Fairview take on Portmarnock in Junior Cup

Fairview take on Portmarnock in Junior Cup

Limerick side Fairview Rangers will be all out to retain their Statoil FAI Junior Cup when they take on experienced North Dublin side Portmarnock in Sunday's big decider at Tolka Park (Kick off 3:00).

Altogether a total of over 650 teams originally entered the competition, one of the largest knock-out competitions of its kind in Europe. The two sides have each played seven games to reach the final.

Both teams contain household names in Junior Football level with Fairview managed by Dermot Finnan, cousin of Fulham and Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan.They will rely heavily on the experienced Jason Purcell, Paul Harmen, Trevor Lavelle and Brian Buckley.

Fairview will be anxious to repeat last year's triumph when they defeated St.Michael's. Tipperary 4-2 in the final after a replay.

Portmarnock F.C. manager Gary Knight will have Junior International goalkeeper Stan Hannon as well as current Junior international Anto Canavan plus the like of Dougie Dolan, Chris Carolan and Colie Branigan in his squad.

This promises to be a close encounter as both teams will have the utmost respect for each other as Fairview have already disposed of Pike Rovers, Ballymun Utd and St. Kevins Boys.

Portmarnock had to do it the hard way to reach the final with most of their ties going to penalty shoot-outs. But their semi-final cup win over Waterford side Southend Utd made people sit up and take notice.

This promises to be an interesting game and may well go to a replay in Limerick on Saturday, May 17 with a 5pm kick-off in Jackman Park. Win, lose or draw both sides will give 100% to pick-up the honour of Statoil F.A.I. Junior Cup holders 2003.



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