Ballynanty Rovers too good for Rathkeale, wins for Abbeyfeale United and Glin Rovers

The weather had an heavy impact on the action across the Desmond League with virtually all the games succumbing to be heavy rain seen all week. Those still standing did create some drama, but there was to be no joy for Rathkeale who found Limerick District outfit Ballynanty a bridge too far.

Munster Junior Cup, 4^th Round
Rathkeale 0-3 Ballynanty Rovers
The Desmond Leagues involvement ended in Holycross on Sunday afternoon, as Limerick District Premier Division side, Ballynanty Rovers proved too strong. They led courtesy of veteran attacker Adrian Power. Another long serving junior player, Aidan Hurley, who recently clocked up 600 junior appearances, doubled the lead at the interval. Habideen Gbedebo rounded off the scoring for the visitors to book a last 16 spot. For Rathkeale, the focus will quickly switch to regaining their league title, and they are in a strong position to do so, currently clear of Glin Rovers at the top of the Premier Division table.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Glin Rovers 5-3 Ballingarry
Glin Rovers returned to winning ways after suffering consecutive defeats either side of Christmas. The faced a resurgent Ballingarry but in a goal-fest, it was home advantage which counted in the end. Jack Sheehan and Gary Culhane had Rovers 2-0 up after 30 minutes. Declan Nash halved the deficit. Shane Culhane scored directly from a corner to make it 3-1 at the interval.

Nash grabbed a second which gave Ballingarry hope, but Paul Sheehan restored the cushion. Ballingarry set up a grandstand finish, now trailing 4-3, with Kevin Forde on target. Paul Sheehan got the eight and final goal to make it 5-3 but Ballingarry still had time to hit the bar with a penalty. Glin move back to second spot while Ballingarry remain in fourth place.

Abbeyfeale United 5-0 Granagh United
A first win of the League season for Abbeyfeale United, who were far too strong for basement boys, Granagh United. A brace each for Jamie O’Connor, Kieran Wynne and a Joe Weir strike did the damage at Riverside Park. The win adds to two draws already seen for Abbeyfeale, who have some games in hand on some of the sides ahead of them in the table. They climb to 5^th.

Division One
Dromore United 2-0 Shountrade
A goal in either half from Eoin Mulvihill gave Dromore United a welcomed three points at home to struggling Shountrade. These sides had drawn earlier in the season.

Athea United 7-1 Newcastle West Town Reserves
Athea United put one hand on the First Division title with another win, their eight in nine outings. With a smaller second tier, they have just five games remaining, and hold a nine point advantage over the chasing pack. Kevin Murphy helped himself to a hat-trick, his efforts making it 3-1 early in the second half. Charlie Power had briefly made it 2-1. The goals flowed in the final 30 minutes, with Andrew O’Riordan (2), Sean Ryan and Shane Scanlon all on target.

Division Two
Glantine 2-2 Mountcollins
A local derby played under lights in Templeglantine on Saturday evening saw four goals shared evenly.