Local sides turn attention to FAI Cup with huge games on the cards
THE FAI Junior Cup takes centre stage this weekend with a series of attractive ties involving Limerick District League clubs.
With several Premier League sides drawn against opponents from lower divisions, the top-flight representatives will start as favourites, but the knockout competition has already shown that reputations count for little once the action gets underway.
The programme begins on Thursday evening when Fairview Rangers host Athlunkard Villa at 7pm. Fairview will be looking to continue their progress in the national competition, but Athlunkard will be determined to make life difficult for their Premier League neighbours.
The sides have already met in the league this season, with Fairview recording a 3-0 win.
They are strong favourites to repeat the result. Fairview will welcome back international players Jake Dillon and Jason Cross to boost their chances.
The winners will face Newport Town on Sunday, making this an important fixture for both clubs.
Saturday brings two further ties, both kicking off at 7pm. Regional United entertain Ballynanty Rovers in an all-Premier League meeting which should be closely contested. Regional have been showing excellent form, highlighted by their recent 7-0 victory over Moyross, while Ballynanty will be anxious to make progress after losing 3-0 to Janesboro in the Munster Junior Cup.
Pike Rovers host Shelbourne in the other Saturday tie. Pike have been enjoying a productive spell in cup football, defeating Nenagh AFC 2-1 in the Munster Junior Cup before recording a 3-0 win over Charleville in the FAI but come into the tie on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Geraldines last weekend. Shelbourne, who compete in Premier A, will face a difficult assignment against the Premier League side.
Sunday's programme features several more interesting encounters. Hyde Rangers meet Aisling Annacotty in a Premier A versus Premier League clash.
Aisling will be expected to progress, particularly after their impressive 7-1 victory over Lough Derg in the previous round, but Hyde with no expectations, could prove sticky if underestimated.
Geraldines welcome Division 1B outfit Brazuca United after recording a 2-0 win over Pike Rovers in the league. The Dines have been moving up the Premier League table and will be keen to maintain that momentum. Brazuca, however, will relish the opportunity to test themselves against top-flight opposition.
Nenagh AFC entertain Herbertstown, while the meeting of Murroe and Star Rovers also offers an opportunity for the lower-division side to make an impression. Carew Park face Kilmallock in another interesting contest, with the Premier League visitors needing to be wary of a Carew side that has already produced good results in cup football.
Summerville Rovers host Patrickswell, with the Premier A side fancied to progress against Division 1B opposition.
There is also an important Inter-County Youth fixture on Saturday when Limerick take on Cork at Jackman Park at 3pm. Limerick will be looking to respond after their narrow 2-1 defeat to Clare in their opener.