26/9/26: Remember the date, the day that bridged a 29-year gap for Crusaders AFC with Eoin Hayes’ 2B team securing the Azzurri Division 2B title.

Long seen as one of the most competitive divisions in Waterford, Hayes insisted last January that the league title was the only priority for 2026. Twelve games, thousands of miles and a current winning streak stretching back to early May, Crusaders can now be crowned the undisputed winners of the 2B division.

Up against Kilbarry Rangers on their own patch at the immaculate RSC, the Keith Fitzgerald-manicured surface was conducive to good football and it didn’t take long for the goals to come, Zak O’Connor kicking things off with his first after 2 minutes. More were to follow from Ray Balogun and Evan Kiely (2) before Zak completed his hat trick on the stroke of half time.

This reporter found it challenging to select the best players on the day, as there wasn’t a single performance that wasn’t near perfect across the squad. These men came to Kilbarry with only one aim: 3 points. This was never in doubt after less than 15 minutes as Kilbarry, recent 2nd Division Cup Winners, were chasing shadows from the kick off.

The full time whistle brought a loudest cheer of the day, and what followed with celebrations, champagne and Frankie Valli will be etched in Crusaders history for many years to come. Not a single player on the 2B panel was alive the last time Crusaders AFC brought silverware home to Whitfield Park. Tramore’s own Jim Heylin, a direct link with the team from 1997, shed a tear as he departed the RSC stating “Are ye going back to Shefflins?”

A 29-year gap has been bridged, the clock has been reset! Crusaders AFC are back in the winner’s enclosure, this time to stay!

#ilovecrusaders

In blustery conditions on Sunday last, our 4B men continued their quest for silverware this season with a potential six-pointer against Red Star in Williamstown Sports Complex. Shy of a few regulars, manager Mark Kennedy cobbled together a solid team, with Niall Kelly between the sticks, Shane Hunt returning from suspension to accompany Austin in the middle, and Gary Kent rolling back to clock to 1999 with an appearance up front.

The Crusaders men got off to the best possible start, terrorising the Red Star defence with Kent’s pace, Kennedy’s presence and Patrick Egan’s calm head. Duckie, on loan from Leanne for 2 hours, played Stromboli at the back, pulling the strings and controlling the play, alongside PK, Jason and Paul “Steve Austin” O’Neill at the back. Jay Mullowney was a revelation on the wing, and Brian “Hothead” Scott and Juber “Garmin” Nunes were critical to the final result with their fresh legs coming to the team’s aid when needed.

Egan got the team in front early on, at a time when the months of rondos and tippy-tappy football at training three-nights-a-week was showing benefits. However, Red Star’s resilience got them back into the game shortly after halftime, and only for the liquid reflexes of Niall on goal, it would have been a different end result. Claiming his MOTM champagne afterwards in front of his Kilkenny contingent, Niall said “I was born for days like today”.

Honours even in the end, another point for Crusaders.

#ilovecrusaders

Week 3 Update

Week 2 Review

Week 1 Update

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Hot on the heels of a statement win over Dungarvan Utd in the previous round, this coming Monday sees our 2B men take on Johnville at Whitfield Park, kick off 7pm, in the Jimmy O’Neill Division 2 Cup Quarter Final.

A severely depleted Crusaders 2B panel travelled to Stradbally on Sunday morning minus several regulars currently in action at World Cup 2026. Arriving at 10am, it soon became clear that there would be a few changes on the team sheet.

An early penalty from Ben Brophy put Crusaders ahead. Michael Morrissey was then withdrawn after the first half Hydration Break ™ with a case of sunstroke, opting to watch from the shady dugout in the blistering heat. Brophy made it 2-0 to Crusaders shortly after with a carbon copy penalty on 37 minutes.

Deputising for the unavailable Paddy O’Neill, currently on international duty with his spiritual homeland of Cape Verde, Donal O’Connor was a revelation between the sticks. However, he was beaten before halftime from close range when Stradbally forced one back from a corner.

During the halftime break, Halpin, sponsored by Ambre Soleir, tweaked the plan and called for all-out attack in the second half. The first of three resulting goals came on 48 minutes when Conor Brennan pounced on a spill by Stradbally’s excellent keeper to make it 3-1. As he came off the pitch to be substituted for Dan, the ginger winger melted into a puddle of red, blue and l’Oreal.

With Drew, Cian, Jim and Dale controlling the backline, and Tommy and Odhran running the midfield, all eyes turned to the front line for inspiration and surgical efficiency.

In the 67^th minute, after some wizardry in the box by the coin-operated Tommy Smyth, Crusaders’ No. 13, mascot, reluctant shinpad model and current Golden Boot candidate Harry Ryan pounced to finish like a poacher and, channelling his mentor Zak, headed towards the corner flag to celebrate. He added a fifth in the 70^th minute, but this was missed by the camera crew who were all searching in vain for match balls.

Unfortunately, the RefCam footage was unavailable as match official Razor Ryan had inadvertently charged his wallet instead of his camera en-route to Stradbally. However, this can be overlooked as the man in orange kept the game moving in what was a thoroughly entertaining watch for the gathered spectators.  

Final Score: Stradbally FC 1 – 5 Crusaders AFC

The committee at Crusaders AFC is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the FAI Club Mark accreditation.

The FAI Club Mark is a nationally-recognised accreditation awarded to clubs that demonstrate the highest standards in governance, administration, coaching, safeguarding, and player development. It recognises the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a safe, well-organised and professionally run environment for all players, coaches, volunteers and families.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, committee members, coaches and players who give their time, energy and experience to ensure we are a club striving for excellence both on and off the pitch.

Receiving the Club Mark reflects our commitment to best practice, player welfare, coach education and providing the best possible football experience for everyone involved in our club.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this achievement. This is an important milestone for the club, and we look forward to continuing to build and develop the club on and off the field for many years to come.

This season’s fiercely competitive 2B league marched on Friday night with another 3 points for Crusaders, but they were made to work for it by a strong Kilbarry outfit who can have no complaints as they set out back home after an entertaining game.

The home side might came out on top in every area on the pitch (except maybe height), and with the returning Cian O’Neill in fine form at centre half alongside the excellent Joe Richards, they quashed every Kilbarry attack early and managed to keep the visitors on their defensive toes throughout.

In midfield, Tommy Smyth and Odhran were on form, bringing wingers Evan Kiely and Ben Brophy into the play throughout, and Ray Balogun caused no end of problems for Rangers with a devastating display of ball control and stregth up front.

The game was decided by a single goal, a well worked move culminating with a Ben Brophy cross and tucked away from close range by Smyth in the 22nd minute.

Paddy O’Neill was called into action early in the second half, smothering Kilbarry’s best effort of the game but in truth, the result was never in doubt once Crusaders got their noses in front.

Result: Crusaders AFC 1 – 0 Kilbarry Rangers

Player of the match: Cian O’Neill