Limerick Desmond League junior soccer round-up

ASKEATON-Kilcornan will fly the flag for the Limerick Desmond League in the 5th round of the FAI Junior Cup.

They are in the hat thanks to a deserved 3-1 victory away to Drinagh Rangers, the West Cork champions. Rathkeale, meanwhile, bowed out following a 3-2 loss away to a tough assignment in Dublin, against Usher Celtic.

There was a raft of games across the divisions, as the tables begin to take shape after a fragmented start to league action.

Askeaton Kilcornan’s success was made possible thanks to an own goal and a Sam Duggan effort, before Drinagh replied. Cathal Downes fired in the insurance goal in the closing stages. After this lengthy away trip, the amalgamation will be hopeful of a home tie in the last 32.

Goals from Thomas Qulligan and Eoin Barry had twice pulled Rathkeale level in Dublin on Saturday, but when the game went to extra-time, the next goal was always likely to be decisive. That arrived from the penalty spot, as Keith Hartnett’s side turn their attention back to domestic matters.

There was three Premier Division ties down for decision. Creeves Celtic had too much for rivals Breska Rovers. Eoin McEnery netted an early opener. Breska missed some glorious opportunities, while Bryan Griffin headed off the bar.

They were made to pay when Aaron Gillane, in from the start this week, netted a quickfire double. Breska would finish with ten men while James O’Connor added further gloss. Celtic are the only side with a 100% record, having won their first three games.

Newcastle West Town turned in their best performance of the season, when hitting Athea United with a 5-0 victory in the Vales. The visitors were potent in attack as Jamie Keane’s early strike was added to by Aaron Mullane.

There was no change until early in the second half as the same two added goals three and four. Dylan Moloney was on target with a fifth to get the Magpies up and running with their first points following a home loss to Broadford United.

Glin Rovers and Broadford United played out a scoreless draw. Both sides will rue missed chances but in a very even game, neither will quibble with a point. Paul Sheehan went closest for Rovers, while United hit the bar late on. Glin are on the board with a first point, while Broadford add to their win over Newcastle West.  

In the second tier, the Weekly Observer Division One, there was wins for Dromore United and Rathkeale B. United had a Ryan Kelly brace as well as goals from Seanie Hartigan and Evan Guinane in a 4-0 rout of Shannonside. Meanwhile, teenager Oscar Markham was got the only goal of the game as Rathkeale B sealed a 1-0 home win against Glin Rovers B.  

In Division Two, there were three games slated but only one took place. Newcastle West Reserves lost 2-1 on home soil against neighbours, Knockaderry. Ronan Keating and Eddie Foley on target for the winners with Josh Joyce netting an equaliser for Town.

Feenagh against Shountrade was off due to a bereavement, while Abbeyfeale United B were given a walkover by Ballysteen.

In the bottom tier, there was wins for Dromore United B and Carrig Celtic by five goals. Dromore United won 7-2 against Glantine B under the lights in Glantine. Ethan O’Brien netted another treble, while Martin Neville (penalty), Darragh Mullane, Shaun O’Connor and an own goal did the damage. It was 3-0 at half-time.

Carrig Celtic remained top of the pile as Brian Foley, Cyprian Myszka, Anthony Molyneaux put them three up at the midway point. Jack Sullivan and Jordan Ryan added a couple of more in the second half as Kilcolman Rovers were no match for their neighbours.

Earlier in the week, Breska Rovers B needed a 95th minute Evan McGregor strike to progress to the Division Three cup final, seeing off Askeaton Kilcornan B, 1-0. They will face Dromore United B, who lost out in last years decider.

In Youth football, Dromore United were the first team into the last four of the Desmond Youths Cup following a walkover from Askeaton Kilcornan B. Newcastle West Town or Askeaton Kilcornan A will provide the opposition. Also into the semi-finals are Glin Rovers, who powered their way beyond Shannonside. David Mulvihill’s treble the highlight of a 5-1 win. Rovers will meet either Broadford United or Shountrade for a place in the final.

In the FAI U17 competition, Askeaton Kilcornan let a 2-0 interval lead slip against Riverstown (Cork). Mark Doolan and Zach Birdthistle had them in a strong position, but the Leesiders were relentless in the second half and progress to the fourth round.  

Next weekend is highlighted by the meeting of Broadford United and Rathkeale in a repeat of the play-off which saw United win the league title last season. Athea United visit Creeves Celtic while Abbeyfeale welcome Glin. There are seven games scheduled in the lower tiers.