Dromore United and Glin Rovers progress to Desmond Cup final; new Premier Division Leader

Another weekend of games, with games now spread from Thursday to Monday – a reminder that the Youths Desmond Cup final takes place on Monday, May 1^st – between Dromore United and Newcastle West Town.

Weekly Observer Desmond Cup Semi Finals
Feenagh 0-1 Glin Rovers (AET)
After a scoreless 90 minutes, it looked as though Feenagh were heading for a fourth consecutive penalty shootout in the competition. But there was late heartbreak as Tadhg Culhane headed home in the second period of extra-time. This was Feenagh’s first semi-final, while Glin Rovers will now chase a third Desmond Cup crown, following a second 1-0 success in a row.

Rathkeale 0-1 Dromore Utd
Shaun Barry proved to be the match winner for Dromore United, who, for the third round in a row, defeated Premier Division opposition, with Rathkeale the victims on this occasion. This has been more than a decent first season for Dromore United, who will fancy their chances in the decider against Glin Rovers. Barry pounced at a corner in the second-half, drilling home via the underside of the crossbar. Aaron Hogan denied Dromore a game sealing second but their strong defence held on to deny Rathkeale another cup final appearance. Dromore remain on track for a second cup of the season after winning the Division One League Cup against Athea last December. Kildimo United featured in the 2008 decider.

The final is set for Saturday 20^th May, 2023.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Abbeyfeale Utd 2-4 Broadford Utd
Played on Wednesday, Broadford United took another step towards the summit, when defeating a slightly understrength Abbeyfeale United. Joe McAuliffe and a Liam O’Shuaghnessey brace had the away side 3-0 up, before Joe Weir pulled a goal back before the break. Cathal McCoy made it 3-2 before the reliable Michaél Brosnan added to his season tally with his sides fourth.

Broadford Utd 4-0 Kilcornan
Broadford were seeking another victory on Sunday morning, this time on home soil – at they got this over 10 man Kilcornan, who are now all but relegated back to Division One. They were promoted in 2018/19 and have punched above their weight at times. Broadford opened the scoring through Alan Fitzpatrick. Kilcornan soon had a man sent off, with Jack Pierce wrestling complete control with another for the hosts. Alan Fitzpatrick had it 3-0 at the break. Sean Brosnan rounded out the scoring to put Broadford United top. They are one point ahead of Rathkeale, with the sides having played 13 apiece. Broadford travel to Rathkeale later in the season.

Creeves Celtic 1-0 Breska Rovers
Creeves Celtic made a large step in the direction of safety against familiar foes, Breska Rovers. It took a goal early in the second-half, from Eoin McEnery to break the deadlock. Creeves sat deep after this, but Breska couldn’t find the equaliser, in an extremely scrappy game of football. Creeves move out of the drop-zone, now two points ahead of Ballingarry. That said, Ballingarry have a game fewer played.

Newcastle West Town 1-0 Ballingarry
It took a Shane Stack screamer to give Newcastle West Town the spoils against out-of-form Ballingarry. His 35-yard effort went in via the woodwork. Ballingarry were unable to overly trouble the home goalkeeper in the hunt for an equaliser. The result removes any lingering doubt of Newcastle West’s status in the Division, while they may now target a top four finish, moving level with Abbeyfeale.

Weekly Observer Division 2
Knockaderry AFC 1-1 Abbeyfeale Utd B
Honours even between title chasing Abbeyfeale United B and Knockaderry on Thursday evening.

Mountcollins AFC 3-0 Glantine
Mountcollins continued their decent spring with a home success.

Ballingarry B 2-2 Glin Rovers B
Honours even between the top two on Thursday night.

Mountcollins AFC 1-2 Knockaderry
Knockaderry moved clear of Mountcollins with a narrow win.

Abbeyfeale Utd B V Ballingarry B (TBC)

Glantine 0-2 Glin Rovers B

A James Broderick brace in the second half helped Glin Rovers B back to winning ways. Glantine are heading for Division Three after a most disappointing season.

Weekly Observer Division 3
Ballysteen AFC 2-5 Dromore Utd B
Dromore United took some local revenge against local rivals, Ballysteen. Ethan O’Brien netted another three, while evergreen Kevin Madden chipped in with a brace. The boys in green have the last laugh, with a League and Cup double.