Alan grabs Wicklow winner
The Wexford team which lost the Fogarty/Skelly Cup final to Wicklow.
Wednesday March 10 2010
THE ANNUAL Fogarty/Skelly Garda five-a-side soccer blitz took place at Enniscorthy Astro Centre in Bellefield, with six teams taking part - Enniscorthy, Wexford, New Ross, Gorey, Arklow and Wicklow.
The blitz is in memory of two Gardaí who lost their lives in traffic accidents while on duty - Garda Ambrose Fogarty (Enniscorthy) and Brendan Skelly (New Ross), both of whom lined out with Garda soccer teams.
The blitz was organised by the local Gardaí, and Michael Kelly and Darin Sane took the responsibility of running the competition, which was split in to two sections of three, with two sides from each section qualifying for the semifinals.
The section results saw the holders, Enniscorthy, lose out by 3-1 and 4-1 margins to Wexford and Wicklow. Arklow, after a scoreless draw with Gorey, were shocked by a late blockbuster from Alan O'Shea for New Ross. O'Shea, a brother of Manchester United star John, can show a few nice touches of class himself.
The semis saw Wexford come through 5-3 in extra-time against Gorey after the sides ended 3-3 in normal time, and Wicklow gave New Ross a 7-1 drubbing. The Ross boys were unfortunately not able to avail of 'keeper John Cooper for their semi after the former county number one had given a great display in the earlier rounds.
It was down to a real thriller in the final between the sides from either end of the former Wexford/Wicklow Garda division. Wexford had the advantage of playing first in the semi-finals, while Wicklow had only a brief respite before going back into action in the decider.
It proved to be a real crunch game, with both defences on top and the 'keepers on each side pulling off some great saves. Alan Harrington's goal for Wicklow midway through the first period proved to be the only and deciding score.
Darin Sane on behalf of the organisers thanked all the teams for attending and also Tom O'Connor who refereed all the games. He then presented the Fogarty/Skelly Cup to the winning captain, Liam Flynn.
The player of the blitz award also went to Wicklow, with the very impressive Shane McNamara taking the award.
Liam Flynn on behalf of his team-mates thanked Darren and Michael Kelly for their efforts in organising the event, and also thanked the referee for his endurance. All the participants later enjoyed refreshments at a local hostelry.
