Aisling Annacotty Edge out Regional United in Close Encounter

The Limerick District League Premier Division season got back underway following a ten-month wait on Thursday evening with plenty of goals and entertainment on offer. All six games were down for decision and a whopping 28 goals were scored with the majority of games being one-sided affairs.

Arguably, the tie of the evening pitted Aisling Annacotty against Regional United in Annacotty. Aisling are led by Shane O;’Hanlon and he introduced five new faces into his starting line-up with Blake Curran and Eoin Murphy starting at right-back and centre-back respectively. Former Adare man David O’Mahoney was joined in midfield by Shane Tracy and former Murroe playmaker Liam Quinn.

The recently returned Adam Foley started on the right flank with Newcastle West native Shane Stack on the left with the ever-reliable Shane Clarke leading the line. Possibly the biggest surprise was the fact that former Janesboro left-back Aled Harkin played in goals due to the absence of Brian O’Connor for work reasons.

Regional United are once again managed by Tom O’Connell who will be assisted by Shane O’Donoghue. Due to injuries, O’Connell could only name a squad of 14 for the game with many familiar faces including Robert Shier, Andrew Cowpar, Kieran O’Connell and Ross Fitzgerald starting. New signing Evan O’Connor started in defence.

Regional took an early lead through Ewan O’Brien before Shane Clarke converted a penalty to equalise for the home side. Long-time Regional stalwart Kieran O’Connell regained their lead but Adam Foley scored a second equaliser. Winger Shane Stack grabbed the winner to hand the home side all three points during a tough opener.

Annacotty will now travel to familiar territory for both O’Hanlon and assistant Percy Ryan when they make the trip to Pearse Stadium to take on Janesboro. Regional United will host Prospect Priory at Dooradoyle as both sides look to get off the mark.

Aisling Annacotty: Aled Harkin, Blake Curran, Thomas Clarke, Eoin Murphy, Killian Maloney, Shane Tracy, David O’Mahoney, Liam Quinn, Shane Stack, Adam Foley (Hugo O’Hanluain), Shane Clarke

Regional United: Robert Shier, Tommy Frawley, Andrew Cowpar, Evan O’Connor, Sean Madigan, Ross Fitzgerald, Kieran O’Connell, Donal O’Connell, Patrick McDonagh, Ewan O’Brien, Jack Arra, Subs Used: Killian Kingston