Lawson Cup takes centre stage on local scene

There are four big games in the Lawson Cup on Sunday morning as all of the top six premier division sides are in action. All Lawson Cup games will kick off at 11am.

There are also two games concerning the bottom end of the table in the PJ Matthews Premier League as Kilmallock host Carew Park while Nenagh host Geraldines.

Carew Park have endured a well documented miserable season due to a number of departures just before the beginning of the season including manager Albert Slattery.

A mixture of the youth team along with players from the lower league have turned up week in week out and have been on the end of heavy defeats.

Credit must be given to everyone involved with the club for the determination shown to finish out the season.

It will be tough for the southside club but Kilmallock may have one eye on their Munster Junior Cup quarter final clash against Tipperary giants St Michaels.

It will be interesting to see whether a full team will be selected or will key players including Barry Sheedy be rested ahead of a huge game for the club.

Geraldines are also in the quarter final of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday 10th of March but make the trip to Nenagh.

Barring a miraculous set of circumstances, the Tipperary based outfit have secured their premier division status in recent weeks.

Geraldines were missing a host of players during last weekend’s 1-3 home defeat to Kilmallock in which current manager Derek Hannon scored.

Coach Bobby Tier admitted that work commitments will affect his side before the Munster Junior Cup game at the Garryowen Green.

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However, the main focus will be on the Lawson Cup clash between Ballynanty and Regional United at Limerick Institute of Technology on Sunday.

Both sides are in the top four in the league although Regional’s great season is in danger of derailing following the past two weeks.

Although there was a slim chance of a league title, Regional followed up a narrow Munster Junior Cup defeat with a poor performance against Pike Rovers on Sunday in a 3-0 defeat.

Shane O’Donoghue’s men failed to create a clear cut chance and conceded two very soft goals for a team who have enjoyed a consistent season.

However, the Dooradoyle men were missing influential players Rob Shier and Clyde O’Connell.

A performance is needed ahead of a massive FAI Junior Cup quarter final on March 10th.

In contrast, Ballynanty are still in with a great chance of winning the league following a hard fought 3-2 win over Aisling Annacotty.

Despite trailing 2-1, second half goals from Ger Higgins and Dermot Fitzgerald ensured that the northsiders remained six points behind but with a game in hand and against Janesboro to come.

In the same competition, Janesboro host Aisling Annacotty at Pearse Stadium and will be looking to continue their good form of late. ‘Boro have been accused of failing to reach the heights of previous years which may be fair, but Shane O’Hanlon and Aidan Ryan’s men keep securing narrow wins, including a 2-1 win over Fairview to maintain their three point lead in the league.

Mike Aherne’e Aisling Annacotty have recently recruited former Limerick FC manager Mike Kerley as a coach which will greatly help the club. Aisling Annacotty will certainly have an eye on the trip to Mayo the weekend after next in the FAI Junior Cup, as it is just the second time they have reached this stage.

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Derek Braddish Prospect will be looking to wake from their mid-season slumber and surprise Pike Rovers at Priory Park.

Prospect suffered defeat in a recent league game against Charleville and were also knocked out of the Munster Junior Cup three weeks ago. Luckily, they have two games in hand on Charleville and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.

With Pike’s current form where the goals are flowing and they aren’t conceding many, it is unlikely that Braddish will see his side advance unless home advantage can be capitalised on.

Pike had a great 3-0 victory against Regional without having to leave second gear.

Pat Mullins and Conor Kavanagh were very solid in defence. It is an unfamiliar role for Kavanagh, a midfielder by trade.

Paddy O’Malley is proving an important player this season ad he reacted in the best way possible to being substituted at half time last week, scoring with a beautifully placed shot.

With a small squad, Mick Sheil may opt to change things and prioritise other competitions.

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Fairview Rangers host Division 1A side Holycross in the last of the Lawson Cup encounters at the Fairgreen.

Fairview were narrowly defeat by league leaders Janesboro. The recently returned Jeffrey Judge grabbed Fairview’s goal.

Jason Purcell’s men are just three points behind Regional despite having a game more played and if they managed to finish in the top four, it would be a step in the right direction.

It is a the only chance of silverware left for Fairview and they will be expected to defeat Holycross who are currently sixth in 1A. Complacency will be their biggest enemy.

Martin Sugrue’s Limerick Oscar Traynor Youths will entertain North Dublin in the quarter final of the competition at Jackman Park on Sunday (2.15).