1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
Ballyglass cup assignment put on hold
Soccer
11 March 1998
Mayo kingpins Ballyglass have been caught up as innocent victims in an intriguing FAI Junior Cup controversy.
They were scheduled to play Donegal side, Carndonagh, in the quarter-final of the Guinness-sponsored series on Sunday, March 22nd.
But now the South Mayo side has been informed that the biggest game in their history could be put off for a number of weeks.
The reason is that WFTA of Finglas, the side Carndonagh defeated in the last round on penalties after extra time, have lodged a protest to the FAI Junior Council over an incident which occurred in their seventh round tie on March 1st last.
At the centre of the controversy is the fact that Carndonagh were permitted to introduce a reserve goalkeeper, J.J. Doherty, during the penalty shoot-out when their first choice goalkeeper, Mark Crossan, sustained a finger injury and was forced to cry off.
As it transpired Doherty emerged as the Carndonagh match-winner by saving a penalty by WFTA's Gareth Kavanagh to give the Inishowen side victory 6-5 on penalties after the clash had ended 2-2 after extra time.
The protest will be held by members of the FAI Junior Council's Protests Committee on Thursday.
It is understood, however, that the Athletic Union club has a very strong case because it is clearly stated in the rules that only players on the pitch at the end of extra time can participate in a subsequent penalty shoot-out.
If the FAI Junior Council rules that the match should be replayed, then it is likely to go ahead at the original venue on March 22nd, the date earmarked for the quarter-finals.
As a result Ballyglass may have to wait until Sunday, April 5th, for their clash against the winners to go-ahead.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - March 1998
