League of Ireland in Europe 2016

[seand]

Luxembourg, Iceland and Estonia (in particular) are problematic for UEFA in the early rounds as most of the clubs are bunched together in a small area and often sharing a couple of stadiums that are up to Euro standard. When Dundalk played Jeunesse we got bumped from Thursday to Tuesday at less than a week's notice. Who fecked up with Pats? Did Pats jump the gun or did UEFA change their mind after confirming dates?

[nigel-harps1954]

Pat's said themselves on the afternoon of the draw "We're drawn at home but first but all dates etc to be confirmed".

I haven't seen 'official confirmation' of a Thursday game anywhere announced by Pat's. If anyone went ahead and booked flights off the back of the draw itself then they've nobody to blame but themselves. Jeunesse Esch played their European games against Dundalk on Tuesday nights too.

[El-Pietro]

Same thing happened Rovers last year as well right?

[Mark]

The three home Europa League dates and kick off times are now official.. because the FAI have said so. :-)


The three SSE Airtricity League clubs competing in the UEFA Europa League have confirmed the dates and times of their home ties.

St. Patrick's Athletic will welcome Luxembourgian side AS Jeunesse Esch to Inchicore on Tuesday, June 28th with kick-off at 7.45pm for the first leg.

Shamrock Rovers welcome Finnish side ROPS Rovaniemi to the Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, June 30th with kick-off at 8pm for the first leg.

Cork City host Northern Irish side Linfield at Turner's Cross on Thursday, July 7th and will also kick-off at 7.45 pm for the second leg.

The away ties will be confirmed by UEFA in due course.

[pineapple stu]

Same thing happened Rovers last year as well right?
Yes, their game was brought forward, though within hours of the draw.

I know we were told not to book anything until around 6pm on the day, once everything had been confirmed.

[sadloserkid]

The three SSE Airtricity League clubs competing in the UEFA Europa League have confirmed the dates and times of their home ties.

St. Patrick's Athletic will welcome Luxembourgian side AS Jeunesse Esch to Inchicore on Tuesday, June 28th with kick-off at 7.45pm for the first leg.

Shamrock Rovers welcome Finnish side ROPS Rovaniemi to the Tallaght Stadium on Thursday, June 30th with kick-off at 8pm for the first leg.

Cork City host Northern Irish side Linfield at Turner's Cross on Thursday, July 7th and will also kick-off at 7.45 pm for the second leg.

The away ties will be confirmed by UEFA in due course.

I like that Rovers and Pats are going to welcome their visitors while Cork will merely host theirs. :)

[D24Saint]

Club got confirmation from UEFA on Monday then they changed the fixture anyway on Tuesday morning.

[Bawnville Hoop]

Club got confirmation from UEFA on Monday then they changed the fixture anyway on Tuesday morning.

Always good to keep in mind for the future that the club who achieved the final Europa spot in their league loses preference over the others.

[nigel-harps1954]

Club got confirmation from UEFA on Monday then they changed the fixture anyway on Tuesday morning.

But was that made public? I haven't seen it published anywhere. It seems to me that people just presumed that the game would be on the Thursday and booked flights and accomodation before everything was confirmed on all ends.

[Mark]

This is Pat's statement from yesterday:
Due to circumstances beyond our control we regret to announce that UEFA have rescheduled the away leg of our upcoming UEFA Europa League game versus AS Jeunesse Esch to Tuesday the 5th of July.

We have been in touch with the FAI who have put in an appeal on our behalf to UEFA on the basis that we had already received official communication with confirmation of the away leg to take place on the 7th July, and that both the club and supporters would have made commitments on that basis.

Unfortunately, UEFA have today insisted that the date be changed to Tuesday 5th July. We regret this late change and will be raising the matter at a future date with UEFA as all communications, both verbal and official written confirmation of draw clearly state that the match was due to take place on the 7th July.

We are aware that some supporters may have already booked flights and accommodation and will be inconvenienced, and we regret this as the Club took the precaution of not releasing dates until official written communication was received from UEFA.

Once again we apologise for any inconvenience caused to our supporters, but unfortunately this late change was imposed on us beyond our control.

We would advise fans who have made arrangements to contact their flight operators to try to cancel/amend their flights as soon as possible.

[Mark]

Rovers' home game clashes with a Euros quarter final - as will Cork away if it goes ahead the same day.
Pat's away on the 5th does not clash with Euros but would have (with a semi) had it gone ahead on the Thursday...as would Rovers away/Cork home.
Remember, as of this morning FAI have said that they away games are still to be arranged in due course....

[nigel-harps1954]

This is Pat's statement from yesterday:
Due to circumstances beyond our control we regret to announce that UEFA have rescheduled the away leg of our upcoming UEFA Europa League game versus AS Jeunesse Esch to Tuesday the 5th of July.

We have been in touch with the FAI who have put in an appeal on our behalf to UEFA on the basis that we had already received official communication with confirmation of the away leg to take place on the 7th July, and that both the club and supporters would have made commitments on that basis.

Unfortunately, UEFA have today insisted that the date be changed to Tuesday 5th July. We regret this late change and will be raising the matter at a future date with UEFA as all communications, both verbal and official written confirmation of draw clearly state that the match was due to take place on the 7th July.

We are aware that some supporters may have already booked flights and accommodation and will be inconvenienced, and we regret this as the Club took the precaution of not releasing dates until official written communication was received from UEFA.

Once again we apologise for any inconvenience caused to our supporters, but unfortunately this late change was imposed on us beyond our control.

We would advise fans who have made arrangements to contact their flight operators to try to cancel/amend their flights as soon as possible.

I read that statement too, but still doesn't answer the question. Did Pat's also jump the gun a bit? There was no publicly announced statement that it was to be on Thursday 7th as far as I can see.

[Mark]

I honestly can't remember what was announced/tweeted on Monday night. I know for certain that they confirmed the home game for the Tuesday night because I remember thinking that it clashes with the Leinster Senior Cup Final. I had planned to go to Dalymount Park for that one but will now go to Inchicore.

I don't remember seeing anything regarding the away game. That's not to say something wasn't tweeted but I can't see anything in the history.

It's wrong to say Pat's jumped the gun seeing as they had, at the time, official written communication from UEFA - so would be perfectly within their rights to tweet/facebook this info at that time. In turn, fans would be perfectly entitled to book flights etc. I can't see that Pat's have done anything wrong in all of this.

[Nesta99]

This wouldn't have happened under Infantino...

[Dodge]

I read that statement too, but still doesn't answer the question. Did Pat's also jump the gun a bit? There was no publicly announced statement that it was to be on Thursday 7th as far as I can see.
Pats were told (in writing) by UEFA that the games were to be played on Tuesday 28, and Thursday 7th. They announced this

UEFA later amended this to Tuesday and Tuesday.

[D24Saint]

Did Dundalk fans find a decent boozer in the town ?

[nigel-harps1954]

Pats were told (in writing) by UEFA that the games were to be played on Tuesday 28, and Thursday 7th. They announced this

UEFA later amended this to Tuesday and Tuesday.

That's all the clarification I was seeking. Cheers for that. I just can't find it anywhere online where there was official confirmation posted of it.

[Mark]

The Leinster FA Senior Cup final has now been postponed, much to the delight of the Wexford Pats fans, of which there are many, who otherwise had a tough decision to make..

[White Horse]

Did Dundalk fans find a decent boozer in the town ?

No. Couldn't get a pint of Harp anywhere.

[White Horse]

There is a pedestrianized street in the centre of town, rue d 'Alzette. We were in a bar called Mousels (?)

However, the best fun was when we got to the ground. They had a hut beside the main stand selling beer and hotdogs. The beer was sold in bottles and was cheap, €2 I think. They had to stop serving when the match started, but were serving again at half time and at full time. We must have been there for 2 hours after the game. They let the kids out on pitch for a kickabout too. Very friendly people.

[D24Saint]

There is a pedestrianized street in the centre of town, rue d 'Alzette. We were in a bar called Mousels (?)

However, the best fun was when we got to the ground. They had a hut beside the main stand selling beer and hotdogs. The beer was sold in bottles and was cheap, €2 I think. They had to stop serving when the match started, but were serving again at half time and at full time. We must have been there for 2 hours after the game. They let the kids out on pitch for a kickabout too. Very friendly people.

thats the street I'm staying on, sounds like good craic it looks a nice sort of town.

[mcgonigle]

There is a pedestrianized street in the centre of town, rue d 'Alzette. We were in a bar called Mousels (?)

However, the best fun was when we got to the ground. They had a hut beside the main stand selling beer and hotdogs. The beer was sold in bottles and was cheap, €2 I think. They had to stop serving when the match started, but were serving again at half time and at full time. We must have been there for 2 hours after the game. They let the kids out on pitch for a kickabout too. Very friendly people.

If you're staying in Luxembourg city there are a couple of decent bars down in the valley? (Gorge? not sure what you'd call it). One that backs onto the river

[D24Saint]

The dubliner in reykjavik isn't bad there is a decent few pubs around the harbour area , bring your wallet loaded though €9 a pint of the local stuff.

[pineapple stu]

The Leinster FA Senior Cup final has now been postponed, much to the delight of the Wexford Pats fans, of which there are many, who otherwise had a tough decision to make..
The match between Wexford and Bohs? Why's that postponed?

[pineapple stu]

If you're staying in Luxembourg city there are a couple of decent bars down in the valley? (Gorge? not sure what you'd call it). One that backs onto the river
The Black Stuff Irish Pub is a good spot - a bit outside Luxembourg, but on the 10 bus (I think it is). Just don't leave it too late to get a taxi - hugely expensive there.

A few more local places in town of course.

[Nesta99]

The fun that is the unique to the Irish travelling football fan and sharing guidance on the best pub network ;)

[D24Saint]

The Black Stuff Irish Pub is a good spot - a bit outside Luxembourg, but on the 10 bus (I think it is). Just don't leave it too late to get a taxi - hugely expensive there.

A few more local places in town of course.

Did UCD play in the main stadium the bartel last year

[El-Pietro]

Plenty of decent pubs in Luxembourg city. I quite like Scotts and Updown which is built into the side of the cliff. Right across the street from each other. Few other pubs in that general area as well.

Beer in Lux isn't great, but its fine. Bofferding and Diekirch are the two main ones you'll see.

Beer in Iceland is woeful. Gull being among the worst I've ever had. Plenty of pusb do "happy hour" so you don't end up paying more than 5 or 6 euro per pint. Some City fans found stuff way cheaper than that too so if you look around you might not end up paying too much.

[HarpoJoyce]

Did UCD play in the main stadium the bartel last year

UCD AFC played in the domestic venue of F91 Differleng/Dudelange close to the French border Stade Jos Nosbaum.

Info for travelling Fans to Luxembourgg
In 2015, UCD AFC Supporters Club put together a comprehensive list of Flights convenient to the destination to help undeciders make up their mind and reassure Fans that they were viewing the best options.
http://ucdsupporters.ie/blog/2015/06/23/planning-the-away-trip/

Main Options based on DUB flights, small budget, short trip, reminder fly out one way and return another.
13 airports linked, 9 airlines linked, specific private bus and train services from those airports.

Most popular route by Fans
Charleroi (CRL), Zaventum Brussels International (BRU), Luxembourg (LUX)

The links for airports, airlines and land transfers will still be valid, please feel free to pass it on to other Fans considering travelling.

[El-Pietro]

You can also fly from Kerry direct to Frankfurt-Hahn and travel to Lux from there. Kerry is a great little airport!

[Yossarian]

There is a pedestrianized street in the centre of town, rue d 'Alzette. We were in a bar called Mousels (?)

However, the best fun was when we got to the ground. They had a hut beside the main stand selling beer and hotdogs. The beer was sold in bottles and was cheap, €2 I think. They had to stop serving when the match started, but were serving again at half time and at full time. We must have been there for 2 hours after the game. They let the kids out on pitch for a kickabout too. Very friendly people.

That was great craic at the ground alright. I recall a local
TV station doing a report after the game with plenty of boisterous Dundalk fans behind the reporter.
We stayed in Luxembourg City, only a 20 minute spin out on the train to Esch.
The club were very friendly and welcoming, as were there players on the pitch!

[El-Pietro]

Buses in Luxembourg work on an honour system by the way... none of the people I know out there bother buying tickets.

[HarpoJoyce]

Buses in Luxembourg work on an honour system by the way... none of the people I know out there bother buying tickets.

The LUAS is very convenient for Richmond Park, minimum Culture Shock for both sets of fans using those forms of Public Transport. same same

[GCdfc]

The Women's Champions League draw is on tomorrow with Wexford Youths representing Ireland.

http://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/newsid=2373162.html#womens+champions+league+draw+f riday

[pineapple stu]

Did UCD play in the main stadium the bartel last year
No, we played in Dudelange. And Rovers played in their opponent's own ground too I think.

I stayed in Dudelange, but there was nothing there. Maybe better to stay in Luxembourg City and just travel to the match town on the day. Train and bus services are great, but again, avoid taxis.

[pineapple stu]

Buses in Luxembourg work on an honour system by the way... none of the people I know out there bother buying tickets.
You generally pay the driver, no?

That's what I did anyway!

[seand]

Train from Lux city to Esch was about €2.50 return. Train station in Esch is 5 minutes walk from the ground and 2 minutes walk from town centre.
For those of a nerdy disposition it's a 5 minute walk from the ground to the French border if you want to visit France while you're there.

[El-Pietro]

You generally pay the driver, no?

That's what I did anyway!

You can, but the tickets last for 2 hours, or return that last for 4 hours or so, so drivers don't expect people to pay them. I'm generally too honest for my own good so I pay the 2 euro or whatever it is, but the people who live there that I know say not to bother and just hop on in the middle and you'll be fine.

The city is really wealthy due to the fact that so many people work there and live in France or Germany so they don't really need the money anyway.

[pineapple stu]

Ah right. There was one driver who turned down my money coming back from the Black Stoff alright - that must have been why.

Also, changing at Bettembourg for the train to Dudelange, I realised I'd lost my ticket, and there were two ticket inspectors having a quick smoke before coming on board. I went up to them and said I'd genuinely lost my ticket and where could I get another one before the train left. They just said "Yerrah, be grand", or whatever the Luxembourgish is and ignored me when they went around checking.

Nice country!

[nigel-harps1954]

The Women's Champions League draw is on tomorrow with Wexford Youths representing Ireland.

http://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/news/newsid=2373162.html#womens+champions+league+draw+f riday

Ferrycarraig Park and RSC will be hosting group stage games this year too from whichever group Wexford are drawn in. Great news for them to get home games.

[D24Saint]

I'm in Luxembourg a few extra days due to the fixture change so I'll be using public transport a good bit didn't plan on staying in esch for so long so it's good to know it's easy to get around to see somewhere different.

[pineapple stu]

It's a nice place actually - the south is where the main population lives, but if you go to the north, there's valleys and some nice countryside, if that's your scene. The branch line to Wiltz is nice, and a couple of the stops are request stops, so you can flag down a train if you want, which I've never done before! The local papers will have info on any upcoming friendlies around the area.

In a way, the above kind of gives an idea of how much there is to do in Luxembourg...!

[gufcfan]

FH are playing against Fylkir at home tonight if any Dundalk fans are interested.

[nigel-harps1954]

FH are playing against Fylkir at home tonight if any Dundalk fans are interested.

What in the feck am I watching in Longford then?

[gufcfan]

What in the feck am I watching in Longford then?

Muck.

[geysir]

Aw shucks, did Bohs not make it to Iceland this year? :)
Currently from the LOI, only Dundak would have a chance at matching FH. Both teams are currently the best in their leagues. It's wierd though but football wise FH are the most Dundalk
like side in the Icelandic league and they also happen to play in white & black., that would be a Dundalk side under Kenny and minus Towell.


For pedants with a long memory, FH have Kristjan Finnbogasson (now aged 45) as their reserve goalie. He was the Iceland national goalie when Ireland came in Sept 1997 (WC 98 qual) and won 4-2 mainly due to 3 howlers from butter fingers Kristjan, though. FH´s main goalie is very good, he's the Faroes national keeper and the best in the league.
Dundalk fans might remember Steven Lennon who played a batch of games for them about 6 years ago before he broke his leg. He's a grand lad.
I think it's a 50/50 tie, though FH will feel at home playing on Oriel Pk's grass. It's a 50/50 tie but I'd expect FH to edge it.

[ger121]

It's a 50/50 tie but I'd expect FH to edge it.

We wouldn't have expected you to think anything else.

Dundalk being the unseeded team, have to be much happier with the draw than FH. As the seeded side, they would have hoped for a much kinder draw.

[Ezeikial]

Dundalk fans might remember Steven Lennon who played a batch of games for them about 6 years ago before he broke his leg. He's a grand lad.


Steven Lennon made his debut for Dundalk coming on as a sub away to Levski Sofia in July 2010 - he came close to scoring a cracker within minutes of coming on.

Although he didn't break his leg while at Dundalk, he did suffer a foot injury subsequently in a league game against Galway, which curtailed his impact at the club. He was signed initial in July to end-of-season and was not offered a new deal for the following season. My impression was that he was a very decent player. Certainly an affable individual off-the-pitch

http://www.dundalkfc.com/postcard-from-reykjavik/

[geysir]

We wouldn't have expected you to think anything else.

Dundalk being the unseeded team, have to be much happier with the draw than FH. As the seeded side, they would have hoped for a much kinder draw.
When it comes to anything Iceland, Bohs fans really should just gracefully stay silent :)

FH could have drawn the unseeded Swedish champions, who in all probability would have been stronger than Dundalk. FH are not at all unhappy with drawing Dundalk, they note on their website that their hated rivals KR beat a team who are just a point behind Dundalk (at the time of the draw) and therefore FH are inspired not to do worse than KR.
FH are a 'slightly' better team than Thor of Akureyri.

[gufcfan]

FH Hafnarfjörður scraped past the bottom team 1-0 at home last night. Stephen Lennon scored it.