Last action in Limerick District League before Christmas break

There is a small but significant fixture list this weekend in the Limerick District League with sides from six different divisions in action. 

In the PJ Matthews Premier League, there are four fixtures down for decision. On Saturday evening, Charlveille host Regional at home (7pm). Charleville are desperate for a victory as they are now five points adrift of both Killmallock and Nenagh following last weekend’s results. It’s been another tough year at this level for the Cork outfit but with strikers Pat O’Callaghan and Shane Dillon firing in goals on a regular basis despite defeats, Charleville will feel they have every chance of remaining in the division if they can tighten a leaky defence which has conceded 55 goals and is only better than bottom side Carew Park.

On the other hand, Regional will be hoping to keep pace with Janesboro although it now looks like a two horse race for the league title following last week’s draw with Prospect. 

There are three fixtures on Sunday morning with all games kicking off at 11am. Geraldines host local rivals Fairview and will be looking to build upon a 3-2 victory over Charleville which puts them 11 points clear of the relegation zone heading into the Christmas period. Fairview will be encouraged by recent performances as they picked up a thumping win over Carew Park while also drawing with league title chasing Pike Rovers and Ballynanty Rovers in recent weeks. Only four points separate the sides in the league and Geraldines have two games in hand so a defeat for Fairview would put pressure on Jason Purcell’s men to remain in the top half of the table. 

Prospect Priory and Aisling Annacotty face off at Cals Park in a big game for Derek Braddish’s side as they aim to move further away from the drop zone. Last week’s draw with Regional was very encouraging for the premier division newcomers who had to rely on many B team players to fill the side. Prospect have only conceded 20 goals this season which is by far the best of the bottom half teams including Geraldines. However, goals have been harder to come by with only nine scored, which is only better than bottom side Carew Park. Aisling pushed league leaders Janesboro all the way at Pearse Stadium last week, suffering a 2-1 defeat. Mike Aherne’s side are currently fifth in the premier league and will be hoping to consolidate their top half position. 

Basement side Carew Park host Pike Rovers with the side currently on -3 points due to a recent walkover. Carew have lost every game this season and their relegation to Galtee Fuels 1A seems to be inevitable. However, the soutside club are hoping to ensure 1A is the lowest the club drops to. The club cannot afford to give another walkover as they will be unable to fulfil the rest of the premier division campaign and will be automatically relegated to Division 3B. It is a sad story for the recent premier division and Tuohy Cup winners but hopefully it is a temporary situation.