Ryan Kavanagh has sadly been forced to end his footballing career at just 23, Barry Town United have announced.
A third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, suffered in October, brought an early end to his campaign. With the 2025/26 season now concluded, the midfielder has made the decision to retire.
Kavanagh spent two years at Barry, registering four goals and nine assists during his time at Jenner Park. He also provided assists for two goals in the victory over Aberystwyth Town in August, as the Linnets went on to lift the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Prior to joining Barry, Kavanagh was on the books at Cardiff City and also had a loan spell with Truro City.
Paying tribute, Barry Town said: “Kavs will be hugely missed around the club for his personality and for being a genuinely lovely person.
“We wish you all the best for what comes next, and you can always call Jenner Park your home.”
🏹 CARDIFF MET PROMOTED AFTER PENALTY SHOOTOUT WIN
The Nomads struck first, with Hannah Slack finding the breakthrough in the 21st minute to give her side control for much of the contest. Faith Mulenga then produced a moment of brilliance, curling in a superb effort to bring things level and force a dramatic conclusion — the first penalty shoot-out in Play-Off history.
Tension mounted from the spot. Met’s leading scorer this season, Esme Kilburn-Thompson, saw her effort sail over the bar, handing an early advantage to the Nomads. Melanie Barlow responded with composure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way, before Mulenga coolly converted to keep the pressure on.
Phoebe Ellis stepped up with a chance to restore parity, but Violet Bell delivered a crucial save. Anna Houghton kept her nerve to score, only for Megan Galeandro to squeeze her effort through and maintain the balance.
Kennesha Nanette converted confidently, and when Alisha Whitehead-Hughes missed her attempt, the moment arrived. With promotion on the line, captain Olivia Barnes stepped forward and delivered, sealing an immediate return to the Welsh top flight in dramatic fashion.
Bangor City 1876 are still dreaming of a treble after lifting the FAW Amateur Trophy in style 🏆
The Citizens ran out 3-1 winners over Pontardawe Town in Aberystwyth. Declan McManus fired them ahead before an early exit, but Adam Long quickly doubled the advantage. Tommy Creamer then sealed the win, with Jake Barrow grabbing a late consolation for the Swansea side.
It’s a historic moment for Bangor, securing the trophy for the very first time and adding it to their Ardal North West title this season.
And they’re not done yet… 👀
An Ardal North League Cup final against Llanuwchllyn awaits next month.
The treble is well and truly alive.
Ieuan Owen’s goals helping fire Barry towards a potential European tour 💛💙
The 19-year-old forward has been a constant for Barry Town United this season, featuring in every league game across all competitions and contributing 11 goals and one assist so far.
He’s already hit double figures in the Cymru Premier for Andy Legg’s side, surpassing last season’s tally of eight goals (2024/25).
A huge semi-final clash against Haverfordwest County awaits this Sunday at Jenner Park, a massive moment as Barry pushes for a return to European football.
Trefelin have clinched the JD Cymru South title in spectacular fashion with a dominant 5-0 victory over Newport City on the final day of the season.
In a gripping title race that went down to the wire, Andy Hill’s side held their nerve to finish two points clear of rivals Cambrian United.
This victory was the perfect exclamation point on a historic campaign where Trefelin proved themselves as the division’s powerhouse,boasting the most goals scored and the fewest conceded.
Goalkeeper Scott Coughlan also secured the Golden Glove with a stunning 17 clean sheets also Luke Bowen, who netted a hat-trick on the day finished the season as the league’s Golden Boot winner with 22 goals.
🏆 In case you somehow missed it, Cardiff City won the Bute Energy Welsh Cup for a fifth year in a row, after a dramatic comeback from 3-0 down to win on penalties in Noah Bushby's first game in charge.
Chloe Chivers gave Swansea the lead with a long range effort, before early second half goals from Aimee Deacon and Maisie Miller put The Swans in control.
After being introduced to the game, Fiona Barry calmly placed an effort over Amelia Forkings to put Cardiff back in the game. That was the turning point in the match.
Further goals from Shannon Evans and a deflected effort which went in off Jess Williams, would see the game go to penalties. After Ceryn Chamberlain saved Stacey John's penalty, Megan Bowen fired home the winning spot kick in front of a crowd of 1234 at Rodney Parade.
Post-Match interviews available on the Cymru Sport website now!
Flint Town United secured their Cymru Premier status with a huge 2-2 draw away at Cardiff Met and what a game it was.
Jake Canavan fired Lee Fowler’s side ahead, Jake Morris pulled it level, Ben Hughes restored the lead… and just minutes later, CJ Craven struck again. Chaos. Goals. Pressure.
Even down to nine men after red cards for Harry Owen and Ben Hughes, Flint held firm to get the point they needed, finishing three points clear and sending Bala Town down after 17 years in the top flight.
Elsewhere:
Haverfordwest County smashed Llanelli Town 6-0 to book a European play-off spot — Dan Hawkins with a hat-trick 🎯
Briton Ferry Llansawel won… but it wasn’t enough, missing out by just three points.
Cardiff City are Welsh Cup champions 🏆
What a comeback.
The Swans struck first through Chloe Chivers, whose sweeping effort flew past Ceryn Chamberlain to give Swansea the dream start. And they didn’t stop there…
Early in the second half, Aimee Deacon and Maisie Miller both found the net, with Chivers pulling the strings, leaving Cardiff staring at what looked like an impossible mountain to climb.
But champions find a way 💙
Off the bench, Fiona Barry sparked the comeback before Shannon Evans pulled one back. Then came the moment… Barry again, her effort taking a cruel deflection and flying in to level it late on.
In her final game for Swansea, Stacey John was denied from the spot, and Megan Bowen stepped up to seal it. It’s now FIVE straight cup wins for Cardiff City.
A perfect start for manager Noah Bushby, lifting silverware after taking over from Iain Darbyshire.
An emotional farewell, too, as John bows out alongside Lucy Finch and Stephanie Turner.
