Huge test for Killarney Celtic in Limerick

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP SEMI FINAL

Pike Rovers (Limerick) v Killarney Celtic Sunday April 15 Crossagalla, Limerick 2 30pm

KILLARNEY Celtic have a huge game next Sunday when they travel to Limerick to play formidable Limerick District League side Pike Rovers in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Cup.

Opponents don’t get much bigger that this Limerick side who make a habit of winning major competitions and have put quite a few Kerry sides to the sword in big games over the past decade.

However, Celtic have been very impressive in the competition so far and won’t be lacking in confidence going into this game. They have a strong panel of players with keen competition for places on the team every week.

They also have a very strong bench with players that can come on and change the trend of a game when presented with the opportunity. Celtic have been impressive in their patch to the semi-final defeating Fenit Samphires in the first round a game that ended 1-1, but they won the penalty shoot out 4-3.

They had to travel to Castleisand for the second round and beat the islanders 2-1. Dingle Bay Rovers were their opponents in the 3rd round and they made light work of it winning 4-0.

They were at home to Desmond League side Ballingarry in the fourth round winning 7-2. Waterford Crystal were their opponents in the last 16 and they won this one 2-1 in Waterford.

They were on their travels again in the quarter final defeating Waterford side Southend United 3-0. Now they are on the brink of making it to the final of this prestigious provincial competition and they know they have a huge hurdle to cross before they can get there.

They face an enormous task against one of the best junior soccer teams in the country who are already through to the FAI Junior Cup final after defeating Newmarket Celtic 3 – 2 last Sunday after extra-time.

Killarney Celtic had their scouts watching the game and they will be focusing on any weaknesses they observed in the Limerick side.

Despite the difficult task they face Celtic have a reputation for rising to big challenges when required and they will have their own game plan which they hope will yield the result they require.

While on paper the odds are against them they make a habit of winning big games and very few come bigger than this one with the prospects of reaching a provincial final on the line.

If it was a home tie then their prospects would be much better as Celtic Park is a fortress they rarely loose big games in but to win this game in Limerick is a tall order.

Nevertheless they will be going into the game in an optimistic frame of mind and they certainly have the capability of upsetting the apple cart if they play up to scratch.

They got through their Premier A game against Listowel Celtic on Saturday without incurring injuries and their squad have a clean bill of health for the big game. It should be a fascinating game and Celtic will have to play out of their skins if they are to win this one .

Everyone will be keeping their fingers crossed thatthey can book their place in the final on Sunday.

The club are organising a bus to the game for supporters and as there is likely to be huge demand it is advisable to book a seat early by contacting Ramona.

The other semi-final is also on at the weekend between Limerick side Janesboro and Clare side Newmarket Celtic.

PANEL: David Spillane, Chris O’Leary, Brendan Falvey, John Mc Donagh, Jamie Spillane, Matt Keane, Pa Mc Grath, Wayne Sparling, Gary Keane, Peter Mc Carthy, Danny Roche, Cathal O’Shea, Stephen Mc Carthy, Conor Mc Carthy, Michael Devlin, Lee Downing, Anthony O’Leary, Matthew Moynihan, Jonathan O’Leary