Battle begins for last 16 in Clare Junior Cup

The race for the Clare Junior Cup resumes this Sunday when 32 teams will battle it out for qualification for the last 16.
All knock-out team competitions generally produce some exciting contests and there is usually a surprise or two along the way.
There are some interesting pairings in this week’s second round, when the title-holders Rineanna Roves face a tricky assignment in Doolin, where they will take on Burren United (kick-off 11am). Colin Ryan’s squad will have to be at their best if they are to take a step further in this year’s title race.
Rock Rovers, winners of the title in 2008, will travel to play Bridge United A and this could well turn out to be one of the ties of this round. It is a contest that could well require a penalty shoot-out to decide who will progress. This one also kicks off at 11am.
Cooraclare Celtic, who are challenging strongly for the third division title, will travel to McDonagh Park to play Newmarket Celtic A and the home side will be strong favourites to win this one, which kicks off at 2.30pm.
The Cragg in Tulla will host two games, with the East Clare club’s A team facing Sporting Ennistymon at 11am. Both sides will fancy their chances but the North Clare side has been going well in recent times and might just edge this one.
At 2pm, Tulla B face the premier league leaders Avenue United, who will be the hottest of favourites to progress to the last 16.
A few years back, Moher Celtic challenged strongly for cup and league success at premier level. The North Clare side are now in the first division and they have been struggling this season. They travel to play Bunratty A at 2.30pm and the home side will carry the favourites’ tag in this game.
On Sunday morning, Bunratty B will have home advantage against Bridge Celtic A and the O’Briensbridge side will be fancied to win this one.
Cratloe Forest make the journey to Kilrush for a 2.30pm kick-off and the West Clare side will be fancied for victory.
On Sunday morning, Connolly Celtic will be favourites in their meeting with Manus Celtic B at Kilmaley.
At the same time, Manus Celtic A will have home advantage against Kildysart Celtic at Tiermaclane and it could go either way.
Bridge United B will have Rineanna Rovers B as visitors to Sixmilebridge at 2pm, with the home side fancied to progress.
Liscannor will host the meeting of Moher Celtic B and Corofin Harps B at 11am, with the visitors fancied to win.
Home advantage may prove decisive when Kilkishen Celtic welcome St Pat’s at 11am, while Lifford A should have too much experience for Shannon Olympic B at Cassidy Park in a tie that will also kick off at 11am.
The Fairgreen will also host the meeting of Hermitage A and Bridge Celtic B at 11am and the home team will be fancied to win.
There will also be a morning kick-off for the meeting of Kilmaley Fern Celtic and Rhine Rovers at Tiermaclane and opinions are divided as to who might take the spoils.
The race for this title generally provides a lot of excitement and some great games and this trend should continue this week.