Limerick Junior Soccer Premier Division Round-up

There were just three fixtures in the PJ Matthews Premier League on Sunday due to the involvement of Janesboro in the Champions Cup in Killarney as well as Holycross and Fairview’s Munster Junior Cup commitments against Cappamore and Corbally United respectively.

Janesboro emerged victorious on a 2-3 scoreline in the Munster Champions Cup game in Killarney against Killarney Athletic. Killarney took an early lead through William Courtney but Janesboro responded well and equalised through lively winger Aaron Nunan.

Top goalscorer and Irish Junior international Shane Clarke gave ‘Boro the lead before Courtney was once again on hand to score for the home side to take the game to extra-time. John Tierney was the hero as he scored the winner to avoid a penalty shootout and send Shane O’Hanlon’s side into the final where they will face St. Michaels.

Mick Shiel’s Pike Rovers secured a crucial 2-1 victory over high-flying Regional United at Crossagalla. Regional have been this year’s surprise package sitting in second place behind Janesboro in the table and the Dooradoyle based club took the lead as Kieran O’Connell rose highest to meet an Evan Shine corner to head past Gary Neville in the Pike goal.

The lead didn’t last long as long time Pike servant Pat Mullins was first to a Paddy O’Malley cross to head home and equalise for the home side. Pike took the lead in the second half as a Paddy O’Malley free-kick was slotted home by Colin Daly having been set up by Mullins. Regional now lie four points behind Janesboro with a game more played. Pike have a lot more work to do to catch the clubs around them as they remain 9 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.

Carew Park bounced back from a disappointing exit at the hands of Pike Rovers in the FAI Junior Cup to record a 4-2 home victory over Nenagh. The home side took the lead as former Limerick FC player Kieran Hanlon saw his shot blocked before Alex Purcell was quickest to react to score. Soon afterwards, Bryan McGhee equalised for Nenagh. Alex Purcell doubled his tally for the day before Nenagh’s resilience was evident once again as Dan Butler levelled for the Tipperary outfit.

Struggling Moyross suffered another heavy defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Kilmallock United. Kilmallock ran out comfortable 2-6 winners courtesy of goals from Paudie Sheehy, Derek McCarthy, Jake Mulcahy, Niall Burchill, Tommy Heffernan and Rian Brady. Barry Quinn and James Cleary responded with goals for Moyross but it did little to lift the spirits of the Northside club who currently sit second from bottom in the league table.