Limerick Desmond League junior soccer round-up

Desmond Cup Quarter-Final:  

Glin Rovers (0) 1 (Paul Sheehan 73 mins) 

NCW Town (0) 0

WE will have new different finalists in the 2023 Desmond Cup Final after last year’s finalists Newcastle West Town narrowly exited the competition away to Glin Rovers on Sunday morning last. It was a close game overall but both sides will know that they are capable of playing much better than what we witnessed on Sunday.

That though won’t matter to Rovers as they are into the last four and a meeting with Division 3 side Feenagh next Friday night. Town had the more possession but will be disappointed with their conversation ratio in terms of good clear-cut chances. 

An early chance came Glins way on three minutes but Tadgh Culhane's header from a free kick by brother Gary had too much elevation. Two minutes later they almost fell behind when a crisp strike from Noel Callanan struck the inside of the left post before Glin scrambled the ball clear.

This sparked a spell of Town pressure and possession and a desperate block by Tommy Culhane deflected Callanan’s goal bound effort away from danger. Town kept up the pressure and Mike Stack got down well to save from Darren Lawlor.

The skill and pace of Lawlor was a constant danger to Glin and on twenty-seven minutes another splendid run saw him was fouled on the right edge of the box, the resultant free kick by Shane Stack was deflected away for a corner which was subsequently headed away by Brian Donovan at the back post.

Two minutes later Lawlor went through the middle of the Glin half and played a deft through ball for Jamie Keane but keeper Stack was quickly off his line to gather. The game evened out somewhat after this with Glin beginning to see more of the ball.

On forty-one minutes Gary Culhane played a peach of a pass to Paul Sheehan down the left with the striker taking the ball to the end line before crossing low into the box where Shane Stack put the ball behind for a corner. The last action of the half saw Sheehan cross for James Wallace but it was an easy save for Andrew Ruddle.

The second half was much the same as the first with Town having a lot of possession but will be disappointed that this wasn’t converted into goals.

Five minutes into the second half a Dylan Moloney free kick was just past the right upright while seven minutes later a foul on Lawlor in a central position just outside the area was taken by Keane but the Glin defensive wall did its job.

A worrying factor for the Glin management was the concession of numerous silly free kicks which only added more pressure on their defence. When Glin did use the ball well they were able to put some pressure on the Town defence and from such a scenario they created a good situation after a good cross from the right by Wallace that Mike O’Keeffe did well to clear under pressure.

James Cussen was introduced for Town and he and Lawlor linked well to create a chance for Stack that namesake Mike saved in the Glin goal. On seventy-three minutes game the games first and only goal. A corner from the right was flicked on by Tommy Culhane from which Zack Behan rolled the ball on to Sheehan to score from inside the six-yard box.

Somewhat against the run of play but Glin wont mind that in the least. Town didn’t panic but it was going to be hard as its hard to score against Glin when they have a lead to defend.

Plenty endeavour from the visitors with Lawlor, Alan Murphy and Keane taking the game to the home side but Glin held on and so will meet Feenagh at league headquarters next Friday night.

Glin Rovers: Mike Stack, Brian Donovan, Shane Culhane, Tadgh Culhane, Gary Culhane, Tommy Culhane, Zach Behan, Jack Sheahan, Paul Sheehan, Ajay Behan, James Wallace. Subs used Conor Shine, Marty Sweeney. Also, Christy Sweeney, Gary Kelly, Jack Boland, Sean Lyons.

NCW Town: Andrew Ruddle, Joey Healy, Jack Duggan, Donnacha Woods, Mike O’Keeffe, Dylan Moloney, Darren Lawlor, Noel Callanan, Jamie Keane, Shane Stack, Alan Murphy. Subs used James Cussen, Jamie Baynham. Also, Ronan St John, Aaron Mullane. Jake Power, Leon Barry, Scott Hurley.

Referee: Ger O’Connor.

BALLYSTEEN CLINCH THE DOUBLE

Division 3:

The superb season being enjoyed by Ballysteen continued on Sunday afternoon when they won the Division 3 title after a three all draw at home to fellow title contenders Feenagh and in so doing clinch a league and cup double.

A win for Feenagh would have forced Ballysteen to win their last league game, which is at home to Dromore Utd B but this isn’t required now as the point on Sunday is sufficient.

Feenagh's season is far from over as next Friday night in Mick Hanley Park they will create history when the contest their first ever Limerick Desmond Cup Semi-Final against Premier Division side Glin Rovers.

Going back to last Sunday and Feenagh got an ideal start when Cian O’Connor found the net after a pinpoint delivery from David Boyce. The lead was short lived as within two minutes

David O’Shaughnessy levelled the game and Ballysteen were back in control of their destiny. It got better for the champions elect when penalty specialist Tomas Sheahan confidently converted from twelve yards to put the home side ahead at the break. 

Feenagh pushed hard to get some momentum behind them but were undone when top scorer David O’Shaughnessy stretched the Ballysteen lead with his second of the game as the home side looked to see out the remainder of the game. However, Feenagh threw a spanner in the works with two goals in as many minutes.

Feenagh scorer Cian O’Connor this time turned provider for Ronan O’Connor to make it three two before a minute later Ryan O’Gorman with a long-range strike had the sides level. Feenagh couldn’t muster another goal and so Ballysteen claim a league and cup double.

After the game League Chairman Mike Pierce presented the league trophy to Ballysteen captain Paul O’Shaughnessy.

Ballysteen squad: Brian Neville, Eddie Murphy, Pakie Moran, Shane Hallinan, Dec Ryan, Darragh Ranahan, Cillian Ferris, Tomas Sheahan, Colm O’Flaherty, Paul O’Shaughnessy, David O’Shaughnessy, Chris McMahon, Callum Daly, Jonathan Hartigan, Jamie Moran, Jamie Dolan, Shane Hanrahan, Darragh Leonard.

In the other games in division three Shannonside B were two one winners away to Carrig Celtic. Goals from Niall O’Connor and Alan Moroney had Shannonside two up at half time with the Carrig goal coming from Sean Kelly in the last minute. Broadford Utd B and Dromore Utd B ended scoreless. 

Riedy Cup Quarter-Final: 

Glin Rovers B will have home advantage against Ballingarry B in the last four of the Riedy Cup after they won on penalties away to Askeaton on Sunday afternoon last.

Johnny O’Sullivan gave Glin a half time lead with Cian Smith levelling for the home side in the second half.

Askeaton took the lead through Matt Moane in extra time but conceded shortly after from a set piece, John Wallace bringing Rovers level. In the shootout Glin won 4-3 on sudden death penalties. 

Premier Division:

League leaders Rathkeale were back in league action for the first time in three weeks and recorded a five two win at home to Kilcornan. It was two one at half time with goals from Jack Hennessy and Dean Maune and in second half they added further goals from Thomas Quilligan and a brace from Timmy Hogan.

The Kilcornan goals came from a father and son combination, Paudie Ivess scoring in the second half and son Patrick netting in the opening half. Breska Rovers excellent season back in the top flight continued on Sunday morning with a come from behind win over visitors Ballingarry.

Edward Lynch put Ballingarry ahead on eleven minutes with Keith Punch bringing Breska level by half time. Not for the first time in a Breska shirt has skipper TJ O’Connor scored a last minute winner, a feat he repeated again last Sunday.

Division 1 

The consequence of Newcastle West Town Reserves losing two one at home to Shountrade confirms that they will be playing in Division 2 next season along with Shountrade.  

Division 2 (3rd Series) 

The race for the one available promotional spot to division one remains open after the two games over the weekend. Ballingarry B were three nil winners away to Glantine with a brace from David Hanlon and a third from Cuan Leahy. The derby game between Abbeyfeale Utd B and Mountcollins ended scoreless.  

Limerick Desmond U17s Cup

We are down to the business end of the U17s Cup with one of the finalists already known and the second semi-final going ahead last night (Tuesday).

That semi-final will feature Feenagh and Newcastle West Town after the former won two one against Shannonside with goals from Charlie Finn and Euan Keating. Awaiting them in the final will be Broadford Utd who needed an extra time goal from Shane Geary to edge out Shountrade.  

Limerick Desmond Youths Cup Semi Finals:  

This season's Limerick Desmond Youths Cup Final will be between Newcastle West Town and Dromore Utd following their respective wins over Breska Rovers and Shannonside.

Town were three nil winners in Clarina with goals from Dan Cullen, Prince Moyo and Josh Joyce. Division one league winners Dromore travelled to Horgan Park to play division two league winners Shannonside and won two one with goals from Ethan Browne and Daniel Hickey.