A WONDERFUL DAY!
Friends and family gather to celebrate Tony’s memory
BRIDGEWATER CENTRE PARK played host to this year’s Tony O’Regan Memorial Charity Match on Saturday evening, in aid of Arklow Cancer Support.
Friends and family of the late Tony O’Regan gathered on the AstroTurf at Bridgewater Centre Park in remembrance of Tony and to raise money for Arklow Cancer Support with former players from Seaview Wanderers split into two teams to compete for the Tony O’ Regan Memorial Cup.
Captains Mark O’Regan and John Condren had selected their players prior to the game, Condren went for former Seaview Wanderers experienced players whilst O’Regan went for youth.
Conary talisman Davie Doran opened the scoring early in the first half with a sweet left-footed strike to slot the ball past keeper Mick Mordaunt.
Mordaunt didn’t lose confidence from conceding an early goal as he proved to be a thorn in the side for Gavin Forde throughout the game.
Forde should have put O’Regan’s side 3-0 up in the first half with two one-on-ones with Mordaunt, but the experienced keeper stood his ground on both occasions and kept the score at 1-0 until late in the first half when he brought down Doran in the penalty area.
Doran had been on excellent form for his side Conary United this season and continued his form in the charity game by nabbing his second of the game and sending Mordaunt the wrong way for his penalty.
O’Regan’s side were up by 2-0 going into the second half but Condren’s side came back in the second half of the game with a great comeback with goals from midfielder Keith Manley and defender Alan O’Shea.
O’Shea’s goal was the highlight of the game the defender had pushed forward from centre back to produce a wonderful volley from 30 yards out that flew into the top corner of the net bringing the game to 2-2 and into the dreaded penalty kicks to decide who took home the cup.
Penalties from Mark O’ Regan, Gavin Forde and Cathal Doyle wasn’t enough to stop Condren’s side from winning the cup as Jamie Doyle converted the fifth penalty to win the game for his side.
A fantastic turnout for the game by friends and family in aid of Arklow Cancer Support and in remembrance of the late Tony O’ Regan.