*Shannon Hibs’ Billy Connors will be squaring off with Moher Celtic in the second round. Photograph: Natasha Barton
PAIRINGS are now known for the second round of the Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup.
With six of the first round ties yet to be played, it is yet to be seen if any Premier Division outfits will meet in round two. This will materialise if Mountshannon Celtic overcome Shannon Town C and Lifford FC do likewise against Bridge Utd, their rewards would be respective ties against Ennis Town FC and Shannon Town Utd A.
Avenue Utd who are still in the running for league, Clare Cup and Munster Junior Cup honours must take down Manus Celtic B on March 24th, that first round tie will mark the opening of the People’s Park in Kilmihil at 8pm.
Reigning champions and league leaders, Newmarket Celtic have been drawn away to Kilkishen Celtic. Although they are rooted to the bottom of the Premier Division and without a win, Shannon Hibs will hope to lift their spirits with a decent Cup run, to do that they must defeat First Division side Moher Celtic.
With a recent run of good form under their belts, Bridge Utd A will set their sights on silverware in this competition to put a positive spin on their season. The Sixmilebridge side await the winners of Shannon Town B and Kilrush Rangers but will be expected to advance to the quarter-finals regardless.
Currently top of the First Division, Tulla Utd will be confident of progressing to the last eight when they meet either Fern Celtic or Rhine Rovers.
Second round ties are scheduled to take place on March 27th with remaining first round ties involving Bridge Utd B v Lifford (March 20th), Mountshannon Celtic v Shannon Town C (March 20th), Manus Celtic B v Avenue Utd A (March 24th), Fern Celtic v Rhine Rovers (March 20th/March 27th), Avenue Utd B v Kilkishen Celtic (March 27th) and Shannon Town Utd B v Kilrush Rangers AFC (March 27th) to be played.
Monday morning’s draw took place at Banner Carpets and Flooring in the Quin Rd business park with PRO Jim Madden and Child Welfare Officer, Tommy Molloy doing the honours.
Clare Cup Round 2 (Last 16) Draw: (first team drawn has home advantage)
Moher Celtic A v Shannon Hibs A
Corofin Harps v Manus Celtic B/Avenue Utd A
Mountshannon Celtic/Shannon Town Utd C v Ennis Town FC
Kildysart Celtic v Newmarket Celtic A
Tulla Utd v Fern Celtic/Rhine Rovers
Avenue Utd B/Kilkishen Celtic v Sporting Ennistymon
Shannon Town Utd B/Kilrush Rangers AFC v Bridge Utd A
Shannon Town Utd A v Bridge Utd B/Lifford FC
