Title slipping from champion’s grasp

SHAMROCKS crashed to a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Doolargy and with it their quest to retain their title looks to have run it’s course.

Only able to field seven players, this game was prematurely ended at the break on Monday night, after Padraig Smith had rammed in a hat-trick, Declan Grimes bagged a brace, and Eric McQuillan from the spot, and Lee Kavanagh scored a goal each for the winners.

Shamrocks now trail the leaders Muirhevnamor by ten points, with ten games played, one extra, with the race effectively to succeed them narrowed down to two teams. Redeemer, three points adrift, with the same matches played, look the only team capable of preventing Muirhevnamor regaining the title that Shamrocks relieved them of last season after holding it for a number of seasons.

Rampart made the early season running but their form has tailed off and they suffered a convincing four nil defeat at the hands of the improving Quay in the other encounter played on Monday night.

The points enabled Quay to climb into third spot as they swapped places with the champions.

Paddy O’Connor gave Quay a one nil lead at the break, and Ian Devine missed a penalty for the winners in the first half at the Army Ground.

Andrew Duffy increased their advantage before going off injured, and two goals in the last few minutes underlined Quay’s superiority. Vinny Smith turned in a low cross from close range for their third, and then just before the final whistle Caolan Carroll headed into his own net. Rampart Celtic.

Thursday, July 7, Redeemer Celtic v Muirhevnamor Celtic; Bay/Doolargy v Quay Celtic. Semi-finals: Monday, July 11, Muirhevnamor or Rampart v Fane or Shamrocks.

Tuesday, Muirhevnamor Celtic or Redeemer v Bay or Doolargy or Quay. the tie between the two bottom clubs Fane and Bay United. The draw is as follows: Monday, July 25, Fane v Bay United.

Tuesday, July 26, Shamrocks v Redeemer.

Wednesday, Rampart v Doolargy; Muirhevnamor Celtic v Quay.

Thursday, Muirhevnamor v Fane or Bay.

Results Monday, Quay 4 (Paddy O’Connor, Andrew Duffy, Vinny Smith og); Rampart C 0.

Doolargy AS 7 Shamrocks 0 (Padraig Smith 3, Declan Grimes 2, Eric McQuillan pen Lee Kavanagh). Fixtures Kick-off 7.30pm Tonight (Tuesday), Bay United v Fane FC.

Wednesday, Redeemer Celtic v Muirhevnamor Celtic.

Thursday, Shamrocks FC v Bay United.