*Bridge Utd captain John Mulready. Photograph: John Mulready.
A number of Clare soccer teams have important fixtures in Munster competitions this weekend.
On Saturday, the league’s youths team travel to Mounthawk Park in Tralee to face Kerry in the Munster Youth Cup semi-final, where kick-off will be at 2 pm. A 1-0 victory over Waterford in a quarter-final tie that required extra time has cleared the way for Clare’s progress to Saturday’s semi-final, the winners of which will qualify for a Munster final date on March 1 against either the Desmond League from Limerick or Cork, who clash in the other semi-final.
The Clare team is coached by Donal Magee, and he is assisted by Jimmy Houlihan. The joint managers of the team are Dean Russell and Pat Twomey, with Luke Whelan as goalkeeping coach and Martin Cooney as physio. Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of finalising plans for Saturday’s game, coach Donal Magee said, “We have a good squad, and the response has been very good. The league has been very supportive, and all are working together. I believe we have a good chance of getting to the Munster final.”
The team is captained by Dara White (Bridge United), and the squad includes goalkeeper Gearoid White, Adam Kilker, and Dara Baker (Tulla United), as well as Aidan Moloney and Lee Maguire (Bridge United). Earlier this week, Adam Kilker (Tulla), Jack Daly (Bridge United), Callum Casey (Tulla United), Leon Johnson (Avenue United), Emmanuel Akinsola (Bridge United), and Kevin Hanley (Shannon Hibs) took part in a Munster trial.
Munster Junior Cup
The Munster Junior Cup last-16 games involving Avenue United and Bridge United, postponed on Sunday week last, are down for decision on Sunday, with kick-off for both set for 2 pm. Both Clare sides have home advantage, with Avenue entertaining Coachford from Cork at Roslevan, while Bridge United will welcome Dungarvan United to Sixmilebridge.
At the same time on Sunday, Shannon Hibs will have home advantage against Clonmel Celtic in a last-16 game in the Munster Junior Shield.
Games Postponed
Last weekend’s weather conditions led to the cancellation of most fixtures. However, one Clare Cup game that did take place resulted in Inch Crusaders booking their place in the next round, beating Tulla B 5-4 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw after extra time.
