Dundalk Junior League plotting return

DUNDALK Junior League plan to complete their interrupted under-19 league competitions and depending on the outlook of clubs to almost immediately start a new senior and under-19 league this autumn.

Most of the competing clubs have conveyed their approval to finish out the under-19 league that was halted in March, with the League Committee looking at the end of August , start of September to run-off the cup semi-finals and end the league.

A potential title deciding game between Ardee and Glenmuir is to be re-arranged after it was abandoned with the match practically over in March. A win for Ardee would seal the title for them but Glenmuir if they avoid defeat could go on and lift it with games to play.

The League Committee are hoping that everything will be okay by August or September with regard to Covid 19 and that a framework will be in place to play games.

A spokesman said they would like to, sit down with clubs and obtain their feelings and thoughts about running a senior league and under-19 league starting in September and what way to go about doing this .

“Hopefully we can have separate meetings with clubs with regard to the under-19 and senior league in the next six or seven weeks, “said the spokesman.

The League Committee propose that the new under-19 league will consist of a one round competition and a knockout cup competition, with the senior league also played over a single series of matches , plus the McConville Cup and Clancy Cup.

The time frame the committee are looking at is beginning the two new leagues at the start of September and depending on the weather the programme running to December or into January.

The League has with under-age competition staged games at weekends, and senior competition matches during the week. This format they will likely follow, with the staging of fixtures facilitated by some clubs have floodlights to play at night when the dark nights arrive.

“Clubs interested in putting in teams are asked to contact members of the Committee. We have been in contact with most of the outgoing under-19 teams and we have got a good response from them. They are interested in continuing with the league. We will know more about the senior teams when we talk with them, “told the League spokesman League.

The spokesman added that there is some time now for clubs to think over their situations and whether they wish to compete.