Setanta Cup 2015

Seen this flying around on Twitter

Quote:

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Eight in Setanta hat

The draw for this year's renewal of the Setanta Cup is pencilled in for next Thursday in Abbotstown.

Speculation has surrounded the future of the cross-border competition which was damaged last year by the decision of leading northern sides Linfield and Cliftonville to pull out of the tournament.

That has led to a rethink with a change of scheduling that will facilitate clubs from either side of the border to prepare for European competition in July.

An eight-team tournament in a straight one-legged knockout format is planned with all four quarter-finals broadcast live on TV between June 20-June 24.

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http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...-31186608.html

So as far as i can make out it will be -

Dundalk,Cork City,Shamrock Rovers and Saint Patricks Ath. from the LOI and
Crusaders,Linfield,Glenavon and Glentoran from the NIFL.

Would that be right?

Would love linfield at home if this is happening

Wait a minute, isn't our mid-season break June 13th-25th?

Looks like they'll be the 8 teams alright. I'll be hoping Pats are away to Crusaders (as I've visited the others)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by patrickccfc

Wait a minute, isn't our mid-season break June 13th-25th?

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Yeah these games would played in the break (at the weekend)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dodge

Yeah these games would played in the break (at the weekend)

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Kind of makes a mockery of the mid season break considering some clubs may have given players time off to get away.

On the draw, I'd like Crusaders or Glenavon away myself to tick off another ground.

Most teams would have only given players a few days off and they'll still get that. Europa League is the week after so they'd have been in training anyway. Pats played Aberdeen at that time last year

The league and cup winners should get home advantage if its going to be one off ties.

A bit harsh on Sligo not getting to defend their title, especially as they would have also qualified with Cliftonville if it had taken part when it should have a couple of months back.
Precedent as well from 2009:
It is only fair for the tournament winners to be given the chance to defend their crown." Milo Corcoran, Chairman of Setanta Sports Cup Organising Committee

Not really a precedent as they changed the number of teams to include an extra spot for the holders. Before that there was no provision for holders to qualify (although they all did though league/cup anyway)

They're now using it as European preparation similar to the old Super Cup

remind me again who were in the setanta cup last season-it seems a long time ago!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Martinho II

remind me again who were in the setanta cup last season-it seems a long time ago!

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Pats
Dundalk
Sligo
Rovers

Crusaders
Coleraine
Ballinamallard
Glentoran

Still not entirely sure if the reason for the all LOI semi finals for the above 8 was IL teams not taking it seriously or just a better standard. Possibly mix of both.

Well well..

http://www.leagueofireland.ie/#!Seta...f23d01647787bf

A bit more detail here http://www.lurganmail.co.uk/sport/fo...oned-1-6727393

A subsidy of €1,000 to travel to Cork? That's nice of them. Maybe Harps should look for something similar towards the trip to Cobh on Saturday week.

Is there any point in this going ahead now, clubs obviously can't even agree basic draw dates.

All 4 LOI clubs are in Europe and 3 of the 4 IL clubs are also, not like they will miss the 30k prize that the winner gets. Each club will see significant increases in UEFA money from this season.

Is there even an appetite for it now?

So we get a grand if we're drawn away to anyone?
I don't understand why the games need to be midweek, we have a mid season break at that period anyway, why not play the game on the Saturday?

Also it's not clear if this only relates to an IL side going to Cork. Good point EP makes.

Route planner example, Glenavon (Lurgan) to Cork is 252 miles.

Cork could possibly draw Dundalk in the semi, distance is 215 miles.

I love how the Glenavon chairman thinks the competition is geared to the LOI, hasn't it been consistently messed about with over the last years to keep the IFA clubs interested?

Its a combined prize of €70,000.

Would it not be better for this to be treated as the Champion of Ireland playoff. Just NIFL champion vs LOI champion. Winner gets 50k.
1 fixture on one weekend. Neutral venue or a suitable compromise on home advantage.

Stupid continuing when the benefits outweigh the effort and expenses for clubs entering.