Attention turns to Munster Junior Cup this weekend

There are six games taking place in the Munster Junior Cup this Sunday as focus switches from the FAI Junior Cup. There is just one all premier tie with many lower league sides looking to create notable shocks. All games kick off at 11am. 

Nenagh take on Ballynanty in Tipperary and although both sides are in the premier division, they have had contrasting seasons. Balla are currently third in the table having been unbeaten for 12 league games. On the other hand Nenagh are third from bottom and just outside the relegation zone.

Two heavy defeats to Regional in recent weeks will do nothing to improve the mood. It has been a tough two years since the Tipperary based outfit took both Janesboro and Pike to the last day of the season in a bid for the premier division title. Ballynanty will be firm favourites and bounced back from two defeats in recent weeks to go through in the FAI Junior Cup last week.

Two Division 1A sides meet as Holycross take on Moyross. Both sides were relegated from the premier division last season and outside of last week’s loss to Regional, Frank Hogan’s Moyross have been in good form in recent weeks. Holycross had a poor start on their return to the lower league but have managed to climb clear of the bottom half sides recently. It will be a tight game on Sunday. 

Pike Rovers and Regional will be expected to advance when they take on Caherdavin Celtic and Brazuca United respectively. Brazuca are the lowest ranked side in the competition as the 3B team defeated 1A side Summerville to advance. Regional are in great form recently and will be extremely difficult to stop.

Division 2A Hyde Rangers host local rivals Prospect Priory. Prospect will be expected to advance but Hyde have already produced a giant killing this season when they defeated Kilmallock in the FAI Junior Cup. Prospect will be aware of the challenge facing them. Kilmallock face Caherconlish in the final Munster Junior fixture of the weekend.

Also, there are two Munster Youth Cup games as Charleville entertain Nenagh and Aisling Annacotty host Mungret. Both games kick off at 7pm on Saturday evening. In the PJ Matthews Premier League, Fariview welcome Aisling Annacotty to the Fairgreen. Jason Purcell’s men will be looking to bounce back after exiting the FAI Junior Cup last weekend. They have the chance to close the gap on the top four to four points.

In the other game, Carew Park face a daunting task as they travel to near neighbours Janesboro at Pearse Stadium. Following well documented problems and a heavy defeat to fellow relegation rivals Charleville, it is hard to see anything other than a victory for ‘Boro. Aidan Ryan and Shane O’Hanlon’s men can climb to the top of the league with a victory.

All in all it promises to be a busy weekend of action with some decent games down for decision.