It’s an exciting June Bank holiday weekend for all involved or supporting soccer in the Premier County with three sides battling it out in the top two competitions in Ireland, the FAI Junior Cup Final and Munster Junior Cup Final. There are two from the Tipperary Southern & District League and one from the Waterford League

 

On Saturday evening it’s the Munster Junior Cup Final in Cahir between Clonmel Town and Carrick United from Carrick-on-Suir and then on Sunday afternoon it’s off to banks of the Lee for the FAI Junior Cup Final where St. Michael’s of Tipperary town will lock horns with Fairview Rangers of Limerick at Turners Cross, Cork.

 

St. Michael's AFC will be hoping to add a second FAI Junior Cup to their only success in 1974. Saints will be led by Irish record equalling Amateur captain James Walsh and will have his fellow Irish team-mate Paul Breen at the heart of the defence. Despite James winning many honours, the one trophy that has eluded him is the FAI Junior Cup. He has two looser medals in 2000 and 2002. This Saints side has a mixture of youth and experience but will be facing a Fairview Rangers side that are going for a record breaking eight title and are current Munster Junior Cup champions.

 

Whilst the task in hand is a formidable one, we know Saints will give it their best shot and we wish them the best of luck.

 

On Saturday in the rustic setting of Cahir Park, it's the Munster Junior Cup Final, the fourth one to be staged at this venue since the turn of the century.

 

The previous three were TSDL contested, with Clonmel Town after going down in 2001 and 2005 came good in 2006. All three were against St. Michael's.

 

Town who will have participated in 4 Finals in the past 7 years will no doubt find the going tough against a Carrick United that beat them in 2004.  It was an extra-time goal from Barry Murphy who now plays in the old gold and black of Town.

 

Carrick Utd are heavyweights in the Waterford & District League were beaten in last season's final and will be out to change that this season.

 

The best of luck to both St. Michael's and Clonmel Town from the Tipperary Southern & District League (TSDL)