Soccer enthusiasts in Kilkenny and Carlow are gearing up for an electrifying weekend, as various teams prepare to battle it out across different divisions. From the reopening of Buckley Park to pivotal league clashes and prestigious cup encounters, this weekend promises to be a celebration of the beautiful game.
Buckley Park’s Grand Return
The spotlight falls on Buckley Park, the former home of Kilkenny City FC, as Castlewarren Celtic’s A team is set to make a triumphant return. After months of anticipation and extensive renovations over the summer, the beloved ground is ready to host Castlewarren Celtic’s clash with River Rangers at 11:00 AM.
FAI Junior Cup Drama
Sunday sees Callan United take on Forth Celtic in the FAI Junior Cup at Fair Green Pitch 1 (2:00 PM). The FAI Junior Cup always brings a heightened sense of drama, and this encounter promises to be no different. Both teams will be eager to progress in this prestigious competition.
Premier Division Clash in Carlow
Meanwhile, in Carlow, the Premier Division showdown between Killeshin and Hanover Harps at the Plots (11:00 AM) is expected to be a highlight. With both teams eyeing crucial points, the intensity of the battle is sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Kilkenny Junior KCLR Scoreline.ie Div 1 League Showdown
The Kilkenny Junior KCLR Scoreline.ie Div 1 League is packed with intriguing fixtures on Sunday at 11:00 AM:
- Freshford Town vs. Ormonde Villa FC at Woodview
- Evergreen B vs. Tullaroan AFC at Kells Road
- Castlewarren Celtic A vs. River Rangers A at Buckley Park
These matches are sure to showcase the local talent and competitive spirit within the league.
Junior Div 2 Emerald Tiles League Extravaganza
The Junior Div 2 Emerald Tiles League on Sunday promises a feast of soccer action:
- Thomastown United B vs. East End United at United Park Thomastown (11:00 AM)
- Newpark AFC vs. Spa United AFC at Newpark (11:00 AM)
- Evergreen 46 vs. Deen Celtic B at Kells Road (11:00 AM)
- River Rangers B vs. Stoneyford United at Fairgreen Astro Turf (1:30 PM)
- Highview Ath B vs. St. Johns FC at Harristown-Astro Pitch (2:00 PM)
The variety of matchups in this league ensures a diverse showcase of skills and strategies on the field.
Women’s St Canice’s Credit Union Shield
Women’s soccer takes center stage with Lions AFC vs. Newpark AFC at Watershed Astro Pitch (11:00 AM) and Thomastown United vs. Mill Celtic at United Park Thomastown (11:00 AM).
Carlow’s Premier Division and Division One Battles
Sunday’s fixtures in Carlow across various divisions include:
- Bagenalstown AFC vs. New Oak at McGrath Park Bagenalstown (11:00 AM)
- Crettyard United vs. Parkville United at Killeen Sports Field, Crettyard (11:00 AM)
- Tullys Travel Division One clashes, including Slaney Rovers vs. Athy Town AFC at Rathvilly behind the graveyard (Slaney Rovers) and Dolmen Celtic vs. Crettyard United B at Gaelscoil Complex, Ashgrove Tullow Rd Carlow (both at 11:00 AM)
- Whites Pharmacy Division encounters featuring Wolfhill Athletic, Parkville United B, Nurney Villa, Burrin Celtic B, Castle Rangers, and Dolmen Celtic B, all kicking off at 11:00 AM.
Saturday Fixtures: Oscar Traynor Trophy and Tullys Travel Division One
On Saturday, Kilkenny & District League faces off against Wexford & District League in the Junior Oscar Traynor Trophy at Kells Road Astro (7:30 PM). In Carlow, St. Patricks Boys B battles Mill Celtic, and Burrin Celtic goes up against Ballymurphy Celtic in the Tullys Travel Division One (both at 7:30 PM).
Friday Night Lights
The action doesn’t stop there, as Killeshin FC B takes on Hanover Harps B at Scats Quakers Park, Killeshin, on Friday night at 8:00 PM in the Whites Pharmacy Division 2023/24.
With such a diverse array of fixtures and competitions, soccer fans in Kilkenny and Carlow are in for a weekend filled with excitement, passion, and the beautiful game. Whether it’s the reopening of a historic ground, crucial league and cup encounters, or battles for supremacy in various divisions, the soccer scene in the region is set to deliver a great weekend for all.
