Broadford United close the gap in Limerick Desmond League

There was a weather-impacted Limerick Desmond League this weekend, as the poor weather from Thursday, Friday and Saturday saw all bar three games take place. Only games in Kilcornan and Glin went ahead, with this just the second weekend of the season significantly impacted by poor weather.

We are little closer to knowing who will win the various Divisions, but it is clear, that last seasons runners-up, Broadford United are now standing out as real challengers to early pace-setters, Rathkeale. There will be a strain on sides in the coming weekends, with the return of club GAA likely to stretch the depth of many squads.


Weekly Observer Premier Division
Glin Rovers 2-4 Broadford United
Broadford United continued their pursuit of Rathkeale, with a come-from-behind win on the road against Glin Rovers. These sides were 3^rd and 2^nd before the clash. Interestingly, Broadford haven’t tasted defeat in over three years of action in the League, last losing to Rathkeale in January 2020. Covid aside, they have been in impressive form in recent times, though they missed out to Abbeyfeale United due to too many draws last season. It was a quality game in Glin with the home side taking the lead through Paul Sheehan on 30 minutes thanks to a curling effort. Stalwarts Ray Lynch and Michael Brosnan combined to reply immediately for United, the latter shooting home from 20 yards. It was level at half-time. Glin, who have let leads slip in other games this season, went ahead just minutes into the second half. Jack Sheehan lobbed the Broadford custodian from inside the area. Powerful defender James Molyneaux headed home to make it 2-2, from a Brosnan corner. The lead goal for Jim Neenan’s side arrive when Jack Hogan’s cross found Alan Fitzpatrick’s head who found the net. The points were secured when Ray Lynch finished off a counter-attack, Ciaran O’Sullivan feeding Fitzpatrick, who left it for Lynch to fire to the net.

Broadford are now one point behind Rathkeale, with a game in hand. Glin slip down too fourth, with four points now the gap between these.

Kilcornan 1-2 Abbeyfeale United
Abbeyfeale again were able to look upwards in the League table, adding to their recent win in Newcastle West. They took more points on the road, defeating Kilcornan, coming from behind to take the win. The home side led, 1-0, scoring from a corner late in the half. Abbeyfeale were patient and netted twice in quick-succession, when Billy Quirke added to his tally for the season with a brace

Kilcornan are not in real danger of getting cut adrift in the drop zone, they remain six points behind the safety zone but do still have half their games to add to their five draws to date.  Abbeyfeale climb to third, above both Breska Rovers and Glin.

Ballingarry v Breska Rovers – OFF

Granagh Utd v Rathkeale AFC – OFF

Riedy Cup 1^st Round
Glin Rovers B 4-0 Broadford Utd B

Glin Rovers eased into the second round with a four-nil triumph over Broadford United B. James Broderick and Johnie Sullivan had them 2-0 up at half time, with Billy Hogan and Broderick on target after the restart. It has been a decent season for Glin, particularly at home. They’ve plenty to play for heading into the business end of the League season.

Weekly Observer Division 1 
Newcastle West Reserves v Dromroe Utd – OFF
Shannonside FC v Rathkeale B – OFF

Weekly Observer Division 2 
Ballingarry B v Mountcollins AFC – OFF

Weekly Observer Division 3 

Breska Rovers B V Shannonside FC B – OFF

Riedy Cup 2^nd Round (extra time & penalties if required) 

St. Itas v Dromore Utd B – OFF

Ballysteen v Shountrade – OFF