Geraldines kick off opening night with victory

The opening two fixtures of the Limerick District League Premier Division produced five goals as Geraldines picked up a victory over Nenagh while Kilmallock and Ballynanty played out a 1-1 draw in Kilmallock.

Geraldines management team of Derek Hannon and Bobby Tier will be delighted with the start following a tough trek to Nenagh for a midweek fixture.

Striker Ian O’Donoghue opened the scoring for the Garryowen outfit before they were pegged back as Bryan McGhee equalised for the Tipperary outfit. Former Granville player Clifton Carey grabbed the winner in the second half to grab the three points ahead of a big home tie with Pike on Sunday.

Kilmallock will be happy with their start to the season following the draw with last year’s title challengers Ballynanty Rovers. Paul Moloney gave the home side the lead before Adrian Power equalised for the Northsiders on his debut after signing from Janesboro.

The rest of the first round fixtures of the Premier Division will be played this coming Thursday. The pick of the ties is the meeting of last year’s league champions Janesboro and runners-up Pike Rovers. The game will take place at Crosagalla (6.30). Janesboro have recently added former Limerick FC goalkeeper Tommy Holland and Regional United player Pat McDonagh.

Aisling Annacotty host Regional United without the services of goalkeeper Stephen Walsh who was recently sidelined for 6 months with a nasty shoulder injury. Regional have lost the services of Alan Murphy, Clyde O’Connell and Jack Lynch to the Airtricity League and will be adding players from last year’s successful youth team.

Mungret Regional begin life back in the Premier Division with a tough assignment against Fairview Rangers who are one of the bookmakers favourites for the league following a strong recruitment drive during the summer. Coonagh United host Prospect Priory in Coonagh and will be making their first appearance in the top flight of Limerick junior soccer.