Kennedy Cup cancelled

THERE was huge disappointment within underage soccer circles in Co. Wicklow and beyond on Monday when it was officially announced that the 2020 Kennedy Cup tournament was cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic.

The annual tournament which is held in the University of Limerick is always a wonderful event and massive work goes into the Wicklow squad every year from the management team and players but sadly they will be unable to realise their dream this year following the announcement by the SFAI Executive Committee.

Also cancelled is the Sketchers Cups and Subway competitions. The SFAI did offer one glimmer of hope when they said that all member leagues shall be eligible to recommence fixtures and football activity once the schools have reopened with the weekend of September 5/6 being the most appropriate.

The statement read: ‘At its video conference meeting on 16/5/2020, the SFAI Executive Committee decided that all of its member Leagues shall be eligible to recommence fixtures and football activity once the schools have reopened, the weekend of September 5/6 next being the most appropriate date to affect the restart.

‘The restart will of course be subject to strict compliance with any Government agencies and the FAI’s medical director Dr. Alan Byrne’s directions surrounding the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

‘With the uncertainty of the health situation and its restrictions it was agreed to clarify the situation and cancel the staging of the 2020 Kennedy Cup tournament. It was also agreed that SFAI competitions at both Skechers Cups and SUBWAY competitions levels, which have not been completed up to now, will not be completed.’ it read.