Limerick Desmond League weekend junior soccer round-up

THERE was one major shock in the opening round of the Desmond Cup last weekend. That honour belonged to Feenagh of the third tier, who got the better of Premier outfit Athea United.

It was one of 11 ties played over the weekend, with Carrig Celtic’s win away to Ballingarry B the only other success for a team playing a side from higher division.

For Feenagh, it is not a new feeling, having progressed to the semi-final last year, following three penalty shootout wins. Scoreless with Athea United after 90 minutes there was a quick exchange of goals in the extra twenty minutes. Athea will curse their luck, have twice hit the woodwork during the 90 minutes.

Luke Ryan netted a penalty but United replied quickly when Danny Stack saw a long delivery fly all the way to the back of the net. The penalties saw both miss once from their opening five but Dan Gayer saved the sixth allowing Dylan Murray O’Connor to net the winner.

Elsewhere, holders Dromore United claimed a 3-1 home win against Knockaderry. Having conceded just once on route to the win last year, the Kildimo Pallaskenry side have quality at both ends of the pitch. A brace from Oran Kelly as well as Conor Staff had them 3-1 up at half-time and a scoreless second half was enough to see off the third tier opposition.
Aside from Athea, all other Premier Division sides who played, were successful.

Alan Fitzpatrick’s double as well as second half efforts from Jack Pierce and Brian O’Sullivan eased Broadford United beyond Ballysteen.

The tie of the round saw Glin Rovers entertain Ballingarry. Both have already collected their domestic silverware this season and Glin continue their pursuit for more following a 2-1 win. A crazy period before the interval saw three goals, two from penalties and Rovers reduced to 10.

Zach Behan broke the deadlock but John Wallace handled on the line and received a straight red card. Dean Clancy tied the tie. Another handball, this time in the Ballingarry box, allowed Gary Culhane restore the lead before half-time. Ballingarry failed to break down the ten-men, with attention turning to League and Riedy Cup endeavours.

Breska Rovers survived a challenging trip to Division One leaders St. Ita’s. Kevin Foster set them on their way before Karl Buckley made it 2-0. Darragh Lane, first cousin of Foster, cut the gap with a nice strike, but Buckley and Darragh O’Sullivan put the Clarina men out of sight. Lane’s second was a mere consolation.

2022 winners, Abbeyfeale United needed strikes from Dylan Murphy and Jack Quinlivan to get over neighbours Mountcollins. A welcomed win for United who will take confidence from a hard-fought win.

Dean Maune and Jack Hennessy were on target as Rathkeale A sealed a routine 2-0 win against Shannonside, who are having a tough time of late. Keith Hartnett’s side will be firmly in the hunt for silverware, having relinquished Premier Division League Cup after a poor group phase.

Rathkeale’s B team were eliminated at the hands of Premier leaders, Creeves Celtic. Kevin Guina and Bryan Meade were on target while Kevin Mee had to be sharp to deny Rathkeale when saving a penalty.

Askeaton Kilcornan got a much needed win, despite not peaking away to Glantine B. Kenneth O’Donoghue and Sam Duggan were on target, a regular occurrence, as they look to put a disappointing run of results behind them.

Newcastle West Town Reserves assumed home advantage, as they strolled to a 5-1 win over Kilcolman. A Tony Quaid hat-trick as well as efforts from teenager Josh Joyce and Prince Moyo, booked their spot in the second round.

The competition started under the lights in Ballingarry as their B team surrendered a 2-0 advantage to fall, 3-2, to Division Three leaders, Carrig Celtic. Darren Geary and Tiernan Fitzgerald had the hosts in firm control but Ian Mackessy, Brian Foley and Seanie King flipped the result, with King grabbing the winner in extra-time.

Dromore United B versus Newcastle West Town A and Granagh United v Glin Rovers B both fell victim to the weather. Askeaton Kilcornan B against Glantine was also postponed.

In youths football, Newcastle West dethroned Dromore United, to book their place in the Desmond Youths Cup final. Two apiece for Josh Joyce and Cathal Hayes sent Town into the showpiece game.

This coming weekend, there are four ties down for decision in the Premier Division, with leaders Creeves Celtic hosting Abbeyfeale United, while Newcastle West entertain basement side, Glin Rovers.