All clubs take note that the Wicklow League have appointed a number of independent observers to attend random games from this week. They will be issued with an up to date list of all suspended players and asked report to the league if they witness players playing while suspended or under a false name. If teams are found to have played a player while under suspension they will be fined and could forfeit Cup status or points in the league

 

The above slideshow can be downloaded from the downloads page

******

As Announced at the Management Meeting for all clubs last Monday, the
Honorary Treasurer Jim McLaughlin is very disappointed that written/verbal
assurances given to him regarding balances of fees and fines have not
been honoured. The Executive met on Monday the 25th of January 2010
and decided that the absolute deadline will be Monday 8th February
2010. After that fixtures will be forfeited in Cup competitions and
League fixtures will be held up each week for clubs who have not made
arrangements to pay. Every club has been notified and it will be too
late to start complaining if your team is removed from Cups or possibly
deducted league points.

******

The next meeting will take place on Monday 1st of Feb in the Meeting
of the Waters in Avoca at 8.15pm Sharp. All clubs are to attend.

******

Can all clubs please note that new contact numbers have been introduced for committee members

******

Armstrong header shows Wicklow the Way

A fifth minute bullet header from Arklow Town striker Keith Armstrong
proved to be enough to see Wicklow top Group 5 in the FAI U18 Youth
Inter-League Cup, and through to the open draw in the next round of
games. 

Having won their opening two fixtures Wexford arrived at
Bridgewater Centre Park knowing that a draw would be suffice for the
Slaneysiders to advance as group winners.  Wicklow, with four points
from their two previous fixtures, required all three points to top the
group and from the very first whistle they blitzed Mick Wallace's
side.  Wicklow earned a succession of free kicks in the opening
minutes in and around the Wexford area and Adam Hanlon went close to
opening the scoring in just the second minute with a shot inches the
wrong side of the post.  The deadlock was broken in the fifth minute
with winger Jack Tim Murphy beating a Wexford defender on the left
flank and firing across for fellow Arklow Town team mate Keith
Armstrong to powerfully head home.  Buoyed up the home team continued
to pressurise the Wexford rearguard and were unlucky not to double
their lead in the 13th minute when from an Aaron Barry free kick
Daniel Ledwith flicked on for Dara Verney to slot underneath the
Wexford keeper.  Unluckily for Verney and Wicklow his strike hit the
upright and was cleared. 

Wicklow suffered a blow with injury to
international Aaron Barry forcing the Arklow defender to retire from
the game early, replaced by clubmate Jonathan Kelty.  The industrious
Ledwith went close just after the half hour mark, shooting narrowly
over the crossbar and just two minutes later the home side went closer
still with an excellent strike inches wide from man of the match Adam
Hanlon.  Wexford, though limited to one solitary effort on goal in the
opening half, served a warning when hitting the Wicklow post deep into
first half injury time.  The Model County side re-arranged their shape
and style of play in the second half and began brightly, pressing for
a leveller.  Wicklow countered with a few switches and with twenty
minutes remaining almost scored a second goal with Peter Walker and
Keith Armstrong combining well before Walker, a substitute for the
hard working Verney, shot wide.  Ten minutes from time scorer Keith
Armstrong went agonisingly close to sealing the win but his effort on
goal was ably blocked by a Wexford defender.  Wexford almost levelled
in the closing stages.  Wicklow keeper Cormac O'Brien, relatively
quiet throughout, was called upon in the last minute to pull off an
astounding one handed save to deny Wexford parity, a remarkable reflex
save from a bullet header.  With literally the last kick of the game,
Wexford thought they had snatched an equaliser only for O'Brien to
once again finger tip the effort onto a post and midfielder Daniel
Ledwith cleared the danger to ensure Wicklow top the group and advance
as winners.

******

Due to the current weather conditions it is extremely important that all home teams keep in touch with away teams.
They should receive updates on weather conditions in your area like road conditions and pitch conditions.
Make it a point to contact the away club Secretary on Friday evening with an update on the roads and on Saturday
about any information on the pitch condition.

******

As from the 12th of Jan 2010 the contact phone numbers for the Wicklow
League Committee will change. The new numbers will appear on the home
page on the website from Monday 11th of Jan and will also be updated
on the Contact page. From Tuesday the 12th only contact the League
Committee on the numbers provided and not on the old numbers.

******

The Wicklow League would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year and remind you that the League office will re-open on

Monday 11th January 2010 @ 7pm

 

The Wicklow League side who drew 2-2 with Waterford in their Oscar
Traynor Trophy clash at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray last Sunday.

******

The Wicklow League team who drew 2-2 with the Carlow League in Group 5
of the FAI Youths Inter-League Cup last Saturday in Arklow.

 

Match report from the FAI Umbro Youth Inter-League Group 5 clash
between Kildare & District Football League and Wicklow & District
Football League, played in Kildare on Saturday.   !

Wicklow youths doctor Kildare challenge with ease

The WDL Youth side opened their campaign for FAI Umbro Inter League
honours with an emphatic 3-1 win away at Kildare & District League on
Saturday.  Playing on a heavy pitch, conditions did not improve with a
thunder storm, though one could argue that it was the sheer strength
of the visiting Wicklow side that caused storms within the home ranks.
 In the seventh minute, the Garden county side went one up, after fine
work from Adam Hanlon feeding a ball through to Daniel Ledwith and
side stepping a Kildare defender he slotted home the opening goal.
Ten minutes later Keith Armstrong thought he had doubled Wicklow's
lead, but a dubious call from the official ruled out the goal.
Wicklow completely overwhelmed the home team throughout the first half
and but for a combination of bad luck and poor finishing would have
sealed the game before half time.  Wicklow's best player on the day
Clive Crammond continued to run the show in the second half.
Mirroring Armstrong's previous effort, Crammond netted in the 58th
minute but that too was disallowed.  Just seven minutes later Crammond
combined with winger Jack Tim Murphy on the left flank with Murphy
firing a delightful ball across the Kildare area, where Dara Verney
was first to react and he blasted home low and hard into the bottom
corner to increase Wicklow's lead.  The home side pressed for a way
back and were rewarded with a goal just seven minutes from time,
converting a set piece, their first effort on goal.

Kildare hopes of
restoring parity were soon blown asunder with Wicklow camping oncemore
in and around the Kildare penalty area in the closing minutes, winning
four corners in quick succession.  Peter Walker sealed the win for
Wicklow with a well placed effort after receiving a pass from Joey
Elliott.  In summary, Wicklow proved value for money with this all
important opening group victory, with captain James Scallan showing
great leadership.  Midfielder Clive Crammond, impressive throughout,
served further notice to international manager Sean McCaffrey with a
forceful performance.  Wicklow next face Carlow at Bridgewater Centre
Park in Arklow on Saturday, November 28.

******

The WDFL in FAI headquarters in Abbottstown at the launch of the new
Premier Trophy named in honor of Mr Jim McLaughlin of the WDFL. The
proceedings were carried out by Mr David Whelan PRO of the WDFL in the
company of Mr David Blood President of the FAI and Mr John Delaney CEO
of the FAI and special guest Mr Giovanni Trapattoni Irish Senior Team
Manager. In what was a first for Wicklow Soccer the first and second
round games for this new competition were draw on the day by Mr John
Delaney and Mr Giovanni Trapattoni. Kind words were expressed by Mr
David Blood President of the FAI about Jim McLaughlin and his role
within the FAI and the WDFL. Family and friends of Jim along with
members of the clubs playing in the WDFL Premier division also attend
what was a very special day in the history of the Wicklow and District
Football League.

******

Oscar Traynor warm up friendly Friday 30th October at 7.45pm in
Carlisle Grounds Bray.
Wicklow League Oscar Traynor V Wexford League Oscar Traynor


Youth warm up game friendly Monday 1st November at 8.0pm in Leaha Park
Tullamore.
Wicklow League Youths V Midlands League

******

National Volunteer Awards 2009

As you are aware the National Awards to Volunteers will take place
early 2010. The awards will honour eleven individuals who are
representative of the 400,000 people who volunteer their time and
effort to sport in Ireland each year through their involvement with
sports clubs and organisations throughout the country doing a
multitude of tasks. The award winners will be selected by a committee
chaired by Olympic gold medal winner Ronnie Delany and awards will be
presented by the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism at a ceremony in
Farmleigh in early 2010. There are 11 categories of Awards - Youth
Coach (U18); Adult Coach; Youth Manager (U18); National Level
Administrator; Local/Community Administrator; Junior Volunteer (U18);
Volunteer in Disability Sport; Official; Lifetime Award; Other (for
people who don’t fit into the categories listed above and yet make a
valuable contribution); We are hoping that every Local Sports
Partnership will facilitate or encourage at least one nomination in
each category from their local area. Nominations can be made online at
www.volunteersinsport.ie. This is a great opportunity to honour
committed individuals within your community as well as highlighting
the importance of volunteerism to the delivery of sport in Ireland.
The deadline for nominations is Friday October 23rd and therefore, we
would ask that you submit your sports nominations just as soon as
possible.

******

The next Wicklow League Meeting has now been changed from the 2nd of
November to the 9th of November. The meeting will take place in the
Powerscourt Arms Hotel in Enniskerry Village.
All clubs must attend and the mmeting will start a 8.15pm Sharp.

******

 

FAI UMBRO YOUTH INTER LEAGUE CUP DRAW 2009/2010

Weekend 8th of November
Carlow & District Football League   V    Wexford Football League
Kildare District Football League   V   Wicklow & District Football League

Weekend 28th November
Wexford Football League   V   Kildare District Football League
Wicklow & District Football League   V   Carlow & District Football League

Weekend 20th December
Carlow & District Football League   V   Kildare District Football League
Wicklow & District Football League   V   Wexford Football League

******

Congratulations go to Adam Hanlon (Arklow Town U17's) and Jack Tim
Murphy (Arklow Town U17's) who have been selected for the Leinster
Schools Team and Clive Crammond  (Arklow Town U17's) on standby for
this weekends Inter Provincal Tournament in Athlone. The WDFL wish
them all the very best of luck.

******

Our Oscar Traynor Squad and our Youth Squad are progressing nicely and
both managers are in the process of finalising both teams.
A game has been arranged between the Oscar Traynor and the Youth team
set for next week.
Games will be announced soon for the Youth Squad as they await the
draw for the FAI Umbro Youth Inter County Trophy.
Other friendly games have also arranged are against Bray Wanderers
U21's and the Wexford League for our Oscar Traynor Side.
To help fine tune the preperations for the start of the FAI Umbro
Oscar Traynor Trophy in November and December.
The league would like to announce the new sponsor for the Oscar
Traynor team is the Powerscourt Arms Hotel, Enniskerry.

We would like to thank Paul and his team in  The Powerscourt Arms Hotel
for his sponsorship of our Oscar Traynor Team and look forward to
meeting him at our next Wicklow League meeting to be held in the hotel
on Monday 2nd of November at 8pm.

Oscar Traynor Draw 2009/10
10th/11th October 2009 Waterford  v  AUL
7th/8th November 2009  AUL  v Wicklow
12th/13th December 2009   Wicklow  v Waterford

******

The Wicklow League are please to announce Alan Young (EnniskerryYC) as
the new manager of the Wicklow Oscar Traynor team for 2009/10 season.
We wish Alan every success for the season and ask all clubs to
co-operate with Alan as he attempts to develope his squad. Alan's will
have the following people assisting him this season. Brian Flannerry -
Assistant, Alan King -Coach (Ex Bray & Kildare County), Colin Rathray
- Kit (BBK Utd), Darragh Connolly - Medical, Dave Curran - Goal Keeper
Coach,

Trials will take place on Monday 5th of Oct for Div 1 / 2 / 3 teams
and on Wednesday 7th for Premier teams. All clubs are asked to send 3
players each to the trials this season. The full 22 man panel will be
announced on Sunday evening 8pm the 11th of October on East Coast FM
sports show.

The Oscar Traynor's first game is away to the AUL on the weekend of
the 7th of November.

******

Wicklow Local Sports Partnership will be holding a 1 day Sports Injuries
First Aid Course on Saturday 10th October 2009, 9.00am-5pm at Shoreline
Leisure Centre, Mill Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

The course which is certified by Heartbeat Saftey, will bring
participants through the basics of emergency care focusing on:
- Aprroach to an accident
- Disorders of breathing & CPR
- Wounds & bleeding
-Fractures & broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Burns & scalds
- Medical emergencies

Places available are limited and pre-booking is essential. The cost of
the course is EUR30 per person. Course information and application forms
are available by contacting Wicklow Local Sports Partnership on
01 2878184 or emailing TBunyan@wicklowcoco.ie.

******

The Wicklow League are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Brian
Byrne as Manager of this years Wicklow Youth Squad. Brian is currently
the Manager of Arklow Town's youth team and in the past has managed
the WDSL Kennedy Cup squad. We wish Brian and his Management team
every success this season and we expect all clubs to respect his
appointment and co-operate with him in anyway possible.

Brian will hold trials for the team on Wednesday 30th of Sept under
lights in Ballywaltrim RC, Bray at 7.30pm. All clubs that have players
eligible to play are asked to contact David Whelan (0863824207) with
the names of players interested in attending the trials

******

The transfer season will end on the 30th of September and will reopen
on the 1st of December. A player will only be considered as
transferred when the form and payment has been received

******

All Clubs please take note.

Registration forms and Transfer forms can be purchased in the league
offices on Monday nights between the hours of 8pm to 9pm. No forms
will be available from now from Committee members homes. The Committee
will no longer issue forms from home or post forms to clubs during the
week. Posting forms to clubs will be done by John Brown on Monday
nights only

 

******

CONSULTATION EVENING FOR WDFL CLUBS.

The FAI would like to invite you and other members of your club to
attend a Consultation Evening. The consultation evening will provide
each club with information on the various programmes that the FAI is
running out nationally. It will also be an opportunity for clubs to
express concerns so that we can formulate a plan for clubs and
development of the game over the next number of years. The event will
take place on Tuesday 29th of September at 8.00 p.m in the Grand
Hotel, Wicklow. The Evening will be Hosted by FAI Development Officer
Mr Alan Reynolds and guest speakers will also be in attendance.
For further information on the event contact : Mr Alan Reynolds FAI
Development Officer on 086 0418726.

******

The WDFL are now looking for applications for the position of Team
Manager for the Wicklow League Oscar Traynor team for 2009/10 season.
Anyone interested in the position should contact the league Hon
Secretary Ray Byrne on 0866092863 as soon as possible.

******

1. The next meeting of the Wicklow League will take place on Monday
21st of Sept in the Meeting of the Water in Avoca at 8.15pm. The
Wicklow Cup and the Charlie Bishop Cup draws will take place that
night. ALL CLUBS MUST ATTEND.


2. Any club that has not cleared all of last years outstanding fees
and at least half of this years affiliation fees along with all player
registration fees could find themselves without fixtures (Walkovers
will be awarded) and they may be excluded from Cups. So don't risk
being embarrassed on the night pay up now. No more time will be given
to clubs that make no effort to pay up. THIS IS YOUR VERY LAST CHANCE
SO DON'T WASTE IT. Contact Jim McLaughlin 086 2456274 and make
arrangements.

Now before Jim and I get a load of reply's from clubs who are paid up
!!! Don't reply to this or contact Jim if you are already paid up as
this does not concern you. Only clubs that have not paid up need to
contact Jim. We know who you are and so do you.

Remember if player registrations have not been paid then players are
not members of your club in the eyes of the league and are illegal and
your club could be fined €25 per player for playing an illegal player
along with point's being deducted. DON'T RISK IT PAY UP NOW.

John Brown will be sending an email to each club about outstanding
player registration fees so don't ignore it as you won't get another
chance.

3. Premier Clubs are reminded that pitches must be roped off for games
as in previous seasons. If any premier club is found not to rope of
it's pitch you will be fined.

4. 2 weeks notice for games off must be in writing to the league
secretary either by email or post. Any request inside the 2 weeks
notice will not be entertained. We have already turned down clubs so
don't be the next one.

5. The league will be ordering Match Balls next week for some clubs
that have already place orders. If you have not passed on the info to
your club please do so now. UMBRO match balls are €45 each that's a
big discount on the shop price and UMBRO training ball are also
available at a good price depending on quantity.

6. Clubs must text fixture results to David Whelan 0863824207 as soon
as the game ends. Now some clubs are very good at this but as usual
some clubs don't. So please pass on this info to the team manager and
ask them to text the result as soon as the game is over.

7. Club insurance must be submitted to Ray Byrne now. If you club has
already done this thank you.

******