Injures mar Desmond League action with games abandoned

There was another weekend of action in the Limerick Desmond League, but unfortunately, two serious injuries have overshadowed the action somewhat.

Sean Murphy (Granagh United) suffered a leg break late in the Premier Division clash between Granagh and Creeves Celtic. Meanwhile, in Ladies Division One action, Clodagh Carmody suffered a similar faith when wearing the colours of Breska Rovers against Feenagh. Both games were abandoned and the respective committees will determine the future, if any, of both games. Both players have recieved well wishes from around the league


Meanwhile, on the field of play, the Premier Division Cup final pairing was learnt, while there was two U18 League Cups won on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Weekly Observer Premier Division League Cup Semi Finals
Abbeyfeale Utd 2-2 Rathkeale (Rathkeale win on penalties)
This game was level at half-time, 1-1, full-time, 2-2 and after extra-time. Penalties ensured Rathkeale progressed to the decider. The powerful Gary Enright had netted both their goals, including a penalty. Billy Quirke and Pakie O’Connor were on target for Abbeyfeale United.

Glin Rovers 2-0 Broadford Utd
Goals from Ajay Behan and Sheagh O’Connor – one in either half,  were enough for Glin Rovers to book their place in the cup final, where they’ll hope they can match their group stage win, back in September against the same opposition.

Youths Division 3 League Cup Final
Glin Rovers 4-4 Granagh Utd, Granagh win 5-4 on penalties AET
There was a game of epic drama on Friday evening, as Granagh United needed spot kicks to take home the Division Three youths title. Billy Hogan and Calom Moriarty helped Glin race into a 2-0 lead. But two quick strike has Granagh level nearing half-time. Jamie Moloney put Glin ahead at the interval, 3-2.

Yet again, there was a reply from Granagh making it 3-3.

United struck the front for the first time but David Mulvihill was on target 10 minutes from time to force extra-time. The sides couldn’t be separated, and Granagh held their nerve to win 5-4 on spot kicks.  

Youths Division 2 League Cup Final
Shannonside FC 1-0 Kilcolman Rovers
Adam Bennett proved to be the match winner for Shannonside who secured the second-tier youths league cup. His bullet header, which arrived eight minutes from time was the moment of real quality needed to decide this final.

FAI Junior Cup 4^th Round (extra time & penalties if required)
Crosshaven FC 1-0 Newcastle West Town
Newcastle West’s journey in the FAI Junior Cup came to an end away to Crosshaven of Cork. Scoreless at the break, Padraig Murphy was the match winner for Crosshaven in a contest that the winners had been the better side in.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Kilcornan 2-2 Broadford United
It was honours even in Kilcornan as the Gary Manning’s side played their first home game of the season. They have picked up two points from three games, with that first win evading them thus far. Mark Curran and midfielder Conor Staff were on target while the evergreen Ray Lynch netted a brace for Broadford. With the plethora of cup games, this was United’s first league game of the season, having finished runners-up last term.

Breska Rovers 1-3 Ballingarry
Despite falling behind after just eight minutes, Ballingarry showed great resolve against Breska Rovers. Declan Nash cancelled out Darragh O’Sullivan’s opener, on 22 and it was deadlocked at the break. Adam Hickey fired home from distance to give Ballingarry the lead and Kevin Forde added an insurance goal late on. Rovers would finish the game with 10 men. It is two wins from four outings, with Ballingarry joining Breska on six points.

Granagh Utd 2-3 Creeves Celtic (Abandoned due to injury)
With Creeves leading 3-2, unfortunately, Sean Murphy suffered an horrific leg break. The League committee will determine the result of the contest, which may be replayed. Until that point, Aaron Gillane, Limerick hurler, had just struck a potential match winner with an 89^th minute effort. His introduction was a surprise for many, as Creeves were seeking a first win in the top flight.

Weekly Observer Division 1
Dromore United 2-2 Shannonside
Both sides who will hope to gain ground on Athea United, were unable to pick up the vital win. There was a host of the action late in the contest. Mike Sillery had Shannonside a goal up at half-time, but Ryan Kelly levelled early in the second half. Shaun Barry was sent off when conceding a penalty, which Martin Fitzgerald tucked away right at the death. There was time for a little more and Ciaran Galvin came up with the game saving strike to mean it finished honours even in Pallaskenry.
 
Askeaton AFC 2-4 Newcastle West Town Reserves
There was another fine come back from Newcastle West Town Reserves, who despite trailing 2-0 to Askeaton, showed the quality and desire to take the win. Pete Harty had Askeaton in a great position inside the opening 15 minutes but back came the Magpies. S Joyce netted a penalty before bagging a second for a level game at half-time. Tony Quaid put them ahead and there was time for Charlie Power to make it 4-2. The victors would finish the game with nine men, with two red cards in the final 20 minutes.

St. Itas 0-0 Shountrade AFC
St. Ita’s missed the chance to keep up their winning run when playing out a stalemate with Shountrade. The visitors will welcome the point after a tough start to the season.

Weekly Observer Division 2
Knockaderry AFC 1-1 Glin Rovers B
Cian Culhane was on target for Glin Rovers B but it was only enough for a point away to Knockaderry.

Mountcollins AFC v Ballingarry B
Postponed due to no referee available.

Weekly Observer Division 3
Feenagh 4-3 Broadford Utd B
Ger O’Gorman, Cian O’Connor (2), Luke Ryan were on target for the winners with Paul Madigan, Graham Roche and Martin Daly all netting for Broadford United in this local derby. It was 2-1 to Feenagh at the interval.