FAI Junior Cup takes centre stage as six Limerick sides look to progress

The FAI Junior Cup 5th round takes place this weekend with six Limerick clubs looking to progress to the next round. Division 1B side Shelbourne face a huge task as they travel to Galway to face Mervue on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30 pm).

Mervue have been to the latter stages of the competition regularly in the past. However, Shelbourne have nothing to lose as few are expecting the Limerick club to progress and it is a great opportunity for Niall Hogan’s team to cause an upset.

On Sunday afternoon, Coonagh United travel to Dublin off the back of a 4-1 win over Kennedy Park last weekend to play Dingle at Dublin Institute of Technology (kick-off 2.30 pm). Like their neighbours Shelbourne, Coonagh are running a bus to the game in anticipation of one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

Janesboro entertain Wexford based club North End United and are one of the few Limerick sides expected to progress despite the tough nature of the draw. The game kicks off at Pearse Stadium at 2 pm. Regional United play St. Peters FC in Dooradoyle at 2pm.

Ray Lynch will be hoping that his side can take their league form into the cup to continue the run. Hill Celtic host Pike Rovers in the all Limerick clash at Hogan Park. With one Limerick side guaranteed to progress, Mick Shiels Pike will be big favourites to represent Limerick in the next round. However, 1B Kilfrush brought the Crossagalla outfit to extra-time in the re-arranged 4th round game which is sure to give Hill Celtic confidence heading into the tie.

There are three fixtures taking place in the PJ Matthews Premier League with all games kicking off at 11am. Moyross make the trip to the southside to take on Albert Slattery’s Carew Park. Moyross had a crucial win in their basement battle with Holycross. The northside club displaced Charleville and moved out of the relegation zone.

A win this weekend would keep them clear of the dropzone. Rivals Charleville travel to the Fairgreen to take on Fairview. Jason Purcell’s Fairview have had a slow start to the campaign and have won just three games from 10. A win for Charleville could drag Fairview right into the relegation dogfight with just seven points separating the sides.

Bottom club Holycross host Ballynanty with both clubs in desperate need of a victory for different reasons. Holycross are still in search of a first victory of the season and Ballynanty will be hoping to bounce back from a heavy defeat at the hands of Kilmallock last time out.