THE new Inishowen League
season kicks off on Sunday with a full round of games in
both the Jackie Crossan Premier Division and Strand
Hotel First Division.
In what is shaping up to be one of the most even Premier
Divisions in years, several teams will be fancying their
chances of claiming the title which has been the
preserve of Redcastle United and Clonmany Shamrocks over
the past five seasons.
“The Premier Division will be one of the most even – and
most exciting – in years,” Terence Hegarty, Inishowen
League PRO said. “I’d expect there will be teams who are
in contention for the title in the spring, but still in
danger of relegation. It will be that tight.”
“Clonmany Shamrocks, runners up last term, are among the
favourites, with Moville Celtic also expected to be in
the mix,” Hegarty said. “Having brought in Brian Bell as
manager, everyone will be waiting to see how Aileach FC,
who recently opened their fabulous new facilities at
Lakeside, will do. Quigley’s Point Swifts, will be
pushing for a top three place while Culdaff have
finished in the top four for the last couple of seasons
and can’t be discounted.
“There are no bad teams in the Premier Division this
year, a combination of factors have worked to even the
playing field,” he said.
Pick of the first round Premier Division matches is the
meeting of Moville Celtic and Clonmany Shamrocks at
Glencrow.
The First Division also kicks off on Sunday, with a
mouth-watering local derby between Buncrana Hearts
Reserves and Dunree Unit the pick of four first round
games.
“Having been relegated last year, Buncrana will be
hoping to bounce back to the Premier Division,” Hegarty
said. “But they play a Dunree side on Sunday who pushed
Carn all the way for the promotion place last year and
I’d expect both those sides, along with neighbours
Illies, will be pushing hard for promotion this season.”
The identity of the last of the William Grant West End
League Cup quarter-finalists will be known tonight. The
finals will be played before Christmas, with the finals
of the Reserve League Shield, which kicks off this
weekend, also to be decided this side of Christmas.
“The League took the decision to spread out its finals
across the season last year, and we’re going to continue
with that again this term,” Hegarty confirmed.
Meanwhile Cockhill Celtic, who won the Inishowen League
back in 2005 before joining the Ulster Senior League,
will play Derry City Reserves in the Donegal News Ulster
Senior League Cup final on Sunday at Leckview Park in
Letterkenny (kick-off 5pm). Donal O’Brien’s side, who
sit on top of the Ulster Senior League, are seeking to
win the club’s first silverware at Intermediate level.
For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the
Inishowen Independent. |
