FAI Junior Cup takes centre stage in Limerick Desmond League

FAI JUNIOR Cup second round action took centre stage on another busy weekend of action in the Limerick Desmond League. Pride of place must go to Newcastle West Town, who eliminated a much-fancied Killarney Celtic side.

Elsewhere, there was games in the three lower divisions as well as a Premier Division League Cup clash.

Newcastle West Town prevailed 3-1 on penalties away to Killarney Celtic after a 1-1 draw away from home. It took a Mikey Conlon in second-half stoppage time to send this game into overtime.

Having trailed from the 3rd minute the Magpies had to dig deep to keep themselves in the contest. As was the case in the Munster Junior Cup a week prior, Andrew Ruddle saved a penalty, while his teammates held their nerves to progress into round three.

Also in the hat for the next round are Rathkeale. They enjoyed home comforts against Shannon Town of the Clare Premier Division. It took a second goal on the afternoon from Dean Maune to take the win, after a 2-2 tie in 90 minutes. Cathal Cummane accounted for the other goal with this also tied after 45 minutes.

There was an all second-tier clash, also in the FAI Junior Cup, which saw Askeaton Kilcornan prevail, 6-2 at home to neighbours Dromore United. It may have been an off-day for United but it was certainly an memorable morning for Askeaton Kilcornan.

They netted four in the opening half as they dazzled their opposition. Matt Moane opened the scoring while Kenneth O’Donoghue’s brace and Patrick Ivess’ strike had the result beyond doubt. Sean Whelan and Sam Duggan both scored in the second half while Anthony Dabrynets will be happy to find a brace, even in defeat.  

Abbeyfeale United’s challenging start to the season continued but they showed some bright sparks against Kerry Premier B side, St. Brendan’s Park.

The Tralee side led just when it matter most, in the final minutes, as Donagh O’Brien broke the deadlock on Fealeside. Attention will turn to domestic matters for Abbeyfeale who will hope to unearth some players after a depletion in their depth in recent seasons. The final clash in the national competition saw Avenue United receive a walkover from Division Three side, Shountrade.

On the local front, there was one Premier Division League Cup group game down for decision. Familiar sparring partners Breska Rovers and Creeves Celtic played out a frantic scoreless draw in Clarina.

Neither side will feel they deserved anything less from the game but both attacks were blunt at times. The penalty shootout, which may yet prove important in a tiebreaker scenario, went the way of Creeves Celtic.

Also in cup action, Division One, St. Ita’s took a confidence boosting 2-1 victory at home to Glin Rovers. Jack Long and Martin Mullane on target for the winners with the latter scoring a late penalty in Ashford.

Meanwhile in League action, there was a few games in the bottom two tiers. In Division Two, Ballingarry B took a 3-1 victory at home to Ballysteen. Dave Hanlon stuck a double while Marus Moore was also on the scoresheet for the B outfit.

In the bottom tier, there was the rare competitive meeting of two sides from the same club. Glantine have looked to rebuild and will be glad to put two sides into action for this season.

Their A side defeated their B’s on Saturday evening. Darren Ward had given the B’s the lead but Hessler O’Connor an Aidan O’Connor hat-trick, Maurice Sheehan and Colm Barrett were on target as the A’s showed their greater quality. Ashton Collins replied with a late consolation for the B’s.

Also in this division, Breska Rovers B fell at home 4-2 to an energetic Kilcolman Rovers. Mike O’Sullivan, Darragh McMahon, Sergi Moara and Cathal O’Connor all netted for the winners while Evan McGregor and Barry Adams meant it was 2-2 at half-time.

In the Desmond Youths Cup first round, there was progress for Askeaton Kilcornan and Dromore United over Feenagh and Ballingarry respectively. Askeaton Kilcornan had an own goal and a Sambulo Ngubane strike to see them 2-1 winners against Division Two’s Feenagh. While Ballingarry suffered a 2-1 reverse after extra-time, with Sam Guerin’s brace sending Dromore United through.

On Saturday afternoon, in Munster Youths Cup action, Glin Rovers accounted for Newcastle West Town 5-1, Abbeyfeale United beat Breska Rovers (3-2), while Granagh United (6-3) proved too strong for Rathkeale. Shountrade progressed with a walkover from Broadford United.

Next weekend will see most of the Divisional Cup group phases wrapped up at junior level, while the Premier Division will get underway with a meeting of neighbours Abbeyfeale United and Athea United. Some sides have had a stop start season but most sides are now in action weekly, with the Munster and FAI competitions whittled down to just a handful of Desmond League sides.

Clubs, players and supporters are reminded to check the latest fixtures on https://limerickdesmondsbgl.com/fixtures/