DARRAGH FOLEY – Outstanding Achievement Award

Some years ago when Darragh Foley settled in Carlow Town the rumour mill got into full swing and there were talks he was set to look for a transfer to Éire Óg. After all his new home was only a few kicks of a ball from Teach Asca.

When asked about a possible move to the Carlow Town club, the Kilbride man laughed saying that the lump sum and a new car was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Of course, he was joking. Never in a million years was he ever going to leave his boyhood club whom he had helped to win two intermediate football titles in 2008 and 2017.

But it was no joke when Kilbride’s favourite son announced his retirement from intercounty football in 2024.

In 165 senior appearances for Carlow, Foley scored 12-433 (12-126 came from play). He was surprised with the positive reaction he got from Carlow GAA people and many tributes were paid to him.

Silverware for players in the small counties is hard earned. There is nothing won in a Carlow jersey in the Foley trophy cabinet but there have been some great occasions.

His goal against Antrim in Corrigan Park back in 2018 clinched promotion for Carlow from National Football League Division 4. They were great days playing against the big teams such as Kildare, Monaghan, Tyrone and Dublin.

Those were also the glory days for a player who excelled at underage level. There was heartbreak in the 2010 Leinster under 21football semi-final when Carlow were edged out by a point by Dublin. The Dubs went on and beat Westmeath by six in the final.

Earlier in his sporting career, Darragh dabbled with soccer in England and as a goalkeeper he was linked with Crewe Alexandria, Swansea and Hull City. He was only a teenager then and returned to Ireland where he was courted by a number of League of Ireland clubs. Ultimately, football’s gain was soccer’s loss as the future Carlow captain in waiting returned home. He may now be retired but his contribution in a Carlow jersey will live long in the memory.