Playoff dates confirmed much to relief of League
from eircomleague.net
Thursday, April 18th, 2002
Dublin City have been praised by the eircom League for withdrawing their appeal arising from the Noel Hunt controversy.
City decided to call quits to their appeal after wasting nearly three weeks of time by maintaining that they were badly treated over the farcical affair. Waterford had been deducted three points despite being told by a League official that Hunt could be taken on loan for the second time to the club.
Much resentment has become evident towards the League's newest club over the delay - which cost Finn Harps and Longford Town money - but the League has praised Dublin.
"Dublin City’s unselfish act and concern for the game as a whole will hopefully signal a upturn in inter-club relations throughout the eircom League as domestic football in Ireland approaches the new dawn of summer soccer," the League wrote in a statement.
Dublin chairman Ronan Seery said: "In the best interests of the League and Football, Dublin City have brought this matter to a conclusion.
"While the chance to play Premier League football is a huge incentive, we will live to fight another day and look forward to the new season in July confident that we have the ability to join the country’s elite."
The first leg of the promotion/relegation playoff is now to take place at Flancare Park on Saturday next between Longford Town and Finn Harps - with a 7:30 kick-off.
The second leg will take place at Finn Park on Tuesday night and the game will start at 7:45.
