Munster Senior League Round-Up | Intermediate Cup takes centre stage for Cork clubs
The Intermediate Cup was the focus last weekend Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
As one of the showpieces of Irish football, the FAI Intermediate Cup holds a special place in Cork. With three of the past four winners coming from the Rebel County, it has become a happy hunting ground for MSL sides of late.
Ringmahon Rangers lost to LSL outfit Glebe North in last year’s final, while Rockmount completed a memorable two-in-a-row in the 2022 and 2023 deciders.
Sixteen clubs entered the MSL section of the First Round draw, with all eight ties taking place over the past few days. The remaining sides across the three divisions received a bye directly to Round 2.
Ten-time winners Rockmount put their name into the second round with a 1-0 win at Cobh Wanderers, Cian Leonard scoring the decider early on for the Whitechurch men. The all-Premier clash was one of the ties of the round, with 2017 finalists Cobh bowing out at Oldchurch Park.
Eight-time Intermediate Cup winners Avondale were comfortable 5-1 winners against near neighbours Carrigaline, while Park United of the Second Division were dispatched 3-0 by Douglas Hall. Hall will now meet Avondale in the next round.
Premier outfit Leeds saw off First Division Leeside 4-1, Jake Courtney scoring twice for the Northsiders, while Temple knocked out Ballinhassig 3-1 in an all-Second Division clash. Temple’s reward is a trip to College Corinthians, with Leeds now facing Youghal.
Ringmahon set up an intriguing battle with Rockmount in the next round as they saw off Everton 5-1 in impressive fashion, with ex-Waterford man Anthony McAlavey among the goals. Fermoy were the only side to beat a team in a higher division as they defeated Castleview 3-1 thanks to a Ken Dawson hat-trick. St Mary’s narrowly saw off Mallow United 1-0 to conclude the first round.
Fermoy will now face UCC, with St Mary’s travelling to Wilton. The other second round ties will see Midleton host Lakewood, Bandon entertain Macroom, Riverstown face Carrigtwohill, Mayfield visit Blarney, and Passage take on Kanturk.
Finally, in the First Division, Wilton and Blarney played out a 2-2 draw in the league’s only fixture last weekend. Looking at the Second Division, league leaders Passage dropped their first points of the season in a surprising 2-2 draw at home to tenth-placed Macroom. Youghal returned to winning ways with a 5-2 defeat of bottom side Buttevant.
