Five Limerick sides advance to FAI Junior Cup sixth round

Four out of five Limerick District League sides made it through to the last 32 of the New Balance FAI Junior Cup last weekend while Glin Rovers of the Desmond League joined the district quartet. Regional, Aisling Annacotty, Newport Town and Pike Rovers will represent Limerick District in the next round. 

Unfortunately, the only Limerick side to be eliminated were Geraldines who were defeated on penalties in Donegal by Glengad. Karl Turner gave the Dines the lead before it looked as though the Donegal men had secured the win with a goal midway through the second half. However, Shane Byrne equalised and after a goalless extra-time period, Glengad emerged victorious on penalties. 

Pike Rovers had to come from behind to advance at the expense of St. Kevin’s Boys of Dublin. After going behind to an early strike, Steven McGann equalised before the break. Despite having centre-back Eddie O’Donovan sent off in the second half, goal poacher Johnathan Grant showed his worth with the winning goal. The Hoops were forced to defend under severe pressure but held out for a big win. 

Regional United showed their credentials with a superb 1-6 away win to Killarney Celtic. Killarney were fancied to advance but Regional made light work of their more reputable opponents with Clyde O’Connell among the scorers. Local football enthusiasts are beginning to take notice of the Dooradoyle outfit. 

Aisling Annacotty secured an impressive 0-4 win over Blarney of Cork on Saturday afternoon. A brace apiece for Jason Lipper and Aaron Murphy gave Mike Aherne’s side a valuable win. 

Newport Town were the final Limerick team to advance to the sixth round after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Carbury FC. The game finished 2-2 after extra-time as Sean Ryan rescued a draw for Marc Barry’s men with five minutes remaining. However, Newport should have had the game wrapped up before falling behind as they hit the woodwork three times, including an effort from player-coach Dave Ryan. There were scenes of wild celebrations as the winning spot kick was converted and the Galtee Fuels 1B side kept the unlikely dream alive.

Limerick Desmond League side Glin Rovers won in dramatic fashion against Lakewood Athletic in a penalty shootout. Lakewood were favourites for the game and went 0-2 up. However, a great fightback from Glin saw Edmond Horan and Shane Culhane level the score for the home side and send it to penalties where Oliver Wallace scored the winning penalty for Glin. 

Next weekend, Ballynanty Rovers will contest their fifth round away tie against Muirhevna Mor of Dundalk (2pm). They will be hoping to become the fifth Limerick team to enter the draw for the last 32.