Limerick Premier Division 2016/17

[passandmove]

The league was over when boro beat pike a few weeks ago , nenagh play some very good stuff in fairness ,unless the likes of pike boro Carew recruit heavy in the summer I don't see any local team challenging for fai next season

[Treaty Gooner]

Credit where it's due to Kilmallock for beating Carew when the whole of Carew had money on themselves losing? Not Kilmallock's fault, sorry but that's pathetic.
Credit where it's due to Nenagh for beating Pike twice when the whole of Pike had money on themselves losing? Not Nenagh's fault but that's pathetic.

[Kennycon]

Nenagh are a very good side give them the credit they deserve, pike obviously focusing on a big trophy (Munster junior ) and made a lot of changes which they have every right too, if people think that match fixing went on in that game bring it too the LDMC.

[AlanOB]

Moyross United 3-1 Kilmallock United: Quinn double books all-northside semi-final (https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/2017/04/23/moyross-united-3-1-kilmallock-united-quinn-double-books-all-northside-semi-final/)https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/moyrosskilmlawson.jpg?w=600

[Fairkop]

Poor fare in the Fairgreen tonight,deserved win for Balla,Ratcliffe with the goal following a corner.Both teams missing personnel..counted 13 togged for the home team,maybe 14 for the away.Bit of a shambles for the View ,before tonight could still win the league and last Sunday exiting the Lawson to Nenagh..and to cap it all a player comes off to promptly go inside the club to watch match on telly whilst his team are playing outside..???

[deadly man]

Poor fare in the Fairgreen tonight,deserved win for Balla,Ratcliffe with the goal following a corner.Both teams missing personnel..counted 13 togged for the home team,maybe 14 for the away.Bit of a shambles for the View ,before tonight could still win the league and last Sunday exiting the Lawson to Nenagh..and to cap it all a player comes off to promptly go inside the club to watch match on telly whilst his team are playing outside..???

Will young O'Donnell still be at the helm next season Fairkop?any whisper's above in the green?

[Treaty Gooner]

Has to be under pressure. With the squad he has they have to show some return. Who else is there to take them though, Purcell again?

[Fairkop]

Will young O'Donnell still be at the helm next season Fairkop?any whisper's above in the green?Whispers in the green...never.Would expect him to be there again next season.

[Kennycon]

Will young O'Donnell still be at the helm next season Fairkop?any whisper's above in the green?

I think he will be still manager for another year but surly needs to improve there was a very strong squad this year, I was surprised how their league campaign fell apart .

[AlanOB]

Latest table and statistics ahead of this Thursday's massive Janesboro/Nenagh clash...

https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/statistics-201617/

[AlanOB]

Janesboro 0-2 Nenagh AFC: Nenagh send title race to the wire (https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/janesboro-0-2-nenagh-afc-nenagh-send-title-race-to-the-wire/)https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/boronen.jpg?w=600

[passandmove]

Fair play to nenagh they have been a breath of fresh air in town this year best footballing side in league in my opinion, boro need to beat aa because I can't see nenagh slipping up against Carew, I taught it was over a few weeks ago maybe not !!

[Kennycon]

Fair play to nenagh they have been a breath of fresh air in town this year best footballing side in league in my opinion, boro need to beat aa because I can't see nenagh slipping up against Carew, I taught it was over a few weeks ago maybe not !!

I agree and I still think they have a chance, along with a lot of teams boro have been inconsistent all season a full strength AA side would give them a game .

[AlanOB]

Nenagh have absolutely been a breath of fresh air, and it's no coincidence that the two most well-coached sides in the division will battle it out for glory on Sunday morning.

[passandmove]

If u win the league of course it has been a good season but I think with the squad boro have it should have been done weeks ago, beaten in touhy by aa Carew in Lawson didn't get out of town in mfa and went down with a whimper in fai ......well coached maybe well managed not so sure

[AlanOB]

Yeah, there's definitely some validity to the argument that the management side of things could have been better.

One thing I'd pull you up on though is the comment about the squad -- Fairview started the season with the most talent-filled squad on paper did they not? And I would argue that Pike's was at least comparable to 'Boro's, as many on here have continually stated. Carew only lost Tommy Culhane from a title-winning group too.

Sure, they should have it wrapped up by now, but to single them out for underachievement is more than a little bit rich, in my opinion.

[passandmove]

Did Carew not lose their most successful manager ever , no culhane no richard Mullins no dillon for the majority of it 4 pretty big influences last year I think you would agree, in my opinion boro had the best squad in town and should have got more out of their season , fairview built a strong squad sure but they are definitely more competitive since Paul took over, pike maybe need to freshen things up but will be very strong again no fear , again al just my opinion!!!!

[AlanOB]

I absolutely agree that Carew were poleaxed by the loss of their most successful manager ever, yes. And the early-season absences of the likes of Dillon and Mullins were appallingly handled, for sure.

You're also completely entitled to your view that Janesboro had the best squad to begin with. But I do think you're letting Fairview and Pike massively off the hook there, with some woolly platitudes.

It wouldn't be hard for Fairview to improve on the tenure of the previous incumbent, for example. But are they competitive enough, given the resources at the current manager's disposal?

Pike maybe need to freshen things up? What does freshen things up even mean?

This touches on the content of the last few paragraphs of my most recent column, I think. If you're not one of the boys, you're going to be subject to greater criticism. If you are? You can get away with murder.

Just look at coverage of, and commentary surrounding, the champions' dismal efforts this season. Almost complete radio silence.

[passandmove]

Trust me I ain't 1 of the boys and I actually taught your piece bout arthlunkard was spot on, Paul is in year 2 of 3 year term and is making progress each season imo, sure I agree m Ahern appointment hasn't gone well poor poor season from Carew,with pike I think they maybe needed to get a few more faces in because it has to be hard to motivate a group who lost an fai final

[Treaty Gooner]

Fairview, Boro, Pike, Nenagh all have squads capable of winning the league. It probably does come down to management to separate them when it comes to the crunch. Nenagh clearly have been coached to attack in a certain way but not to defend. Don't see a massive difference between the Boro of 2016/17 and Boro sides of the last few years tho. Would a better coached Janesboro have won the Tuohy? Would a better coached Nenagh have beaten Geraldines? That said Carew could end up with the same number of trophies as the two 'most well coached teams in the league', not a complete disaster then.

I'm gona stick with the Boro for the league. I think with a full team they'll beat Aisling tomorrow.

[pearse4t3]

Fairview, Boro, Pike, Nenagh all have squads capable of winning the league. It probably does come down to management to separate them when it comes to the crunch. Nenagh clearly have been coached to attack in a certain way but not to defend. Don't see a massive difference between the Boro of 2016/17 and Boro sides of the last few years tho. Would a better coached Janesboro have won the Tuohy? Would a better coached Nenagh have beaten Geraldines? That said Carew could end up with the same number of trophies as the two 'most well coached teams in the league', not a complete disaster then.

I'm gona stick with the Boro for the league. I think with a full team they'll beat Aisling tomorrow.

Hard to disagree with any of that in fairness.
50 points will probably win you the league this season, probably wouldn't have the last few seasons. Has the league got more competitive? Or have the top teams fallen back to the chasing pack? No right or wrong answer, everybody sees it differently from their own point of view and alligence, that's football. Anyway whoever has the trophy in their hands come Sunday lunch time wouldn't give a f**k what anyone else thinks.

[passandmove]

I think a better managed boro would have got more out of their season TG , but I'm with you I think they will get over the line tomorrow

[Treaty Gooner]

I think they would too. Of the top four they've the best squad for me. Even if all four teams had excellent managers, only one can win it. Doesn't automatically make the other three terribly managed, this is Junior football after all.

[Treaty Gooner]

The players aren't machines either, e.g. Is it always the managers fault if someone shows up hungover? He can't babysit them. They're junior players being junior players. Nor can you fully blame management for Janesboro not winning the Tuohy. For all the 2 Clarke's have done to win titles for the Boro, they possibly combined to lose them that trophy this year with their red cards.

[passandmove]

Ya I just think at this level if you can get a group who will play for u then it becomes easier for them to make sacrifices off the pitch, build a strong a squad as possible and let them go play

[Kennycon]

No fairview didn't start the season with the most talented filled squad, pike and boro have more quality in their squads.

[Treaty Gooner]

You're right, in my opinion if you measure quality by reputation and medals, both Pike and Boro had better squads on paper than Fairview.

[AlanOB]

Janesboro 3-2 Aisling Annacotty: ‘Boro claim second title in three years (https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/2017/05/07/janesboro-3-2-aisling-annacotty-boro-claim-second-title-in-three-years/)https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/boroaa.jpg?w=600

Massive congratulations to Messrs. Ryan and O'Hanlon; the former of which has moulded the side the latter built into a winning one again.

And the (not quite) final league table...

https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/capture36.jpg?w=600

[Fairkop]

Thanks for the reports AOB....did not see any games of late so great to read a bit of quality fact and opinion on the vital matchs.congrats to Janesboro,best team always win the league,certainly they probably should have won it earlier.must say Nenagh put in a great effort and the way they are playing could yet win the Lawson cup.in terms of results it was an intriguing league this season.

[Fairkop]

No fairview didn't start the season with the most talented filled squad, pike and boro have more quality in their squads.
you changed your mind then?a few posts back according to your goodself Janesboro had a squad which was..;very average and not the strongest;so which is it.imo both Pike and Carew had the strongest squads at seasons start.Carew had a double winning squad at the new managers disposal plus he added 5 or 6 new recruits[though i agree Culhane a loss]Pike had an FAI final squad and also added a few new signings there.

[Kennycon]

you changed your mind then?a few posts back according to your goodself Janesboro had a squad which was..;very average and not the strongest;so which is it.imo both Pike and Carew had the strongest squads at seasons start.Carew had a double winning squad at the new managers disposal plus he added 5 or 6 new recruits[though i agree Culhane a loss]Pike had an FAI final squad and also added a few new signings there.

Pike could still win a huge trophy and local clubs in limerick know how hard it is to win out of town competitions, very unlucky with injuries this year and are short a few for the mj final but hopefully they will over come that, boro had a very good season some great club men and die hards but still short an F.A.I but I think that will come hopefully with the effort they put in every year and the fact a lot of teams are now gone senior should play a huge factor yes this year was a missed opportunity but keep knocking on the door, carew park had a very poor season tough season but still the Lawson to play for, nenagh bested footballing side in breath of fresh air

[Treaty Gooner]

Lawson down to the last four.

Fancy Nenagh to beat Carew and Balla to beat Moyross. That game is on in the Fairgreen????

Balla to win it out.

Michaels to beat Pike in the MJC, going for a treble.

[Kennycon]

Lawson down to the last four.

Fancy Nenagh to beat Carew and Balla to beat Moyross. That game is on in the Fairgreen????

Balla to win it out.

Michaels to beat Pike in the MJC, going for a treble.

Nenagh to beat carew , balla to win in extra time nenagh to win the final, pike to beat st Michaels.

[deadly man]

Il go with nenagh to beat carew,balla to beat moyross

Balla to win it out

And St.Micheals to win MJC by 2 or 3 goals

[Kennycon]

Il go with nenagh to beat carew,balla to beat moyross

Balla to win it out

And St.Micheals to win MJC by 2 or 3 goals

Would you not give pike a chance

[Treaty Gooner]

In a final both teams have a chance, just think Michaels are having a really good season and Pike aren't compared to previous years.

[Fairkop]

Lawson down to the last four.

Fancy Nenagh to beat Carew and Balla to beat Moyross. That game is on in the Fairgreen????

Balla to win it out.

Michaels to beat Pike in the MJC, going for a treble.

Ya,Balla taking the game to the Green,probably correct decision imo,Balla v Nenagh would be a cracking final if it happens.surprised you backing Micheals TG ,think you backed Pike for league ?,interesting game ahead Sat week in Clonmel.

[Treaty Gooner]

Ha funnily enough I went back through my posts yesterday to see if I'd had the Boro backed all season and you're right, I picked Pike for the league way back in August but switched to Janesboro not long into the season.

[AlanOB]

Born Offside: The 2016/17 Premier Division Team of the Season (https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/born-offside-the-201617-premier-division-team-of-the-season/)https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/totsq.jpg?w=429

[pearse4t3]

For the hell of it, here's mine.

1. Aaron Savage Nenagh AFC

2. Jamie Enright Carew Park
3. Aled Harkin Janesboro
4. Damien Collins Aisling/A
5. Dermot Fitzgerald Ballynanty R

6. Steven Bradley Janesboro
7. Shane Walsh Pike Rvs
8. James McGrath Nenagh AFC

10. Barry Sheedy Kilmallock U
9. Shane Clarke Janesboro
11. Adrian Power Janesboro

Player of the year is Steven Bradley who has matured into a top class midfield player, Janesboro are a different team when he DOESNT start there.

Manager of the year is Derek McCarthy. The style of play that which he had Kilmallock play was a breath of fresh air to the league, very unlucky to be knocked out of the FAI quarter finals in the manner they exited. Themselves and Nenagh contributed hugely to the league, considering both were newly promoted.

[Treaty Gooner]

For the hell of it, here's mine.

1. Gary Neville Pike

2. AJ O'Connor Fairview
3. Max Boghiu Nenagh
4. John Mullane Fairview
5. Dermot Fitzgerald Ballynanty

6. Steven Bradley Janesboro
10. Steven McCann Pike
8. James McGrath Nenagh

7. Barry Quinn Moyross
9. Shane Clarke Janesboro
11. Adrian Power Janesboro

Player of the year has to be Steven Bradley, international honours topped it off for me.

Another vote for Derek McCarthy, has some good players and has them playing greater than the sum of their parts. Not easy.
Shane O'Hanlon/Aidan Ryan a close second, great squad and have a trophy in the bag at the time of voting.

[pearse4t3]

I like McGann as a player but he didn't play many league games for Pike this season, mainly from transferring back to Ennis and a few suspensions also.

[Treaty Gooner]

You're right, I included him because anytime I've seen him he's been one of the best players on the pitch. Could probably argue that Shane Walsh has missed a lot too. My formation is a little different to yours too going by your numbers.

[deadly man]

Would you not give pike a chance

Obviously they have a chance,it's a final and anything can happen but i do think pike have had a poor season compared to the usual high standards and in missing 1 or 2 of there better players id take st.micheals to win,game been on in clonmel also a plus for micheals ,should be a cracker,good luck both teams

[pearse4t3]

You're right, I included him because anytime I've seen him he's been one of the best players on the pitch. Could probably argue that Shane Walsh has missed a lot too. My formation is a little different to yours too going by your numbers.

Look your entitled to have him in your team if you want, just pointing out he didn't play a huge amount of games. It's your opinion at the end of the day, I won't pontificate on people's opinions, I will leave that up to others. 👍

[Treaty Gooner]

You're absolutely right, didn't mean it to come across like I was having a pop at you in the least. All about opinions. Interesting to see some big names being left out of a lot of people's teams. Boris, Mullins, Tierney, the two O'Donovan's, Mark Slattery, Grant. Some have had good seasons, some not so good. Is there a changing of the guard going on???

[AlanOB]

The (almost) final stats page: https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/statistics-201617/

Both Shane and Olly started 19 games each by the way, for those looking to separate them by that measure...

[pearse4t3]

You're absolutely right, didn't mean it to come across like I was having a pop at you in the least. All about opinions. Interesting to see some big names being left out of a lot of people's teams. Boris, Mullins, Tierney, the two O'Donovan's, Mark Slattery, Grant. Some have had good seasons, some not so good. Is there a changing of the guard going on???

I think we saw a lot of the old Tierney this season, got an injury free run, I suppose we are so blasé when it comes to the like of JT, Clarke, Boris and Pat Mullins. When they play well we almost take it for granted. If a new comer plays well for a couple of games he is held aloft. The above players have done it constantly over an extended period.
Next season will be very interesting. Expect a massive retaliation from Pike and Carew, Balla will improve again, can Nenagh take 18 points again from the top 3 teams? Fairview need a big season and probably a trophy, Boro will be there to be a shot at, it's been 5 seasons since a team defended its title, very hard to do. Aisling won a cup, is that as much as they can realistically achieve? Kilmallock will hope to keep onto their best players. Regional seem to be in a bit of limbo. Moyross will need a big influx of players you'd imagine. Charleville seem to be full of good young players, should be a good addition to the league, Saturday night games out there will be tough. Holycross could struggle but you never know.

[Kennycon]

Gary Neville
Danny o Neill
Pat Mullins
Steve Bradley
James mc grath
Shane Walsh
Steve McCann
AJ o Conner
Darragh rainsford
Shane Clarke
John Tierney

[faceoff]

Born Offside: The 2016/17 Premier Division Team of the Season (https://limerickdl.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/born-offside-the-201617-premier-division-team-of-the-season/)https://limerickdl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/totsq.jpg?w=429

No Carew or Pike players.Maybe thats because your not allowed in??If you were OT Manager would that be your squad?