FAI Junior Cup is the main feature this weekend

The FAI Junior Cup and Lawson Cup semi-finals take place this weekend in Limerick. As we await to find out the verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Aisling Annacotty are preparing for two possible outcomes this weekend.

If Regional United win their appeal against their dismissal from the FAI Junior Cup, both Limerick sides will face off on Saturday evening at Jackman Park (7pm). However, if the Limerick District league side are unsuccessful, Aisling will have to travel to Dublin to face Sheriff YC.

It is a daunting prospect for Mike Aherne’s young side but his team’s performances in the competition so far have belied their years. Two away wins against much fancied Ballymun and Westport displayed a lot of character.

Despite the positive extraordinary achievement from his side, Aherne has been quick to play down his side’s chances of winning the competition on several occasions. Although this may be a case of reverse psychology, it would be an extremely difficult task to overturn Sheriff in Dublin.

Sheriff are a very experienced side with the likes of former League of Ireland duo John Lester and Anto Flood available to manager Mark Quigley.

Although they have contested finals for the majority of the past ten years, Regional did show that an energetic performance for a full 90 minutes can force mistakes and tiredness from Sheriff, as was evident during their late rally to win the controversial semi-final 3-2 after falling two goals behind.

Key to Annacotty’s success has been the goal scoring exploits of Jason Lipper who has played many games at centre-back this year also. Obviously, the Limerick side will be hoping for an all-Limerick clash with Regional.

On paper, the trip to Dublin appears to be tougher, especially when you consider Aherne and his management team will be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Regional team having played the Dooradoyle club in the league.

The outcome of the hearing could have further implications for the local premier division title race also. Janesboro have also lodged an appeal against the eligibility of Sosuke Kimura like their Dublin counterparts.

If Kimura is found to be illegal, Janesboro will be awarded three points despite losing to Regional and in the process will take a major step towards retaining their league title.

In the Lawson Cup, the situation is far more straight forward. Pike Rovers host Division 1B league leaders Hill Celtic with the winners facing Fairview Rangers in the final after their superb 4-2 victory over Janesboro last weekend.

It will be an extremely tough task for the Hogan Park based club but they do have plenty of former premier division experience in their ranks such as ex Regional and Corbally player Kenneth Nealon and former Carew Park player Pa Boyle.

Exciting winger Alex Purcell who once starred in the FAI junior Cup final for Ballynanty, is also playing for the southisde club.

Pike enter the game off the back of a big penalty shoot-out victory over Newmarket Celtic in the Munster Junior Cup. Johnathan Grant equalised for the Limerick side after falling behind and goalkeeper Gary Neville was the hero in the penalty shoot-out, saving three spot kicks.

With the Tuohy Cup already in the bag, Mick Sheil will be desperate to continue the challenge for a domestic treble and a quadruple overall with the Munster Junior Cup included.

With a curtailed fixture list in the league due to the upheaval, Ballynanty will have to wait patiently to see if they will face Regional in Dooradoyle which totally depends on the outcome of the FAI Junior Cup appeal hearing.

There is an exciting end to the season in Galtee Fuels Division 1A with the league title and final relegation spot to be decided. Second place Mungret host Cappamore while leaders Coonagh travel to Fedamore to face Castle Rovers. Both sides are already promoted to the premier division.

Castle Rovers need to win in order to avoid relegation to Division 1B while Aisling Annacotty B, Cappamore and Corbally United are still not safe. Corbally host Moyross on the final night knowing that a draw should be enough for survival.