Official Statement from Longford about Euro fiasco

**James** · 13/09/2001, 8:10 AM

from the official website

The committee of Longford Town FC would like to take this opportunity to say how deeply it regrets the disappointment and inconvenience caused to our supporters by the cancellation of our recent trip to Bulgaria. The circumstances behind what happened are as follows.

As there are no direct flights between Dublin and Sofia the committee decided that the best option for both team and supporters was a chartered flight thereby reducing travel time and inconvenience for all concerned. After approaching a number of travel companies with this option it became clear that the price quoted by Emerald Hospitality was the cheapest available. Price was a major factor in the decision to accept this deal as the committee thought it important to make the trip available to as many supporters as possible. We also became aware that Emerald Hospitality is a company used on a regular basis by many clubs and national sporting bodies.

It has become increasingly obvious in the last two weeks that the fault for what occurred lies primarily with Balkan Air, The airline involved. Written confirmation was received the week prior confirming all details of the trip.

Everybody involved with the club is devastated at what transpired but it must be stressed that all decisions were made in good faith and for what was intended to be the benefit of all concerned. We would like to confirm that everyboby booked on the trip will be fully refunded in the next week.

The club would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Michael Caslin and all his staff at 747 travel for their excellent work in looking after the team and supporters at such short notice.

It is important to remember that everybody involved in the running of Longford Town FC is doing so on a voluntary basis. Much has been achieved in the last three years, promotion to the premier division, an FAI cup final and a ground that is the envy of most clubs in the country.

What occurred was extremely unfortunate but we hope that we can deal with it, learn from it and get back to the job of making Longford Town FC the most progressive club in the country and one of which we can all be justifiably proud.

**James** · 13/09/2001, 8:24 AM

that's dated today thur the 13th

will be fully refunded in the next week.

the euro debacle was what, how many weeks ago and ye still dont have your money back!
sounds like your board have been getting PR tips from ours

Gerry Desmond · 13/09/2001, 11:36 AM

Originally posted by James
that's dated today thur the 13th

the euro debacle was what, how many weeks ago and ye still dont have your money back!
sounds like your board have been getting PR tips from ours

Maybe so but, in fairness to the LTFC Board, they have publicly promised to refund all monies to the fans, and they have also apologised for the fiasco. They also probably need time to reclaim some of the cash as they have had heavy expenditure on the UEFA game themselves, plus the cost of upgrading Flansiro at short notice.

I think they deserve some albeit belated credit for coming clean and upfront on the issue, though maybe they could have handled it a lot better at the time.

Gerry The Proud Defender of Directors Everywhere

**pete** · 13/09/2001, 11:53 AM

They posted tat one their official site what muct have been 2 weeks ago i'm sure.

Have all the people got their money yet I wonder?

**Pauro 76** · 13/09/2001, 12:16 PM

No sign yet, but i think next week we get our money back. but im really not that bothered about the whole fiasco anymore. other fiascos to worry about...

**sorbothegreek** · 13/09/2001, 8:17 PM

Pauro, in two "fiasco" sentance fiasco.

**Pauro 76** · 18/09/2001, 12:41 PM

Is it me or is it very quiet these last few days on Bolt, WHERE IS EVERYBODY!!!!!!

**gheewhizz** · 18/09/2001, 11:06 PM

About 90% of the fans have got their moeny back, including PAURO 7 who got his back last Friday 14th...All should have their money back by this Friday at latest...Any fans who haven't got their money back should ring Emerald Hospitality, to comfrim that Emerald Hospitality have there address, since some fans paid all in cash.