The Bobby Smith Cup kicked-off in earnest this week with the FAI ETB Centres competing for the annual prize.

The first round of matches commenced on Wednesday with the Limerick (pictured) visiting Carrigaline in Cork. The visitors got off to a flying start, racing into a three-goal lead by half-time thanks to goals from Conor Keane, Sean Oyibo and Jeffrey Dore. A spectacular Tim O’Reilly strike gave Carrigaline a life-line in the second-half but goalkeeper Adam Gallagher proved the Limerick hero as the visitors held out for a 3-1 win.

The second tie of the week saw 2020 winners Cabra ETB defeat an impressive Dundalk at Oriel Park. Two goals from Longford Town’s Matthew Butler alongside a third from Shelbourne striker Frances Campbell saw the Dublin side build up a 3-0 lead. Dundalk managed to pull a goal back through Luke Caffrey but the Cabra men held on. Despite the defeat, Dundalk FC’s Craig Moore caught the eye in midfield.

The next round of matches is below with the semi-final taking place on March 23rd and the final on April 6th.

Bobby Smith Cup

February 22nd
Waterford vs Cork, Waterford Institute of Technology
Waterford vs Limerick, TBC

February 23rd
Cabra v Clondakin, TBC
Irishtown v Dundalk, Irishtown Stadium

For more information on the FAI ETB Courses visit https://www.fai.ie/domestic/fai-etb-player-development-course/about.