Limerick District Premier League 2014/15 Season Review

Here we go! Listed below is my 2014/15 Team of the Season. But first, let’s get into my blow-by-blow, month-by-month account of what was a truly absorbing season of Limerick junior football.

August

August brought with it a potentially catastrophic start to the season for perennial slow-starters, Janesboro. Tipped by many as the main contenders for Pike Rovers’ league mantle, they began their campaign with two consecutive home defeats. The first of the two reverses arrived at the hands of FAI Junior Cup finalists, Ballynanty Rovers, who were showing no ill-effects from the loss of centre-back Kenneth Meehan to Pike  – thanks in large part to the efforts of promoted minors, Ryan Earls and Zach Hyland. Ballynanty blitzed the home side in the first half, with a standout performance from another minor graduate, Jamie Bromell, up top. Janesboro recovered somewhat in the second half, but failed to convert two glorious Conor Lynch chances to level matters.

The second defeat arrived at the hands of Munster Junior Cup finalists, Geraldines. Janesboro’s defence, in the absence of the assured presence of Thomas Clarke, struggled to play out against the away side’s high press, with striker Robbie Kelleher also causing stand-in centre back, Adrian Healy, a ton of problems. Janesboro went long to Shane Clarke in the second half, with greater success, but still succumbed to a narrow 3-2 defeat.

This victory for Geraldines made it four points out of a difficult opening two games on paper. They began their campaign with a dreadful 2-2 home draw against Carew Park, despite being forced to call in some B players to deputise for some absent first teamers. Carew sprang a tactical surprise for this one, with Albert Slattery dispensing with his trusty 4-4-2 in favour of a 3-1-4-2 shape. It didn’t work, with the front two ending up quite isolated from the midfield trident of Dillon, Quinn and Culhane. Carew also looked predictably vulnerable on the flanks in this shape, something that the ‘Dines, despite their paucity of available personnel, could have done more to exploit. Famously of course, I was almost forced to regret making that line of thinking public. Not the last time I would encounter trouble online over the course of the season.

Carew reverted to their usual shape for their next game, a 4-1 hammering of a then-hapless Summerville Rovers, before rocking up to Crossagalla for another early potential title decider. Despite being dominated by Pike on the balance of play, Carew escaped with a crucial 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from the re-signed John Connery. Alas for Carew, that re-signing was adjudged by the LDMC to have been anything but above board. Connery’s registration was found to have not occured within the requisite full working day, despite the club reportedly receiving assurances from a key council representative that everything was kosher.

Pike were obviously informed otherwise, and their objection was successful. The result was reversed and Pike found themselves with three vital bonus points. In all truth, they should have had earned those three the traditional way anyway. Colin Daly played through ball after through ball from between the Carew midfield and defence, only to see his wingers and forwards waste chance after chance. Coming on the heels of an opening day deadlock with Regional, the shape of Pike’s season was being moulded early. A misfiring frontline would be their main deficit in their eventual failure to retain the title.

Pike followed up by visiting Janesboro, who had gotten their first win on the board through a 10-1 hammering of Summerville at Portland Park. Here again, poor finishing cost the champions, as two gilt-edged Cian O’Donoghue chances were not capitalised upon.

At the other end of the table, Aisling Annacotty got off to the perfect start, with a 4-0 away win over newly-promoted Knockainey. Knockainey got a crucial win of their own on the board at the end of the month however, when they won 2-1 at home to Summerville, who had yet to register a single point.

September

September began with Carew securing another massive, but fortunate, away win – which this time was allowed to stand. Regional United were the hosts and despite dominating possession with an extra man in midfield, they struggled to put their visitors away.

The other newly promoted side, Moyross United, were meanwhile confidently going about dispelling any fears of an immediate return to 1A. They started the month with an excellent 2-1 home win against Geraldines and ended it with an even more impressive performance in the 2-2 draw at home to Pike.

This was a game that Moyross should have won, in truth. The outstanding Adrian Power terrorised young Pike right-back Darragh Walsh, whose side looked in disarray on the day – featuring striker John Okoro at centre-back and John Tierney in an unfamilar left-wing role. Unfortunately for the Premier newcomers, poor screening of the defence allowed Pike to restore parity from distance. This was a recurring problem throughout the season for Moyross, who sorely lacked that player with defensive instincts to shore up the back of midfield at times.

Elsewhere, Summerville made it five losses out of five with a devastating 6-1 away reverse to fellow relegation candidates Corbally United, before finally getting a point on the board via a 1-1 draw at home to a confident Moyross side.

Meanwhile, Janesboro really got their season going with a comprehensive 3-1 home win against an understrength Carew Park side, for which manager Albert Slattery appeared off the bench and hit the post with a late headed effort. It was no coincidence that Carew were missing their two most important defensive operators on the day, in the shape of Mark Slattery and Barry Dillon. Although Janesboro, for their part, were missing talismanic striker Shane Clarke. Luckily for them, they were able to flex their squad depth muscles, by bringing in Shane Waters instead, who was arguably the game’s standout performer.

October

October began with Regional gaining a measure of revenge for that unfortunate league defeat to Carew – by knocking them out of the Munster Junior Cup on penalties. Carew wasted a number of quality chances in the game, which finished 2-2 after extra-time. Manager Albert Slattery had been dismissed earlier in the game for a disagreement with the officials, but he sent word at the end of extra-time that he wanted a goalkeeping change. In a Van Gaal-esque move, he removed poor Jamie Stewart, in favour of father Gordon for the shootout. Regional booked their place in the next round regardless.

Days later, Regional secured another penalties triumph – this time at the expense of Moyross in the first round of the Tuohy Cup. A crazy 4-4 draw, which featured standout performances from Moyross wingers Barry Quinn and Adrian Power and Regional midfielder Kieran O’Connell,  was settled in that most dramatic of fashions.

Elsewhere in the cups, last year’s finalists Ballynanty Rovers, were dumped out of the FAI at home to Carew in unceremonious fashion. Despite enjoying the extra man in midfield, Balla looked to go long and wide to Bromell on the left far too often and fell victim to some excellent counter-attacking from the Carew wingers, Jon Somers and John Connery. John O’Leary was the game’s standout performer for Carew at right-back, but it was midfielder Tommy Culhane who grabbed the headlines, with a trademark left-footed screamer from distance.

Corbally continued their decent start to the season with 2-1 Tuohy Cup victory over Geraldines, who were again desperately short of personnel on the night. Midfielder Keith O’Connor had to start in goals, while striker Pa Moloney, who was sent off late on, was forced to start in midfield. Good pressing from the Corbally frontline, capped by a standout performance from winger Jack Fitzgerald secured the victory. Corbally also earned a creditable 2-2 home draw against Carew later in the month, denting their visitors league challenge further.

Back in the league, Summerville began their miraculous revival that would eventually lift them to safety. The outstanding James Cleary bagged a hat-trick away to rivals Aisling in a massive 3-1 victory. Summerville’s next game, at home to Ballynanty, was a an absolute travesty of justice for the Portland Park natives. They somehow lost 3-1, despite being denied a clear penalty for a Ryan Earls foul on James Cleary in the area. Both Earls and captain David Dunphy could and should have seen reds for second bookable offences too.

Alex Purcell shone for the fortunate visitors, some of whom did not take kindly to my subsequent match report (without giving any real detail as to why). Indeed, when visiting Shelbourne Park the next month, I was set upon verbally for commenting aloud on the first-half performance of one of their key players – the first time this has happened to me at any ground in four seasons of writing about the game. In fairness to the Ballynanty side, certain players on the sideline came to my defence, but others chose to take my comments personally, with one sidelined player, who has, shall we say, grown in confidence in recent times, taking it a bit too far, only to apologise (with a pat on the back, mind you) at a later stage. Irritating. Even the Apostles of Connie have allowed me go about my business in peace over the years – including Pike’s former foul-throw watchdog, who now amuses me by assiduously liking anything remotely negative sent in my direction on Facebook.

Over in the Oscar Traynor, Carew’s players were frozen out for the first squad by new managers Declan Considine and Derek Braddish, who impressively managed to ensure that the city’s other top players made themselves available. The first group game, at home to Kerry DL, did not go well, with the unimpressive visitors equalising late against a Limerick side that featured a handful of players fielded out of their optimal positions. Craig Madigan was the standout performer, playing in midfield and shackling their dangerous number ten, Paudie Quinn.

November

November was Fairview’s month – I don’t think anyone would dispute that. The ‘View began it by inflicting a shock FAI Junior Cup 4th round defeat on the in-form Janesboro, with a late Jeffrey Judge winner. Judge stood out on the day, as did prodigal son Christy Doyle upfront, while young left-full Lee Whyte also impressed up against Shane Waters. Unfortunately for Fairview fans, Whyte seemed to disappear in the latter part of the season, with treatment at the hands of management reportedly to blame.

Fairview followed up this big win by claiming the scalp of the auld enemy Pike in the Munster Junior Cup. The ‘View won 2-0, making it eight wins in a row in all competitions, thanks in the main to the performance of midfielder Jamie Shinnors. Pike again looked in disarray personnel-wise, with rumours of a disagreement between Tierney and management with regards to his positioning reportedly to blame for his failure to start. Pike’s problems upfront continued, with neither Okoro nor the disappointing Kieran Hanlon troubling the scorers. They also had problems in goal, with key outfielder Eoin Hanrahan forced to fill in due to the dual absences of Gary Neville and his regular back-up. Pa Mullins also took his turn in there in the second half to free up ‘Boris’ to go on the attack. Bizarre. As for Fairview, they fell at the next hurdle to 1A side Mungret Regional, precipitating a decline in their performance level that would not arrest itself before the season’s end.

Corbally continued their run in the Tuohy, narrowly besting Regional by three goals to two, thanks in large part to performance of young midfielder Michael Guerin. Corbally were again extremely energetic in the press, even late on in the game.

In the league, Carew secured another important away win at Balla, with a 2-0 victory built on the foundation of a solid defensive performance and some dangerous counter-attacking. Mark Slattery shone at back, with full-backs Mike Leahy and John O’Leary also doing well up against the dangerous pairing of Bromell and Purcell. Balla were very direct again, but with Derek Hanlon competing well in the air against Slattery’s partner at centre-back, Gary Griffin, this approach looked a fair bet. Despite defence largely being a plus point for Carew this season, their inability to compete in the air at times was a big negative. A blocker-type, in the vein of former captain Mark Keane, is a must to play alongside Slattery next season. Speaking of Slattery, he was dismissed towards the end of the game for retaliation. Although, given that he was able to demonstrate visible evidence that he had been Suarez-ed, said retaliation was possibly understandable.

A hard-fought 2-1 away win in Annacotty followed for Carew, after struggling greatly to create chances against the newly-resolute home side, who had begun to stamp out the hammerings of earlier in the season by starting with a much lower block and taking a more defensive outlook.

Towards the end of the month, Summerville continued their renaissance with a 3-1 victory at home to Regional, while Corbally won by the odd goal in five at home to Knockainey. Janesboro secured a huge 2-1 away win over Moyross, while Pike again failed to trouble the scorers, with a 0-0 draw at home to Geraldines, who by this point were still very much in with a sniff. This was Pike’s 5th draw in ten games. Balla were held by ‘View, in a further blow to their dwindling league chances.

December

A quiet month for football, in terms of total fixtures played, as always. Although there were some big games this time around – including the massive Tuohy Cup quarter-final between Pike and Carew, which saw the latter triumph by four goals to two, despite having only nine players at their disposal two hours before kick-off. Steven Grant started in midfield beside Barry Dillon – his first start at this level in at least 18 months. Nonetheless, Carew ran out deserved winners, with wingers John Connery and Alex shining on the night. Pike’s strike partnership was Red Hanlon and Colin Scanlon, neither of whom looked fully fit, and neither of whom would be with the champions for the run-in.

In one of the other quarter-finals, Summerville continued to improve, knocking out Ballynanty on penalties, while in the league, Aisling’s rearguard action went from strength to strength by becoming one of the few sides to keep out eventual champions Janesboro, in a vital 0-0 draw.

In the FAI, Fairview fell foul out of out-of-town officials as they crashed out at the hands of Clondalkin, while Carew got surprisingly hammered, 4-1, at the hands of Sligo’s City United. Moyross, meanwhile, beat Cobh 6-2, while Regional enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over Desmond League side Broadford, notable for a stunning goal from Darren Naughton and an unfortunate, and damaging, straight red for Kieran O’Connell. Regional would also lose the impressive Olly O’Driscoll for the rest of the season after this game.

January

January began with a big 2-0 league win for Janesboro at Shelbourne Park, to seriously dent Balla’s league challenge. In a typically poor early January game, right-back Wayne O’Donovan stood out, contributing a great assist, and demonstrating great dead ball delivery and crossing from open play. On the same morning, Knockainey gave themselves a lifeline with a 2-1 home victory over Moyross.

Speaking of Moyross, they avenged Fairview by coming away with a 3-0 victory in Clondalkin to continue their FAI run. Regional crashed out 2-0 at home to River Valley Rangers, however, while Pike lost 2-1 in Wexford to North End United.

Back in the league, Carew secured a 2-1 home win over the ‘Dines, despite being second best for long periods against ten men after Paul Fitzgerald’s dismissal. This was only Geraldines’ second loss of the season, but they now trailed Carew and the ‘Boro by 4 points. Carew’s narrow victory was thanks in large part to a rare start upfront for John Connery (where he’s at his best), who won a penalty from Paul Danaher to allow Gary Griffin to open the scoring.

Despite leading Pike 3-1 going into the final ten minutes of their league game, Fairview lost 4-3 in what was arguably the season’s most exciting conclusion to a football match. Fairview went ahead through some excellent counter-attacking play, but a late switch to a 3-4-1-2 shape from Trevor Lovell allowed Hanrahan, who had started the game at left-back, to get involved further up the pitch. Dave Ryan also slotted into a number ten role, overloading the Fairview defence. The returning Colm Enright, who came out of retirement this month, made it 2-3 off a Hanrahan cross and Ryan got the late equaliser, before Jeffrey Judge was dismissed at 3-3. Then, right at the death, captain Pa Mullins bundled in the winner to complete a remarkable turnaround for his side and keep them in the hunt to retain their title. Fairview’s woes were to continue later in the month as they crashed out of the Lawson courtesy of mid-table 1A side Shannon Town.

Meanwhile, in the relegation dogfight, a much weakened Corbally United, who had lost goalkeeper Stephen Walsh, target man Ben Savage and midfielder Michael Guerin (among others) in the transfer window, fell victim to a 1-0 home defeat to Aisling Annacotty – a vital result in the grand scheme of things come the end of the season. Aisling followed that up however, with a disastrous 1-0 home defeat to Knockainey, after which management admitted that their recently successful defensive approach had been inappropriate.

In the Oscar Traynor, Limerick, now incorporating Carew personnel, followed up their victory over the Desmond League, with an impressive 4-1 triumph over Cork AUL at Jackman.

February

Corbally’s woes continued at the beginning of this month, with a heavy 5-2 away reverse in Moyross. Moyross had some woes of their own however, losing 2-1 at home to Ballynanty, ensuring that Rovers secured the double over their new-found Northside rivals.

In the month’s standout encounter, Janesboro eventually triumphed 4-3 over Regional in a pulsating Munster Junior Cup encounter that saw them trail 2-1 at half-time. Regional could and should have been in the clear by that point after some great early pressing and quick balls over the top, but standout performances from two of the ‘Boro’s key players this season – Aidan Hurley at right back and Eddie Brazier at left wing – saw Janesboro come out on top.

Moyross would argue that they matched that one for excitement however, with a dramatic Keith Colbert winner handing them the victory at home to much-fancied Carrick United (now MJC champions) in the last 16 of the FAI.

Although they won their Tuohy semi-final against Corbally 4-2, Carew’s league chances took a hammering this month, by dint of a devastating 3-1 home loss to Pike. Pike were comfortably the dominant side in this one, with Hanrahan standing out once again, and returning striker Pa Moloney looking to have solved Pike’s frontline woes. Colm Enright once again performed brilliantly alongside the equally impressive Pa Mullins, rekindling their formidable partnership of old. Carew’s counter-attacking prowess was hampered by the decision to swap Connery and Alex on the wings, meaning that they were both tempted to run inside into blind alleys far too often.

Pike followed this up with a comfortable 2-0 home win against Regional, who saw good performances from anchorman Darren Butler, who shackled John Tierney, and Dave Cowpar at the centre of their defence. Regional gave their young players a chance to shine in the latter part of the league season, which should stand them in good stead going forward.

At the end of month, more misfortune befell Aisling, as they somehow contrived to lose 4-2 at home to Moyross in the league, courtesy of some dreadful finishing, two individual defensive errors and two stunning long-range strikes from Barry Quinn – one with each foot! Michael Guerin also impressed with his long-range distribution at the base of the Moyross midfield. This result left AA locked on equal points at the bottom with Knockainey, with Summerville a further point ahead.

March

March began with another unfortunate home reverse for Aisling – 2-1 at the hands of Geraldines. Janesboro secured their place in the Munster Junior semi-finals with a 3-0 win away to Abbeyfeale, while Pike had a lucky escape in the Lawson, turning it around very late to beat 2A’s Herbertstown 3-2.

Summerville and Knockainey played out a 1-1 draw at Portland Park, thanks to a dramatic last-gasp equaliser from the away side’s Padraig Barron. Summerville, who had seen defender Mark Keane snatched from their grasp by Janesboro after the final whistle of their Tuohy semi-final defeat to the same side, featured an excellent performance from James O’Donnell at centre back. The scorer of their goal was, of course, James Cleary. This result left both sides on ten points, with Aisling bottom on eight. Corbally were just ahead of the three, but going backwards, after a 3-2 loss away to Balla.

In the Oscar Traynor, a direct, high-tempo style saw Limerick triumph over a poor Kilkenny side in the quarter finals. Both midfielders, Mike O’Gorman and Craig Madigan (who was again excellent), fed off Shane Clarke’s knock-downs to see their side through.

In the Tuohy Cup final, Carew threw away a two-goal half-time lead to eventually lose to Janesboro on penalties. Carew wingers Alex and Connery ran riot in the first-half, with ‘Boro full-backs O’Donovan and Harkin struggling with match fitness and an injury respectively. Janesboro were the better side in the second half however, led by another excellent Aidan Hurley performance, this time playing in the centre of midfield. They eventually leveled through a last ditch Conor Lynch equaliser – not the first time the old campaigner came off the bench to score a vital goal this season.

And it wasn’t the last either. A stalemate in Rathuard against Geraldines the following weekend was decided by a late Lynch strike. This game was also notable for ‘Boro’s centre-back pairing of McGarry and Keane, both men’s only starts of the season and Keane’s only appearance at all. Despite concerns about the pace of that duo, Geraldines eased them by opting to start Robbie Kelleher upfront, with no support in behind. The game turned bad-tempered late on with Craig Madigan dismissed for a second bookable offence after a retaliatory tackle on Pa McGarry. McGarry probably should have gone too for grabbing the Dines midfielder by the throat, and was subbed soon after. Towards the end of game Danny O’Neill was given two quick bookings for protesting the incorrect award of a throw-in, which prompted Paul O’Donnell to engage the official in conversation and get dismissed himself. This result pretty much ended Geraldines title challenge.

In the relegation battle, Aisling picked up a huge 2-1 away win against Ballynanty Rovers, before falling 1-0 at Portland Park – Summerville doing the double over their trapdoor rivals. Corbally got hammered 6-1 by Pike, but followed by that up with a 3-1 home victory over Geraldines, a result that followed a Paddy Power decision to suspend betting on the game.

Meanwhile, in the FAI, Moyross’ fantastic run came to an end, with a penalties defeat to North End in the quarter-finals. Moyross led 3-1 in the second half of normal-time, after riding their luck in a first half that saw North End miss at least two glorious chances, but eventually conceded a last gasp equaliser to take the game to extra-time. Wingers Barry Quinn and Adrian Power again stood out, scoring all three goals between them, as did Jossy Guerin who stood in admirably at centre-back despite conceding the penalty that saw North End claw it back to 3-2.

April

April began with a crucial pair of midweek games in the hunt for the league title. Pike hosted ‘Boro and secured a 2-2 draw courtesy of a last gasp Seamus O’Carroll winner. The right winger was the game’s most impressive performer, also instigating the break that led to the game’s opening goal. Janesboro, for their part, saw key man Shane Clarke get involved in both goals. They improved greatly after the introduction of Ed Brazier and Arron Nunan to the fray. The ‘Boro, if they won their game in hand, would then stand on 39 points with Pike, with Carew a further point back on 38 after an amazing comeback to beat Regional 3-2 on the same night.

Regional would get their revenge in the very next game however, inflicting a massive 4-0 defeat on the 2012-13 league champions in their Lawson quarter-final, thanks in large part to the performances of young striker Byron Fitzgerald and wide midfielder Mark McManus. Carew did miss three or four sitters in the game, but had defensive errors to blame for their failure to progress. They were also very vulnerable to the counter-attack, in the absence of key midfielder Barry Dillon. Carew moved to a 3-4-3 shape, with Connery up top at half-time, and as always when John plays upfront, they looked more dangerous. Gary Griffin was unlucky to be the defender removed at the break – he was far from the most culpable member of the back four for Carew’s first half woes. Janesboro won their quarter-final against Moyross that morning, with a whopping 8-2 defeat – the northsiders presumably still feeling the effects of having their season ended at the hands of John Godkin’s North End.

Next up was the Munster Junior Cup semi-final at Jackman, from which Janesboro fell victim to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of an impressive Tralee Dynamos side. The contrast between the two sides playing styles was marked, with the Limerick side looking to the long ball to Clarke, and Tralee looking to play through midfield – which they did with some success due to the failure of Janesboro’s pair to get tight enough in there. To add insult to injury, the ‘Boro also picked up two suspensions from the latter stages of the game, with both Waters and Hogan dismissed for second bookable offences. They would miss the crucial league game away to Carew, from which any positive result would keep the would-be champions in the driving seat.

Which they secured nonetheless – a 1-1 draw that represented a hammer blow to Carew’s chances. The ‘Boro dominated the game for an hour with Conor Lynch imperious in the air up against Carew’s diminutive backline. The home side switched Connery upfront for the last half hour, pushing the away side back and allowing them back into the game. Ed Brazier and Arron Nunan were excellent on the flanks for the ‘Boro in the enforced absence of Waters and Hogan, as was Thomas Clarke at the back. Goalkeeper John Ryan, in for the run-in in place of the injured Darren Glasheen, also acquitted himself extremely well in the game.

The magnitude of this result for Janesboro was amplified by Pike’s surprise 2-1 loss away to Aisling, a game that was “controversially” played on Aisling’s grass pitch. I say surprise, but Pike had ridden their luck for the previous few weeks, struggling to get an eleven together. They had only narrowly defeated a better Moyross side 1-0 at home the previous Thursday. This result was coming. Rumours flew around about another objection, centering around the match venue, but it never went ahead, with some in the club allegedly thinking better of it. Aisling were mandated to only use their astroturf for the remainder of the season, however.

Summerville took two big leaps towards safety, with a 1-1 draw against doomed Corbally and a 2-1 home victory over Geraldines. Corbally’s next loss, an abject 5-0 defeat to Janesboro, looked to have finished them, and so it proved. Left-back Dave Kinsella did stand out in this game, however, for his composure on the ball and long-throwing ability. I’m sure there will be Premier sides sniffing around him this summer.

Pike stayed in the league hunt through a single Pa Mullins goal against Balla, despite being forced to field manager Trevor Lovell in the starting line-up. The Hoops then went on to inflict a 2-0 defeat on Janesboro in the Lawson semi-finals, in a poor game that required set-piece goals from Meehan and Enright to decide it. The Enright goal came from a John Tierney short corner and cross, a routine that would work in their favour again in the next stage of the competition. Regional defeated Aisling in the other semi, thanks to a goal from veteran striker Danny Galvin.

The next round of league fixtures saw Corbally give themselves a chance going into the final game, condeming Knockainey to an immediate return to 1A, by way of a 4-0 away victory. Ronan Sherlock was now playing in goals due to Corbally’s failure to adequately replace Walsh in January and an unfortunate leg-break for centre-back and former Limerick ‘keeper Jimmy Fyffe. Janesboro continued their march to the title with a 2-0 home win over Regional, a game in which the away side’s Darren Butler again stood out in the centre of midfield.

Carew’s penultimate league game was a 3-1 victory at home to Aisling – a game in which Aisling caused Carew huge problems with their midfield diamond shape, dominating the game in the first half and leading by a goal to nil at half-time. Aisling’s pacy striker duo of Brian Donovan and Evan O’Connor also tested Carew’s emergency centre-back pairing of midfielder Barry Dillon and the semi-retired Paddy Koyce. Carew’s half-time team talk worked wonders however, as they blitzed their visitors in the second half, with Alex and Jonathan Grant to the fore. Janesboro triumphed 5-0 at home to Knockainey that evening, in their third-last game.

Meanwhile, in the Oscar Traynor, Limerick earned themselves a final spot with an excellent 2-0 display away to Wexford DL.

May

And so we reached the business end of the season. Summerville began the month with a 1-1 draw away to Regional to all but secure their safety for another year – a great achievement for Len Earls and Cecil Prendergast, given their appalling and seemingly hopeless start. Big credit to the likes of Jon Corbett, who isn’t long back from a leg break, and James O’Donnell for filling in the gap left by the departed Mark Keane. And obviously to James Cleary too – 22 goals in all competitions for a side that only managed 26 league goals is incredible.

Pike triumphed 5-0 away to an on-the-beach Geraldines, while Janesboro kept marching in their penultimate game, with a confident 4-2 victory at home to an equally on-the-beach Moyross.

That brought us to the final Sunday of the league campaign, where Janesboro rocked up to a shrunken Annacotty astroturf, knowing that only a win would guarantee them their first title in seven years. Aisling, for their part, also needed to better Corbally’s result against Regional to ensure survivial. Thomas Clarke opened the scoring with a free-kick, before Alan Connors equalised off an Eoin Roche corner. It was 1-1 at half-time, which meant that Pike Rovers, who led against Summerville, were champions in virtual time. Poor old Carew, who would have been a distant second favourite that morning, trailed one nil at home to a very young Ballynanty side.

Pike saw it out. Carew failed to turn their game around. But both results were academic. Janesboro scored twice in the second half to secure the title. The first, from the games standout player, Mike Hogan, was tainted with a touch of controversy however, as it arrived seconds after Thomas Clarke could have been dismissed for what appeared to be a last-man foul on Evan O’Connor. Clarke himself put the exclamation point on the victory, scoring from a free header off a corner that resulted from a Dermot Clune penalty save. Despite that miss, Shane Clarke’s top scorer mantle wasn’t in any danger!

All that remained was the Lawson final, contested between Pike Rovers and Regional United. Regional were without Garry Sheahan and Danny Galvin going into the game and failed to get performances out of their key players. PIke weren’t much better on the day, but strong performances from Enright and O’Donovan at the back and the dangerous Eoin Hanrahan up top saw them through. The result? 1-0. The goal? Arrived from the same short corner routine that decided the semi-final. This time Tierney’s right footed curled cross found emergency January signing Jamie Kelly in the centre of the box, who glanced it home past Rob Shier. Heartbreak for a promising Regional side who may have fancied their chances against a Pike side whose training session in the lead-up to this final was allegedly their first as a group since early April.

Finally, there was the small matter of an Oscar Traynor final, with Limerick DL looking to secure their first success in the competition since 1996. Instead, Limerick made it four straight final defeats since that triumph, falling to a 2-1 away defeat to the Inishowen League, conquerors of Dublin AUL. Credit to the the management for creating an environment in which players took the competition seriously, allowing us to enter games with the cream of the crop available.

Team of the Season

Gary Neville (Goalkeeper): The Pike netminder was the obvious choice this year, standing head and shoulders above his peers for his composed presence under crosses and his quick thinking off his line.

Aidan Hurley (Right back): A banner year for the Boro utility man, who shone at right back, centre back and occasionally in his natural midfield position for the double winners. Hurley looked uncomfortable at times in previous seasons when asked to fill in at the back, but has now progressed to the point where he was the first name on my teamsheet across the four-man backline. Huge credit to him.

Mark Slattery (Centre back): In a season where Carew struggled to field a consistent back four, Slattery’s composure and dressing-room presence were huge boons to the third-placed side. Slattery has always read the game well, but his ability on the ball has also improved immensely. Just a shame that Carew are missing the aerial presence that he needs to complement his talents.

Thomas Clarke (Centre back): Another on- and off-field leader, whose reliable defensive performances were marked out by his aerial superiority and added to by his occasional eye for goal.

Grant Murphy (Left back): The Moyross full-back impressed me hugely in his first season in the Premier, turning in some fantastic all-round displays. The regularity with which he overlaps is remarkable, a fearsome prospect for the opposition right-side given that it’s usually Adrian Power playing ahead of him. His defensive instincts are top notch too – marvel at how Moyross were getting cut open down their left side away to Aisling until Murphy arrived at half-time. Such is the club’s faith in his all-round abilities that he even got a shot upfront in extra-time against North End!

Eoin Hanrahan (Right of midfield): Despite being predominately a left-footer, Hanrahan is just as devastating off the right cutting in. “Boris”, save for Enright’s form post-January, was easily Pike’s standout performer this season, with his devastating deliveries, aggressive pressing and eye for a goal.

Barry Dillon (Centre of midfield): It was no coincidence that Barry was absent for two of Carew’s heaviest and most damaging defeats of the season: the 3-1 league reverse against ‘Boro and the 4-0 Lawson defeat at the hands of Regional. Both games saw Carew badly caught at defensive transitions, with their defensive midfielder not present to nullify any nascent counter-attacks. In a season where neither of their two main rivals used a dedicated defensive-minded midfielder very often, Dillon stood out – a large part of the reason why Carew only conceded 29 goals despite their ongoing defensive selection problems.

Kieran O’Connell (Centre of midfield): A season to remember for the Regional man, who bagged the Limerick Leader Player of the Season award. Kieran shows great dedication to travel down regularly from Westport and is a huge goal threat, particularly at set-pieces. He has performed well this season in midfield, at number ten, and even at centre-back on occasion (for the Oscar Traynor side). Kieran is a player that his side relies on hugely.

Adrian Power (Left of midfield): It’s an all-Moyross left side, as 27 goals in 33 games in all competitions earns Adrian Power the left-wing berth after an outstanding first season at this level. Power’s dribbling, movement off the ball and finishing are top class. Hopefully the Northsiders can hold onto him.

Shane Clarke (Striker): Shane also gets the goal of the season award by the way, for his unbelievable volley at home to Regional towards the end of the season. 45 goals in 36 in all competitions is a huge haul for the ‘Boro captain, who is equally devastating as a target man, as he is playing on the shoulder of the last defender.

James Cleary (Striker): As mentioned in the month-by-month above, the Summerville striker managed 22 goals in all competitions for a side that only managed 26 league goals all season. Remarkable. Cleary’s movement off the ball and eye for the unexpected (loves an overhead kick, for example!) will see him courted by a host of clubs this summer. It’s possible that no other player can lay claim to having had a bigger individual impact on their club’s season.

Honorable mentions

Aled Harkin: Shared left-back duties with the dependable Craig McMarlow this year, once again demonstrating his impressive dead-ball prowess.

Eddie Brazier: Didn’t start enough games for consideration, but was arguably the champions’ most effective wide player over the course of the season. Deserved more starts.

Mike O’Gorman: Another excellent season for the goalscoring midfielder, notching 19 in 30 in all competitions.

Colm Enright: Had he started the season, he would have been a shoo-in. Incredible for Pike in the run-in beside skipper Pa Mullins.

Eddie O’Donovan: Injury-hampered season, but excellent as well in the run-in and in the Lawson final.

Tommy Culhane: A great first season for the energetic midfielder, who also boasts a stinging left-footed drive in his locker. Filled in admirably at the back at times too.

John Connery: 20 goals in 28 games meant that he was unlucky to miss out. Surely would have walked into the team had he started upfront more often, rather than on the right.

Craig Madigan: Imperious in midfield for the Oscar Traynor side before injury halted his progress. Tenacious and excellent on the ball – a dangerous combination.

David Cowpar: An impressive season for the centre-back, who surely benefited from the experience of his manager and defensive partner, Brian O’Callaghan.

Barry Quinn: Great season for the right-winger who suffers here from the performances of other wingers in the league throughout the season.

Conclusion

And so concludes my magnum opus – all 7,000+ words of it. Congratulations if you read every word to this point and apologies for being so long-winded – but it was quite the action-packed season!

Not much left to say really. The off-season managerial merry-go-round will certainly be interesting. Stability seems to be key at this level, with Janesboro benefiting from standing by their man (men) by finally securing their first league title in seven years, to add to the Tuohy Cup that they won earlier on in the season. And despite struggling at times to maneuver a small squad, Carew stayed in the league fight right to the end thanks in large part to the continued presence of Albert Slattery.

Meanwhile, rumours abounded of internal strife at several clubs, with reports of players not training and/or not playing for their manager. Two of Limerick’s most successful clubs, who changed their managers last summer, allegedly fell victim to such dissension. It’s important that both clubs make the right choice for their replacements this summer – although the rumoured new man at the helm of one did not exactly end up making friends and influencing people at his last club, despite enjoying a very successful start to life there. As for the other club, it produced arguably the season’s most shocking anecdote – when a player was asked to show up for a game just days after losing an immediate family member.

And so, more than stability, it’s important to appoint a guy that the players like and respect, not one of the two, or, worse, neither. Summerville, in Len Earls, seemingly had one such individual, which allowed the side to pull together admirably and overcome a disastrous start – even after losing a key player in January. We see too how much admiration the Regional and Moyross management teams command from their players, in addition to the talented Mike McCarthy at Aisling Annacotty, who will hopefully continue in the game next season.

An ability to read the game and act accordingly is vital too of course. There have been many managers over the years who have commanded the admiration and respect of their players without necessarily knowing how to get the best out of them. Such ability is particularly important at clubs with relatively weaker playing staffs. It’s presumably a bit easier to just motivate and throw eleven players out there when they are that much better than most of their opposition.

This is a point that the relegated sides would do well to heed if they choose to eschew stability and go looking for new men at their respective helms. You only need to look at the contrasting fortunes of Wembley and Granville this season to see how vital this decision is for both teams.

Elsewhere, it looks like the continuing problem of on-field dissent is finally being addressed. A conversation I had with a Premier referee last month leads me to believe that the regular sight of referee assessors at games towards the end of the season was primarily to ascertain how officials were dealing with player abuse – which according to a number of Limerick officials is far more of a problem here than it is out-of-town.

I got myself into a spot of trouble recently for ranting on player conduct in the Janesboro/Pike Lawson Cup semi-final clash, only to be told that the prime culprit in that regard was a “winner” – as if that somehow excuses his behaviour. Plenty of successful players at this level demonstrate exemplary conduct on the field – just look at John Boyle, who recently earned his fourth league title in a row. Ridiculous line of argument. Referees are entitled to conduct their duties free from abuse and should insist upon the right to do so, even if it means a few early-season red cards. Players will soon learn that “winning” is pretty difficult when the opposition has more players than you.

Finally, thanks to all my readers for giving such huge support to the site over the last year. The encouragement I’ve received in public and private has been much appreciated and the criticisms, when constructive, have been fully taken on board. I believe that my match reports have undergone significant development for the better this season and I aim to ensure that continues to be the case going forward. Take care, enjoy the close-season, and I’ll see you all in August. 🙂