The next round of the KCLR McCalmont Cup has been confirmed following a thrilling weekend of action that saw two of Kilkenny’s biggest sides fall to underdog opposition in dramatic fashion.
The first shock of the round came at Buckley Park, where First Division side Castlewarren Celtic pulled off a 3-2 victory over Premier Division leaders Freebooters. Former ‘Booters players and brothers Niall and Eoin Delaney both found the net, while Killian Duffy scored the all-important winner to send Castlewarren through in normal time.
Another upset came in the form of Evergreen’s exit, as they fell to Division 1 side Fort Rangers. The game ended 2-2 after normal time, leading to a penalty shootout where Fort Rangers triumphed 3-1. Goalkeeper Craig Cummins was the hero of the night, making an incredible four saves in the shootout. Chris Phelan and Eddie Nugent had scored the goals for Fort Rangers in normal time. F
Elsewhere, Thomastown advanced with a 2-1 win over Callan United, keeping their cup hopes alive.
With the defending champions Bridge United still in the competition, the draw for the next round has now been set:
Lions A vs Paulstown 06 FC
Bridge United A vs Highview A
Newpark AFC vs Castlewarren Celtic A
Deen Celtic A vs Clover United
Deen Celtic B vs St. Johns AFC
Tullaroan AFC vs Thomastown A
Southend United vs Fort Rangers A
Evergreen B vs Fort Rangers B
With several lower-division sides proving they can go toe-to-toe with Kilkenny’s best, this year’s McCalmont Cup is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Stay tuned to KCLR for full coverage and updates as the competition progresses.
