Castlebar Celtic’s Connacht Junior Cup appeal to be heard soon

Oran Groarke in possession for Castlebar Celtic during their 1-0 win over Salthill Devon in the Connacht Junior Cup semi-final (Pic: John Corless)

placeholder image — Oran Groarke in possession for Castlebar Celtic during their 1-0 win over Salthill Devon in the Connacht Junior Cup semi-final (Pic: John Corless)

FAI to hear appeal from Castlebar Celtic on controversial decision to replay Connacht Junior Cup semi-final meeting with Salthill Devon

Castlebar Celtic’s appeal to the FAI over the ruling that their Connacht Cup semi-final with Salthill Devon has to be replayed, will be lodged in the coming days. The Mayo News understands that the FAI has 15 days to hear the appeal once it is received and is valid, and that it could be heard as early as this coming Friday.

The Mayo League fixtures for this coming weekend, include a trip for Celtic to Ballyheane for round nine of the Mayo Super League, instead of a Connacht Cup final appearance against Maree Oranmore as was originally planned. Celtic defeated Salthill in the semi-final, but the Galway club subsequently appealed on the grounds that the match was officiated by Mayo referees and the rules of the competition state that neutral officials were needed.

The re-fixed semi-final was due to be played this Sunday, but, with an appeal pending, that match couldn’t be scheduled. There is still a slim possibility that the match could be played this Sunday, but that would require a valid appeal to be submitted, the appeals body of the FAI to meet this week, the appeal to be lost, the Connacht FA ordering the game to be played, and both teams turning up. In which case, Celtic’s trip to Ballyheane would give way to the re-fixed semi-final. The chances of all those ducks lining up is pretty remote; if you fancy a flutter try the lotto instead.

What does seem likely, however, is that Celtic’s appeal won’t be successful. Several sources at domestic and nation level, believe that it is unlikely the FAI will overturn the Connacht FA decision that the rules of its competitions be observed, even if that body ignored its own rules initially.

Castlebar Celtic and Salthill Devon in action during their Celtic's Connacht Cup semi-final win (Pic: John Corless)

Those seeking Connacht action can, of course, visit Umbro Milebush Park on Sunday to see Westport United take on Galway’s Moyne Villa, in the Connacht Shield Final. The match is at 2.00pm and a big crowd is expected.

Westport United’s ‘B’ team won this competition two years ago, when they beat Knocknacarra 3-1 at Lecarrow, with two goals from Oisín Ryall and a header from PJ Calvey. They were the first ‘B’ team to ever win the competition. Calvey is in the current Westport ‘A’ team squad, and will be hoping to make an appearance on Sunday. Westport got to the final with wins over Cloonfad, Claremorris and Oughterard.

Westport will have the formidable task of keeping Padraig Cunningham quiet. The former Galway United striker is a traditional centre-forward – big, strong and brave. Nonetheless, Westport should be favourites to take it.