Weather wreaks havoc on Desmond League return

There was a weather impacted weekend of Desmond League action, with the freezing temperatures impacting many of the scheduled games. It is frustrating for all involved but perhaps unsurprising at this time of year. Nevertheless, there was six games played across the tiers, with significant results in the second tier.

Weather permitting, the four divisional cup finals will be played during January.

Half the games survived in the league, with five played on Sunday afternoon and one earlier, on Saturday evening.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Abbeyfeale Utd V Newcastle West Town – frozen pitch

Broadford Utd P-P Creeves Celtic – frozen pitch

Glin Rovers P-P Rathkeale – frozen pitch

Athea Utd P-P Breska Rovers – no referee available

Weekly Observer Division One
Askeaton-Kilcornan 4-0 Glin Rovers B
The form of Askeaton Kilcornan is consistent and they started 2024 with more of the same. Gaol from Sean Whelan, Matt Moane, own goal and Sam Duggan eased them to victory against Glin Rovers B who’ve found the step up to the second tier tough at times. It was 3-0 at half-time, with Askeaton Kilcornan building towards a trip against Cockhill Celtic (Donegal) in the FAI Junior Cup.

Shannonside 0-3 Ballingarry
Ballingarry were also comfortable winners, this time on the road against Shannonside. Goals from Aaron Smith and Cathal McMahon had them two ahead at the midway point and David Geary added their third in the second half. It meant that a missed penalty from Smith wasn’t costly for Anthony Kampers side.

St. Itas 2-1 Dromore United
A crucial three points were collected by Ashford’s St. Ita’s against promotion chasing Dromore United. Goals from Jason Sheahan and TJ Kelly were on target for the winners, with Evin Kelly netting for Dromore. Both sides had a player dismissed but it is a valuable three points for Ita’s.

Weekly Observer Division Two
Ballysteen 3-1 Knockaderry
Goals from Darragh Ranahan, Tomás Sheehan and Donagh Shaughnessy helped Ballysteen to a victory over Knockaderry at Mike Hanley Park, with the game moved to the league headquarters at the request of Ballysteen. A goal from Eddie Foley was all Knockaderry could muster in reply, having trailed 2-0.

Feenagh P-P Ballingarry B – frozen pitch

Shountrade 3-3 Mountcollins
This game, switched to Manor Fields astro in Adare saw a trilling game finish level. James Brouder, Seamus Murphy and Tom McCarthy were on target for the visitors.

Weekly Observer Division Three
Glantine 2-1 Breska B
Glantine scored a tense 2-1 victory over Breska Rovers on Saturday evening. The visitors led through a fine Orin Garvey effort but they let this slip with a red card in either half giving Glantine the edge. Kieran Herlihy and Darragh O’Sullivan on target in the last 30 minutes for Glantine who move to second in the fourth tier.

Dromore Utd B P-P Kilcolman Rovers – frozen pitch