U-19 summer league set to resume at the weekend
could end up on the floor if you went to run with the ball. The referees I remember were Francis Brennan and Harry Reilly.’
With the crowds following the game there wasn’t enough room to accommodate those who wanted to see finals. A big screen was assembled at the Square to watch the action in the open air.
The local ladies reigned supreme.
‘No team came into Dundalk that outshone ladies teams. I don’t remember a Dundalk team not being in the finals,’ says Paula.
‘Nothing could beat the days in the Adelphi. It wasn’t the same when indoor football came out of the Adelphi.’
THE Executive Committee of Dundalk Schoolboys League is preparing for a new kick-off date on the last weekend of the month, July 25/26. As they act upon the clubs message they are back training and eager to return to competitive action.
Chairman Michael Dillon expects the League to be ready to start on Saturday, July 25 and stage a full round of fixtures that weekend, providing that the clubs have their registrations of teams completed in time.
The League is to proceed with a two round league programme for each of the competitive age groups, where it is possible, which will probably be most. The competitive age band is from under-12 to under-17, and alongside those the league will organise football for the younger under-10 and 11 non–competitive ages.
Games will be played mostly at weekends, but a couple of mid week rounds of fixtures might be required in August/ early September in some of the age groups depending on how many teams enter.
The chairman said the league wouldn’t run league cups or cup competitions for the competitive groups.
He said once the clubs are prepared for the ‘COVID element’ of the new reality of life and football organising the start up should not be too much trouble.
The League had most of the fixtures drawn up for March when it was scheduled to begin only the COVID crisis intervened and turned life for all up side down. Merely all that might be needed to be done in regard to fixtures is changing the dates, but a lot more will have to be carried out to meet the various guidelines in regard to social distancing and safety and health requirements.
‘If there are no changes in teams we will be able to run out the schedule and just change the dates,’ revealed Mr Dillon, stating ‘I’m not expecting any
THE suspended Dundalk Summer League under-19 league is to resume this weekend.
The League was halted by the COVID-19 crisis in March after the potential title decider between Ardee and Glenmuir was abandoned late in the game with the score at two-all.
A win would have secured Ardee the title, and that remains the situation with the League Committee refixing the game for this Saturday.
A draw would pave the way for Glenmuir to become champions with further matches to play.
The League Committee are to proceed with the knockout cup competition, which is at the penultimate stage.
The tie between Termonfeckin and Bellurgan is fixed for next Sunday at 2pm in Termonfeckin, and the other semi-final featurdrop-outs from what we hear from the clubs. Everyone is back training and anxious to get back playing competitively.’
The Executive met outdoors with representatives of each of the 17 clubs on Saturday of last week and given their opportunity to have their say. It was their decision to opt for competitive football. The chairman said ‘I kind of suggested playing friendly games to see what way things go. A show of hands decided to go competitively as early as we can. The earliest we could go was the weekend starting July 18 but fixtures wouldn’t be ready. They will be ready for July 25, providing all the clubs play their part and get registrations in. Some issues have to be sorted.’
These wouldn’t be insurmountable, assuming everybody adopted a sensible approach. He acknowledged issues would crop up as the league progresses. These would be dealt with and the committee would deal with them going forward.
Some he alluded to were handling and filling in of referees cards. A mentor from the opposing two teams in each game usually fills in the names of the players on the cards.
What will happen when players are injured or booked? Social distancing will have to be kept. The referee will likely have to instruct who comes onto the pitch to assist the injured player, and that person will have to be properly kitted (PPE). He said dressing rooms would not be used for changing or whatever.
The necessary changes because of Covid in regard to health and safety would be ‘quite expensive’ on clubs in regard to the like of footballs and telephones. They probably will have to adapt a player squad number system, and if players were are to take a jersey home to arrange they take care of them and bring them back.
However, he asserted ‘it is important kids get football and it’s important that we are prepared to organise it.’ ing Carrick and Saint Dominic’s is also arranged for later the same day.
Extra-time will be played and, if necessary, penalties will decide the outcome of the ties. Fixtures:
Saturday, Under-19 league, Ardee v Glenmuir, Ardee 5pm
Sunday, Under-19 cup semi-finals, Termonfeckin v Bellurgan, Termonfeckin 2pm; Carrick v Saint Dominic’s, Carrick 3.30pm. Adult league Something like a dozen clubs has expressed interest in taking part in the league’s adult league this year.
The League Committee were waiting on confirmation from clubs on who will compete, and are looking at making arrangements to kick off the league in two or three weeks time.