THE dates for the four local soccer cup finals have been released with these eagerly awaited showdowns set to take place in two weeks time.
Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United will do battle in the League Cup final on Friday October 22 with both sides in great form heading in to this encounter.
The pair are both unbeaten after the opening rounds of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL).
These sides have dominated Clare soccer for the last decade with Newmarket Celtic eager to add further silverware to their collection. They will be made to work hard though as they face an Avenue United side who are eager to get one over their main rivals.
David Russell’s side have the ultimate aim of securing league glory as they seek to end Newmarket’s stranglehold on the Premier Division and Avenue United know that a win in this cup final will lay down a marker for league campaign ahead.
Avenue United possess an exciting young squad with Cian O’Dea and Alan Roche dangerous up front. They will certainly make this a game worth watching.
Newmarket are not short on talent either as David McCarthy is in scintillating form while exciting talents Aaron Rudd and Tadhg Noonan are capable of stamping their authority on any game.
The game starts at 7.30pm at The County Grounds.
Newmarket will be hoping to complete a double as their B team hosts Shannon Town B in the First Division final with that game kicking off at 5pm on Saturday October 23rd at The County Grounds.
Meanwhile, the Second Division final final sees Connolly Celtic face off against Rhine Rovers at The County Grounds on Saturday October 23rd at 7.30pm. This game promises plenty of goals with Connolly Celtic scoring eight at the weekend while Rhine Rovers grabbed four goals of their own in a league win against Shannon Hibs B.
On Sunday October 24th, Bunratty/Cratloe FC come up against Ennis Dons. Bunratty/Cratloe FC have shown good form so far this season with a win over Fern Celtic and although Ennis Dons slipped to a 3-2 defeat to Moher Celtic B at the weekend, anything can happen in a cup final. This Third Division final kicks off at 12pm and will be played at The County Grounds.
Admission is €5 per game although the league is offering a special €10 weekend ticket which will cover the cost of attending all four finals.

by Ivan Smyth