The highlight of the weekend soccer action was the marvelous win by the Desmond League who qualified for the national Oscar Traynor Cup final for the first time.

Limerick FC could only manage a 2-2 against Monaghan United at Jackman Park which gave the visitors their first away goals in five games and their first point when playing away.

Indeed Limerick cold well have lost this game as a first half effort from halfway by Monaghan beat Jimmy Fyffe in the Limerick goal to spark celebrations by the visiting players but the effort dipped just over the crossbar. Tommy Barrett and Wayne Colbert scored the Limerick goals.

It was by far and away the least impressive performance this season and the manner in which Monaghan were allowed to grab their second goal will have Mike Kerley hoping that Pat Purcell recovers quickly from his lengthy injury and Paul Finucane may also be back for the second half of the campaign. In fairness the defence had performed well prior to this occasion.

Limerick FC travel to play Wexford Youths this week and return to Jackman Park on Tuesday 27th when they face Sporting Fingal. These are two games in which Limerick should take maximum points. The attendance last Friday was a mere 421 and it is sad to see so few in what is acknowledged to be the sporting capital of Ireland.

On the local front Pike Rovers edged closer to winning the Premier League thanks to their 1-1 draw with challengers, Ballynanty Rovers.

The point gained means that Pike are seven points clear at the top though Ballynanty have two games less played.

Frank Lee put Ballynanty in front but Philip Purcell gave Pike that crucial breathing space at the top when he scored the equalizer.

Aisling Annacotty bounced back to form when they had a 6-1 win against the current title holders, Janesboro. Shane Murphy scored twice with the other scorers being Paul Cummins, Ian Sullivan, Alan Carroll and Aidan Hughes, a penalty.

Fairview Rangers squandered a two goal lead and failed to score from a penalty as they drew 2-2 with Carew Park. Trevor Higgins and Shane Murphy were on the mark for the 'View and Summerville also had a 2-0 advantage but were held to a draw by Star Rovers. Shane Fahy and Dara O'Sullivan scored for Summerville.

The celebrations continued well into the night in the west of the county following the superb win by the Desmond League against the Kerry League in the semi-final of the Oscar Traynor Cup at Clounreask on Sunday afternoon.