FAI Junior Cup ties take centre stage for Limerick District League junior soccer clubs

THE FAI Junior Cup kicks off this weekend with Limerick’s hopefuls facing a new phenomenon.

With the late kick off of the tournament the latter stages of the competition will run into the 2026/27 season for Limerick sides.

It remains to be seen what kind of confusion this will cause and there is also concern about the fact that players will be expected to keep training throughout what was always considered their 'rest period' before the new season kicks off.

While there are no stand-out ties this weekend a number of games promise good cup fare with the potential for a few upsets.

There is only one all-Premier clash when Nenagh host Athlunkard Villa. The sides met recently in the Lawson Cup when penalties were required to separate the sides after a 2-2 draw.

Don’t be surprised for an equally close encounter this time around.

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Mungret Regional welcome a tricky Holycross while Corbally Utd would also be advised to be on guard against Charleville.

Lough Derg conceded nine goals to Aisling Annacotty last weekend in the Lawson Cup.

The sides meet again on Sunday with Lough Derg likely to have learned from the last game as they push for a tighter game.

Ballynanty Rovers will be strong favourites at home to Parkville A while the other games first round could go either way when Shelbourne host Croom Utd, Summerville Rovers welcome Murroe and Moyross Utd A and Prospect Priory A do battle in Moyross.

There are three second round ties which could all prove entertaining. Newport Town after a rough few weeks won last time out but may find Regional Utd too high a hurdle.

Brazuca Utd on their day can be a difficult proposition and they will relish the arrival of Premier side Janesboro while Fairview Rangers will take on Premier A leaders Star Rovers in the Fairgreen.

On Saturday in the Munster Youth Cup semi-final, Fairview travel to Cork to take on Leeside Utd in Cobh. The Blues have an excellent squad and will go into the tie with real hope of a place in the final.

In the FAI Under 17’s, Pike Rvs face a difficult assignment away to Dublin giants, St Joseph’s AFC. The Hoops have shown time and again they relish the big occasion and they will not shirk the challenge.

There is one game in the Premier League when Pike Rvs host Geraldines. The Hoops scraped a victory at home to Athlunkard Villa last weekend.

A similar result on Sunday would leave Pike just three points off the leaders with a bit of momentum heading into the run-in.

In Division 1B, leaders Ballynanty Rovers B second placed Pike Rovers B where a win for the Blues would see them put one hand on the title.

That said, a win for Pike would leave the destiny of the trophy in the Hoops hands.

Midweek action this week starts with tonight’s Tuohy Cup semi-final when holders Regional Utd take on Fairview Rangers in Jackman Park at 7.30pm.

Regional were bitterly disappointed to go down in the MFA last weekend after a penalty shoot-out at Coachford.

Despite the loss, the Reds can take confidence from the fact they matched one of the best sides in the country for the entire game.

They will need to be at their best to see off league leaders Fairview Rgs but have no intention of giving up their crown easily.