July 18 date for return of football in local leagues
THE WEXFORD Football League is set return on Saturday, July 18, after the FAI approved a new safer return to football pathway.
Full contact training can resume on Monday, June 29, including practice games between teams from the same club, while friendly matches can be played from Saturday, July 11.
The Wexford Football League committee can now plan for the resumption of the 2019-’20 season, which must be completed by September 14.
The league are fully committed to following all Government and HSE guidelines regarding Covid-19, and say the latest announcement offers real hope to Irish football at all levels of the game, adding that they are looking forward to seeing teams back on the playing field.
Clubs have been getting their own affairs in order, making sure all requirements are in place for the re-start, as everybody has a role to play in ensuring the safety of all by complying with the guidelines. Further protocols will follow from the FAI.
The news will come as a great relief to the likes of North End United and Gorey Rangers, who are battling for silverware on several fronts, while a number of teams will be eyeing titles in their respective leagues.
The league executive held a meeting last night (Monday) to iron out the details of the return.
At the time of lockdown in March, North End United led the way in the Premier Division with 31 points from eleven matches, with Shamrock Rovers second on 28 after playing twelve times.
However, Gorey Rangers had only completed eight league fixtures as a result of their exploits in the FAI Junior Cup, with a quarter-final to look forward to after a 4-0 hammering of Castlebar Celtic at home.
Rangers have 22 points and lie in third spot, and it will likely be a challenge to get their full fixtures programme completed before that September 14 cut-off date.
The leaders in the other divisions are North End (1), Curracloe United (2), Ajax Athletic (3), Fethard Rangers (3A), Rosslare Rangers (4), St. Leonards (4A) and Camolin Celtic (5).