Limerick teams learn their fate in the FAI Junior and Munster Junior Cups

The remaining Limerick District league sides in the FAI Junior Cup and Munster Junior Cup learned their fate in both competitions. Both Regional and Aisling Annacotty are in action next weekend in the FAI Junior Cup.

Aisling Annacotty have to travel to the capital to face Ballymun United in the last 16 of the national cup. The game will take place on Saturday 9th February at 2pm at Ballymun United Soccer Complex. It will be a tough game for Mike Aherne’s side. Ballymun recently thrashed Harding FC 4-0 in the Leinster Junior Cup and come into the game full of confidence. With such a young squad at his disposal, Aherne has voiced concerns about the physical battle but also feels that Annacotty’s youthful exuberance and energy can work as an extreme positive.

Regional will take on Tramore FC of Waterford at Dooradoyle on Sunday 10th of February at 2pm. Tramore are currently 7th in the Waterford District Junior League from 10 teams. They have had four wins and six defeats from ten games. In their recent fixture, they were beaten 0-2 by fourth place Villa FC. In preparation for the Regional game, Tramore will face relegation threatened Dungarvan. It will be a tough game for the Suirsiders as there are only five points between the two sides. Regional will be favourites for the game on form.

In the Munster Junior Cup, there are six Limerick teams remaining and the next two rounds of the competition have been laid out. The fixtures will take place on the weekend of the 16/17th of February. The exact dates and times of the games have yet to be announced. Also, the quarter final draw for the competition has been set and they will take place on the weekend of the 9th/10th March.

Kilmallock United travel to Sporting Ennistymon who knocked out Limerick side Holycross in the fourth round. Both sides are currently fourth bottom of their respective leagues with similar records. If Kilmallock overcome their Clare opponents, they will host either renowned Tipperary side St. Michaels or Lakewoord Athletic.

In the game of the fourth round, Pike Rovers take on Waterford District League Premier League leaders Hibernians at Crosagalla. Mick Shiel will be hoping home advantage works for his side in a tight contest. Hibernians have not conceded a goal since returning from Christmas having drawn 0-0 with Waterford Crystal and beating Tramore 4-0. If the Hoops advance to the quarter final stage, they will face either Waterford side Carrick United or Clare side Broadford.

Geraldines manufactured a superb victory in the fourth round over Douglas Hall and were rewarded with an away trip to Waterford to face Piltown FC. The Dines will certainly fancy their chances as Piltown are currently battling relegation in Division 1A in their native county. It is the the same standard as Galtee Fuels Division 1A in Limerick. Should Derek Hannon’s side emerge victorious, they will host either local rivals Ballynanty Rovers or Grattan United of Cork.

Grattan United welcome Ballynanty in the fifth round of the competition. Prospect Priory will have to renew rivalries with opponents Pearse Celtic of Cork as the fourth round tie was abandoned on Saturday due to a suspected broken leg to a Pearse Celtic player. Prospect fell behind but equalised through Philip Naughton. However, the game was called up at half time. A date for the replay has not been set. The winners will face Avondale United of Clare.

Arguably, Regional United have been handed the toughest assignment in the fifth round against runaway Clare District League leaders Newmarket Celtic at Dooradoyle. Newmarket have a 100% record in the league with nine wins from nine. They have also conceded just four goals in that time. If Shane O’Donoghue’s men make it through, they will be up against Prospect, Pearse or Avondale.