FAI Junior Centenary Cup: Big guns record big wins

Hibernians proved too strong for Division 2 outfit St Paul's in Mitchell Kennedy Park on Saturday. Robin Brophy did put 'The Parish'  in front after two minutes of play but that was as good as it got for them. Glen Hawe, Mark O'Keeffe and Conor Whittle had the home side leading 3-1 at the interval. Alex Phelan scored a second half hat-trick and Conor Whittle (again) and Johnny St Ledger completed the good victory for the Premier League club.

Many local pundits are predicting a long run for the Villa in the competition and some are claiming that they could actually go on and win the famous trophy. Over 600 clubs enter the FAI Junior Cup each season. Just like Hibernians, they were drawn at home against a Division 2 club and they ran riot in Connors Park on Saturday. Dean Walsh, who is on track to smash many goalscoring records this season, scored four in this one-sided contest. Niall McCabe (2) James Kennedy, Daniel Pender and Conor Signorelli also found the net. An own goal was thrown in for good measure.

Two top class Premier League sides met in the Village Grounds under the lights on Saturday night and they went the distance in what was a thrilling encounter. Michael Brennan gave the Seagulls the lead on 69 minutes and they held their lead until the 87th minute when Eoin Rhodes netted for Ferrybank. The extra-time period could not separate the teams so a penalty shoot-out was required. Justin Croke, John Purcell, Paul Phelan and Sean Duffy made no mistake for the home side and Richard Gaffeney's men advanced to the next stage.

Southend United's poor season continued in St Lawrence's Park on Sunday morning. Struggling badly in the Premier League, they made a tame exit from the FAI Junior Cup against a 'Rams' team who continue to improve with each passing week. Toby Taylor put the hosts in front with an early penalty and Shane Bennett (2) and James Coade completed the scoring for Ballinroad.

It was a case of pay-back time in Ben Wadding Park on Sunday. Piltown defeated Bohemians in the promotion game in Ozier Park prior to the commencement of the new season. Since then, Piltown have struggled in the top league while Bohemians are flying high in Division 1A. This FAI Junior Cup game saw Adam Deegan scoring for the home side after just two minutes of play and then Cian Kervick went on to score a hat-trick. Paul Coffey netted a last minute penalty for the visitors.

The Tramore Division 1B team followed their Premier League colleagues out of the FAI Junior Cup in Graun Park on Sunday morning. Jamie Hunt did give the Seagulls a 7th minute lead and they held their advantage until the 71st minute when Kenny Purcell equalised for Waterford Crystal. The game went into an extra twenty minutes and Aidan Tracey popped up with the winning goal for the visitors.

Dungarvan United eased past Division 3 club Rathgormack in Kilrush Park. Danny Reynolds (2), Ryan Donnelly (2), Andy Molumby and Greg Waters (2) were their net finders.

Carrick United are former champions of the FAI Junior Cup and they have moved on to the next stage after traveling to Stradbally and returning home with a 3-0 victory. The Division 1B made them fight all the way but strikes from Lee Costello (2) and Rory Finnegan gave the Premier League club their ticket for Round 2. It is worth noting that the three other Waterford clubs who have won the famed trophy, namely Hibernians, Bohemians and Waterford Crystal are also still standing.