Last season’s defeated Maher Shield finalists St Pat’s Boys caused a major upset as they knocked out Freebooters 1-0 in Graiguecullen last Sunday.
Inspired by a teak-tough defence who illustrated a terrific work ethic, the Carlow side were far hungrier than their more illustrious opponents.
The all-important strike came in the 70th minute when Cillian Coakley’s goal sealed victory in a bad tempered clash that saw Freebooters become irritatingly furious as they couldn’t find their passing range.
Overall it was a positive weekend for Kilkenny teams in the FAI Cup as Southend United, Bridge United and Evergreen all advanced.
Evergreen progressed without kicking a ball as their opponents conceded a walkover.
Southend United added further misery on East End United as the Ballyhale outfit won 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of soulless football.
Michael O’Sullivan was the savour of Southend as he saved and scored the winning spot-kicks.
With the sides locked at 3-3 entering the 5th and final round of penalties, goalkeeper O’Sullivan produced a superb stop to prevent Brian Lannon’s well struck attempt, and after saving Lannon’s penalty effort, O’Sullivan stepped up and he duly obliged as his winning penalty sent Enda Cleere the wrong way to send the Southend contingent into rapturous delight.
Bridge United were impressive recording a 2-0 away victory at Wicklow Town as Tommy Bolger and Mick Brennan were on target in an accomplished team display as Colin Madden and Raymond Dunne stood out.
Thomastown emphatically defeated Ormonde Villa 6-1 in the Pat Maher Shield as Dessie Walsh scored a hat-trick while Joey Murray, Derek Lanigan and Sean Brennan also found the target in a one-sided clash.
Newpark defeated Fort Rangers 3-2 in a thriller at Wallslough.
Despite a wonder thunderbolt effort from John Ireland, the Danesfort outfit lost 3-2 as Tommy Donovan, Sean Falsey and Paul Delaney bagged the goals.
Damian Raggett was the quadruple hero as Stoneyford United thumped Deen Celtic 5-1 to climb to mid-table.
A brace from John McCormack helped AC Kilkenny to a 4-0 thrashing against Highview Athletic as they storm to the top of division one.
Callan go outright top in Division two as goals from Robbie Wall and Brian Doheny sealed a 2-0 victory away to Brookville.
River Rangers defeated Tullaroan 3-2 in a thriller as a Darragh Murphy penalty on the hour mark, following an earlier goal by Murphy and Paul Dermody, was sufficient to secure three points and join Dungarvan on 9 points.
Lions B are top of division three following a 2-0 victory at the Durrow venue, while despite trailing 2-0 after the quarter-hour mark following two spectacular strikes from Brendan Kenny, Clifden came from 2-0 down to defeat neighbours Ajax of Gowran 6-2.
The Gowran men, under the guidance of new management Benny Williams and Shane Byrne, made a dashing start as Kenny was on fire.
However, a reoccurrence of his hamstring ended his participation as the Gowran men started to suddenly lose composure.
The fiery Kevin Shortall bagged a brace for an ever-improving Clifden outfit managed by brother John, while further goals from Patrick Murphy, James Brennan, Dermot Nolan and a spectacular golden effort from Niall Kavanagh helped the Clara men romp to victory.
