As the ground starts to get softer, points are hard earned across the four tiers of Desmond League action. Most sides are now underway in League action, with a trickle of Premier Division sides yet to get going on that front. With other codes coming to a conclusion, any observer would imagine that all teams can now take to the field near full-strength.
There was 37 goals in nine games, with four clean sheets across 18 sides it was another busy weekend in west Limerick.
Weekly Observer Premier Division
Ballingarry AFC 1-5 Glin Rovers
This Premier Division clash, the first under lights at the Paddocks went along the form lines for both sides. It was a first league outing for both and Glin have maintained their good League Cup form. Ballingarry continue to leak goals with a couple of absentees making it challenging at present. The visitors led 1-0 at the break, with Sheagh O’Connor finding the net. Jack Sheahan doubled the lead through Jack Sheehan and the result was beyond doubt when Ajay Behan made it 3-0. Veteran Declan Nash did pull one back for Ballingarry but Tadhg and Gary Culhane rounded out the scoring.
Weekly Observer Premier Division
Newcastle West Town 3-3 Kilcornan
The other Premier Division clash saw Kilcornan travel to Newcastle West. The home side had lost to Rathkeale in their opener while Gary Manning’s charges were making their seasonal bow. With three sides to be relegated from the Premier Division, Kilcornan, and other sides will know that a bright start will be important to retaining their top tier place.
Dylan Singh gave Newcastle an early lead and Jamie Keane doubled the lead just after the 20th minute. You’d have been forgiven for thinking Newcastle West would dominate from here but Rob Carrig made it 2-1 early in the second half. Darren Lawlor re-established that two goal buffer when heading home but the men in red didn’t lie down. Cathal Downes made it 3-2 before Patrick Ivess found the sixth an final goal, for a share of the spoils.
Weekly Observer Premier Division League Cup, Group A
Breska Rovers 0-2 Abbeyfeale United
A goal in either has was enough for Abbeyfeale United to pick up a crucial win to keep their semi-final prospects alive. Tommy Smith was quickest to two rebounds, one in either half, to give them a much needed tonic after last weeks disappointment. Both Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West still have to face Broadford which will help determine the top two of this group. The Fealsiders travel to Clarina next Sunday, again, in the Munster Junior Cup third round.
Weekly Observer Division 1
Athea United 3-0 Askeaton AFC
The two sides who were promoted from Division Two met at The Vales. And just like their League Cup clash earlier this season, it was United who prevailed with Nigel O’Connor firing in on the double while Andrew O’Riordan added another to seal a fine victory.
Shountrade AFC 1-3 Shannonside
Both sides picked up positive results last weekend at the visitors made it two wins on the bounce. Martin Fitzgerald’s free-kick opened the scoring before Aidan O’Malley doubled their tally. Shountrade rallied and pulled a goal back, to make it 2-1 at half-time. Mike Aherne, like last weekend, netted from the spot to secure the points.
St. Itas 3-2 Newcastle West Town Reserves
It has been a difficult start to the season for Newcastle West, who were within touching distance of winning this division just a few months ago. They led this game through Charlie Power’s early header before St. Ita’s equalised through Michael Begley and the same player gave them a 2-1 lead. Marksman Saoirse Joyce tied it at 2-2 before St. Ita’s took the win with the fifth and final goal, from Paul Fitzmaruice.
Weekly Observer Division 2
Ballingarry B 3-3 Abbeyfeale Utd B
The battle of the Bees in The Paddocks saw the home side rescue a point, having been 2-1 down at half-time. Francis Kiely, Noel Geary and Darren Geary on target for Ballingarry.
Mountcollins AFC 0-3 Glin Rovers B
Goal hungry Glin Rovers B kept up that habit when winning on the road. Johnnie O’Sullivan opened the scoring on 28 minutes but was denied a second when his penalty was saved. Evergreen Oliver Wallace doubled the advantage entering the final quarter hour, and Cian Culhane added some icing on the cake with 12 to go. Rovers keeper Joe Downey also saved a penalty, to preserve his clean sheet.
Weekly Observer Division 3
Feenagh V Dromore Utd B – Postponed.
Ballysteen W/O Broadford Utd B
Ballysteen collected another three points thanks to a walkover form Broadford United’s second team.
Shannonside FC B 0-5 Breska Rovers B
There was an early season basement battle in Horgan Park, as Breska Rovers visited Shannonside. The visitors came away with the win after leading 2-0 at half-time. Evan McGregor broke the deadlock before Lee Doolan put Rovers in a strong position. The hosts were unlucky, when hitting the post before the break. McGregor added two, either side of a Tom Clancy goal, to complete a poachers hat-trick.