Limerick Soccer - Tuohy Cup final preview

Pat Sheehan looks forward to the Tuohy Cup final between Carew Park and Fairview Rangers.

The Premier League’s Jack Tuohy Cup final takes place this Friday evening when League leaders Carew Park cross swords with Fairview Rgs at Jackman Park with a 7.00pm kick off.

It looks an intriguing encounter that is sure to draw a large crowd to local headquarters.

Fairview have won the competition on nine occasions, the last being back in 2002 while Carew Park have two successes to their credit both back at the start of the century.

The sides have already met twice this season with the first game finishing level and Carew coming out tops in their FAI Cup clash by the odd goal in three.

Carew Park go into the game on the back of a 28 game unbeaten run with confidence sky high in the club.

However they should be reminded that Fairview’s defeat to Carew in the FAI Cup was their only defeat going back to last September, so nothing should be taken for granted.

Dermot Finnan brings his vast experience of cup winning success to a young dressing room but he is well capable of getting his players to believe they can win.

For all the benefit the manager can bring it is on the field the game will be won and current form would make Carew Park favourites.

Cecil Prendergast and Albert Slattery have moulded a fine combination of youth and experience that has seen them beat all before them this season.

Former Fairview striker Jonathan Grant will face his old team mates with 30 goals from 28 games for Carew Park this season. If the strikers goals have played a big part in Carew’s good run, so too has the form of the Boyles John and Pat behind him.

At the back Mark Keane has been immense with a host of the younger players also hogging the limelight.

Fairview are in a rebuilding phase at present with plenty of their youth production line making it through to the A team.

Mark McGrath had a superb start to the season and while the opposition are now keeping a tighter reign, he is nevertheless a constant threat. Alongside him Colin Scanlon has been superb, bringing the younger players along.

Further back the field Craig Reddan is making the step up to Premier with nu fuss, chipping in with a few goals along the way while at the back Mike Ryan has had a superb season.

The goalkeeping position holds an intriguing prospect with the possibility of a father and son battle. Jamie Stewart is a sure starter for Fairview while Carew Park, with two options to pick from, could field Jamie’s legendary Dad Gordon or the up and coming Ronan Power.

I believe form will count for nothing in this one and with just a goal separating the sides over two games already this season, it may well go to the side who wants it most.

The Premier League has two games down for decision with Pike Rvs hoping to close the gap on Carew Park when they host Janesboro. Both teams had good victories last weekend and will be keen to keep their good form intact.

In the second game Geraldines could close the gap at the top to three points if they can take full points from Aisling Annacotty.

In the Lawson Cup Wembley Rvs and Shannon Hibs try again to get their game played while Hospital v Caherdavin sees two in form teams lock horns.

The other two ties are Moyross v Bruff Utd and Coonagh Utd v Caherconlish.