7.30pm 24 October 2026
Carlow and District League, Premier Division
Parkville United 3 St Fiacc’s 2 (att 50)
Local leagues in the Republic of Ireland often feature floodlit fixtures on Saturday evenings, but such was the force of Storm Boelo that I had little hope for a second game as I drove south from Belfast.
By my reckoning I only had two options on new grounds that were within range, and one of the those, in Athlone, was confirmed as postponed when I phoned to check.
But a call to Parkville United, based in Tullow in County Carlow, resulted in better news. The grass pitch was apparently playable, and unless the match referee thought differently the game would be on.
When I arrived the playing surface was indeed surprisingly good given the day's weather.
I was rewarded with a great game, especially the first half in which all five goals were scored. A free kick put Parkville ahead in the opening minutes, but St Fiacc's were soon level, and then not long later they scored again to take the lead.
The home side recovered well, first equalising from a penalty and then going back in front.
The half time break gave both sides a chance to reset, and after that defences were more on top and there were no more goals. St Fiacc's pushed hard for an equaliser, but they and their supporters were disappointed.
Parkville United is only the second Carlow and District League ground I've been to. The main pitch, which is obviously floodlit, is part of a large playing field and is railed off along both touchlines.
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