The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, Cllr. Graham Richmond and the Elected Members hosted a Cathaoirleach's Reception on Monday, 27th April, to honour the Wicklow Male Voice Choir for their outstanding contribution to twinning and the Wicklow Rovers AFC on the historic success of their premier team in the 2024-2025 season.  

Wicklow Male Voice Choir was founded in 1998 and the choir has grown in numbers and stature ever since. They have performed in the National Opera House, Dáil Éireann, on Polish TV and on the Christmas edition of RTE radio’s “The Business” which was recorded in the Wicklow Town Hall.  The Choir has won numerous competitions and they run an annual bursary to promote and encourage glowing talent.

The Choir has represented Wicklow with pride and distinction at twinning events in Montigny, France and Eichenzell, Germany and they hosted return visits of Choirs and officials.  They continue to forge links with other Choirs and has performed a number of joint concerts for the benefit of local charities.  On May 23rd 2026, they will join with the Bangor ladies in performing a concert in Fatima Hall in aid of the RNLI. The Wicklow Male Voice Choir delighted the Members by performing a number of their songs at the reception under the helm of Chairperson, Sean Hollingsworth and Musical Director, Richard Takacs.    

Founded in 1975, Wicklow Rovers AFC have embarked on a long journey to reach the heights they are at today.  The club has 26 teams in total consisting of schoolboys/girls, senior ladies and men’s teams.  The club has a presence in the WDSL, WDFL & WWFL and have experienced a great degree of success in all of these leagues.

In 2023/2024, after nearly 30 Years in the Leinster Senior League level the club made the decision to re-join the Wicklow District Football league at senior level.  Despite losing as many as 8 players to retirement, the team reached the Wicklow Cup Final in 2024 losing out narrowly to St. Peters in the final.  That was all the motivation they needed to battle again in the 2024/2025 season in which the team made history in becoming only the second team in the Wicklow Leagues 80-year history to win an unprecedented 5 trophies in a calendar season, under Manager Ricky Quinn and Assistant Manager, James Quinn. They included the Andy McEvoy Premier division, The Wicklow Cup, The Charlie Bishop Cup, The Jim McLoughlin Cup and the Tommy Heffernan Shield.

Speaking at the reception, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District Cllr. Graham Richmond was delighted to make presentations to both recipients, saying, “Each and every one of you should be so proud of your accomplishments, you really are an inspiration in both sporting and music. To Wicklow Rovers, we all know you don’t just turn up and compete on the day, you put so much more in and it wasn’t an easy journey to this historic achievement.  It would be remiss of me not to mention Davy O’Sullivan who scored 33 goals over 13 games, which is phenomenal. To the Wicklow Male Voice Choir, it is important to recognise the massive contribution you give to the community and how well you represent Wicklow, both nationally and internationally.  Too often the contribution that groups such as yours gives goes unnoticed.  With today’s reception, I would like to thank you for what you do in our community”.

Brian Gleeson, Wicklow Municipal District Manager commented, “I am delighted to be celebrating two diverse groups from the County Town here today. Sporting clubs form the backbone of almost every community in this county and I think it is very appropriate that we are recognising the historical sporting achievements of this Wicklow Rovers AFC premier team in winning 5 trophies in the one season which is monumental.  The Wicklow Male Voice Choir have travelled not only nationwide but to France and Germany representing Wicklow on stage.  Through twinning, towns strive to promote their best attributes, and this large group of performers have represented their community and talents with pride and respect.”