Limerick Soccer - Desmond Cup previews

Frank Nelligan looks ahead to this weekend’s action in the Limerick Desmond Cup.

The first round of the Desmond Cup concludes on Sunday with the nine remaining ties. Among the highlights are Shannonside FC’s opener in their bid to retain the trophy and the derby match between Carrig Celtic and Athea United.

Newcastle West Rovers B (Division 4) v Shannonside FC (Premier)

Shannonside FC’s bid to retain the trophy that they won in a replay against Broadford United last season gets underway with a visit to Division 4 mid-table side, Newcastle West Rovers B.

Shannonside have already relinquished one trophy, beaten 2-0 away last Sunday in the first round of the Premier Division League Cup by Broadford, who exacted revenge for last season’s Final defeat. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, “To lose one trophy in the first round may be regarded as misfortune, to lose another would look like carelessness.”

Forecast: Shannonside FC

Creeves Celtic (Division 2) v Rathkeale (Premier)

Creeves Celtic’s Division 2 relegation worries deepened last Sunday when they lost 6-1 at home to leaders Pallaskenry.

They have shown no indication whatsoever that they are capable of beating Rathkeale, whose most recent success in the competition came just three seasons ago.

Forecast: Rathkeale

Ballingarry B (Division 3) v Glin Rovers (Premier)

Ballingarry B’s best chance of Cup glory this season disappeared last Sunday when they failed to overturn a deficit in the second leg of their Division 3 League Cup semi-final against Athea United B.

Promotion from Division 3 is now their objective and won’t have serious ambitions of beating Glin Rovers, who won the trophy for the second time in 2009.

Forecast: Glin Rovers

Carrig Celtic (Premier) v Athea United (Division 1)

Carrig Celtic are looking good to retain their Premier Division status. Athea United have a fighting chance of joining them there next season. Carrig have lost only one out of five home league games and home advantage could prove crucial against their neighbours.

Forecast: Carrig Celtic.

Feenagh B (Division 4) v Kildimo United (Division 1)

After being passed out by St. Ita’s B last Sunday, Feenagh B are bottom of the 43 teams in the league. Kildimo United are unbeaten in Division 1 and odds-on for an immediate return to the top flight.

Forecast: Kildimo United

Pallaskenry (Division 2) v Glin Rovers B (Division 4)

Both of these teams could have a trophy at the end of the season. Pallaskenry are nine points clear in Division 1, while Glin Rovers B are through to the Richard Hogan Cup Final, in which they will meet Abbeyfeale United B.

Neither of them expect to win the Desmond Cup but Pallaskenry are best-positioned to progress.

Forecast: Pallaskenry

St. Ita’s B (Division 4) v Abbeyfeale United B (Division 2)

Abbeyfeale United B have games in hand on all the teams above them in Division 2 but they will be of no use to them if they continue to play as they did in the 4-1 defeat away to Newcastle West B last Sunday.

On the plus side, they have the Richard Hogan Cup Final against Glin Rovers B to look forward to. St. Ita’s B are still in the Division 4 League Cup and that will be of more interest to them than the Desmond Cup.

Forecast: Abbeyfeale United B

Kilcornan B (Division 3) v Knockaderry (Division 3)

With only one point between Kilcornan B and Knockaderry at the foot of the Division 3 table, this looks to be the most evenly-matched of the nine ties.

On the other hand, the head-to-head form guide clearly favours League Cup finalists, Knockaderry, who have beaten Kilcornan B 6-3 at home and 5-0 away.

Forecast: Knockaderry

Ferry Rangers (Division 3) v Athea United B (Division 3)

League Cup finalists, Athea United B, have double Ferry Rangers’ points total and have already beaten Ferry away.

Forecast: Athea United B.