KDL teams begin FAI Junior Cup journey this weekend

TWELVE Kerry sides begin their FAI Junior Cup campaign next Sunday all hoping to progress to the next round of the national competition. Fenit have already come through the preliminary round after their great win over Shannon Town three weeks ago.

No Kerry side has ever won the competition but quite a few have progressed to the latter stages of the competition but just coming up short in the final run in. Three Kerry sides will definitely progress to the next round as unfortunately there are three all-Kerry clashes on Sunday.

Castleisland v The Park

This is a difficult game to call as both sides have got off to a poor start to the season but are well capable of playing better when the chips are down.

The Park are going through a bit of a transition period introducing some young players to their squad while Castleisland will want to show improvement if they are to be in the Premier A title race this season. It should be a tight game that could go all the way to penalties but I think Castleisland will shade it at the end. PREDICTION: Castleisland

Mastergeeha v Classic FC

There should not be too much between these two sides with Classic hoping to be in the league title race this year while Mastergeeha will also have title aspirations. There won’t be much between the sides but Classic may come out on top at the end.

PREDICTION: Classic FC

Killarney Athletic v Ballyheigue Athletic

Killarney Athletic will go into this game as favourites as they play 3 divisions above their opponents. However Ballyheigue have shown they can lift their game when called upon and they will give Athletic a good run for their money but it will be a surprise if the home side don’t come out on top in this game. PREDICTION: Killarney Athletic

Killarney Celtic v Newcastlewest

Celtic travel to West Limerick and should have too much fire-power for their Desmond League opponents. They have a good blend of youth and experience in their squad and should progress to the next round. PREDICTION: Killarney Celtic

Inter Kenmare v Rineanna Rovers

Inter host Clare side Rineanna Rovers and with home advantage they should have a good chance of progressing. They have already upset the apple cart in Premier A defeating The Park in their opening game of the new season.

PREDICTION: Inter Kenmare Dingle Bay Rovers v Granagh United

Dingle have had a stuttering start to the new season after winning Premier A last season. However they have plenty of talent on their side and should be able to see off the challenge of the Desmond League Division 2 side. This game will be played at Mounthawk Park on Friday at 7.30pm.

PREDICTION: Dingle Bay Rovers Mitchels Avenue v Askeaton

Mitchels Avenue host Desmond League side Askeaton and will have to be at their best if they are to secure a win. The Tralee side frequently punch above their weight and are making a habit of winning big cup games over the past few seasons. They face a difficult task but they could upset the apple cart if they play up to scratch. PREDICTION: Mitchels Avenue

Athea United v Tralee Dynamos

Tralee Dynamos also travel to West Limerick to face Desmond League Premier Division side Athea United. Dynamos surprisingly went down 4-1 to Listowel Celtic in the opening game of the season but they bounced back quickly with a big win in the Munster Junior Cup over arch rivals The Park. They should be good enough to win this game on Sunday. PREDICTION: Tralee Dynamos

Ballysteen v Listowel Celtic

Listowel Celtic also cross the border where they face Desmond League Division 2 side Ballysteen. The Fealesiders started the new season with a bang defeating Tralee Dynamos 4-1 so they will be on a high going into this game under new manager Paddy Lynch. They should be too strong for Ballysteen. PREDICTION: Listowel Celtic

Fenit Samphires v Shannon Olympic

After travelling to and beating Shannon Town in the preliminary round three weeks ago Fenit Samphires are off to Shannon again on Sunday to play Shannon Olympic. They showed great team spirit against Shannon Town winning in a dramatic penalty shoot out after the sides were deadlocked at 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra-time. If they play to their true form they should be able to etch out another win on Sunday. Prediction: Fenit Samphires

Photo by Domnick Walsh The Brandon CSCB team pictured before their Division 2 match against Annascaul Inch Utd at Mounthawk Park on Sunday.