Pike Rovers aim to retain Munster Junior Cup for third successive year

Renowned Limerick junior football club Pike Rovers host Clare outfit Newmarket Celtic in the Munster Junior Cup semi-final on Saturday evening (6pm).

Pike are searching for their third successive Munster Junior Cup title after beating St. Michaels (2017) and fellow Limerick District League side Janesboro on penalties in last year’s final.

On route to the semi final, Mick Sheil’s men have overcame tough opposition. In the last 16, they defeated Hibernian 3-1 despite falling behind early in the game. Eoin Hanrahan and Johnathan Grant were among the scorers.

A much tighter affair ensued in Waterford when the Hoops defeated Carrick United 2-1.

Newmarket will be no strangers to Pike, who beat them 3-2 in the semi-final of the FAI Junior Cup last year with an extra-time goal from the now departed Cian Power proving decisive.

Experienced Pike centre-back Pat Mullins is expecting a tough contest on Saturday evening:

“We know Newmarket well. They are always a tough side to play against. Personally I know a few of the players like Eoin Hayes and Stephen Kelly who are top players. But we have top players too. We won’t be afraid of anyone and I’m sure anyone playing us won’t like it.”

Newmarket have a very talented squad. Current Irish Junior international player of the year Eoin Hayes will be the biggest dangerman for the Hoops.

Furthermore, former Limerick FC captain Pat Purcell is likely to line out for the Clare league side. Also, former Limerick player Eoin O’Brien is likely to start in defence.

Pike have plenty of experience among their ranks. Goalkeeper Gary Neville was part of the 2011 FAI Junior Cup winning side along with Pat Mullins. The club have been at the latter stages of this competition every season for 10 years.

Brothers Eddie and Wayne O’Donovan have been playing with the club for the majority of the last decade and competing for major honours throughout.

Since signing for the club three years ago, Steven McGann has been instrumental in the middle of the park and is likely to support lone striker Johnathan Grant. McGann’s second half display against Hibernian was pivotal to Pike’s victory.

Grant and Conor Kavanagh have proved to be great signings for Sheil as Grant is currently the top scorer in the Limerick District League and Kavanagh has proved useful at both centre-back and centre midfield. He may start at the heart of the defence for this heavyweight clash.

Both Johnathan Hannafin and Paddy O’Malley have featured on the left side of midfield this year but Hannafin has been preferred in recent weeks.

Former Limerick under-19s duo Shane Walsh and Colin Daly will be favourites to operate behind McGann in midfield.

Victory on Saturday would set up a final with either local rivals Geraldines or old foes St. Michaels.