Limerick Soccer - Oscar Traynor Cup goes centre stage

The Limerick District League team begin their Oscar Traynor campaign tonight (Wednesday, October 24) with a home game against the Clare League.

Once again Aidan Ryan has taken over the side and with help from Assistant managers Shane Fitzgerald, Gerry Mc Mahon, Goalkeeping coach Paul Kirby and Physio Barry Heffernan hopes are high that they can claim the trophy that has been absent from Limerick since 1996.

This season Limerick have been teamed up with Galway, Roscommon, and Clare in the group stage, the same as last season. Defeat to Roscommon put paid to our chances last time out. Limerick opened last season’s campaign with a 4-0 win over the Clare League and our neighbours will have much the same panel as last season.

Dave McCarthy was prominent for the Claremen last year and after his stint with Janesboro earlier in the year he has returned to the Banner and should play tonight.

Of the original panel names by Ryan, Thomas Lyons and Brian Aherne are unavailable while Ian Storan and Paul Fitzgerald are struggling with fitness.

The remainder of the panel reads; Gary Neville, Stephen McNamara, Pat Mullins, Conor Moloney, Martin Deady, Wayne Colbert, Alan Barry, John Tierney, Pat McGarry, Shane Clarke, Shane Waters, Pat Boyle, Francis Kett, Jonathan Grant, Ian Storan, Paul Fitzgerald, Mark McGrath, Jason Hughes.

The Manager will have some tough calls to make but no better man to do so.

Hopefully the Limerick supporters will turn out to cheer on the side and likewise hopefully the players will return the favour.

On Sunday it’s a return to League action with the top game being a clash of first v second.

Carew Park have been making shapes to date this season and to their credit, lead the way in the table by two points from the Hoops.

Sunday’s game is crucial if Carew hope to wrestle Pike’s grip off the trophy, they will need to take something from the game.

There is no doubt they have the players who are capable but whether they have the self belief needed remains to be seen.

Pike, with just one defeat in 15, have been quietly going about their business and while not setting the world alight, still possess the materials to beat anyone.

Two sides rocked by Cup defeat to lower league opposition clash when Fairview host Geraldines at the Fairgreen.

Geraldines went out of the FAI Junior Cup to Moyross two weeks back and followed up on Sunday with a Munster Junior Cup defeat in an incredible game 7-6 to Prospect.

The results and bone shakers for the sides and they now need leaders to stand up and get the spirit back into the side that saw them start the campaign so brightly.

Fairview exited the Munster Junior to Hospital but to their credit bounced back with a victory over Charleville, though not impressive, was nonetheless a victory.

Both sides will be keen to avoid defeat which could well lead to a draw.

On Saturday evening Aisling Annacotty host Wembley Rvs while on Sunday Shannon Hibs, still looking for their first League point, take on Regional Utd, whom they beat in the Tuohy Cup last week in a run of four unbeaten cup games.

The final Premier game down for decision sees Ballynanty Rvs at home v Kilmallock.