Glin Rovers and Ballingarry collect Divisional Cup silverware

There was a brace of Divisional Cup finals played over the weekend, with the first junior titles of the 2023/24 season handed out. Both Glin Rovers and Ballingarry had their own unwanted records without the respective silverware, with relief perhaps the overarching team in both camps.

Meanwhile, with the (slightly) warmer temperatures, and not too much rain, plenty of League action also took place.  

Weekly Observer Premier Division League Cup Final
Glin Rovers 1-0 Athea Utd
In a very, very, tight game, it took a Paul Sheahan’s strike to separate these neighbouring clubs. Yet to meet in the league, the form lines weren’t too exciting for either side entering this, and with neither playing competitively since their semi-final wins in early December, there was a difficulty in nominating a favourite. Sheahan’s effort, just 12 minutes into the game was enough. He latched onto a long ball through the middle and caught the Athea keeper sightly off guard to volley low into the bottom corner.

Dylan Griffin would come closest for Athea, hitting the bar midway through the half, but with experience aplenty in the Glin line up, they prevailed. Sheahan was awarded Man-of-the-Match, with Tadhg Culhane, captain, collecting the silverware. Glin lost this final 13 months ago and buried the heartache of a string of losing deciders. Athea focus on league action after an in different start, in their return to the top tier.

Weekly Observer Division One League Cup Final
Askeaton-Kilcornan 0-2 Ballingarry
While there was a lack of recent form to judge the Premier decider, there was something more obvious coming into this clash. Askeaton Kilcornan have struggled in recent times, and haven’t been able to hit the heights of Autumn, while Ballingarry have found their groove to lead the second tier league table. First half goals from David Geary and Aaron Smith were enough to end a 13-year wait for silverware for Ballingarry. Having spent all those years in the top tier, it was a return to Division One, where they won the double in 2010/11. Their next aim is surely to match that. Anthony Kampers men were rarely in danger of surrendering their interval lead and exciting youngster, Adam Long was awarded Man-of-the-Match. Dean Clancy, who was only arriving on the junior scene when silverware was brought to Ballingarry, captained the side.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Abbeyfeale Utd 0-2 Newcastle West Town
It is moving season in the Premier Division and there is a possibility of a top four and bottom four developing. Abbeyfeale have a single focus, survival, while Newcastle West are quietly keeping in touch with Rathkeale and leaders Creeves Celtic. A goal in either half helped them to a second win since Christmas. Jamie Keane and Dylan Moloney accounting for the goals for Kieran Shanahan’s men.

Broadford Utd 0-1 Creeves Celtic
Champions Broadford fell to a defeat on home soil against a now very confident Creeves Celtic. There was very little in this game, and it took a moment of quality to settle it. A Kevin Guina free-kick found the net and this maintains the 100% start for Celtic. Having conceded just once in 450 minutes of football Creeves have now got the balance of their side right.

Weekly Observer Division One
Shannonside 0-2 Glin Rovers B
Two first half goals helped Glin Rovers to a sweet away win against Shannonside. Cian Culhane and Ger Riordan got the all important strikes.

St. Itas 2-3 Granagh Utd
Having reset after relegation last season, Granagh United have been competitive, if not consistent in Division One. Goals from Conor Dillon and Dan Shelton (2) helped them inflict a first loss of the league campaign on St. Ita’s. A Kelly and D Brouder netted for the home side.

Dromore Utd 5-0 Rathkeale B
Dromore United were always likely to have too much for faltering Rathkeale B, but sometimes such expectations can be folly. Goals from Oran Kelly (2), Anthony Dabrynets Seán Hartigan and an own goal eased United to a welcomed three points. They led 2-0 at half-time.

Weekly Observer Division Two
Feenagh 0-3 Ballingarry B
Darren Geary, Francis Kiely and Stephen Browne meant it was a fruitful short trip to Feenagh as Ballingarry B maintained their strong position in the third tier.

Shountrade 3-5 Knockaderry
An eight-goal thriller saw Knockaderry claim the points.

Mountcollins 3-2 Ballysteen
Micah O’Connell, Conor Healy and James Brouder all found the net for Mountcollins who just edged beyond rivals Ballysteen.

Weekly Observer Division Three
Breska Rovers B 3-1 Askeaton-Kilcornan B
A brace from Kenny Power and a further Cian McGregor strike gave Breska Rovers B the perfect result heading into their Divisional Cup final next weekend. In reply, with a second-half consolation was a Paudie Ivess penalty.

Kilcolman Rovers 2-3 Carrig Celtic
An exciting local derby saw Carrig claim a valuable three points in their bid for the league title. Seamus Dwyer and Denis Finn exchanged goals in the first half. Mikey Long and Jordan Ryan then put Carrig in the driving seat with Finn’s second making Celtic sweat before eventually prevailing.

Dromore Utd B 2-0 Glantine B
Ger McKeogh and Ethan O’Brien were both on target as Dromore United B got three points in challenging conditions. Like Breska Rovers, it is a welcomed run-out ahead of their cup final next weekend. Glantine B continue to try for results, which have so far eluded them.

Saturday 27^th January
Munster Youths Cup 4^th Round
Shountrade AFC 0-4 Tramore

Youths Division One League Cup
Broadford Utd 1-2 Newcastle West Town
Dromore Utd 0-0 Abbeyfeale Utd (Dromore United won tier-breaker shootout 4-2)

Youths Division Two League Cup
Feenagh 6-2 Shannonside
Glin Rovers 4-0 Kilcolman Rovers