Big test of Killarney Celtic in league trophy
Ballyhar Dynamos 4 Mastergeeha 2
BALLYHAR got their season off to a good start with a win over neighbours Mastergeeha in a very competitive game.
The sides went in level 1-1 at half time with Jack Duggan scoring for Ballyhar in the 25th minute and Dylan Murphy for Mastergeeha. Mastergeeha seized the initiative in the second half and a goal from Philip O’Leary had them leading 2-1 with 20 minutes remaining on the clock.
Ballyhar finished very strongly with Josh McCarthy equalising. Further goals from Thomas Scott and Jack Duggan gave Dynamos a comfortable win at the end.
Best for Ballyhar were Josh McCarthy, Martin Foley, Conor Henderson, Patrick O’Connor, Brian O’Driscoll, Dara O’Donoghue, Harry Doody and Adam Lenihan.
Rattoo Rovers 4 Castleisland 1
RATTOO Rovers began their new season in style with a comfortable win over Castleisland. Dylan Moriarty (two) and Nathan McGrath scored for the Ballyduff side and their other goal was an og. Lee O’Connor was the Castleisland scorer.
MUNSTER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY
Killarney Celtic v Janesboro FC Park
Saturday October 6 Celtic Park 7.30pm
KILLARNEY Celtic face the acid test a Celtic Park next Saturday evening when they play strong Limerick side Janesboro in the first round of the Munster Champions League Trophy.
These two sides have met on a few occasions in recent years and there has been very little between them anytime they lock horns. Celtic have a very strong squad this year and there will be very strong competition for places on the team.
With James Sugrue and Stevie O’Mahony joining from Tralee Celtic and Pádraig O’Connor back home again from the US they have exceptional talent at their disposal and this is a season they could be serious challengers for provincial or national honours.
They were not too impressive against Athletic last Sunday, but that will count for little in Saturday evening’s game. Celtic won this competition in its inaugural year back in 2011 defeating Waterford side Carrick United in a penalty shoot out at Turners Cross.
Peter McCarthy scored a 92nd minute equaliser and Celtic won 4-3 on penalties Goalkeeper Stephen Bartlett the star of the show bringing off a couple of great saves in the penalty shoot-out.
This will be a very tight game, but Celtic should make home advantage count and they should be able to squeeze out a win if they play up to scratch.
If Celtic win they will be at home to the winners of Brideview Utd or UCC Utd in the quarter-final.