Derbies galore in u19 Cup draw

After a mouth-watering draw, there will be no less than THREE of Irish football’s biggest derbies taking place in the first round of the Airtricity Under 19 Cup.


This season will see bitter rivals go head to head in Louth, the North West and the midlands, in what are the highlights of the opening stages.


In a repeat of last week’s controversial FAI Ford Cup semi-final between Drogheda United and Dundalk, the clubs’ Under 19 sides will face-off again at Oriel Park. Dundalk have had an excellent start to their Northern Division campaign, notching three wins from their first four games. Their opponents meanwhile have struggled in the early stages of the Elite Division, managing just one point from seven games.


In the North West, Finn Harps will welcome their neighbours Derry City to Finn Park. In the league encounter between the two sides, the Candystripes came away from Ballybofey with a 3-1 win, through goals from underage stars Josh Tracey and Georgie Kelly (2). Unbeaten in their opening games in the Northern Division, Derry will be hoping to transfer their league form to the cup competition and overcome the young Harps.


Meanwhile, the ‘El-Clasico’ of the midlands, will see Longford Town entertain Athlone Town at the City Calling Stadium. Longford currently sit bottom of the Southern Division, while their opponents have had an indifferent start to their Elite campaign, winning three games and losing three. Despite the contrast in form, few would ever speculate the outcome of one of these derbies.


In the other games in the first round, Bohemians face a trip to the UCD Bowl, where they will face the Students; Donegal sides Fanad United and Letterkenny Rovers will meet at Tragh-a-Lough, and Cobh Ramblers will take on Limerick FC at St Colman’s Park.


Full Draw:

Longford  Town V Athlone Town.

UCD V Bohemians.

Fanad United V Letterkenny Rovers

Cobh Ramblers V Limerick FC.

Finn Harps V Derry City.

Dundalk V Drogheda United

(Dates and Time TBC)