Limerick Desmond League weekend junior soccer round-up

NEWCASTLE West Town claimed the Desmond Youths Cup last Friday evening. The Magpies were richly deserving of their title, at the expense of Broadford United. It wasn’t a totally forgetful weekend for the men from Cove Park, as they dusted themselves off to claim a Desmond Cup final spot at junior level just 24 hours later.

The Youths final, in what has been a long season for these talented youth players saw Broadford United take an early lead. Jack Hogan netted inside the opening quarter-hour but the reply from Town was to level through Player-of-the-Match, Cathal Hayes. The attacker would eventually get himself a hat-trick. The same man had them 2-1 to the good and they had one hand on the silverware when Josh Joyce converted a penalty just before half time. The final say went to Hayes, who proved a handful all evening but there was strong performances all over from Noel Murphy’s side, who’d ridden their luck somewhat in earlier rounds.

Meanwhile, at Mick Hanley Park on Saturday, there was the first of the Desmond Cup semi-finals. Runners-up twelve months ago, Glin Rovers, got off to the perfect as Gary Culhane netted a penalty after 12 minutes. There was parity near the 30 minute mark, as Colm Ryan found the net. Level at the interval, Adam O’Kelly, who lined out in that youths final popped up with what would be the winner in the third quarter. The United keeper, Patrick did have to pull off a couple of saves late on but his side stayed robust and claimed the win. Rathkeale will be favourites to join them, as they face Division One Granagh United this coming weekend.

Meanwhile in the Riedy Cup, there was a morale boosting win for Rathkeale’s B side. Results have proven difficult to find all season but they dumped out holders Dromore United, 2-1 after extra-time. Mark Hogan had the home side in front but an extra 20 minutes were needed when Shaun Barry pounced for the leveller. The winner arrived from Craig Switer to set up a meeting with fellow B side, Newcastle West Town in the last eight.

In Division One action, leaders Ballingarry moved a point closer to their goal, though they will be frustrated to have let an-interval lead slip to Ballingarry. The opener, on 40 minutes from Aaron Smith was quickly cancelled out before the hour mark by an own goal. A point isn’t unwelcomed, with the title very much within their own grasp. Also on Friday, Granagh United eased their way into midtable, with a 3-1 away win over Glin Rovers B. Richie Walsh, Alier Ajuong and Adam Hourigan found the net.

Granagh were no match for Askeaton Kilcornan on Sunday, losing out 3-0 at home. Kenneth O'Donoghue, Rob Carrig, Sam Duggan all on target in an easier than expected win. St. Ita’s kept their promotion push alive with a 2-1 home win over Shannonside. Peter Mulcahy and TJ Kelly found the net, with regular scorer Adam Bennett finding the net for the away side.

Meanwhile, in the third tier, things are hotting up at both ends. On Friday, Knockaderry picked up maximum points away to Feenagh 2-1, while on Sunday there was wins for Feenagh (4-2) over Ballysteen and Newcastle West Town over Shountrade (5-1). Key for Feenagh were two goals from John O’Gorman while Liam O’Gorman and Ronan O’Connor helped them to the win. Seoirse Joyce (3), Mikey McNamara and Shane O’Connor were on target for Newcastle West who certainly know where the net is this season.

All that means that Ballingarry B, Newcastle West Town Reserves and Knockaderry all have a reasonable shout at the title and promotion, while any two of Feenagh, Ballysteen, Shountrade and Abbeyfeale United B could yet sink to the bottom Division.

In Division Three, Askeaton Kilcornan B moved into second thanks to a 2-0 win away to Glantine. Evan Costello and Charlie Desmond’s goals virtually ending any Glantine interest in the league title and igniting that of the winners. Breska Rovers B still have games in hand but it is points they want. They had a 2-1 win over Kilcolman, despite trailing for nearly an hour to an own goal. Tom Clancy pounced twice late on to keep Breska’s interest in promotion alive.