There will be a small amount of fixtures taking place involving Limerick District League sides this weekend with the LDMC making a decisive and early call to postpone many games due to the inclement weather we are currently experiencing. The LDMC are often criticised but in this case, they must be commended for the early action.
Firstly, in the Tuohy Cup semi-final, Fairview Rangers take on Pike Rovers at Jackman Park this evening (7pm). It is just three weeks since Fairview dumped their arch-rivals out of the FAI Junior Cup when a Clyde O’Connell goal was enough to secure a 0-1 victory at Crosagalla.
Pike will certainly be looking for revenge and to defend the Tuohy Cup, a trophy they won last season when defeating Janesboro in the final. Last weekend, the Hoops were rampant against Geraldines in a 5-1 win in the Munster Junior Cup. Steven McGann was a big loss to Pike when they were beaten by tonight’s opponents and will be a massive addition to the attack.
Jason Purcell’s Fairview team were 3-0 victors over Stradbally in the Munster Junior Cup and as a result, will now face tonight’s opponents in the quarter-final at the Fairgreen. Both teams will be extremely familiar with one another which is sure to bring several close encounters between now and the end of the season.
On Saturday in the Munster Junior Cup, Regional United B face a mammoth task when they travel to Cooke Park to face holders St. Michaels (3pm). A very young Regional side will take to the pitch and although it is unlikely that the Dooradoyle outfit will topple their illustrious opponents, it will be a great experience. Regional A were knocked out last weekend following the concession of a last minute goal to lose 0-1 to Coachford.
On Sunday morning, there were five games down for decision in the PJ Matthews Premier Division but three have fallen victim to the poor weather. It is disappointing as many clubs have been waiting almost two months for a fixture due to the inclement weather and intermittent cup competitions,
Pike will be aiming to keep pace with the leaders and overtake Fairview when they travel to take on Regional in Dooradoyle (11am). The game was originally fixed for Crosagalla but due to last weekend’s Munster Junior Cup meeting along with the poor forecast, the venue was changed to the astroturf.
Robbie Williams side have a very good recent record against the Dooradoyle outfit. Earlier in the season, the Hoops were comfortable winners over Shane O’Donoghue’s side in the Tuohy Cup and last season at the same venue, they were 4-0 victors.
Regional coach Shane O’Donoghue speaking to us before the season began
Regional will be looking to ensure that their form this season doesn’t begin to dwindle following their exit from the Munster Junior Cup last week. Currently in fifth spot in the league, the focus must be on maintaining their top half finish and possibly overtaking Geraldines into fourth place.
Aisling Annacotty host Janesboro in another re-fixed game on Sunday morning (11am). It will be a tough outing for a new look Janesboro side who will be looking to give debuts and homecomings to several players. Annacotty’s form on the astroturf is impressive and it is the first time that brothers Thomas and Shane Clarke will face their boyhood club since departing in September.
Both sides are locked on 16 points along with Mungret and it promises to be a very exciting ending in the race for a top half finish.
On Sunday afternoon, Limerick District League Youth side face Clare in the quarter-final of the Oscar Traynor Trophy at Jackman Park (2pm). Martin Sugrue’s men ensured their passage to a home quarter final following victory over Cork in their last outing. Sugrue’s young charges are looking to win the competition for the second year in a row.