2002-2003 eircom League Under-21 kicks off

This weekend sees the kick off of the third season of the eircom League Under-21 division.

Thu, 08 Aug, 2002 - 14:33

This weekend sees the kick off of the third season of the eircom League Under-21 division.

There are various new teams this season such as the Garda, Mayo League, Kerry League and Kilkenny City. All are strong additions to an already impressive line up that now numbers 30 teams split into four regional groups.

The format for the league will see each team play each other home and away.

Following this the top two teams in each section, qualify for the quarter-finals of the Dr Tony O’Neill Trophy. The teams enter a knock-out competition to establish this year’s winner.

Holders Waterford United will hope to retain their title that they so impressively won this year.

Newcomers Mayo League kick off with an away fixture on Thursday 8th August against Galway United at Compaq Ground, Ballybritt with a 7.30pm kick off.

Elsewhere Kerry League host Waterford United in Mounthawk Park, Tralee on Friday 9th August. This match kicks off at 7pm.

This is a historic occasion for both representative sides as it is their first fixture at the highest level of under age football in Ireland.

The league this season is expected to be more competitive than ever. Last weekend a very competitive eircom League representative side missing many players from Premier Division clubs took on a Glasgow Celtic Under-21 team.

Despite a 3-1 defeat the team gave the Celtic Park club a stern test. Don Givens the national Under-21 manager was suitably impressed by the progress being made in the domestic game.

The eircom League is pushing towards providing more players for the international set up to choose from. The eircom League Under-21 division will play a pivotal role in this development.

The full weekend fixtures are as follows.

South Leinster

Shamrock Rovers vs Kilkenny City 10.8.02 12.15 Killtipper

Dublin Uni vs Bray Wanderers 10.8.02 14.30 Trinity

Garda vs UCD 10.8.02 14.30 Westmanstown

St. Patricks Ath vs Kildare County 11.8.02 12.00 Baldonnell

North Leinster

Athlone Town vs Shelbourne 10.8.02 15.00 St. Mels Park

Bohemians vs Longford Town 10.8.02 14.00 Dalymount

Mullingar Town vs Dundalk 10.8.02 14.00 Dalton Park

Drogheda United vs Dublin City 11.8.02 11.30 O2 Park

Connaught/Ulster