Desmond League: Silverware for Town as Broadford reach Desmond Cup final

There was significant Desmond Cup action at both Youths and Junior level. There was mixed fortunes for Broadford United, but in turn silverware for Newcastle West Town, who deservedly claimed the Desmond Youths Cup. There was a somewhat curtailed schedule of action around the leagues, as some sides try to play catch up with their games in hand.

Weekly Observer Desmond Youths Cup Final
Newcastle West Town 4-1 Broadford Utd
The blue ribband event of the Youths season saw Newcastle West Town come from behind to dominate old rivals Broadford United. In a high-tempo encounter at league headquarters, Mick Hanley Park, a hat-trick from Cathal Hayes was ultimately the difference. Jack Hogan had fired United ahead inside the opening quarter-hour, but the reply was swift from Town. Hayes levelled the tie and he was on hand to put his side 2-1 ahead approaching the half hour. Josh Joyce, the team captain held his nerve from 12-yards to open up a strong lead before half time. Noel Murphy’s side made sure in the second period, thanks to the final goal of the evening as MOTM Hayes rounded off his treble.

Weekly Observer Desmond Cup Semi Final
Broadford Utd 2-1 Glin Rovers
Twenty-four hours after their Youths suffered Desmond Cup heartache, the Broadford United Juniors suffered no such worries with a fine semi-final win over an in-form Glin Rovers. Having conceded early, Ray Lynch’s side didn’t panic and turned the tables on a recently water-tight Glin side. Gary Culhane’s early penalty had Sean Normile’s men ahead but Colm Ryan, after 30 minutes, tied this contest. The winner arrived via youngster Adam O’Kelly early in the second-half. Having missed out last evening in the quarter-final 12 months ago, United are now just 90 minutes away from glory against Rathkeale or Granagh United – who meet next weekend. 

Riedy Cup 2^nd Round
Rathkeale B 2-1 Dromore Utd (AET)
Rathkeale pulled off something of a surprise when defeating Dromore United to progress to the Riedy Cup quarter-finals. Leading through Mark Hogan, a mistake at the back allowed the visitors to level through Shaun Barry. But not to be outdone, an extra-time effort from Craig Switzer saw Rathkeale, struggling for league form, progress to the last eight where they will face Newcastle West Towns Division Two side at home.

Weekly Observer Division One
Ballingarry 1-1 Askeaton-Kilcornan (Friday)
Aaron Smith’s goal just before the interval was cancelled out by an own goal just after it. While Ballingarry would have been hunting the three points, the draw ensures their spot at the top, regardless of what Dromore United do in their games in hand.

Glin Rovers B 1-3 Granagh Utd (Friday)
Richie Walsh, Alier Ajuong and Adam Hourigan were all on target against struggling Glin Rovers who saw Alerrandro Filipe on target. With two games remaining for Rovers, they’ll need at least one more positive result to survive. 

Granagh Utd 0-3 Askeaton-Kilcornan
Goals from Kenneth O’Donoghue and Rob Carrig in the first half put the visitors firmly in control. Any late push for a title or indeed promotion will require near perfection from a side who were much more consistent in the first half of the season. A further effort from Sam Duggan meant there was little doubt over

St. Itas 2-1 Shannonside
Goals from Peter Mulcahy and the reliable TJ Kelly were just enough to see off Shannonside who found the target through Adam Bennett. St. Ita’s look like pushing Ballingarry and Dromore all the way for promotion.

Weekly Observer Division Two
Feenagh 1-2 Knockaderry
Despite a Ronan O’Connor effort in the second half Feenagh fell to a home defeat to Knockaderry who keep their promotion push alive.

Shountrade 1-5 Newcastle West Town Reserves
Newcastle West’s second string leapfrogged Knockaderry into the top two on Sunday. With both hunting promotion and maybe even league leaders Ballingarry B, this is an important three points. Games in-hand count for little unless the win is secured. Goals from

Shountrade, meanwhile, need something soon to avoid the drop to the bottom tier.

Feenagh 4-2 Ballysteen
Sunday afternoon was a bit kinder to Feenagh who collected three points against Ballysteen. A brace from John O’Gorman, as well one each of Liam O’Gorman and Ronan O’Connor means they drag Ballysteen into relegation peril, with walkovers possibly going to hurt some of the sides near the foot of the table.

Weekly Observer Division Three
Glantine 0-2 Askeaton-Kilcornan B
Goals from Evan Costello and Charlie Desmond gave Askeaton Kilcornan a much-needed win on Saturday evening, which saw them leapfrog Glantine, who are now realistically out of the running for the League title.

Kilcolman Rovers 1-2 Breska Rovers B (played in Clarina)
Two late goals from Tom Clancy gave Breska Rovers a much-needed boost in their bid to climb the table. The visitors, who lost home advantage with Ardagh unplayable a couple of times let through an own goal after a mix-up. But the home side finished strongly and two goals in 5 second-half minutes grabbed them the points.


Youths Division Three League Cup