Rathkeale boost Limerick Desmond League Premier Division hopes

THERE was a number of interesting results across the four tiers of the Limerick Desmond League last weekend as the improved weather allowed for the majority of games to take place.

Rathkeale moved to within striking distance of pacesetters, Creeves Celtic, in the Premier Division. Now on nine points after four games, only Celtic (12 points), are better placed.

An 8-1 success on home soil, against former kingpins, Abbeyfeale United was not shocking but perhaps the margin of victory will be of concern to those on Fealeside.

A Seamus O’Carroll hat-trick and an Alan O’Shea strike meant it was 4-1 at half-time. Eoin Barry, O’Carroll and a Dean Maune double pushed the margin out in the second-half.

There was a much tighter contest in Clarina, as Newcastle West Town took the spoils against an out-of-sorts Breska Rovers. The home side have now suffered four defeats on the spin, including three in league action.

Jamie Keane’s powerful effort on 25 minutes was the difference between the sides. Keane would come close in the second half, shaving the woodwork while Karl Buckley went so very close when hitting the post with a free-kick for Rovers. Newcastle West occupy third spot having claimed back-to-back wins, as well as two clean sheets.

In the second-tier, there was wins Ballingarry, Shannonside and St. Ita’s. There are a few sides who have ambitions for league honours, and one of those is Ballingarry.

They were able to get the better of Dromore United, in a top of the table clash. A 1-0 success on away soil in Pallaskenry could prove vital come late spring. Aaron Smith’s strike was the difference.

While Ballingarry are now the outright leaders, hot on their heels are St. Ita’s. The Ashford came out the right side of a 2-1 scoreline at home to Askeaton Kilcornan. Matt Moane put the N69 side into the lead just after the interval, but within minutes, Ita’s led. First Jason Sheehan and then Tony McCarthy found the net to maintain their unbeaten start.

In 2019/20, St. Ita’s were well placed at the midway point but covid-19 halted their progress. This is their best run since then.
Meanwhile, Shannonside picked up a much needed three points against struggling Rathkeale B. Aaron Hanlon, Martin Fitzgerald (2) and Adam Bennett helped them to a 4-0 victory in Barrigone.

In Division Two, Ballingarry B and Newcastle West Town Reserves appear to be the early front runners for the league title.
It is proving to be a very inconsistent division but both sides have shown overall quality to lead the way. Ballingarry B had too much for Shountrade, 5-1.

Stephen Browne chipped in with a brace, Darren Geary, Alan Cronin and Francis Kiely were also on target to keep them top of the pile.

Alongside the, are Newcastle West Town’s second team. Tony Quaid and Dylan Singh, no strangers to the scoresheet, were on target in a 2-0 success against Abbeyfeale United B.

Also in this division, Feenagh, with two late goals, collected a first win of the season. David Boyce and Cian O’Connor both scoring in the final 10 minutes away to Knockaderry, who despite the defeat, remain third. There is only five points separating third and eight place in the third tier.

In Division Three, Breska Rovers B sealed a 5-0 win over Glantine B, to climb the table. Orin Garvey, Adam Kellett, an own goal and a pair of Ethan Keyes headers was enough to take the points against winless Glantine B.

Mike Boyce and Alex Ryan’s goals gave Askeaton Kilcornan B a 2-1 triumph at home to Kilcolman Rovers. No side has shown anything to establish firm favouritism in this division.

The junior games between Glin Rovers and Athea United (Premier Division Cup final), Granagh United versus Glin Rovers B, and Carrig Celtic versus Dromore United B were all postponed.

In Youths football, Askeaton Kilcornan progressed to the Division One League final. A 4-4 draw with Abbeyfeale United gave them a 10-5 success on aggregate. Broadford United or Dromore United will provide the opposition. Broadford hold a 3-2 first leg lead, and also boast home advantage for the return leg.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the Division Three League Cup final is the focus locally, with Breska Roves B and Dromore United B clashing in an intriguing local derby on Friday evening at Mike Hanley Park.