Games 28th Oct to 4th November

[Scrufil]

I thought Wexford had already lost their appeal on this matter. Hate to say it but this new FAI is just as bad as the old one with this carry on.

[wonder88]

Positive news that Wexford have won their appeal. Hopefully the Galway players can get focused on the game against Bray and make up for a fairly disappointing performance on Tuesday.

[Nesta99]

Will Cabinteely take this another step and appeal he appeal to CAS? Even if the error was not really Wexfords fault, they still fielded an ineligible player so there is a case for awarding wins. Dundalk fans know all about a club being deducted points, for them to be reinstated and so knocked us out of a possible promotion chance.

[Scrufil]

It would be crazy if Cabinteely don't appeal but why, oh why have the FAI decided to egg their own faces once again?

[Longfordian]

I assume appealing to CAS is an expensive process. Why bother only to most likely lose in the play offs anyway?

[Scrufil]

Would really love to know how this decision was overturned and why the case was not discussed before the final round of games.

[gufct]

The original decision was that Wexford had done nothing wrong as the international clearance for the player was approved by both the Fai and English Fa. Cabo and allegedly Athlone appealed the decision and the Fai overturned their own decision

Wexford went into independent Arbitration and after a three and a half hour hearing and after 36 hours they were fully exonerated.

[Scrufil]

Allegedly Athlone appealled? Where did you learn that? Anyway it still smacks of poor form by the FAI that it took a whole season to work this out and the timing is highly suspect. I am detecting a huge whiff of political interference here.

[gufct]

Allegedly Athlone appealled? Where did you learn that? Anyway it still smacks of poor form by the FAI that it took a whole season to work this out and the timing is highly suspect. I am detecting a huge whiff of political interference here.

Political interference ????

[JC_GUFC]

Would really love to know how this decision was overturned and why the case was not discussed before the final round of games.

It should have been decided before the final round of games but it actually didn't change anything for Cabinteely. The only case it would have made a difference is with what actually happened that both Cobh and Galway drew but if Galway were losing an equaliser would put them above Cobh in the table.

Although obviously not exactly impartial this has to be the correct decision. Wexford did nothing wrong so how can they be punished for a mistake made by the English FA? I assume the FAI overturned their original decision on Cabinteely's appeal because in black and white as per the rules Wexford did play an ineligible player but the question is around the interpretation of the rules. For example had this happened with a Shamrock Rovers player who had played all season would they be stripped of the Championship and relegated because of an error by another FA that they couldn't possibly have known about.

[Scrufil]

This decision was only made after Galway lost out in the last round of games. I am sick and tired of higher ups pulling strings on their behalf. This FAI is as bad as the Delanley one. In fact it is worse as it claims to have changed.

[JC_GUFC]

This decision was only made after Galway lost out in the last round of games. I am sick and tired of higher ups pulling strings on their behalf. This FAI is as bad as the Delanley one. In fact it is worse as it claims to have changed.

The original decision was made months ago and that was not to punish Wexford. Cabinteely appealed that and their appeal was upheld so they were awarded a 3-0 win for their 0-0 draw.

The arbitration was after Tuesday's games - it should really have taken place before but as pointed out it didn't actually make a difference to what Cabo needed to do.

Hopefully the new FAI will let us produce a DVD if we lose in the playoffs!

[Olander]

This decision was only made after Galway lost out in the last round of games. I am sick and tired of higher ups pulling strings on their behalf. This FAI is as bad as the Delanley one. In fact it is worse as it claims to have changed.
Bitter. Catch a grip of yourself.

We finished ahead of Cabinteely in the league table, we had nothing to do with some eligibility issue with Wexford. We didn't go begging to the FAI when there was a sniff some appeal could be lodged.

We're in the play-offs because of what we did on the pitch and on merit, if we are knocked out tomorrow by Bray, then so be it and goodluck to them, but we deserved to be there.

[sbgawa]

Cant argue with thay and i have plenty of conections to cabo.
Galway there on merit, hopefully they can beat shels in the playoff

[D24Saint]

The UCD coverage on YouTube is brilliant better than watch loi.

[Nugget]

The UCD coverage on YouTube is brilliant better than watch loi.

Just switched over from the Galway game. Quality looks fantastic, and that sounds like Jamie Moore on commentary.

[pineapple stu]

Tis Jamie, yeah.

Had hoped that Galway/Bray would be a draw and we'd hang out, meaning we'd be a bit fresher for the semi.

Now the best case is the other way around...

[2 Year Contract]

Unbelievable last gasp goal from Dean Byrne to win it for Longford!

[Longfordian]

What a strike. Incredible way to win it.

[sbgawa]

Tough on Ucd . Expect galway to beat longford and make the playoffs (no offence longford) galway have the momentum.

[Longfordian]

No offence taken. They beat us 6-2 a few weeks ago so will be favourites.

[pineapple stu]

Sums up our season really. Mahdy and Whelan score, but our defence is too brittle to cope with the adult team.

Look to next season I guess. Whenever that is

[Longfordian]

It did look a very young UCD side even by UCD standards. Not a hope of us getting promoted but good character from our lads anyway and I'm delighted for Dean Byrne who's had two bad injuries in his time with us but has by all accounts worked incredibly hard to come back each time. Very talented, he's capable of playing in the Premier Division.

[2 Year Contract]

It did look a very young UCD side even by UCD standards. Not a hope of us getting promoted but good character from our lads anyway and I'm delighted for Dean Byrne who's had two bad injuries in his time with us but has by all accounts worked incredibly hard to come back each time. Very talented, he's capable of playing in the Premier Division.

Heard great things about him last season. Where does he play? Is he a winger or an attacking midfielder?

[Longfordian]

Best playing as a number 10 but can do a job coming in from the wing. Great touch and balance, chips in with his fair share of goals too. Bohs and Shels were in for him in the last off season apparently but he felt he owed LTFC another season for supporting him through his first serious injury.

[Comic Book Guy]

Hopefully this play-off format is retained for next season, every one of the last round of regular games this season had something at stake, and then two dramatic games yesterday. A team that were 6th going into the last series are now favourites! If Shels get dragged into the play-offs I'd fancy the first division team, especially Galway. You feel though that Harps would have too much for whoever wins between Galway and Longford, Shels I'm not so sure.

[pineapple stu]

Play-off final is in the UCD Bowl this Friday.

Seems a weird one. If they wanted a neutral venue, surely Athlone is better? And why do you need a neutral venue anyway?

[2 Year Contract]

Play-off final is in the UCD Bowl this Friday.

Seems a weird one. If they wanted a neutral venue, surely Athlone is better? And why do you need a neutral venue anyway?

Was thinking it’s to do with the large changing rooms at the Bowl but if the changing rooms in Athlone are good enough for Athlone games then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be for Galway v Longford, so maybe the clubs didn’t want to play it on an Astro pitch?

[MKMK]

That didn't happen last year in Longford. Why was all this dragged out so long. Cheap jibe by Wexford in their statement. Cabo were entitled to appeal. Great to see Longford in the final playoff and it would be great to see them win it. Its been an upand down season for them.

[Nesta99]

With the colours of Pats and Dundalk tonight well it is just like Thursdays game all over again;) Need that 2nd goal!!

Damn you Bob Benson...pressure on Dundalk now. A point might not be the worst!

[Jack B]

Dundalk were awful there. In typical Pats fashion we created absolutely nothing once we equalised and had all of the momentum but that'll happen when you literally don't have a striker in the squad.

[placid casual]

Thank god Rovers have the league sorted out, as I would be very nervous of us needing to chase 3 points on this balybofey "patch".
Kudos to Harps for the guard of honour before the game- its not at all surprising given the relative appreciation between the two clubs.

[redarmyfaction]

With the colours of Pats and Dundalk tonight well it is just like Thursdays game all over again;) Need that 2nd goal!!

Damn you Bob Benson...pressure on Dundalk now. A point might not be the worst!

At least ye are mathematically safe.

[Nesta99]

Thank god Rovers have the league sorted out, as I would be very nervous of us needing to chase 3 points on this balybofey "patch".
Kudos to Harps for the guard of honour before the game- its not at all surprising given the relative appreciation between the two clubs.

No matter who it is, tradition is to applaud the champions elect on to the pitch! I would expect Dundalk to do so if we happened to be playing Rovers before the end of the season!

[kksaints]

No matter who it is, tradition is to applaud the champions elect on to the pitch! I would expect Dundalk to do so if we happened to be playing Rovers before the end of the season!

I could be wrong but I don't think Shamrock Rovers did it in 2012 when they played Sligo Rovers. I'm sure I read that in the book Tallaght Time. It was something to do with the Shams squad still feeling that they were the best team in the league at the time or something similar which was ironic considering their next couple of seasons.

[Nesta99]

Well its a tradition rather than obligation. There was a time that the first games the following season champions were applauded on across the UK and Ireland and was done by rival teams to not be seen as bitter and that they have sucked up not being champions. Whatever about the following season I think it is a good and healthy tradition to applaud on champions elect. It is an example of respect and good sportsmanship which can often be lacking in the mind game and supporter rivalry of the modern game. Id like to think that teams making this gesture of respect could influence people on the terraces irrespective of rivalry. When it doesnt happen it is usually indicative of bitterness and the pettiness of the manager that doesnt instruct his team to do this or tells them not to. There have been some inroads in showing respect in some areas of the game but personally I feel this carries additional weight. Im sure there are people that will disagree and no doubt they will follow clubs that shunned this tradition against league challanging rivals!

[sbgawa]

I dont remember whether Rovers clapped Sligo on or not tbh but it was nice of Harps to do it.
Would have been nice to be able to see it properly on watchloi bit they kept the big Harps v Rovers banner up on screen all through.
Nice tweet from the Finn Harps groundmen saying the Rovers staff had left 6 Chicken curry meals behind for them :) clasic LOI and why i love this league..its the little things

[Calcio Jack]

Well its a tradition rather than obligation. There was a time that the first games the following season champions were applauded on across the UK and Ireland and was done by rival teams to not be seen as bitter and that they have sucked up not being champions. Whatever about the following season I think it is a good and healthy tradition to applaud on champions elect. It is an example of respect and good sportsmanship which can often be lacking in the mind game and supporter rivalry of the modern game. Id like to think that teams making this gesture of respect could influence people on the terraces irrespective of rivalry. When it doesnt happen it is usually indicative of bitterness and the petty of the manager that doesnt instruct his team to do this or tells them not to. There have been some inroads in showing respect in some areas of the game but personally I feel this carries additional weight. Im sure there are people that will disagree and no doubt they will follow clubs that shunned this tradition against league challanging rivals!

From a club that issued a team photo With a banner saying something like “..we won the league in Talaght ..” might best that you avoid commenting on Pettiness/bitterness/respect 😇

[2 Year Contract]

From a club that issued a team photo With a banner saying something like “..we won the league in Talaght ..” might best that you avoid commenting on Pettiness/bitterness/respect 

It's a fact that they won the league in Tallaght though. I wouldn’t take offence to that, I'd just be disappointed that they did win it at my club's home ground.

On the topic of guards of honour, I've seen Pats receive one by Derry and Cork as well as give one to Cork and Dundalk twice off the top of my head. Will give one to Rovers on Wednesday too I'd imagine. Sickner to have to watch your team do it for a rival but that's football

[DCWA]

It shouldn’t really be that much of a sickner to give the champions a guard of honour unless you are either a) the second placed team and have lost out after a ding dong of a title race or b) a particularly fierce rival of the champions.

The rest of the league (in any league) shouldn’t find it too galling to do it for a few seconds.

[Calcio Jack]

It's a fact that they won the league in Tallaght though. I wouldn’t take offence to that, I'd just be disappointed that they did win it at my club's home ground.

On the topic of guards of honour, I've seen Pats receive one by Derry and Cork as well as give one to Cork and Dundalk twice off the top of my head. Will give one to Rovers on Wednesday too I'd imagine. Sickner to have to watch your team do it for a rival but that's football

Not really a sickener - simply good manners and agree should always be done - if you don’t think the poster used mentioning Talaght wasn’t petty fair enough , had we done something similar I’d be very annoyed

[Nesta99]

It shouldn’t really be that much of a sickner to give the champions a guard of honour unless you are either a) the second placed team and have lost out after a ding dong of a title race or b) a particularly fierce rival of the champions.

The rest of the league (in any league) shouldn’t find it too galling to do it for a few seconds.

I think that is when it really should happen. I'm not all for a happy clappy love in, or completely benign rivalries, I just think when the title is decided and there are games to play that it is something that should continue to be a tradition. It sets a good example that even in sporting rivalries that respect can be shown and supporting football clubs is not about the fight down a side street or firing missiles at opposition supporters. If players and management can be mature about things maybe it might rub off in other beneficial ways.

Well CJ I and the majority of Dundalk fans cringed at that banner, if it were the other way around I would have enjoyed that it meant that much to win it at a rivals ground. The 'Talla' bit added significantly to the cringe factor. It should be noted that both the banner and the event were not organised by Dundalk FC but by the kit manufacturer. The club called it misguided. The person who was responsible for the promotional material of the kit launch was made quite aware of peoples thoughts especially that it stank of minnowism and therefore an own goal. It would have been petty if DFC were responsible in the same way as Drogheda spent over 10k having billboards on their 1st league title posted up in Dundalk - lol minnowism. That you brought it up in a slap on the wrist manner means it must have gotten a bit under your skin Calcio rather than treating with the contempt it deserved, or was it pettiness calling out pettiness Hmmmm? I laughed at the DUFC antics (mostly at the money they splashed on a wind up), in a 'come back when you have added at least another 8 league wins (think its 13 now) aaannd we were stuck in the 1st Division at the time too!

*I should add that Dundalk applauded Drogheda United on prior to the Malone Cup the following preseason.

[DCWA]

I think that is when it really should happen. I'm not all for a happy clappy love in, or completely benign rivalries, I just think when the title is decided and there are games to play that it is something that should continue to be a tradition.

Oh absolutely agreed that is when it should happen when it is the most irksome and perhaps most important to show respect. Just saying the rest of the league then have no real right to feel it a “sickner” doing it when they haven’t been there or thereabouts anyway.

[ontheotherhand]

Great to see such an exciting end to the season all round but particularly in the FD. We would have been deprived of that had the majority of clubs in the Premier been allowed to throw their toys out of the pram and ruin both competitions. Instead we've had almost every game count for every club and it's been compelling viewing. I hope the viewership on WatchLOI has matched the level of drama because we may need it again next season. It's a fantastic service and when you see the relative ease with which it was put together you really just hate the FAI's "tv deal" all over again. To think we actually got some revenue for the clubs out of it as well! What a novel idea. I hope it stays and can be improved a bit to include sponsorship opportunities and a bit more in depth coverage, particularly post match interviews and a bit of a build up.

Congrats to Drogheda on their league win and promotion. Hoping Harps stay up and Galway join them now but that's not a dig at Longford. I just have a soft spot for both clubs. Commiserations to Cork. Lessons learned hopefully and it will be interesting to see what Grovemore do to get them back in the top flight again soon.

[DCSIL]

If Watch LOI was on offer for €100 a season like GAA Go, I’d buy it now.

Up north it’s £7 a game!

Still no word on the cancelled game on weds but I expect Rovers to get the points. We’ll play the cup game v Sligo at some point.

Will tune in for the Galway - Longford game, got a soft spot for Longford but unfortunately their resources aren’t what of what the opposition they or Galway have.

[Calcio Jack]

I think that is when it really should happen. I'm not all for a happy clappy love in, or completely benign rivalries, I just think when the title is decided and there are games to play that it is something that should continue to be a tradition. It sets a good example that even in sporting rivalries that respect can be shown and supporting football clubs is not about the fight down a side street or firing missiles at opposition supporters. If players and management can be mature about things maybe it might rub off in other beneficial ways.

Well CJ I and the majority of Dundalk fans cringed at that banner, if it were the other way around I would have enjoyed that it meant that much to win it at a rivals ground. The 'Talla' bit added significantly to the cringe factor. It should be noted that both the banner and the event were not organised by Dundalk FC but by the kit manufacturer. The club called it misguided. The person who was responsible for the promotional material of the kit launch was made quite aware of peoples thoughts especially that it stank of minnowism and therefore an own goal. It would have been petty if DFC were responsible in the same way as Drogheda spent over 10k having billboards on their 1st league title posted up in Dundalk - lol minnowism. That you brought it up in a slap on the wrist manner means it must have gotten a bit under your skin Calcio rather than treating with the contempt it deserved, or was it pettiness calling out pettiness Hmmmm? I laughed at the DUFC antics (mostly at the money they splashed on a wind up), in a 'come back when you have added at least another 8 league wins (think its 13 now) aaannd we were stuck in the 1st Division at the time too!

*I should add that Dundalk applauded Drogheda United on prior to the Malone Cup the following preseason.

I’ll keep my response brief- I mentioned it in the context that you posted re pettiness / lack of respect/ bitterness etc . and no other reason , appreciate your club tried to distance themselves from it , however one it was published the damage was done .

[Nesta99]

]I’ll keep my response brief[/B]- I mentioned it in the context that you posted re pettiness / lack of respect/ bitterness etc . and no other reason , appreciate your club tried to distance themselves from it , however one it was published the damage was done .

I have yet to learn brevity!!! Agreed, the perception it created was poor. There was no trying to distance the club it was outright said by the club 'not us'. In the context of pettiness, bitterness, or lack of respect, or Rovers fans that feel that that's what it was well its a bit of a mountain out of a mole hill, it wasnt particularly insulting except for Dundalk fans who have some pride in the club and general self respect for cop on. Flipping a few minutes off the cuff chant from section of a crowd on one night becoming a 'tag' for a league win, including the 'Talla' bit - well it probably bothered a lot more in Dundalk than in Talla....stupid Id call it, not petty or bitter. Really this chat became about the creating and maintaining respect and so looking back on incidents that fell short - well if we all were to do that we may as well all give up on trying to have any mutual respect in any form.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

I could be wrong but I don't think Shamrock Rovers did it in 2012 when they played Sligo Rovers. I'm sure I read that in the book Tallaght Time. It was something to do with the Shams squad still feeling that they were the best team in the league at the time or something similar which was ironic considering their next couple of seasons.

Not sure about them thinking they were the best team in the league but yeah they didn’t give us a guard of honour

[Nesta99]

Great to see such an exciting end to the season all round but particularly in the FD. We would have been deprived of that had the majority of clubs in the Premier been allowed to throw their toys out of the pram and ruin both competitions. Instead we've had almost every game count for every club and it's been compelling viewing. I hope the viewership on WatchLOI has matched the level of drama because we may need it again next season. It's a fantastic service and when you see the relative ease with which it was put together you really just hate the FAI's "tv deal" all over again. To think we actually got some revenue for the clubs out of it as well! What a novel idea. I hope it stays and can be improved a bit to include sponsorship opportunities and a bit more in depth coverage, particularly post match interviews and a bit of a build up.

Congrats to Drogheda on their league win and promotion. Hoping Harps stay up and Galway join them now but that's not a dig at Longford. I just have a soft spot for both clubs. Commiserations to Cork. Lessons learned hopefully and it will be interesting to see what Grovemore do to get them back in the top flight again soon.

Considering that chatter about respect (not because of it) and even though I did give a bit of a dig at Drogheda,, yup congrats is due. As I mentioned on another thread it was a cut-throat season in the 1st Division and a big achievement to be promoted when it was so competative. For whatever level local rivalry there is, the Louth derby does generate interest and I'm glad to have it back hopefully with crowds next season. United Park gets is criticism but I always enjoy the atmosphere that is generated with a good crowd especially in the away section. Ive a soft spot for Harps, Ollie and his eternal optimism, so hope they stay up but other sides have their merits, Galway is one of the best overnighter away trips, Longford fans are always very welcoming. With some luck we will get at least half a league season with crowds back.

If its possible I hope there are plans for a full normal season to kick in with the real possibility of covid vaccines being available late spring, alongside what will likely be a provisional shorter season plan if made under current circumstances!?

[Calcio Jack]

I have yet to learn brevity!!! Agreed, the perception it created was poor. There was no trying to distance the club it was outright said by the club 'not us'. In the context of pettiness, bitterness, or lack of respect, or Rovers fans that feel that that's what it was well its a bit of a mountain out of a mole hill, it wasnt particularly insulting except for Dundalk fans who have some pride in the club and general self respect for cop on. Flipping a few minutes off the cuff chant from section of a crowd on one night becoming a 'tag' for a league win, including the 'Talla' bit - well it probably bothered a lot more in Dundalk than in Talla....stupid Id call it, not petty or bitter. Really this chat became about the creating and maintaining respect and so looking back on incidents that fell short - well if we all were to do that we may as well all give up on trying to have any mutual respect in any form.

We’ll sir, I doff my hat in respect to your response