Tuohy Cup final tops bill of fare in Limerick District League junior soccer action

THE 2023/2024 Tuohy Cup Final is the Junior Soccer highlight this weekend when neighbours and great rivals will battle it out in Jackman Park this Friday evening at 6.45pm

Both teams have won the Premier Cup a record nine times so bragging rights are also on offer in Friday’s encounter.

Fairview were the first winners of the trophy in 1976 and have since won it in 1978, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2003.

Pike Rvs won it first in 1981 and also tasted success in 1985, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2019 and completed their list of wins in last season’ s decider versus Aisling Annacotty. 

The game is perfectly poised. Pike Rvs lead the Premier League table (joint with Aisling) while Fairview are just three points behind.

The sides met in December when Fairview came out tops on a 1-0 scoreline.

A bit like the Old Firm derby, a Pike v Fairview game has the ability to throw the formbook out the window, the game often being decided on determination alone.

Pike will be looking to retain the trophy and come into the fray on a good run, which includes an FAI quarter final win over Regional.

A 6-1 win over Coonagh United last Sunday added further to their confidence.

An injury to Colm Walsh O’Loughlin is a concern for the Hoops but the form of Dylan Murphy balances that fear.

The former room striker has settled in seamlessly in Crossagalla and has freed up the burden on the league’s top scorer Shane Clarke.

At the other end the veteran Gary Neville continues to produce the goods and Pike will be well aware at his prowess in penalty shoot outs, should they arise.

Fairview Rgs also come into the tie in fine fettle. In the last week alone they beat Carew Park 4-0 to reach the decider and followed up last weekend with a 3-1 win over Geraldines.

Following the departure of a number of players things looked a little bleak earlier in the season, culminating in a heavy defeat to Aisling.

To their credit they knuckled down and turned things around in fine fashion. The management team have got the best from their squad and the addition of a number of experienced heads during the transfer break gives them a steelier look.

Shane Duggan is their talisman and makes them tick. Adam Dore has found his feet at the Fairgreen and improves weekly.

There are plenty of individual battles all across the park to keep the spectators entertained in what promises to be an exciting game.

For the record other winners in the 47-year history were Ballynanty Rvs 7, Janesboro 5, Carew Park 5, Wembley Rovers 3, Star Rvs 2, Prospect, Regional Utd, St Michaels, Vereker Clements, Wanderers, Aisling and Covid twice!

Tuohy Cup - Path to the final

Fairview Rgs

Round 1; v Ballynanty Rovers 0-0 (Fairview won 5-4 on pens)

Quarter-Final; V Geraldines 5-1; (Kane Connolly 3, Brian Aherne, Jason Cross)

Semi-Final; V Carew Park 4-0; Adam Dore 2, Shane Duggan, Kane Connolly)

Pike Rvs

Round 1; V Aisling Annacotty 2-1; Shane Clarke 2

Quarter-Final; V Mungret Reg 1-0; Dylan Murphy

Semi-Final; V Regional Utd 1-1; Shane Clarke (Pike won 4-2 on pens aet)