FAI Cup games

[Nesta99]

I was about to have a wry smile at the prospect of another Dublin Derby as Bohs were drawn but nope. Getting back to another cup final was always going to be hard this season with no absolute gimmes. Great shout for Shels now, Harps have a free hit at the champions elect. Winners of Sligo and Derry will fancy their chances too now.

[joey B]

I was about to have a wry smile at the prospect of another Dublin Derby as Bohs were drawn but nope. Getting back to another cup final was always going to be hard this season with no absolute gimmes. Great shout for Shels now, Harps have a free hit at the champions elect. Winners of Sligo and Derry will fancy their chances too now.

Finn Park in the middle of November is gonna be a bit different to AC Milan back in September;)

[placid casual]

Great chance for either a Rovers/boez final or a Harps/boez final now. Just hope the games can get played in this covid postponement times.

[D24Saint]

When is the last time the top two in the league met in a semi final ?

[sbgawa]

When is the last time the top two in the league met in a semi final ?

When is the last time the top two met at all other than in the final

[Asterix]

When is the last time the top two met at all other than in the final

2011 Rovers v sligo in the 1/4 final.

[joey B]

Athlone 2-1 up against Shels at half time!

[pineapple stu]

4-1 now.

That's mental

[joey B]

Crazy stuff that,I dont see Ian Morris being there next season whatever league their in,looks a bit in over his head..........

[sbgawa]

When is the last time the top two in the league met in a semi final ?


Crazy stuff that,I dont see Ian Morris being there next season whatever league their in,looks a bit in over his head..........

Agreed and they are brutal to watch as well as poor results

[nigel-harps1954]

When is the last time the top two met at all other than in the final

The top two form teams in the league meet in this round...if that counts?

[sbgawa]

dont know what to think tommorow ?Nigel.
Would be happy to lose and see harps go above Shels and then have the pleasure of beating them in the last match to send them into the playoffs against Galway (probably) and hopefully down.
Cant bring myself to cheer against Rovers but its a no lose situation for me.

[nigel-harps1954]

Fully expect Rovers to come along and keep their unbeaten season record in tact. Anything from the game at all is bonus for us. Waterford is the game Harps will be properly targeting.

[sbgawa]

Is the match def on?
Whats the pitch like with this crap weather

[2 Year Contract]

Is the match def on?
Whats the pitch like with this crap weather

It was absolutely woeful midweek with the water on the pitch taking the vast majority of the bounce off of a ball in the air as well as slowing down passes made on the ground. I'd imagine it could well be called off tomorrow if the weather up there has been anything like it has in Dublin since

[nigel-harps1954]

There was no water lying on the pitch on Wednesday. It was just a soft surface.

Two hours of work after the match on Wednesday, a full day on Thursday and on Friday preparing the pitch. Friday was a good day and it got a decent bit of drying, there was no water lying on the pitch after Thursdays rain.

Today was a monumentally sh*te day, but from accounts, the pitch has no water lying on it.

If tomorrow is half decent at all, it'll go ahead. Pitch is very soft, but it'll be playable.

Ergo, drainage done on the pitch has worked...

Picture taken on Friday afternoon.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EllcneSW0AA4j4K?format=jpg&name=large

[2 Year Contract]

There was no water lying on the pitch on Wednesday. It was just a soft surface.

Yeah I didn’t mean there was puddles of water lying on the pitch or anything, I meant the heavy rain that day that had soaked into the pitch making it soft is what took the bounce out of the ball etc.

Good to hear the game should go ahead, would’ve been a disaster trying to fit in somewhere for another refixed game

[redobit]

There was no water lying on the pitch on Wednesday. It was just a soft surface.

Two hours of work after the match on Wednesday, a full day on Thursday and on Friday preparing the pitch. Friday was a good day and it got a decent bit of drying, there was no water lying on the pitch after Thursdays rain.

Today was a monumentally sh*te day, but from accounts, the pitch has no water lying on it.

If tomorrow is half decent at all, it'll go ahead. Pitch is very soft, but it'll be playable.

Ergo, drainage done on the pitch has worked...

Picture taken on Friday afternoon.



Hopefully Harps get stadium sorted soon ... no offence but Ballybofey truly is a sh1thole. The lack of progress and lack of grants for the ground really is sad indictment on how poorly football is viewed in this country. Also the NW being the forgotten frontier is not a help.

[nigel-harps1954]

If you were to offer a million euro now to scrap the new stadium and just build a new stand and new pitch at Finn Park, it would be welcomed with open arms by most.

[Nesta99]

It probably says more about myself (and Oriel Park) but when I saw that photo my first reaction was that Finn Park doesnt look as bad there as I thought from previous visits. A good angle and some sun can do wonders!! Is the sale of Finn Park still directly connected to the funding of the ground at Stranrolar? Surely it's value has recovered enough to get somthing over the line and move. While not ideal an Athlone like single stand would do initially. I do find the cost of ammending the plans for an already started project a tad odd, especially if the allocation of funds for the changes could have gone towards getting the ground functional. That is of course that what has been built hasnt deteriorated to the point of needing remedial work. For as much as it is said that capital spending budgets and the impact of covid cost are being kept seperate its hard to see too much generosity from sports grants for projects that have already had a difficult history. When you hear of 30mil going to GAA and 15 of that just to run the All-Ireland series well maybe the FAI can do some shouting also!?


*just as a very minimum what is needed to get Stranrolar functional? This might sound a bit ridiculous initially but say the cantilever roof is for another day, if seating is installed, public toilets fitted out, safe ingress and egress and pitch is playable. Is there any under-stand work done? Could temporary dressingrooms be provided on site. Things have possibly changed but from experience there was always a greater tendancy to fund projects that were actually in use even if nowhere near completion and were in use with various (short term) exemptions in place, particulary on H+S issues. The worst facility of any sport ive ever seen is at Ardee RFC (its worth a look! bad from the exterior, derelict interior!!), but it is in use including underage sides - it will get SCG sooner than later Imo, sooner and a larger grant than arguably more beneficial 'new' projects eg Drogheda United's new plans, and it isnt to do with being a different code!

[Mr A]

The plan is now to retain Finn Park for the use of underage and ladies football rather than selling it. The works at Stranorlar were still fit for purpose last time engineers checked it. Clock is ticking there though. We need government to get this moving and quickly.

[DCSIL]

Quarter Finals rescheduled:

Harps - Rovers and Sligo - Derry to kick off at 5.30pm on Nov 20
Bohs - Dundalk 7.45pm same date

[Martinho II]

Quarter Finals rescheduled:

Harps - Rovers and Sligo - Derry to kick off at 5.30pm on Nov 20
Bohs - Dundalk 7.45pm same date

Going to be a nightmare to reschedule the semis considering season end is end of November!
Surely the FAI have to extend the season wots an extra week?

[DCSIL]

Going to be a nightmare to reschedule the semis considering season end is end of November!
Surely the FAI have to extend the season wots an extra week?

Extra expense for the clubs too who only pay their players to the End of the season.

[EatYerGreens]

The plan is now to retain Finn Park for the use of underage and ladies football rather than selling it. The works at Stranorlar were still fit for purpose last time engineers checked it. Clock is ticking there though. We need government to get this moving and quickly.

Where will the money come from if Finn Park isn't sold though ?

[Nesta99]

Presume SCGs and fundraising. But that will be an awful lot of fundraising and waiting with bated breath on the days grants are announced. Its also 2 places to maintain and pay for doing so. Broken record again but there just seems to be somthing odd with this whole development, funding and construction, revised plans on a started project, not being allocated any funding that was thought to be a formality, changes on the future plans for Finn Park which would fund if sold, a significant amount of outstanding work at Stranrolar to get the place functional. It being said here that the project funding was in place too! Most of the country has a shortage of training pitches or facilities for underage teams, but hanging on to Finn Park?

[sbgawa]

Aaron mceneff and grahme burke called into ireland squad today. Thats 3 now including jack B. Wonder will fridays game with harps be off ?

[sbgawa]

Doubtful as they probably wont get any minutes i suppose.

[redarmyfaction]

Presume SCGs and fundraising. But that will be an awful lot of fundraising and waiting with bated breath on the days grants are announced. Its also 2 places to maintain and pay for doing so. Broken record again but there just seems to be somthing odd with this whole development, funding and construction, revised plans on a started project, not being allocated any funding that was thought to be a formality, changes on the future plans for Finn Park which would fund if sold, a significant amount of outstanding work at Stranrolar to get the place functional. It being said here that the project funding was in place too! Most of the country has a shortage of training pitches or facilities for underage teams, but hanging on to Finn Park?

Seems very funny alright, probably no buyer for FP now.

[nigel-harps1954]

If we're in a position to be able to keep Finn Park as well as build a new stadium, then it's a no brainer really. An underage stadium and a first team stadium, as well as a training ground is ideal for any club.

[Nesta99]

If we're in a position to be able to keep Finn Park as well as build a new stadium, then it's a no brainer really. An underage stadium and a first team stadium, as well as a training ground is ideal for any club.

If you can do both it would be great. But Finn Park could still generate the funds that Stranrolar needs to get functional, even maybe for some time in 2021. And kick on with grants then too. Not using Finn Park and its adds years to the project!?

[nigel-harps1954]

If you can do both it would be great. But Finn Park could still generate the funds that Stranrolar needs to get functional, even maybe for some time in 2021. And kick on with grants then too. Not using Finn Park and its adds years to the project!?

Finn Park isn't worth half what it was previously. Wouldn't really be worth enough to get the new ground functional. Still huge money needs put into the new ground. It's the bare shell of a stand and no more currently.

Besides, if we sold Finn Park to get the new ground going, we'd be a bit screwed for somewhere to play in the meantime!

It also gives the government an excuse not to release funds.

[EatYerGreens]

Finn Park isn't worth half what it was previously. Wouldn't really be worth enough to get the new ground functional. Still huge money needs put into the new ground. It's the bare shell of a stand and no more currently.

Besides, if we sold Finn Park to get the new ground going, we'd be a bit screwed for somewhere to play in the meantime!

It also gives the government an excuse not to release funds.

That's super easy to solve, and the sort of deal that clubs do all the time. You just sell the ground legally, but have a clause in there that it isn't handed over until you're in your new home. How else do you think clubs get new grounds developed without being homeless in the meantime ?

[nigel-harps1954]

That's super easy to solve, and the sort of deal that clubs do all the time. You just sell the ground legally, but have a clause in there that it isn't handed over until you're in your new home. How else do you think clubs get new grounds developed without being homeless in the meantime ?

I don't think there's a developer in the world who'd take a chance on seeing the new ground finished before waiting on Finn Park, seeing as it'll be 13 years next May since ground was broke on the stadium.

[Mr A]

The Finn Park situation is complicated by the Trustees of the ground. The club has been working hard with Donegal County Council with a view to bringing the new stadium project forward in partnership with them once we can get the first phase up and running again. Have said it too many times at this stage but we are certainly hoping things move forward very soon.

[Nesta99]

I don't think there's a developer in the world who'd take a chance on seeing the new ground finished before waiting on Finn Park, seeing as it'll be 13 years next May since ground was broke on the stadium.

There was surely an original 'turnkey' clause with the original developer? Or something similar when the new ground was under construction, Finn Park would be in use until Stranrolar opened. Developer then could dispose of Finn Park however they wanted butttt Finn Park lost most of its value in an economic slump and either the developer couldnt carry the cost of Stranrolar in advance or lost interest or both. If the original grant application circumstances changed especially in relation to aspects of the developers involvement, I can see why a new revised application was submitted - maybe not all to do with the build itself eg FP Trust pulling their part agreement when the developer stalled.

Tbh this development model is how many large and expensive property transfers-redevelopment/PPPs etc tend to happen, but yeah specific to this FH project maybe few would risk it, Dept of Sport included it seems!

Complications with grounds in trust can be a nightmare when it comes to development or sale for sure but its the job of such a trust to be awkward I suppose! If there had been some previous agreement on Finn Park and its transfer of ownership to the developer, then in principle they must be willing to talk. Will be a damnsight easier if it means holding on to Finn Park too, cake and eat it for trustees. If there are still complicated issues on parts to this overall, 13 years on, well the delays have some context as does the drying up of govt funding in more recent years. Has there been a more rollercoaster 13 years economically and in government to try and get a project like this done? No shortage of bad luck involved too, its not as if Harps misappropriated grant money causing the development to then stall due a shortfall.

[sbgawa]

Surprised at your lack of ambition Nigel re the Finn park / stranolar move and convincing a developer to stump up , i've always thought the Donegal people were fierce cute. i mean Bohs managed to sell their ground twice without even moving out. :)

[DCSIL]

Sligo v Derry now moved to the 25th.

Sligo Twitter saying we’ve had another COVID outbreak.

[redobit]

Why is this being postponed, did the FAI said a month back no more postponements. Look at Irish squad, loads of covid drop outs and still games go ahead. This is a precedent now, other clubs will look for postponements too ... the cup could go on until Christmas at this rate.

[Mr A]

Because other clubs have already had games postponed and the FAI don't want to get sued.

[redobit]

Because other clubs have already had games postponed and the FAI don't want to get sued.

That was the league, not the cup. As was pointed out by the FAI the last time Shamrock and Derry had games postponed.

I have sympathy with clubs but we need to get this season over. Is the season going to be extended at this rate and where does that leave players getting paid by clubs, travelling home, etc.

[Nesta99]

If this continues to be an issue the FAI just need to call it, not having clubs hanging with a potential league extension. There is scope for Dundalk. Would the remaining clubs playing fixtures in preseason as a mini tournament be a runner or does it devalue the Cup too much?

[EatYerGreens]

If this continues to be an issue the FAI just need to call it, not having clubs hanging with a potential league extension. There is scope for Dundalk. Would the remaining clubs playing fixtures in preseason as a mini tournament be a runner or does it devalue the Cup too much?

The world's first Cup decided on rounds of 'Scissors, Paper, Stone' ?

[nigel-harps1954]

Season being extended into December and expecting clubs to be back in preseason in January. It's madness.

[vinnie]

Lads It's the Cup, who of us wouldn't want to win it?

[DCSIL]

Cup Final put back to Dec 6.

Semis now Nov 29.

[sbgawa]

Huge excitement building on foot.ie in advance of tonight's semi.
There is an end of season feel about this game.
I hope Rovers are gone up prepared to fight hard Harps gave us a decent game the last time and wont be lying down to appreciate our nice football

[pineapple stu]

Jesus, Harps are gone 2-0 up.

They would wreak absolute havoc in Europe. Could you imagine some Portuguese fella getting a root up the hole from an Ollie player? He'd be so shocked he wouldn't think to add the fourth roll into his dive.

[sbgawa]

well deserved leed for harps, i was worried about this

[placid casual]

And to think sligo fans were celebrating getting into Europe.. 😁Eh, not yet your not.
The conditions are rife for an upset and I for one would not begrudge Harps one little bit. Still, if Rovers can get one they will pile on the pressure, but Rovers back 5 look dodgy in these conditions so if Harps get another they should progress

Harps to beat boez (again) in the final perhaps?