Limerick Desmond League Junior soccer round-up

THE destination of the Limerick Premier Division is very much uncertain, but Creeves Celtic have confirmed they will be among the title chasers, as they secured their fourth win in as many games. Elsewhere, Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale United picked up victories.

Creeves had easily seen off Rathkeale and Breska Rovers, while they’d edged beyond Glin Rovers, away from home. In a rare league meeting with Athea United, Celtic punished the visitors whose mistakes were uncharacteristic of the Division One champions.

Aaron Gillane, with his fourth goal in three outings, had a tap in following a mix-up at the back. James Naughton added the second, to secure the three points.

There was a re-match of last seasons Premier Division play-off, as Rathkeale travelled to Broadford United. Goals from Chris Carey and Michael Mulcahy late in the opening half meant that Rathkeale got some level of revenge in having lost that play-off by the same scoreline.

The other top tier clash saw Abbeyfeale United claim a valuable three points at home, against Glin Rovers. Abbeyfeale have struggled for consistency so far, but produced a strong second half to come from behind. John Wallace had Glin in front at the change of ends. Jack Quinlivan’s  tied this one up before Liam Collins headed in the winner which gets Abbeyfeale on the board in the Premier Division.

In the second tier, Ballingarry A were huge, 8-1 winners over Rathkeale B. In a ill-disicplned contest, Ballingarry played around an hour a man light but still had too much quality for their neighbours. Mark Danaher, Dean Clancy and Eoin Lynch each chipped in with a brace while Mike Molloy and Aaron Smith also found the net. Rathkeale had two men dismissed late on, on a forgettable afternoon for them in Holycross.

Dromore United, who will have sights on silverware again this season, picked up a late 2-1 victory against Granagh United. Barry Walsh’s late effort was the killer blow after Paudie Murphy had scored for Granagh. The opening goal arrived from a Shaun Barry free-kick.

An own-goal and a Daniel Pereria had Glin Rovers B in a good position at half-time, but replies from Peter Mulcahy and PJ Bourke ensured that St. Ita’s picked up a point on the road.  

In the Division Two League Cup, the much-delayed Group B came to a conclusion. Ballysteen gave a walkover to Shountrade, while Knockaderry claimed a 4-1 home success over Abbeyfeale United B. Rob Egan, Eddie Foley, Ronan Keating and Bryan Hartigan were all on target, with all the goals arriving in the opening half.

Knockaderry will face Newcastle West Town Reserves, while Ballingarry B will battle with neighbours Shountrade in the Divisional Cup semi-finals.

Ballingarry B claimed a 3-2 victory at home to Mouncollins, with Francis Kiely’s double added to by Alan Cronin.

Newcastle West’s second side claimed a facile 8-1 victory over Feenagh. Goals from Jack Kelliher (2), Tony Quaid (2), Seán Bolger, Seoirse Joyce, James O’Sullivan and Patrick Noonan helped the home side to another three points. Feenagh have had a fragmented season and they were no match for the Magpies.

In Division Three, Breska Rovers claimed a first league success of the campaign. Orin Garvey’s early penalty was added to by Barry O’Connor. However, losing a defender to a red card and conceding from a penalty meant they were under pressure from the 15th minute onwards. Carrig couldn’t bag a leveller and suffer a first loss.  

Goals from Kevin Madden and Brian Howard helped Dromore United B to an away win against Glantine. Chris Scannell had equalised from the penalty spot, but Howard found a winner. Dromore are getting some momentum with three wins on the bounce in all competitions.

In the Youths Desmond Cup, Broadford United (5-4) needed penalties to eliminate Shountrade, after a 2-2 draw. They are joined by Newcastle West Town who, thanks to a Diarmuid Lyons strike, had enough for Askeaton Kilcornan (1-0).

There Desmond Youths Cup semi-finals will see Dromore United face Newcastle West Town while Broadford United meet Division Two side, Glin Rovers.

In the Youths Division One, semi-final, Askeaton Kilcornan claimed a 6-1 first-leg win over Abbeyfeale United. Zach Birdthistle’s treble was pivotal for the winners

Grangh United progressed to the Division Two decider, thanks to a scoreless draw at home to Breska Rovers. A 2-1 away win in the first leg meant this was enough to set up a final with Glin Rovers.