Limerick Desmond League round-up as Glin Rovers claim Premier Division title

IN A most competitive Premier Division, the fact that one team could string together a run of ten wins in as many outings is quite remarkable and certainly deserving of the league title.

Last Friday night, that is exactly what Glin Rovers achieved and with it claimed a rare but sweet Premier Division title. A win over neighbours Athea United meant that their nearest challengers, Broadford United, had to relinquish their title. 1986 was their last top-tier league title and after a poor start to this season which saw them pick up one point from three games, their bounce back has been remarkable.

While they were comfortable on the final furlong, there was many close scrapes. Seven one-goal wins - over Rathkeale (twice), Newcastle West Town, Athea United, Breska Rovers (twice) and Creeves Celtic – meant they did enough to see off a chasing pack that was quite deep throughout.

Seán Normile had the near-perfect blend of youth and experience and their determination to defend as a team means they conceded just 14 goals in 13 games. Their attack, led by Paul Sheahan, spread the goals around and ultimately, they proved too tough a nut to crack.

Limerick Desmond League Premier Division:

Glin Rovers 4-2 Athea Utd
An historic evening in Glin saw a huge crowd flock to support the home side. Gary Culhane’s early penalty would have settled any nerves, with Jack Sheehan and Brian O'Donovan also on target. Top scorer Paul Sheahan added a fourth after United had scored and there was an outpouring of emotion for all concerned at the final whistle.

The result also relegates Athea United who didn’t go down without some resistance, their goals coming from the returning Kevin Murphy and Player/Manager Shane Mulvihill. They drop straight back to Division One after promotion twelve months ago.

Newcastle West Town 0-1 Breska Rovers
A victory on Friday evening put Rovers firmly in the driving seat for survival ahead of Sunday’s clash with Abbeyfeale. Karl Buckley’s acrobatic finish from close range was enough to take the points.

Abbeyfeale Utd 1-3 Broadford Utd
Both these sides needed the win for different reasons. Tight for most of the contest, by the time the breakthough came for Broadford United, they would have heard that Glin Rovers were all-but confirmed at champions. A second-half treble from Kenny Lynch was replied to by Jamie Dore. Broadford are building towards this weeks Desmond Cup final.

Breska Rovers 3-0 Abbeyfeale Utd
Following up their win 36 hours earlier, Breska Rovers confirmed their spot in the top tier with a comfortable win over Abbeyfeale United. Already three points clear of the visitors, a draw was enough but Aodhgann Behan’s charges went for the win.
The result ends United’s long, long run in the top tier and having been champions just two years ago, there is little doubt that they can rise the ranks again. Their youthful side fell to goals from Mark Moroney (penalty) and Karl Buckley’s superb free kick putting them in control. Sub Bobby Smith firing home the third in the final quarter of the clash.

Rathkeale 5-1 Creeves Celtic
These side would have been disappointed to lose their chance at the title earlier in May. These pair had led the way early on but weren’t able to claim the wins to match the form of Glin. Two each for Seamus O'Carroll and Gary Enright saw Rathkeale end their league season on a high. 

Limerick Desmond League Division 1

Dromore Utd 0-1 St. Itas
In a very important game in the promotion end, there was little to chose between these sides. However, entering the final 20 minutes, Darragh Lane struck for the crucial goal to leave Dromore’s hopes in tatters. St. Ita’s are closing in on an historic promotion.

Askeaton-Kilcornan 3-0 Granagh Utd
A walkover for Askeaton Kilcornan saw them keep in touch with St. Ita’s and move above Dromore United into third.

Ballingarry 3-0 Glin Rovers B
There was a routine win for Ballingarry, already champions, with David Geary, Dean Clancy and Cathal McMahon firing them to the win. The silverware was presented to Clancy and his teammates after the game with Anthony Kampers side excited about their return to the top tier.


Dromore Utd 1-2 Askeaton-Kilcornan
Second half goals from Patrick Ivess and Kenneth O’Donoghue saw Askeaton Kilcornan turn the tables on Dromore United, with the result ensuring the promotion race, between St. Ita’s and Askeaton Kilcornan going down to the final day. Dromore will finish a bit off the pace, following a fourth defeat in a row.

St. Itas 3-0 Rathkeale B
A walkover from already relegated Rathkeale B keeps St. Ita’s in the driving seat for promotion. An away trip to Granagh where a win will guarantee promotion will be played simultaneously with Askeaton Kilcornan’s clash with Ballingarry. A point advantage looks important to St. Ita’s at this point.

Shannonside 5-1 Granagh Utd
Two sides occupying midtable met on Sunday, with Adam Bennett, AJ Moroney and Robbie O’Donnell on target for the home side. The win is good preparation ahead of their Riedy Cup semi-final meeting away to St. Ita’s.

MEANWHILE, in Division Two, there was two quick-fire wins for Newcastle west Town Reserves, making them favoruites to win the title. A 3-1 away win over Knockaderry and then a deserved 2-1 away win against Abbeyfeale United puts them top with 25 points. Behind them now are Ballingarry B, who slipped up with two losses. First a 5-2 home defeat to Feenagh, then a 3-2 loss away to neighbours Shountrade.

Shountrade, thanks to that win are out of the relegation zone for the first time this season, with Abbeyfeale B now relegated. Ballysteen, who have two games remaining, will need at least three points to stay in the division.

In Division Three, Breska Rovers B claimed the title for the first time since 2008, with a 9-0 win over Glantine B.

Hat-tricks from Cian McGregor and Donnacha O’Callaghan as well as goals for Barry Adams, Ross Kenny and Nathan Sheehan meant they sealed an eight consecutive win and the title. Captain Ben Adams collected the silverware for his side.

Kilcolman moved into the second promotion spot, winning their final game 4-1 away to Glantine. They will have to wait to see if it is enough, Carrig Celtic are two behind but have two games in hand. One victory will be enough to see them promoted.