PIKE Rovers are Premier League Champions after a scoreless draw at home in front of a huge crowd at Crossagalla to second-placed Fairview Rangers was sufficient for the Robbie Williams-managed Pike to retain their title.
With captain Steve McGann unfortunately sidelined through injury, Pat Mullins deputised superbly. It was an eventful few days for Mullins in the lead-up to Saturday’s league conclusion – he married Vickie Blake earlier in the week and then collected Premier League Player of the Year on the eve of the glamour fixture.
A feature of the contest was an eye-catching save by experienced goalkeeper Gary Neville with a shot from Wayne Colbert.
Mullins afterwards collected the Fran Mullally Trophy from Pat Dillon.
Meanwhile, on Friday night (June 2, kick-off 6.45pm), Fairview Rangers and Aisling Annacotty meet in a fascinating Lawson Cup Final at Jackman Park.
In senior activity, Marc Ludden captained Treaty United are away to First Division second-placed side Waterford FC at the Regional Sports Centre (7.45pm). Despite the heavy 3-0 weekend home loss to Finn Harps, Treaty remain in contention for a promotion play-off spot.
In the Desmond League the following week (June 9), the Premier title will be a play-off between deadly rivals Broadford United and Rathkeale after both sides finished level on points (42) after the regular 18 matches.
And in the Women’s Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park on Sunday, Claire O’Riordan of Newcastle West scored
