Cup action in focus as Premier Division takes a break

There are a number of competitive fixtures taking place in a range of competitions this week in Limerick with teams competing in the Tuohy Cup, FAI Junior Cup and leagues.

There is no action in the Limerick District League Premier Division.

Firstly, Pike Rovers and Regional meet this evening in the Touhy Cup at Jackman Park (7pm).

Viewers will be hoping for a closer encounter than the Ballynanty victory over Mungret at the same venue just a week ago.

Pike are the holders of the competition after beating Janesboro in last season’s final. Pike enter the game off the back of a 10-0 thrashing of Athlunkard Villa B in the Munster Junior Cup.

Robbie Williams will see the Touhy Cup as a big chance to win the first silverware of his managerial career.

On Saturday evening, attention turns to the FAI Junior Cup and the all Premier Division affair between Aisling Annacotty and Geraldines in Annacotty (7pm).

Both sides met already in the league this season with Geraldines running out comprehensive 4-0 winners.

Manager Mike Aherne has added brothers Thomas and Shane Clarke since then, and with both players reaching the latter rounds of major competitions with former club Janesboro in recent years,
their experience may be invaluable.

Outside of that, many of the current Annacotty squad have recent experience of reaching last year’s FAI Junior Cup semi final.

Last season’s competition was shrouded in controversy and Annacotty feel they never received a fair hearing following the dismissal of their appeal against an ineligible player for semi final opponents Sheriff YC.

In fact, Annacotty were the victims of a long protracted process themselves when Westport objected to their quarter final win on the grounds that Arron Murphy was illegally starting. The FAI Senior Council dismissed the appeal, but it took weeks to finish.

In the only other all Premier Division tie, Janesboro host Coonagh at Pearse Stadium on Sunday morning (10.30). Both sides drew 2-2 a few short weeks ago in the league with Coonagh fighting back to claim a draw.

John Spillane’s men have surprised many with some results including victory over Regional United and earning some credible draws. Janesboro will be hoping that last week’s 2-1 victory over Premier A side Hill Celtic will stand to them ahead of the game.

Star Rovers will be looking to cause one of the biggest upsets in the cup when they entertain Fairview Rangers at Lee Estate.

Fairview have enjoyed a good run of form recently and with the recent additions of Clyde O’Connell and Stephen Bradley, they certainly have the squad in terms of numbers and reputation, to rival any on the junior scene in Ireland.

It will be difficult to keep all members of such a big squad happy especially considering Purcell has two goalkeepers of the standard of Aaron Wall and Aaron Savage at his disposal.

However, Fairview signed such a big squad to be able to compete in all major competitions and are looking to get back to the halcyon days of the 1990’s and early noughties, where a packed Fairgreen on a Sunday was
the norm for big FAI Junior Cup clashes.