Five Limerick sides advance to the last 16 of the Munster Junior Cup

Geraldines, Pike Rovers, Kilmallock, Regional United and Ballynanty Rovers all advanced to the last 16 of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday but Holycross departed following a home defeat to Sporting Ennistymon of Clare.

Prospect Priory will have to play their last 32 tie with Pearse Celtic again as the game in Cork was abandoned due to a bad injury to a Pearse Celtic player. Derek Braddish side will now receive home advantage for the replay. The match was abandoned at half time with the score at 1-1. Pearse Celtic had taken the lead but Prospect equalised through.

Holycross were beaten 3-2 at home by midtable Clare premier division outfit Sporting Ennistymon. Michael Costelloe’s side gave a good account of themselves but came up just short. Ryan Glynn and Chris Browne were on the scoresheet for the Galtee Fuels Division 1A side.

Pike Rovers defeated City Wanderers at Crosagalla on a 3-2 scoreline. Mick Sheil’s side went ahead through Wayne O’Donovan’s penalty before new recruit Ian Fletcher doubled the Hoops lead with a great strike. Wanderers pulled one back before Paddy O’Malley restored the two goal lead. The visitors ensured it would be a nervy last few minutes with a second goal but the reigning Munster Junior champions held on to secure their place in the next round.

Regional United continued their great form in cup competitions with a 0-2 win over Peake Villa of Tipperary. Pat McDonagh and Evan Cusack were on the scoresheet for the Dooradoyle men. It was a big win for Shane O’Donoghue’s side as Peake are currently second in the Tipperary Southern and District League behind a rampant St. Michaels. Regional are now in the last 16 of both the FAI Junior and Munster Junior Cups.

Ballynanty Rovers joined their top four rivals in the last 16 with a tense penalty shootout victory over Killarney Celtic. The game ended 0-0 after extra-time with Donal Magee’s men winning 3-1 in the shootout. Kilmallock secured a superb 0-1 victory over Clare high flyers Avenue United with former Limerick FC player Barry Sheedy grabbing a late goal to send the county Limerick side through.

Geraldines ensured it would be a great weekend for Limerick sides as they comprehensively defeated Cork outfit Douglas Hall 3-0 at Garryowen Green. Shane Byrne gave Geraldines the lead in the early stages and goals from Karl Turner and Donie Curtin secured the victory. The club reached the final of the competition in 2014 only to be defeated by St. Michaels at Jackman Park.

Janesboro made it through to the next round of the Lawson Cup with victory over 1b table toppers Kilfrush. Tyrique Leamy scored a penalty to equalise for the home side but two goals apiece from Shane Clarke and Keith Mawdsley earned the win for ‘Boro.

The Carew Park and Nenagh game in the PJ Matthews Premier Division was abandoned due to a clash of heads. We wish both players a speedy recovery. Charleville AFC Youths made it through to the fifth round of the Munster Youths Cup with a 2-0 win over College Corinthians with Cian McNamara and Jorge Gustavo scoring the goals.