Munster action for Limerick sides

MUNSTER Cups take most attention this weekend with three of the five LDL who qualified for the Munster Junior Cup Open Draw scheduled for action.

All three are on the road as they battle for a place in the last 16 of the tournament. Holders Regional United travel to Tipperary to meet North Tipperary side Sallypark FC.

The Tipperary side top the First Division and will be keen for a shot against the champions so Regional Utd will need to be up for a battle. Sean Russell’s men have been in fine form and are keen to prove last year’s success was no fluke.

Aisling Annacotty travel to take on Cork Hospitals in Cork. Aisling top the Premier League currently and should enter the tie full of confidence. Hospitals ply their trade in the Munster Shipping League and while it might not be as strong as the LDL, Aisling still need to tread warily. That said, John Lysaght’s men should be in the hat for the last 16.

Hyde Rgs are also in Cork, following their giant killing act on Ballynanty Rvs in the last round. Hyde, twice runners up in the competition in the 70’s, will enjoy their sojourn south and while they go into the tie as outsiders against MSL Premier outfit Douglas Hall, they have shown they relish the challenge.

Douglas Hall are currently mid-table but come into the tie on the back of a win over Carrigaline last weekend while Hyde were not in action. Hopefully, all three can make it through.

The inaugural Munster Junior Shield, which is restricted to teams outside the top two tiers continues this weekend with the open draw stages.

There are two all-Limerick clashes with Aisling Annacotty D v Geraldines B attracting most attention. Take no heed of league standings as both teams have players well capable of playing at a higher level. In the other all local clash Caherconlish welcome Cappamore.

Pike Rovers B are on the road to meet Cork side Castleview while Parkville are in Waterford to meet Dunmore while Tralee Dynamos will host a strong Regional Utd B.

Herbertstown are favoured with home advantage against Richmond while Corbally Utd B welcome Manus Celtic. A vastly experienced Ballynanty Rvs B host Tipperary side Ballingarry Albion.

In the Munster Youth Cup, a mouth-watering game sees Aisling Annacotty host Pike Rvs. The sides met last week when Aisling posted a thrilling 4-3 win. A repeat would be a thrill for supporters.

Regional Utd host Fairview Rgs while Holycross welcome Mungret Reg in other ties. In the Premier League there is a cracking game on offer in the local derby of Fairview Rgs and Pike Rvs.

Fairview had a last gasp win over Mungret last weekend while Pike eased to a big win over Athlunkard Villa. These two always provide the goods and Sunday’s encounter should be no different.

Ballynanty Rovers need to get back to winning ways to stop their whole season unravelling. They host relegation threatened Charleville. The other Premier game on offer has Nenagh AFC at home to Mungret Regional.

This week’s midweek action is on Thursday evening at 7pm in Jackman Park when Fairview Rangers take on Geraldines in the quarter final of the Tuohy Cup.