Setanta Cup 2012

Next years competition launches on January 25th at the Aviva Stadium where the preliminary draw will be made.

Cliftonville, Portadown, Glentoran and Lisburn Distillery are the unseeded IL teams whilst Derry City, Bohemians, St Pat's Ath and Bray Wanderers are the unseeded LOI teams

As per last year, 4 unseeded teams from both leagues will be drawn against each other, whilst Shamrock Rvs and Sligo Rvs from the LOI and Linfield and Crusaders from the IL will enter as seeded teams in the next round

Confirmed today in the Derry Journal

http://www.derryjournal.com/sport/fo...down_1_3332907

Delighted by this, I'm a big fan of the setanta cup

Foster the clown not making sure we qualified. As a Dundalk fan our Setanta Cup run was the best part of 2011, especially the first game away to Linfield.

.... Doesn't say much about 2011 for Dundalk fans if the first match of the season was the best part :(

State of the Setanta Cup, great idea but the lack of any real competition north of the border makes it all a bit of a farce.

Raging. Was hoping this would be done away with.

its only good for the prize money, cant see the point of it otherwise

Beats playing friendlies.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Beats playing friendlies.

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depends who the friendlies are against

Dates for Setanta Cup 2012 as follows:

Round 1
1st Leg Monday 13th February
2nd Leg Monday 20th February

Quarter Finals
1st Leg Monday 5th March
2nd Leg Tuesday 20th March

Semi Finals
1st Leg Monday 16th April
2nd Leg Monday 23rd April

Final
Saturday 12th May

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Originally Posted by sligoman

Raging. Was hoping this would be done away with.

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Why? if you're not bothered about it, don't go to the games. Likewise with teams/managers. If not interested, put out your reserve team

Some people like it, so whats the harm to you?

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Originally Posted by sligoman

Raging. Was hoping this would be done away with.

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Don't bother playing in it so, plenty of teams who'd only be damn glad to play in it.

The contempt shown towards the Setanta Cup is unreal, considering the chances of prize money & silverware

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Originally Posted by sligoman

Raging. Was hoping this would be done away with.

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Did you not enjoy the craic?

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Originally Posted by Dodge

Why? if you're not bothered about it, don't go to the games.

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I go to most games, unless there's a reason I can't, not liking a competition is not a reason I can't go. So I'll still go if I'm around, just would prefer if there was none so I wouldn't have to. Simple.

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Originally Posted by sligoman

I go to most games, unless there's a reason I can't, not liking a competition is not a reason I can't go. So I'll still go if I'm around, just would prefer if there was none so I wouldn't have to. Simple.

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Your an absolute weirdo.

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Originally Posted by Dodge

Why? if you're not bothered about it, don't go to the games. Likewise with teams/managers. If not interested, put out your reserve team

Some people like it, so whats the harm to you?

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Even Setanta don't show half the games anymore. The winner has to play at least 5, possibly 7 extra games against either rubbish British opposition, or another 2 games a year against a LOI side. The prize money is much less than it used to be. It's nice to win it but from a fans perspective, it's too expensive, too much extra midweek travel, and basically just a waste of time. Imo of course.

That's fine. No one is forcing you to go to the games

This competition is tragic at the moment. If sides up the North were better, fair enough, but it just ends up same LOI teams playing each other again.

Even when we won it last v Monaghan, I was sorely tempted not even to bother, because there was a key league game with Shams, if I recall, on a Tuesday.

Why not freshen up format -- eg a First Division team thrown into the mix?

Maybe a more attractive proposition is to get into a Cup situation with some of the Scottish clubs. This would also give LOI a real benchmark as to progress?

Extra.

Time.

Multiball.

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Originally Posted by shellyriver

This competition is tragic at the moment. If sides up the North were better, fair enough, but it just ends up same LOI teams playing each other again.

Even when we won it last v Monaghan, I was sorely tempted not even to bother

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When were Monaghan in the Setanta Cup?

But the point you make is fair enough. If it's a choice of having to pay 15 quid for the big league game next weekend, or 15 quid to watch Crusaders at home when you're 5-0 up from the away leg, the choice is fairly obvious.

I was at one game of it last year. It was more than enough. I was hoping last year Setanta would see sense and put it out of it's misery. But no, they're back for another go.

Here's an idea. Why not have 2 groups of 4. 4 LOI teams in group A (e.g. Shamrock, Sligo Rovers, Derry City & Bohemians) and 4 IL teams in group B (e.g. Linfield, Crusaders, Cliftonville, Portadown). Teams don't play other teams in the same group, just all the teams in the other group (once only), this means that teams from the same league aren't playing each other too often as they are already sick of each other domestically. So Shamrock's fixtures might be: Linfield (A), Crusaders (H), Cliftonville (A) and Portadown (H). Top 2 in each group play each other with the top team getting home advantage. This then guarantees a LOI V IL final.

The downside would be that all the LOI teams could end up on 12 points and all IL teams on 0 points, but that would hardly happen.

How do some people not get this? IF you don't like the Setanta Cup don't go to games, It's simple. Why moaning about it and hoping it will be scratched??

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Originally Posted by shellyriver

This competition is tragic at the moment. If sides up the North were better, fair enough, but it just ends up same LOI teams playing each other again.

Even when we won it last v Monaghan, I was sorely tempted not even to bother, because there was a key league game with Shams, if I recall, on a Tuesday.

Why not freshen up format -- eg a First Division team thrown into the mix?

Maybe a more attractive proposition is to get into a Cup situation with some of the Scottish clubs. This would also give LOI a real benchmark as to progress?

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...so you think adding a first Division team will improve the standard ?:o Apart from Celtic/Rangers Scottish teams would notbe any great draw fan wise (although would improve the standard) think the idea of Scottish involvement was mooted before but withered on the vine. Judging by SFA/FAI spat it may be related to cost :rolleyes:

Chance for those that want to visit new venues (mainly Irish League grounds) and for those not interested to stay away. Took Bohs a few years to get into it and personally like it.

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Originally Posted by mypost

Even Setanta don't show half the games anymore. The winner has to play at least 5, possibly 7 extra games against either rubbish British opposition, or another 2 games a year against a LOI side. The prize money is much less than it used to be. It's nice to win it but from a fans perspective, it's too expensive, too much extra midweek travel, and basically just a waste of time. Imo of course.

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Wouldn't have thought the travel would be an obstacle for you.

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Originally Posted by marinobohs

...so you think adding a first Division team will improve the standard ?:o

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No. I was thinking that those first division with a fan base might be interested in attending a game against Premiership. Actually, a wildcard for regional winners of FAI Junior Clubs, might produce a David/Goliath etc.

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Apart from Celtic/Rangers Scottish teams would notbe any great draw fan wise (although would improve the standard) think the idea of Scottish involvement was mooted before but withered on the vine. Judging by SFA/FAI spat it may be related to cost :rolleyes:

Chance for those that want to visit new venues (mainly Irish League grounds)...

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Aside to the Old Firm, I do think a game against Hibs, Hearts and maybe even St Johnstone would generate interest.

Just a suggestion, but to take this seriously, why not forego a League qualifying place and give a Europa place to winner which would mean teams would take it seriously?

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Originally Posted by shellyriver

Just a suggestion, but to take this seriously, why not forego a League qualifying place and give a Europa place to winner which would mean teams would take it seriously?

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Stab in the dark here, but I'm assuming it's because they can't.

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Originally Posted by shellyriver

Aside to the Old Firm, I do think a game against Hibs, Hearts and maybe even St Johnstone would generate interest.

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Not among Hibs, Hearts or even St Johnstone, it wouldn't.

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Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Not among Hibs, Hearts or even St Johnstone, it wouldn't.

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.....recent visits to LOI grounds by such teams has hardly seen the "Sold out" signs in use.

Prize money is nothing to be sneezed at

http://www.fai.ie/domestic-a-grassro...draw-date.html

SETANTA SPORTS CUP COMMITTEE AGREES DRAW DATE FOR 2012
The Setanta Sports Cup committee has confirmed that it will hold the first round draw for the Setanta Sports Cup at Aviva Stadium on January 25 at 2.30pm.
The competition has been running since 2005 and round one in 2012 will kick off on February 13. Twelve clubs, six from the Airtricity League and six from the Carling Premiership will take part. The first round draw will involve the eight unseeded clubs which will be drawn into four home and away pairings that will see Carling Premiership sides take on Airtricity League sides on February 13 and February 20.
The unseeded clubs in this year's competition are:
Cliftonville, Derry City, Glentoran, St Patrick's Athletic, Lisburn Distillery, Bohemian FC, Portadown and Bray Wanderers
The four winners to emerge from the first round will join the four seeded clubs, last year's winners, Shamrock Rovers as well as Linfield, Sligo Rovers and Crusaders in the quarter final draw.
The prize fund will remain the same as last year with €50,000 for the winners, €30,000 for the runners up, €15,000 for each of the defeated semi-finalists, €10,000 for each of the defeated quarter finalists and €7,500 for clubs defeated in round one. A workshop for all participating clubs will take place in the Canal Court in Newry on February 1, 2012. Additional performance bonuses will be paid for winning (€2,000) or drawing (€1,000) a match during the competition with the exception of the final.
Milo Corcoran, Chairman of the Setanta Sports Cup Organising Committee said,
"I thank Setanta Sports for their ongoing commitment to the competition and everyone from the FAI and IFA who gives it support. With standards continuing to increase on both sides of the border, the 2012 Setanta Sports Cup is sure to be a big draw with numerous exciting potential ties."

Surely it's getting to the stage where some clubs might be better off sacrificing early season league form to go all-out for this?

They're some serious prizes for an Irish competition.

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Originally Posted by Charlie Darwin

Surely it's getting to the stage where some clubs might be better off sacrificing early season league form to go all-out for this?

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Dundalk took a serious approach last season - the run to the final was a good return, but 7th in the league left a feeling of underachievement

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Originally Posted by BonnieShels

They're some serious prizes for am Irish competition.

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It shows how times have changed that some regard it as serious money, when you compare the cash available to a few years back

True Ezeikial but it is what it is. Look at the derisory cash for the League Cup. This is well worth winning.

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Originally Posted by BonnieShels

True Ezeikial but it is what it is. Look at the derisory cash for the League Cup. This is well worth winning.

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Absolutley. People who say "crap cup or not worth it" are dellusional. Money is money and every club needs it.

The Setanta was a fantastic experience. I will never forget Windsor Park.

No one ever does. They never let you.

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Originally Posted by shellyriver

This competition is tragic at the moment. If sides up the North were better, fair enough, but it just ends up same LOI teams playing each other again.

Even when we won it last v Monaghan, I was sorely tempted not even to bother, because there was a key league game with Shams, if I recall, on a Tuesday.

Why not freshen up format -- eg a First Division team thrown into the mix?

Maybe a more attractive proposition is to get into a Cup situation with some of the Scottish clubs. This would also give LOI a real benchmark as to progress?

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Jesus H get your facts straight. We never won it. We won the League (EA Sports) Cup in 2010 beating Monaghan in the final. I think some fans showing a condescending attitude towards the competition is unfair. Decent prize money and an 'all Ireland' trophy. I realise that the standard shown by IL sides has been disappointing, but talk of having Scottich sides come in - get a grip.

We always took it seriously and were gutted to lose in the final in 2006, the semi in 2007 and winning it in 2008 was a fantastic night for our club - I was gutted we never got the opportunity to play Cliftonville in Belfast

For me the annoying thing was entering it 5 times in a row and never being in the same group as Linfield. Got a trip up there alright but never played them at home.

Dundalk defintely embraced it last season, without doubt it was the highlight of our season. The trip to Windsor, 15 coach loads of fans heading up and playing them off the park was just superb. Loved the home games also v Linfield and Glentoran, drew 1-1 with each, but great games. I suppose for us the travel wasn't that big of a deal, same distance to Dublin really (for the 'neutral' venue final in Tallaght, but still another enjoyable day out)

But........and there is always one, word of warning for any club banking on the money to paid up anytime soon. We still hadn't got a cent by Sept this year (owed 30k min) and it took a live league game v Rovers at home (on Setanta Sports TV) for Setanta PLC to finally cough up, or at least agree to cough up.

For 2012, I would hope they change the match nights around a little, Mon nights were poor overall, fine for us at home to Linfield/Glens, always going to be a big crowd, but overall I would say a Wed night would be more suitable.

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Originally Posted by oriel

For 2012, I would hope they change the match nights around a little, Mon nights were poor overall, fine for us at home to Linfield/Glens, always going to be a big crowd, but overall I would say a Wed night would be more suitable.

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I think the Champions League starts up again around that time of year so Wednesday nights wouldn't be great

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Originally Posted by PartySaint

I think the Champions League starts up again around that time of year so Wednesday nights wouldn't be great

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Apart from that there would be an almighty negative reaction to clubs playing Wednesday in the Setanta and Friday in the League. Unless the brave decision was made to upgrade the Setanta competition in some way, Monday and Tuesday nights are the only options for fitting matches around the league fixtures north and south.