A NEVER-say-die attitude earned Regional United a stunning Munster Junior Cup final win over Clare kingpins Newmarket Celtic at Jackman Park.
Down 2-0 in the early exchanges, Seán Russell’s outfit battled back to force extra time, thanks to goals from inspirational captain Kieran O’Connell and the peerless Eduardo Almeida.
When extra time failed to separate the sides, the game went to penalties – which Regional won 4-2, depriving Newmarket of a Munster and National Junior Cup double.
Regional goalkeeper Peter Healy excelled with a couple of memorable saves in the shoot-out, while the clinical winning spot-kick came from Oleg Vysochan.
Regional, a club on the eve of its 50th anniversary, are now the 12th Limerick team to have won the Munster Junior Cup.
Regional return to Premier League action tomorrow (Thursday) night with leaders Pike Rovers as visitors, while second-placed Fairview Rangers are at Ballynanty Rovers. Both fixtures are timed for 6.30pm starts.
Meanwhile, a novel Desmond Cup final involving Dromore United and Glin Rovers is pencilled-in for Mike Hanley Park, Clounreask (Askeaton), on Saturday next, kick-off 7pm.
Glin, who are seeking a third Cup success, will likely start as favourites against an area who contested the 2018 final as Kildimo United.
Key players for Glin include goalkeeper Mike Stack, Shane Culhane, Zack Behan, Paul Sheehan, Ajay Behan, and skipper Martin McSweeney, while Dromore have influential individuals such as netminder Gary Sheehan, Ben Higgins, Barry Walsh (captain), Ciarán Barry, Tiernan Meaney, and Luke O’Keeffe.
LEAGUE OF IRELAND:
TREATY United seek a record fifth First Division win on the bounce when leaders Galway United visit the Markets Field Stadium on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).
Treaty’s Ben O’Riordan is set to miss the outing after picking-up a red card in the latter stages of the 3-0 demolition of Longford Town at Bishopsgate.
Tommy Barrett’s side have four of their next five league matches at home, all significant fixtures in the pursuit of a coveted play-off slot: Galway (Friday), Finn Harps (May 26), Wexford FC (June 6), and Cobh Ramblers (June 9).
On June 2, Treaty are away to Waterford at the Regional Sports Centre.
RACING:
CLIONA’S Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Inter-Firm Charity Race Day at Greemount Park, Patrickswell, on Thursday next (May 25).
The Limerick-based foundation expects at least 200 families will apply for financial assistance across 2023 and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet this challenge.
“Simply by supporting the Race Day and enjoying a fantastic day out at the races, you are helping families who are in a real crisis. I am encouraging everyone to join us next Thursday for a special day,” said Brendan Ring, founder and voluntary CEO of Cliona’s.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities for the Race Day are available. Contact Darren Sheahan on 087 635 1050 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
