The newly amalgamated club will play in the Carlisle Grounds in Bray and will apply to compete in the First Division in 2022 – a name has yet to be announced for League of Ireland’s latest proposition.

The Chairman of Cabinteely, Tony Richardson will become Chairman of the new club as his Bray Wanderers counterpart Niall O’Driscoll retires from his role.

Cabinteely’s Director of Football, Pat Devlin, will take up the same role at the merged club.

The move comes after a lengthy period of discussion between the management of both clubs while the joining together has been made possible through the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Bray Wanderers FC limited.

Incoming club Chairman Tony Richardson said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our two renowned clubs to establish a great good for football on a local, regional and national level.

“It is also very much in line with FAI encouragement for clubs to seek ways of co-operating more closely together.

“Both clubs have really brilliant people involved, with an exceptionally proud heritage, where Bray Wanderers was established in 1922 and Cabinteely in 1967.

“Both clubs have performed with distinction across all leagues throughout the years. Both are pillars within their communities and both have fantastic supporters, members and players who have an enormous love of football.

“It is this love of football that will continue to inspire us all to drive the future success of this endeavour.

“Now, with the coming together of both clubs, we will see a further strengthening of football for the generations to come and a commitment towards the continuing advancement of our combined club, and many partner clubs, for the football communities who we will continue to serve in the months, years and decades ahead.

“I look forward to working with everyone to continue the great progress of both clubs in recent years where by joining together, we are stronger for the future.”

Bray Wanderers’ outgoing Chairman Niall O’Driscoll said: “This coming together of Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely Senior FC is impressive in its vision and a logical step that will create a dynamic new influence in Irish football.

“I’m very proud to have helped stabilise and strengthen the position and status of Bray Wanderers, which is now on a firm footing and has performed very strongly in the 2021 league, enabling this excellent new development to take place.

“I express my absolute gratitude and my delight for everyone associated with Bray Wanderers, especially all the players, staff, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and friends who have helped greatly in stabilising such a great club and securing such an exciting future that we announce today.

“The supporters and partner clubs’ continuous support, witnessed in the playoff final, was fantastic and shows that the future going forward is really exciting for everyone alike.

“I’m delighted with the success of our underage system and the progression of many players. This merger will only enhance these opportunities over the coming years.

“The conveyor belt of top underage players from the last few years, with the committed growth and investment of young talent, is exciting.

“I wish incoming Chairman Tony and everyone involved, both old and new, every possible success and I look forward to the exciting advancement, progress and success of the merged club.”

The post Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely announce merger appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

All ten teams kicked off at the same time tonight to draw the 2020 First Division season to a close. There was no lack of drama as there was plenty at stake, particularly for clubs at the top half of the division.

Drogheda vs. Cabinteely

Drogheda took on Cabinteely at Stradbrook Road in one of tonight’s most decisive fixtures. There was far-reaching implications for both teams based on the result. Drogheda ran out winners which ultimately meant they claimed the league title and automatic promotion to the Premier Division. Goals from James Brown and Luke Heeney ensured their victory. On the other side of things, Cabinteely missed out on a promotion play-off place as a result of their defeat at the hands of Drogheda and fixtures elsewhere. Both teams met last season in the promotion/relegation play-off semi-final. Like tonight, Drogheda came out on top as they ran away with a 6-2 aggregate win before they lost to Finn Harps in the final. Losing a play-off final can be demoralising for any team but Drogheda showed their heart and determination throughout the season. They battled for promotion until the penultimate day of the season where they made their dreams a reality.

| 2020 SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION CHAMPIONS!!!!!#OnOurWay pic.twitter.com/5a8F0A25pM

— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) OCTOBER 27, 2020

Bray Wanderers vs. Athlone Town

Bray Wanderers managed to pick up a victory against Athlone, but they’ll be disappointed after Drogheda picked up a result. Before the match, one point separated 2^nd placed Bray from Drogheda. That remains the same after tonight as both teams managed to win. If Drogheda had lost – or even drew – against Cabinteely, Bray would be celebrating promotion to the Premier Division tonight. Unfortunately for them, that was not the case. Their season is far from over yet, though. Finishing 2^nd means they await a play-off semi-final against the winners of the play-off quarter finals. If they can come out of the semi-final with a win, they’ll then face the 2^nd team from last in the Premier Division to determine if they go up or stay down.

Elsewhere in the division, there were no less than five teams battling for a promotion play-off place. The teams in question were; UCD, Longford Town, Cabinteely, Galway United and Cobh Ramblers. As mentioned previously, Cabinteely missed out on a spot due to their result against Drogheda.

Longford Town vs. Wexford FC

Longford Town were in the most enviable position prior to kick off as they took on league strugglers Wexford FC. Wexford picked up just 5 points all season before tonight. However, in a shock result Wexford managed to defeat Longford by 2-1. Goals from Karl Fitzsimmons and former Longford man Jack Doherty secured a win for Wexford. Despite their loss, Longford still managed to secure a play-off spot due to UCD’s draw against Galway. This is the second year in a row that Longford have reached the play-offs after tonight. Last season they were cruelly knocked out on penalties at the hands of Cabinteely. They’ll be anticipating they can get further than the quarter finals this time. Although, they’re going to have to put in a better performance than they did tonight if they wish to do so.

Full Time

Wexford 2-1 Longford Town

We escape with a playoff spot by the skin of our teeth!!!#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/1ytlf6rjyC

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) OCTOBER 27, 2020

UCD vs. Galway United

UCD could only manage a draw at Eamonn Deacy Park against fellow play-off chasers Galway United, but it would be enough for them to clinch a play-off spot. UCD were 3 points ahead of Galway and Cobh Ramblers pre match, meaning a draw would be sufficient as long as either Longford or Cabinteely drew or lost. They just about managed a draw in the end as Galway were leading until the 81^st minute when UCD pulled one back. They would score a further goal in the 89^th minute before Galway drew level again in the 93^rd minute from a 30-yard Shane Duggan screamer. Galway will be cursing their luck as they had a play-off spot secured until the 81^st minute, but they needed to win the game in order to have any chance of getting a play-off spot. UCD will now face Longford Town in the play-off quarter finals in their next fixture. They were relegated from the Premier Division last season so they’ll be hoping they can right their wrongs and gain promotion back to the division at the first time of asking.

First Division – FULL TIME | Evan Weir’s second half double secures our play off spot! We will confirm details of the playoff as soon as we have them! #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/tHbMrbF86F

— UCD AFC (@UCDAFC) OCTOBER 27, 2020

Cobh Ramblers vs. Shamrock Rovers II

Cobh Ramblers played Shamrock Rovers II in what was the least dramatic match of the night. Cobh Ramblers still had a *slim* chance of promotion before the match but they failed to capitalize as they played out a 0-0 draw. Good result for Shamrock Rovers II as they fielded several young players including Kevin Zefi (15) and Sam Curtis (14).

Drogheda United can look forward to playing in the Premier Division next season. Longford, UCD and Bray, on the other hand, will be planning for their upcoming play-off games.

Longford and UCD will play each other first and the winner of that game will play Bray in the play-off semi-final. The victor of the semi-final will be involved in a relegation/promotion play-off final against the 2^nd last team in the Premier Division – which is yet to be decided.

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