Desmond League Round-Up: Creeves Celtic march on, Rathkeale and Abbeyfeale claim wins

With the Christmas break coming up, the final few rounds of action in the Limerick Desmond League could prove crucial some sides, who look to affirm their title credentials across the divisions.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Broadford Utd 0-2 Rathkeale
In a repeat of last years play-off final, Rathkeale turned the tables on Broadford United, on the road. It was a quick-fire double early in that final that gave United the title, but a quick-fire double proved decisive here. Chris Carey and Michael Mulcahy netted late in the half to more Rathkeale onto six points from three outings.

Abbeyfeale United 2-1 Glin Rovers
It has been a struggle to date for Abbeyfeale but they dug deep here to climb up the table. John Wallace had Glin ahead 1-0 at half-time. His strike midway through the opening half was cancelled out by Jack Quinlivan’s scrappy effort. Liam Collins headed in a winner which gets United off the mark this season.

Creeves Celtic 2-0 Athea Utd
Goals from Aaron Gillane and James Naughton were enough tomove Creeves clear at the top, with four wins from four. Two mistakes at the back cost Athea, in what was a scrappy encounter. The inter-county GAA men both benefiting from slack United defending. Athea enter their League Cup semi-final on Thursday, struggling for their best form after a more productive Autumn. Creeves move further clear, as they become favourites to lift a first ever Premier Division title.

Weekly Observer Division One
Glin Rovers B 2-2 St. Itas
Peter Mulcahy and PJ Bourke both netted for St. Ita’s who may be happy with a point having recovered from a two-nil interval deficit. An own goal and Daniel Pereira had the home side in a strong position. It is back-to-back draws for St. Ita’s.

Rathkeale B 1-8 Ballingarry
Despite being reduced to ten men after just half an hour, Ballingarry eased to victory, with an emphatic victory away to neighbours, Rathkeale. Mark Danaher, Eoin Lynch and Dean Clancy all chipped in with a brace, while Mike Molloy and Aaron Smith also found the net. Rathkeale had a pair of players sent off late on, on what was a difficult afternoon for the B’s.

Granagh Utd 1-2 Dromore United
A late, late Barry Walsh effort was needed for Dromore United to take the points against Granagh United. Shaun Barry had put the Kildimo Pallaskenry side ahead from a free-kick, before Paudie Murphy equlised. It appeared as though it would stay level, only for the experienced Walsh to pounce for the winner.

Weekly Observer Division Two League Cup Group B
Shountrade 3-0 Ballysteen – W/O to Shountrade
Ballysteen failed to field again, and thus Shountrade progress to the semi-finals.

Knockaderry 4-1 Abbeyfeale Utd B
Knockaderry claimed the win needed to win this cup group – all five goals arrived in the opening half. Abbeyfeale opened the scoring after just two minutes, before Rob Egan replied, all inside ten minutes. Eddie Foley, Ronan Keating and Bryan Hartigan were all on target as they took a strong interval lead which they wouldn’t relinquish.

Division Two League Cup semi-finals: Knockaderry v NCW Town Reserves, Ballingarry B v Shountrade

Weekly Observer Division Two
Ballingarry B 3-2 Mountcollins
Despite trailing to a 15^th minute Mountcollins effort, a brace of Francis Kiely efforts had Ballingarry B in control. They looked assured of the spoils when Alan Cronin netted their third but Mountcollins made it interesting when putting the minimum between the sides late on.

Newcastle West Town Reserves 8-1 Feenagh
It was an easy afternoon for NCW’s second string in Woodfield on Sunday afternoon. Feenagh were second best throughout. Goals from Jack Kelliher (2), Tony Quaid (2), Seán Bolger, Seoirse Joyce, James O’Sullivan and Patrick Noonan helped the home side to another three points.

Weekly Observer Division Three
Breska Rovers B 2-1 Carrig Celtic
Goals from Orin Garvey’s penalty, and a Barry O’Connor effort had Breska in a great position early on. The loss of a defender to a red card, as well as the concession of the resultant penalty, meant they were under pressure. Despite over 70 minutes a man light, Rovers beat the league leaders to keep the bottom tier very interesting.

Glantine 1-2 Dromore Utd B
Goals from Kevin Madden and Brian Howard either side of a Glantines penalty, scored by Chris Scannell, meant that Dromore United B did enough to claim the points on the road. They will be among at least three sides who will fancy their chances at winning this competitive looking division.

Limerick Desmond Youths Cup Quarter Final
Broadford Utd 2-2 Shountrade (Broadford win 5-4 on penalties)
It took penalties to separate these sides after an entertaining two-two draw. Shountrade can count themselves unlucky but Broadford prevailed on the dreaded spot kicks.

Newcastle West Town 1-0 Askeaton-Kilcornan
An early strike from Diarmuid Lyons was the difference between these sides on Thursday evening.

Desmond Youths Cup semi-finals: Dromore United v Newcastle West Town, Broadford United v Glin Rovers.

Youths Division 1 Semi Final 1^st Leg
Askeaton-Kilcornan 6-1 Abbeyfeale Utd
Once again, Zach Birdthistle was the main man for Askeaton Kilcornan, as they took a strong lead in their second leg with Abbeyfeale United. Sambulo Ngubane and John Connors’ brace was more than enough to see off a disappointing Abbeyfeale side.

Youths Division 2 Semi Final 2^nd Leg
Granagh United 0-0 Breska Rovers (Granagh win 2-1 on aggregate)
A stalemate was enough for Granagh United to progress to the Division Two decider with Glin Rovers. Breska met a well drilled home defence and lose out after the first leg loss in Clarina.