Tag Archives: FAI Junior Cup

Derek Dormer reports as Avenue United sweep Cork side St Mary’s aside on an 8-0 scoreline Travelling away in Ireland’s most prestigious cup competition is never easy especially to Cork opposition but Avenue made little of this as they swept aside the challenge of St. Mary’s to book their place in round six of the FAI Junior Cup. Only five minutes in and David Russell’s charges had the dream start when centre-forward Ronan Kerin rose highest to head home a well-taken Jamie Roche corner. This early goal rattled the home side and Avenue, dominating possession, were unfortunate not to increase their lead when hitting the crossbar on 17 minutes from a super Roche effort. On 30 minutes a magnificent 30-yard rocket from Dylan Casey rattled the post and one began to wonder was it going to be one of those days. This fear was put to bed two minutes later when a lovely team move which included superb link play …

Clare champions Avenue United made the short journey to Celtic Park in Tuam last Sunday and came away with a 4-0 win. Played in what can best be described as tough conditions both teams went at it straight from the off, writes Derek Dormer. Star striker Ronan Kerin went close early with a well struck free kick forcing a fine save by Tuam keeper Daragh Melia. Similarly, moments later a Ben Carroll free kick tested Tom O’Brien in the Avenue goal. The game was frenetic and with the elements wreaking havoc both teams had chances but it took until the half hour mark for the deadlock to be broken. Midfielder Eoghan Thynne controlled the ball superbly with his first touch before releasing a quality through ball to striker Kerin who duly blasted home with a sweet strike from the edge of the area. Avenue maintained possession quite well and were happy to take a one nil lead to the sanctuary …

Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United have learned who they will face in Round Four of the FAI Junior Cup. Paddy Purcell’s side will face Shelburne United from Wexford while Avenue United will travel to Galway as they were paired with Tuam Celtic. Newmarket Celtic progressed through to this stage after a comfortable 3-0 win over Shannon Town last weekend. Two goals from Eoin Hayes, who recently represented his country as the Republic of Ireland qualified for the UEFA Regions Cup, ensured Newmarket avoided an upset. They overcame Classic FC in the second round of this competition when securing a facile 4-0 win. A Darragh Leahy hat trick coupled with a strike from Dean Hegarty saw Newmarket progress. In the opening round of this competition, Newmarket travelled to Kerry as they faced Mastergeeha FC. The Clare side secured a 4-1 win as Harvey Cullinan, Davy McCarthy, Dean Hegarty and Sean Perrill all found the target. Meanwhile, Avenue United face an away …

Avenue United started their FAI Junior Cup campaign in style as they inflicted a 6-0 defeat on fellow Maloney Hardware Premier Division side Tulla United. Six different players got their name on the scoresheet for David Russell’s side as they continue to respond impressively to their opening round league defeat to Lifford AFC. Tulla United had pulled off a surprise by dumping Lifford AFC out of the Munster Junior Cup but that result only served to refocus Avenue minds ahead of this Cup showdown. The reigning Maloney Hardware Premier Division champions secured an impressive triumph with Eliaz Kunz, Ronan Kerin, Cullen McCabe, Mark Roche, Tomas Hehir and Nneji Nnabuike all managing to find the target as Avenue dominated this tie. This result will not define Tulla United’s season as they try to build on the encouraging form they had shown before this game. Mike Moloney’s side have shown that they can mix it with most sides in the Maloney Hardware …

Newmarket Celtic’s FAI Junior Cup semi-final date with Pike Rovers on Sunday is “a big one”, according to team manager Liam Murphy. It’s the first time the Clare club has reached this stage of this prestigious competition and they are determined to keep their winning run going. Newmarket have been in sparkling form all season and remain in the hunt for all five titles for which they are competing. Ahead of Sunday’s game at 2pm in the Pike Rovers complex in Limerick, the Clare side have concerns about the fitness of Seamie Lawlor. He was injured in their win over St Michael’s two weeks ago and didn’t train or play last week. “We know we are facing a huge task against a team that are the current Munster champions. They have one of the best coaches in Munster in Mick Shiels and we will have our work cut out if we are to progress,” Newmarket manager Murphy told the Clare …

The County Grounds in Doora is expected to attract one of its biggest attendances to date on Sunday when Clare champions, Newmarket Celtic, entertain Janesboro from Limerick in the final of the Munster Champions Cup. The game will kick off at 2pm, with Michael Rock in charge, assisted by Trevor White and Terry Kennedy. Janesboro are one of the strongest junior clubs in the region and are the favourites to win the title. It’s been a great season to date for Newmarket Celtic, who are also still in the running for the Munster Junior Cup and FAI Junior Cup titles. Janesboro, one of the oldest clubs in the Limerick league, will travel to Ennis with an experienced squad that includes the Clarke brothers, team captain Shane and Thomas, Shane Waters, John Boyle, Craig McMarlow and Stephen Walsh. For Newmarket, central defenders Mark Donlon and Paddy Purcell are very experienced and they have been in outstanding form all season. Stephen Kelly …