Kerry clubs in FAI Junior Cup action

THIRTEEN Kerry teams embark on a big venture next weekend when they compete in the opening round of the FAI Junior Cup. This is the largest and oldest amateur competition in Europe with over 600 clubs competing every year.

The Kerry entrants this year have a hard act to follow as Killarney Celtic became the first Kerry side to reach the semi-final last year losing to Sheriff FC on penalties and Sheriff went on to win the title.

Dingle Bay Rovers had a good run in the competition also and were unlucky to lose to Janesboro.

Getting to the semi-finals any year doesn’t automattically guarantee a club will do it the following year as to get a good run in this national competition you also need a bit of luck along the way.

Killarney Celtic reached dizzy heights last year but now the big question is who will go the furthest this year? Because there are two all Kerry clashes in the draw two sides exit in the opening game and two will progress to the next round.

Castlegregary and Killarney Athletic are through to the next round as they got a bye in the draw.

All games are on Sunday at 2pm with the exception of Tralee Dynamos v Broadford United which is on Friday at Mounthawk Park with 8pm kick off.

Classic FC v Ballyheigue Athletic is on Saturday at Mounthawk Park with 7pm kick off and Killarney Celtic v Rineanna Rovers also on Saturday at Celtic Park at 7pm.

Classic FC v Ballyheigue Athletic

THIS should be a close game with Classic FC probably favourites as they are playing in a higher division. However they struggled for a long time last season and had to fight hard to avoid relegation. Ballyheigue are a good side that play with a lot of spirit and are well capable of defeating their opponents but Classic have begun the new season very strongly and should be good enough to win this one. Verdict: Classic FC

Inter Kenmare v CG Killarney

INTER Kenmare will go into this game as favourites but CG will be hoping they can spring a surprise in their first year entering the competition. Inter struggled last season and got relegated and need to pick themselves up quickly to steady the ship. Meanwhile, CG Killarney have acquired a few new singnings for the new season and that will enhance their chances considerably and they will be going into this game with high hopes. I saw them playing Balllyheigue Athletic last Sunday and I was impressed with them and if they play to their full potential they could overcome Inter. Verdict: CG Killarney

Killarney Celtic v Rineanna Rovers

KILLARNEY Celtic should progress to the next round as they face a Clare side that is playing in Division 2. However the opposition can’t be taken for granted and they will have to face the game like any challenge and perform to their best. It will be a major surprise if they don’t win this game at Celtic Park. Verdict: Killarney Celtic

Castleisland v Shannonside FC

CASTLEISLAND are drawn against Desmond League side Shannonside who play in the Premier Division in the Desmond League and they should be good enough to win this game. They are very difficult to defeat on their home patch and have the credentials to win this game. Verdict: Castleisland

Listowel Celtic v Abbeyfeale United

THIS is a very tough draw for Celtic against one of the best sides in the Desmond League. Abbeyfeale are regular silverware winners in this league and put Dingle Bay Rovers out of the Munster Champions League Trophy last season in extra time. Playing at Pat Kennedy Park will be a big boost for Celtic but they will have to turn in an extroardinary performance if they are to win this one. They have shown a lack of consistency at the start of the new season and will be hoping that home advantage will count. Certainly the Fealesiders are in with a chance If they play up to stratch but Abbeyfeale will be fancied to progress. Verdict: Abbeyfeale United

Mastergeeha v Glin Rovers

THIS is a difficult assignment for Mastergeeha against another strong Desmond League side but they are used to winning at Kilbrean Park and if they can make home advantage count they could upset the odds. However it is a tall order to win this one and they may come up short on the day. Verdict: Glin Rovers

Mitchels Avenue v Newcastle West Rovers

MITCHELS Avenue also meet West Limerick opposition and they will have to be on song to get the better of Newcastlewest Rovers who are a strong Desmond League Premier Division side. Mitchels Avenue are a very good cup side and have the capability of defeating ther illustrious opponents at Mounthawk Park. The Tralee side are making a habit of knocking big teams out of cup competitions and they will be hoping to take another big scalp in this encounter. One thing is sure they will put in 100% effort over the 90 minutes and it might be enough to secure a win. Verdict: Mitchels Avenue

Tralee Celtic v Rathkeale AFC

TRALEE Celtic face a daunting task against a very strong Desmond League side. Nevertheless Celtic have signed a number of top class players this season including James Sugrue, Anthony Murphy John Farragher and Chris Kerins and will feel they have a good chance on home soil. They play an attractive brand of football and are strong in all departments of the pitch. While they will go into the game as outsiders they could be a good outside bet and I fancy them to topple their West Limerick opponents on Sunday. Verdict: Tralee Celtic

Tralee Dynamos v Broadford United

A GIGANTIC task awaits Tralee Dynamos against a very strong Premier Division Desmond League side. However Broadford have given away home advantage to play the game on Friday night at Mounthawk Park and that could benefit the Tralee side. Dynamos are going through a bit of a transition this season with some of their more senior players retiring or joining other clubs and they have a lot of new players who are beginning to gel together reasonably well. While they are well capable of upsetting the apple cart in this game I fear it will be a bridge too far on this occasion and Broadford should win the game. Verdict: Broadford United

Ennis Town v Fenit Samphires

FENIT Samphires cross the county border to Clare where they face a good Ennis Town side who play in the Premier Division of the Clare League so they will be a tough nut to crack. Fenit are a good cup side and will be going into the game with a fair degree of confidence. They have a few games under their belt in the new season and that should stand to them in this game. While they could be in with a chance of upsetting the odds it looks unlikely against this formidable Clare side who must get the nod to progress.

Verdict: Ennis Town

AK United v Dingle Bay Rovers

DINGLE Bay Rovers have quiet a good draw against a Desmond League side that play in Division 1 and they should win this one with a bit to spare. They have a very strong side this year with the addition of Bryan Murphy, Con Barrett, and Paudie Quinn and they should be far too good for their opponents on Sunday. Verdict: Dingle Bay Rovers