North Wales Footballing Families: The Boylan Brothers

I’VE FEATURED many a great set of local footballing brothers in this series so far and now it’s time for another two.

The article I wrote on Bodedern Athletic manager Ricky Williams (published earlier today) reminded me of another Boded man – Casey – and his brother Shane (who also previously played for Boded). Both of them have been fantastic players on the Anglesey footballing scene over the years.

Both brothers have made a huge impact on both Valley Athletic (now CPD Y Fali) and Boded during their spells with each club.

The talented pair were part of the Valley side which won a double back in 2014/15 and were later part of another double when Boded won the Gwynedd League and Cup in 2016/17. Those were among many a success enjoyed by them down the years.

PIC: Darren Jones

Casey (above) is a tall and commanding centre midfielder. Last season, he returned to Cae Mwd to spend the first few matches of the 2019/20 campaign with Fali where he completely walked the league early on.

Playing in the midfield for Dan Jones’ side, he hit a hat-trick on the opening day of the season before following that up with eight more goals, seeing him score 11 goals in just six matches for the club and made running the middle of the park look so so easy with his vision and ability to change a game in an instant.

But soon after Casey returned to the level he belonged at to play in Welsh Alliance One with Bodedern Athletic. He maintained his fine form there too, scoring a few more goals before the pandemic ended the season. He has always looked brilliant no matter what division he plays in.

Casey Boylan in action for Bodedern Athletic. PIC: Nige Williams-Drago.

Anyone who has seen Casey play over the years will tell you he’s one of the best around on the island in his position and he’s been a key player in any progress made by both Valley and Bodedern, helping the matter progress up the leagues.

Brother Shane (below) is a versatile player who can play comfortably anywhere from centre back to up front.

Shane in action for Bodedern in 2014. PIC: Nige Williams-Drago.

Much like Casey, he too has been a key figure for both Valley and Bodedern down the years. A player with plenty of desire, pace and strength, he’s been a prolific goalscorer on the island.

31-year-old Shane later moved to Australia where he played for Kyabram Phoenix FC – coincidentally under former Valley manager Barry Rowlands who was also in Oz at the time!

He also played for Western Spring Wanderers, where he was top scorer and Player of the Season at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Shane has returned home when possible and played for both Valley and Boded during brief spells back on the island, where he again proved his talent.

Two naturally gifted footballing brothers certainly worthy of a mention!

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