Spot on as Greg seals it
Bolger penalty clinches All-Ireland Youths title
THE WEXFORD Youths came of age in the New Ross Celtic grounds on May 29, 2005, when they overcame the Eircom League 4-2 on penalties to claim the All-Ireland Inter-League Trophy in dramatic fashion.
Cheered on by a large, passionate home support, Mick Wallace’s charges put on a marvellous display to get the county’s hands on the coveted trophy for the second time.
After the sides were deadlocked 1-1 at the end of extra-time, 16-year-old Greg Bolger held his nerve to slam home the decisive penalty, securing a 4-2 win and ending the squad, management and fans into raptures.
This was the fourth time for manager Wallace to lead his side into the final, with a definite symmetry attached to his record.
Wexford lost to Sligo-Leitrim in 1998, but returned to avenge the defeat against the same opposition two years later.
They were aiming to defend their crown in 2001, only to suffer a crushing defeat to the Eircom League, but this chance to set the record straight was taken by a group who displayed dedication to the cause, an unbelievable will to win, and absolute single-mindedness.
Looking at the line-outs for that 2005 final, it’s notable that one of the losers’ strikers on that Sunday afternoon in Butlersland, Conor Sammon, went on to make nine full international appearances with the Republic of Ireland eight years later.
He was with U.C.D. at the time of the defeat to Wexford, and went on to represent Derry City, Kilmarnock (twice), Wigan Athletic, Derby County, Ipswich Town, Rotherham, Sheffield United, Hearts, Patrick Thistle and Motherwell, before linking up with Scottish League One outfit Falkirk, his current employers.
From the successful home squad, Bolger built impressively on that ice-cool moment of magic in his home town, and is still a highly-regarded midfielder with Stephen Bradley’s FAI Cup holders, Shamrock Rovers.
Along the way, he has graced the stage with U.C.D.,
Sporting Fingal, Dundalk, St. Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City, winning the league with the Richmond Park crew in 2013, as well as the cup with three different clubs.
Mick Wallace was well aware of his potential and temperament on that momentous occasion 15 years ago, and that’s why he had every confidence in his ability to tuck away such a pressurised penalty.
He was asked afterwards what was going through his mind as Bolger stepped up to the spot kick that would win the title.
‘In the tournament in Italy this year he took a fantastic penalty out there. When they saw Greg pick the ball up, the squad turned around to me and said, “what’s Greg like at taking penalties?” I said “absolutely brilliant” and the next thing he buried it.’
Wallace was also delighted to see a penalty shoot-out finally going his way for the first time, after losses in the 1995 semi-final to Mayo, the 2002 quarter-final to Inishowen, and the 2003 semi-final to Donegal.
Wexford couldn’t have asked for a better start to the decider, taking the lead through Dylan Kehoe of Bunclody after a mere 90 seconds.
Inspiring captain Conor Sinnott sent in a corner from the right, with the ball flicked into the path of Kehoe by Joey Wadding, and he made no mistake, confidently driving the ball home from close range.
That lead was maintained until the 73rd minute when the lively Brian King – son of Noel, former League of Ireland player, television pundit, and international ladies’ manager – headed home from six yards.
It all boiled down to that penalty shoot-out in the end, with Jason Murphy, Conor Sinnott, Richie Fitzgerald and Greg Bolger doing the needful, while Darryl Walsh made one marvellous save from Mark Duggan.
Wexford: Darryl Walsh, Gavin Whelan, Rory Quinlivan, Gary Murphy, Paul Malone, Joey Wadding, Dylan Kehoe, Richie Fitzgerald, Jason Murphy, Conor Sinnott (capt.), Chris Atkinson. Subs. - Denis Fitzgerald for Malone, Greg Bolger for Whelan, David Miller for Atkinson, Paul Rossiter for Kehoe, also David O’Shea, Thomas Byrne, Alan Goff, Billy Martin, Paul Nangle, Seán Carmody.
Eircom League: Michael Boyle, Ian Ryan, Craig Hartnett, Seán L’Estrange, John Brophy, Mark Duggan, Brian King, Gary Doyle, Paul Byrne, Conor Sammon, Alan McCabe. Subs. - Adam Le Fridah for Ryan, Iarlaith Davoren for Byrne.
Referee: Nicky Marnell (Kilkenny).