6. Dean McCormack,
7. Ben O’Callaghan, 8. Simon Doyle, 9. Sam Kerr, 10. Nathan Waters, 11. James Delahunty. Subs: 12. Cian McGoldrick,
13. Michael Rooney, 14. Dan Hill.
Carnew AFC: 1. Sean Kinsella, 2. Rob Young, 3. Johnny Smith, 4. P.J. O’Keeffe, 5. Justin House, 6. Dan Nolan,
7. Graham Byrne, 8. Adam Doyle, 9. Adam Barnes, 10. Cillian Gilligan, 11. John Kavanagh. Subs: 12. James Behan, 13. Will O’Neill, 14. Wayne Kinsella.
Referee: Michael Kennedy