Premier League action this weekend as Touhy Cup cancelled

Following last weekend’s underwhelming FAI Junior Cup action, the hope is that this week’s fixtures will provide more competitive and closely run games. There is action in the Munster Junior Cup and Limerick District League Premier Division in a busy week.

Due to the inclement weather and a status orange wind warning for Limerick due to the suspected arrival of Storm Lorenzo, the Tuohy Cup game between Ballynanty and Mungret Regional, scheduled for Jackman Park this evening has been postponed.

Ballynanty have had two big victories over league opposition in the form of Pallas United and Wembley Rovers in the past two weeks. With Jason Hughes and Kieran Hanlon confirmed as new signings and with rumours abound that former Limerick FC captain Shaun Kelly will be joining in the coming days, things are looking up for the northsiders.

Just two weeks ago, Donal Magee may have been forgiven for thinking the worst as his side lost twice in three days to late strikes against Aisling Annacotty and Pike Rovers. Despite the defeats, ‘Balla only find themselves four points behind Pike in the league table.

Ballynanty will host Regional United at Limerick Institute of Technology on Sunday morning (10.30). It is a massive game for both sides as there is just one point separatin them in the league. Despite losing key players at the start of the campaign,

Regional are just five points off the top and the likes of club stalwarts Dave and Andy Cowpar as well as Donal O’Connell have been key to the decent start made by Shane O’Donoghue’s side. Last season, ‘Balla came out on top in both league meetings but if either side’s title aspirations are to remain realisitc, they cannot afford to lose.

With Pike Rovers not in action, Fairview have the chance to go joint top on Sunday morning hen they travel to Coonagh United. Fairview have been on a very good run of form following a slow start considering the squad avaialble to Jason Purcell.

However, the likes of Daragh Rainsford and Ross Mann have began hitting form while Eddie Byrnes produced a good display against Janesboro in the Munster Junior Cup a fortnight ago.

There is plenty of experience among the Fairview ranks with John Mullane, Jeffrey Judge and Mark Slattery in key central positions along with the signings of Stephen Bradley and Clyde O’Connell, but they will be under no illusions when facing Spillane’s Coonagh who have already beaten Regional and earned draws at Janesboro and Geraldines this season.

Coonagh will be hoping that former Moyross striker Ger Myles can continue his fine form in front of goal in order to keep the newly promoted side in the game.

Aisling Annacotty are in flying from and enter Sunday’s game against Mungret unbeaten in 7 games with five victories. The additions of Shane an Thomas Clarke have had the desired effect with the former adding several goals upon his arrival. Mike Aherne’s side are just four points behind second placed Fairview Rangers and will be looking to put further distance between themselves and the bottom six with a victory.

It will be a tough four days for Mungret but the young squad have dealt well with Premier Division demands this year despite reservations from many and are currently five points above the relegation zone with three victories in eight games.

Janesboro travel to Cooke Park, Tipperary on Sunday afternoon to take on all conquering St. Michales in the Munster Champions Cup (3pm). The likes of Newmarket Celtic are also contesting a competition made up from all league winners in Munster.