Four Limerick sides advance in Munster Junior Cup

Four out of five Limerick District League sides progressed to the Munster Junior Cup quarter-finals over the weekend. Ballynanty, Kilmallock, Pike Rovers and Geraldines enjoyed victories but on the other hand, Regional were narrowly beaten by Newmarket Celtic at Dooradoyle.

Ballynanty Rovers got the ball rolling with a 1-2 away victory over Grattan United in Cork on Saturday afternoon. Despite falling behind, late first half goals from Kenneth Meehan and Eddie Byrnes provided Donal Magee’s men for the victory. The win was slightly soured by a late red card for centre-back Shane Guerin who will miss out on the quarter final against local rivals Geraldines at the Garryowen Green.

They were joined by Geraldines who enjoyed a comfortable victory over Kilkenny side Piltown. Piltown play in the O’Neill’s Waterford second division which gave Derek Hannon’s side a great opportunity. Dean McNamara gave the Garryowen outfit a 1-0 lead at half time before a Shane Byrne penalty and a Karl Turner third wrapped up the win. As previously mentioned, Geraldines will now host Ballynanty in the quarter final which ensures at least one Limerick team will compete in the semi-final.

County side Killmallock also progressed following a narrow 1-0 win over Sporting Ennistymon in Lahinch on Sunday. Killmallock were 1-0 victors in the last round when a late Barry Sheedy goal was enough. A Paul Doona penalty was decisive in this encounter. Despite struggling in the league, Kilmallock now welcome renowned Tipperary outfit St. Michaels to Limerick in the quarter-final.

Pike Rovers were made to work hard for the victory over Waterford Premier League leaders Hibernian at the Pike Rovers Sportsground. Hibernian took the lead midway through the first half as the Pike defence were caught square by a ball over the top and a neat finish deceived Gary Neville.

Mick Sheil’s side responded well and scored a crucial goal just before half time as Stephen McGann headed home from a Paddy O’Malley corner. The Crosagalla outfit started the second half quickly and substitute Eoin Hanrahan bundled the ball home following a mistake from the visiting goalkeeper. The tie was wrapped up with ten minutes remaining as McGann beat the offside trap and squared for the supporting Johnathan Grant to tap home.

Unfortunately, FAI Junior Cup quarter-finalists Regional United’s double dreams ended after a 1-0 defeat against a strong Newmarket side. Shane O’Donoghue’s side were dealt a big blow when centre-back Clyde O’Connell was sent off in the first half. Newmarket took the lead in the second half and with ten men the home side were unable to unlock the stubborn Clare league leaders defence. Regional can now fully concentrate on next week’s crucial league clash against Pike Rovers and the FAI Junior Cup quarter final against Sheriff YC.

In the PJ Matthews Premier League, Charleville picked up a surprise 1-0 victory away to Prospect Priory courtesy of a Pat O’Callaghan first half strike. Janesboro extended their lead at the top of the league to four points as a second half Kevin Barry hattrick inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Nenagh in Tipperary. Aisling Annacotty enjoyed a 6-1 win over Carew Park in Annacotty. Jason Lipper (x2), Ben Banaghan, Colm O’Reilly, James Cleary and Killian Maloney were the scorers for the home side.