Rathkeale and Broadford United set-up Desmond League play-off to decide title destination

The final trimmings of the Limerick Desmond League were on offer in a sun-drenched week in Limerick. Fittingly, old rivals, Broadford United and Rathkeale have now set up another day out to decide the Premier Division title – a play-off. They’ve finished level on 42 points after 18 games, and with no goal-difference used, a play-off is appropriate for the sides who have taken a win each in their head-to-head meetings this season.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Broadford Utd 3-1 Glin Rovers (Wednesday)

Broadford used their penultimate League clash to move to within three points of Rathkeale and push the league title all the way. Goals from Mathew Daly (2) and Jack Pierce put the home side in firm control. Glin, who suffered a gut-wrenching defeat in the Desmond Cup final last weekend, did get a consolation goal to conclude a very mixed season. This result meant that Rathkeale and Broadford were deadlocked on 39 points heading into the final round of games.

Ballingarry AFC 2-6 Broadford Utd
Goals from Derry McCarthy (3), Alan Fitzpatrick, Jack Pierce and Michael Brosnan helped United to a routine victory and pile the pressure on Rathkeale. The early goals really put any risk of a slip up off the table and they could then keep one ear on proceedings in the Rathkeale contest. Eoin Lynch had pulled a goal back for Ballingarry, while Cian McGoey was also on target with a late consolation from the penalty spot. Ballingarry hope that they can bounce back immediately in Division One.

Breska Rovers 0-1 Rathkeale
With the early scoreboard pressure from Broadford United, Rathkeale knew only a victory would do over third placed Breska Rovers. The home side had two chances in the opening half, with Keith McNicholas hooking over and Sean Healy heading inches wide from a corner. Scoreless at the interval, Alan Doyle’s visitors had enjoyed the better of the possession had also created some chances.

The opener arrived from a corner, with the hour mark approaching. Timmy Hogan climbing highest on a corner to head beautifully into the top corner. Thomas Quilligan hit the crossbar soon after from all of 40-yards. Breska created little in the closing stages, and they were unable to really dominate for any period to deny Rathkeale a play-off spot. Rovers finish third in their first season at this level since the mid 00’s, where they finished 10th, bottom.

The Premier Division play-off between Rathkeale and Broadford United will take place at Mick Hanley Park on the weekend of June 9/10/11.

Weekly Observer Division 1
Rathkeale B 1-2 Dromore Utd
Two goals from Evin Kelly helped Dromore conclude their league season with a win and cement third spot for the season. One in either half from the attacker, including a penalty did the damage. Rathkeale B needed a win to force a play-off, but the loss means they drop to the third tier. Ray Hogan – the evergreen, ever-willing servant for his hometown club – netted their goal. Rathkeale B have been a superb Division One side for a decade or more -winning the competition and some other silverware in years gone by. They have also regularly been in the top half of this division.

Reidy Cup Semi Final
Glin Rovers B 2-1 Ballingarry B
Glin Rovers B booked their place in the Reidy Cup final with a victory over Ballingarry’s second string. These sides had some good battles in league action and it proved no different in Glin on Thursday evening. Cian Culhane opened the scoring on ten minutes but it was 1-1 early in the second period. Ger Lyons’ long free-kick, from his own half, evaded everybody and found the net just when extra-time was looking likely. They await Glantine or Dromore United A.

Riedy Cup Quarter Finals
Dromore Utd 7-1 Shountrade
A week that some can only dream was complete when Dromore United booked their place in the last-four of another cup competition. A Desmond Cup win, a league win and more cup progress. Despite going behind early on Sunday morning, they recovered to swat aside Shountrade. Ciaran Deegan equalised, Shaun Barry netted a penalty. There was a hat-trick for Oran Kelly while Ryan Kelly and Ciaran Barry were also on target as they showed why they’ll be firm favourites to complete a cup treble.

Glantine 2-1 Mountcollins AFC
Glantine got the better of neighbours Mountcollins to set up a clash with Dromore United in the semi-finals.

Richard Hogan Cup Quarter Finals
Breska Rovers B 2-5 Abbeyfeale Utd B
Abbeyfeale United have not been short of goals this season and they used their fire power to progress away to Division Three Breska Rovers. Dylan Murphy (2), Dylan O’Connor, Jack Quinlivan and Cathal McCoy were all on target in Clarina. Abbeyfeale led 3-0 in this cup tie at half-time, looking very sharp on the counter-attack. Tom Clancy, direct from a corner, cut the gap before a fine Conor O’Neill strike made it 2-3. But, after a weather induced water-break, Abbeyfeale put this game to bed, with two quickfire goals to reach the last four.