Super Sunday in North Tipp as league titles could be decided
By Padraig Ryan
There are two massive games in the North Tipperary & District League this Sunday, which will have a huge say on the final destination of the Premier & Division 1 league titles.
In the Premier Division, the top two go head to head in Nenagh College on Sunday (2.00pm) as Nenagh Celtic host Killavilla United.
Killavilla United have led from the front all season and they can take a huge step towards claiming the title if they can secure a win away to their closest rivals Nenagh Celtic who trail them in the table by four points but have played one game more.
Celtic will see this game as an opportunity to claw back some ground in the title race and a win for them here would put serious pressure on Villa heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Villa will be looking for inspiration from their midfield creator Joe Moloney and top marksman Paul Kirwan, who has netted 27 goals across all competitions this season while Celtic will turn to stalwarts like Mark Walsh and Michael Hynes to try keep their title hopes alive.
Killavilla can clinch the title with a win this Sunday but also need third placed BT Harps to fail to beat Thurles Town in their game as the Templemore side have games in hand to make up on their title rivals following their recent FAI Junior Cup exploits.
Division 1
Earlier in the day, the focus will be on the potential title decider in division 1 between near neighbours Shinrone United and Moneygall FC in Shinrone.
Both sides are already assured of promotion with Shinrone sitting top of the table, two points ahead of Moneygall so a win for the Offaly side would confirm back to back titles having claimed the division 2 crowd last year. A draw, or a win for Moneygall would see the title being decided in the final round of games.
A draw would be a far better result for Shinrone but they will be hoping to wrap things up with the three points here. To the fore for them will be the immense Michael Cordial and top scorer John Pio Fitzpatrick, who has 17 goals so far this season. Moneygall FC will place their hopes firmly on the shoulders of striker Joe Callaghan and will need Dwayne Collison to be on his best form in goals.