Dooner’s weekend predictions

Congratulations to Ballymoe FC on winning the 2017 RDFL Premier Division title! I think it’s fair to say that Liam Lynch and Cormac Clogher will never have to buy a pint in that neck of the woods ever again! It was a fitting end to a wonderful season and great credit must go to all the players, coaches, managers, club and league officials and match officials for making it such a wonderful spectacle.

  Commiserations to Ballinasloe Town, Castlerea Celtic and Moore United who played some fantastic football throughout and deserved more for their endeavour. There could only be one winner though and how appropriate that it was last season’s nearly men on their new pitch!

Thursday, May 18th

Premier Division Cup Quarter-Final

Ballinasloe Town v Castlerea Celtic (8.30 pm)

Castlerea were arguably the better side when these two met last weekend. They looked more dangerous going forward and created the better chances. Ballinasloe Town have a dogged edge to them however, and were missing several regulars in Castlerea. This will be another fiercely contested game but from what I saw last Sunday there is more potential for improvement in The Hoops, although as the Ballinasloe backroom pointed out at the final whistle, I got last week’s prediction wrong!

Prediction: Castlerea Celtic

Friday, May 19th

Premier/First Division Promotion/Relegation Play-off        

At Lecarrow: Skyvalley Rovers v Lough Harps (8 pm)

I believe the momentum is with the team on the way up rather than the team coming off the back of a disappointing season. Therefore, I’m going to go with Lough Harps who have had a wonderful couple of years.

Prediction: Lough Harps

Saturday, May 20th

RDFL First Division Cup Final           

At Lecarrow: Dysart FC v Cloonfad United (7 pm)

Very little separated these two sides when they met in the league this season but champions Dysart have had the upper hand. Cloonfad will be out for revenge but I’m backing the Dysart double.

Prediction: Dysart FC

Sunday, May 21st

Premier Division Cup Semi-Finals

Ballaghaderreen FC v Castlerea Celtic/Ballinasloe Town (12 pm)

The Castlerea Ballinasloe Quarter-Final is so difficult to call but I’ll keep digging a bigger hole for myself (as I’ve been known to do!) and predict another Castlerea Celtic v Ballymoe final!

Prediction: Castlerea Celtic

Moore United v Ballymoe FC (12 pm)

Watch how Moore United progress to the final to meet Ballaghaderreen! No point in going this far and not going further I suppose…

Prediction: Ballymoe FC

Killeen Sportsground Division 2

Ballinagare FC v Cloonfad United B

Ah, a nice easy one to finish off with…there is nothing between them and I’ve probably caused myself enough trouble for one week!

Prediction: Draw