LDL Premier Division Begins on Thursday Night

This is the second part of our preview ahead of the Limerick District League Premier Division kick-off tomorrow night. In this section, we will focus on Regional United, Nenagh AFC, Aisling Annacotty, Charleville, Janesboro and Prospect Priory. All games below take place at 6.30 tomorrow evening.

Regional United vs Nenagh FC Venue: Dooradoyle Kick-off: 6.30pm

Regional United start life under new manager Sean Russell as they entertain last season’s fellow top 6 rival Nenagh AFC at Dooradoyle. It is a new start for Russell who managed Aisling Annacotty B in Premier A for the last two seasons. Regional had a long period of continuity with Tom O’Connell at the helm and ably assisted by Shane O’Donoghue. O’Donoghue remains to aid the transition under Russell who is known for encouraging his side’s to play an attractive brand of football with an element of risk, much like his father Martin who managed Limerick FC from 2014-2017.

One of the most important signings of the season will be the return of Jack Arra to Dooradoyle following a brief spell with Treaty United. Arra scored over 20 goals in half a season last year which earned him the move to the League of Ireland side. Russell still has a loyal Regional backbone to the squad with brothers Andy and Dave Cowpar, goalkeepers Rob Shier and Peter Healy, Kieran O’Connell and Ross Fitzgerald.

He has made some astute signings adding both Eoin Duff and Hugo O’hAnluain from Fairview and Aisling Annacotty respectively. Both players are highly rated youngsters in Limerick and will hope to be afforded the opportunity to show their quality in the coming season. Considering the obvious strength of the top 4 and the addition of Carew Park to the league, finishing in the top 6 may be the aim for Regional and strong home form will be key to any success they have.

Nenagh AFC were the perceived over-achievers last season as they finished in 6th place. Many people had tipped the Tipperary based club to struggle and fight for survival for the whole season but it did not prove to be the case.

Manager Cillian Fitzpatrick remains in charge for the second consecutive season. The likes of Bryan McGhee, Diarmuid Fitzpatrick and Colm Hayden have been loyal members of the squad for a number of years and will be hoping to help the club to push for the top 6 once again this season. The early season form helped Nenagh last season and they will be hoping for a decent points return again in what is an unforgiving part of the season with upto 8 games taking place in 4 weeks.

Regional United Incomings: Rhys Foley (Aisling Annacotty), Connor Finn, Shane Carmody, Eoin Duff (Fairview Rangers), Hugo O’hAnluain (Aisling Annacotty), Luke Ryan, Joseph Lavin

Aisling Annacotty vs Charleville Venue: Annacotty Kick-off: 6.30

Aisling Annacotty enter their first full season with John Lysaght in charge after the Annacotty club man took charge on a caretaker basis following the departure of Shane O’Hanlon half way through the campaign.

Although it is early days, Annacotty have been tipped as one of the early favourites for a tilt at the league title. The recruitment drive at the club is the main reason for this belief as they have managed to sign Irish junior international Chris Smith in recent weeks along with Gavin Dillon from St. Michaels. Kian Barry has arrived from Mungret while Cian Lynch has returned from Treaty United.

Adding to the likes of Tony Whitehead, Shane Clarke and Liam Quinn, Aisling are building a good squad and Lysaght is hoping that it’s a squad that can challenge on all fronts. During the early stages of last season, Annacotty looked as though they would challenge for the league until the latter part of the season but fell away at the turn of the year. Lysaght will be hoping that the experienced players in his squad wont allow a repeat of that scenario.

Charleville return to the Premier Division following promotion from Premier A last season. Adam Castle is the man in charge once again and he has produced a free-scoring machine in the lower tier at least. Yes, it will be a very difficult task in the top flight but both Shane Dillon and Pat O’Callaghan remain at the club and both have previously scored a number of goals in the Premier League.

Our podcast co-host Aidan Ryan highlighted his fears about Charleville’s defence and they will need to avoid a leaky defence to stay away from the bottom two places. The Cork outfit will be a tough proposition for any side at home particularly with their pace and the size of the pitch which will be one of if not the biggest in the league.

Cian McNamara is a really talented player and if he can provide goals and assists regularly, Charleville may not have to worry too much about a a battle to survive. Josh Hudner has also joined the club from Blarney United following a stint with Cork City U-19’s. The biggest threat to a good start is GAA involvement which will hamper Charleville similarly to Kilmallock in recent years.

Aisling Annacotty Incomings: Chris Smith, Gavin Dillon (Both St. Michaels), Kian Barry (Mungret), AJ Moloney (Fairview Rangers), Theo Joyce (Connemara), John Ryan (Shannon), Cian Lynch (Treaty United)

Charleville Incomings: Josh Hudner (Blarney United), Aaron Smith (Ballingarry AFC), Colin Quaid, Dion Curtin, Eoin O’Connor (All Youths)

Janesboro vs Prospect Priory Venue: Pearse Stadium Kick-off: 6.30

Janesboro and Prospect have suffered differing levels of turmoil in pre-season and both have tipped to struggle this season. Janesboro have brought Shane O’Hanlon back to the club along with Daithi O’Donoghue and despite a big recruitment drive, O’Hanlon has been unable to attract some of the top players to Pearse Stadium like days gone by. In fact, O’Hanlon has had to deal with the departure of 5 key players to lower league sides on the eve of the big kick-off.

Opponents Prospect have also endured a tough pre-season and the big shock this week was that player/manager Wayne Colbert had left to join Fairview Rangers. Tyrique Leamy has also signed for Fairview and a number of players are currently on the injury list. Both sides will go into the opener with very changed and unknown sides from last season.

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