Youths under-age teams on the road

HE WEXFORD Youths Under-17s have been drawn away to Bray Wanderers in a new cup competition to remember and honour one of the league’s favourite sons. The Mark Farren Memorial Cup competition will pay tribute to the Derry City legend whose death earlier this year was a sad loss to the domestic scene which he had graced for many years.

The Donegal-born striker had a distinguished career with Derry City, Finn Harps, Glenavon and Monaghan United. He was also an apprentice at Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers.

‘It’s a fitting way to commemorate Mark’s memory. All young players should aspire to have a career and conduct themselves in the same manner he did,’ said Fran Gavin, FAI Director of Competitions. ‘He was a great player as well as being a great person.’

Youths will be involved in one of seven first round games, with nine of the 23 participating clubs receiving byes.

The games will take place on Tuesday or Wednesday, June 28 or 29, with the full details to be confirmed in due course.

Meanwhile, the draw for the second round of the Under-19 Enda McGuill Cup also took place, with Youths handed a tough assignment away to Shamrock Rovers who will be expected to feature Enniscorthy’s Aaron Dobbs, a county Minor footballer this year, who made his full Senior league debut for the Hoops in the 2-0 win against St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park in the last game prior to the mid-season break.

Sixteen clubs are involved at this stage of the competition, with the game to be played on the week ending July 3.