Crumlin face a massive start to the new season

By Stephen Leonard

CRUMLIN United could not have asked for a bigger start to the new season.

The FAI Intermediate Cup holders will face Junior Cup winners Sherriff in the Tom Hand Cup decider on August 14 a week before they take on Airtricity League champions Dundalk in the third round of the FAI Cup.

“It’s a great draw from the club’s point of view” said Crumlin manager Martin Loughran who will be hoping his side can defy the odds and take down the holders later this month.

Victors over Premier Division side Finn Harps in the last round of the competition, Crumlin will face a far more challenging task in undoing Stephen Kenny’s men.

While they did lose the services of striker Greg Moorhouse to Glenavon with Shane Supple also departing, Crumlin have brought in former Firhouse Clover centre half Gary Murphy as well as goalkeepers Stephen Conlon and Dave Meehan.

The FAI Cup draw will also see Shamrock Rovers travel to Athlone Town while St Patrick’s Athletic play host to runaway First Division leaders Limerick.

All ties are to be played the week ending Sunday, August 21.