Three Limerick teams exit the FAI Junior Cup

It was a disappointing weekend for the Limerick District League representatives in the last 32 of the New Balance FAI Junior Cup as Pike Rovers and Newport exited the competition. Also, Limerick Desmond League side Glin Rovers were knocked out. On the other hand, Aisling Annacotty will represent the Limerick District League in the last 16 of the competition.

Pike Rovers were beaten by Sheriff YC in a penalty shootout at Clontarf Road all weather pitch in Dublin. It was the toughest draw the Crosagalla outfit could have received in the last 32 but it all started so well as a Paddy O’Malley free-kick was carried over the goal line to give Pike the lead. It seemed to get even better for Pike as the hosts were reduced to ten men in the opening half hour.

Pike goalkeeper Gary Neville saved a penalty from former Limerick FC player John Lester but the midfielder equalised with a header before Sheriff took the lead early in the second half. Luckily for the visitors, O’Malley scored his second goal to send the game to extra time. However, the game went to a penalty shootout which Sheriff won 5-4. Steven McGann was the unlucky man to miss for Mick Sheil’s side. It was a desperately frustrating evening for the Limerick side who had aspirations of bettering last year’s final defeat.

In the all Limerick District League affair, premier division Aisling Annacotty overcame the challenge of 1B Newport Town in Annacotty on a score of 2-1 with Jason Lipper among the goals for the hosts. Depending on Regional’s progress in the next round, Mike Aherne’s side may be the only representative of the Limerick District League remaining in the competition.

Limerick Desmond League side Glin Rovers suffred a heavy defeat at the hands of VEC FC in Dublin. An Aidan Hyland hattrick sent the team from the capital on their way but it has been a good journey for the county Limerick side.