Local derby start to Oscar Traynor Cup for Limerick District League 

THE LIMERICK District League’s Oscar Traynor side begins its campaign on Wednesday night when they travel to Mick Hanley Park, Askeaton, to face the Limerick Desmond League.

Kick-off is at 7.30pm, and manager John Lysaght will hope his side can make a positive start in a group that also includes the Cork League and North Tipperary League.

Limerick have a proud history in the competition, but the last couple of decades have been a fairly barren period. The last win in 2019 was their first in 23-years so hopes are high that we can get our name etched on the trophy again.

A strong opening result would set the tone for a demanding group, and the squad brings together players from across the district. A number of players made themselves unavailable, but the 26 selected have a great mix of experience and youth.

The players to carry the flag are as follows; Regional United: Kieran O’Connell, Tom Frawley, Jack Donovan, Andrew Cowpar, Rob Shier, Mungret Regional: Conor Myers, Cian McNicholas, Aisling Annacotty: Adam Foley, Isaac Sullivan, Seanie O’Haodha, Joel Coustrain, Adam Costello, Conor Coughlan, Dylan Casey, Geraldines: Scott Kirwan, Kian Mitchell, Tony Mambouna, James Fitzgerald, Cian Fitzgerald, Jose Claudio Zaquieu Pereira Filho, Janesboro: Josh Toomey, Pike Rovers: Adam Lipper, Gary Neville, Ballynanty Rovers: Vinny Ryan, Leon Kirrane, Newport: John Ryan.

The team will be managed by John Lysaght with the assistance of Ray O'Halloran, Mark Moloney, Jack Gilmartin and Dermot Clune.

Elsewhere, Fairview Rangers, record ten-time winners of the FAI Junior Cup, host Athlunkard Villa in a 7pm tie. Fairview will be eager to respond after last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Waterford’s Villa FC in the Munster Champions Cup final, but now face a different opponent in Athlunkard Villa.

With Fairview absent from league action, the chasing sides have an opportunity to make ground. Aisling Annacotty face Pike Rovers in a key test for both sides.

Aisling sit second on 18 and face Pike Rvs. Both sides after comfortable wins in the FAI last weekend. Janesboro in third place meet a meet a Ballynanty Rovers way behind the leaders but with games in hand.

They need to start winning those games and will get nothing easy at ‘Boro. Joint third placed are Geraldines who host Mungret Regional.

Moyross have been showing improvement albeit with nothing to show for it. They welcome Regional United while fellow early strugglers Kilmallock meet Nenagh face each other in a crucial game.

In Premier A, leaders Corbally United will want to protect their position when they face Regional United B, while Caherdavin Celtic meet second-placed Hyde Rangers and Summerville Rovers host Carew Park.

Division 1A leaders Pike Rovers B host Pallas United, with Nenagh B taking on Murroe. Pike B will want to maintain their advantage at the summit, while Murroe will be looking to make up ground as the league campaign continues.