Avenue United moved to the summit of the Maloney Hardware Premier Division following a successful objection to the eligibility of a Sporting Ennistymon player.
An objection from Avenue Utd that a Sporting Ennistymon player didn’t have an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) was upheld by the CDSL at a virtual meeting on Monday. The FAI became involved in this contentious matter.
As a result of their successful objection, Avenue Utd get two extra points having drawn 1-1 with Sporting last month. The additional points move them to the top of the Premier Division, one ahead of holders Newmarket Celtic.
Mountshannon Celtic lost 2-1 to Sporting Ennistymon as they were the first club to bring this issue to attention. They successfully appealed the result and were awarded all three points by the Munster FA.
Ennis Town FC were also awarded two points having drawn with Sporting 3-3 last month. This sees them move to fifth position on the table ahead of last night’s fixtures.
Sporting Ennistymon were in fifth position on 18 points but they have lost the point they picked up against Avenue, the three points against Mountshannon Celtic and the point claimed against Ennis Town.
Since April, the CDSL have been seeking advice and clarity from the FAI and FIFA on the matter. In correspondence to the FAI, CDSL secretary Denis Collins stressed “this issue is unfortunately hanging over the league and has consequences both at the top and bottom of our Premier table”. He advised that clubs were “getting anxious” with the wait to find a resolution.
FIFA have an exemption for players coming in from Ukraine. However, the FAI confirmed to the CDSL that this is for minors only. As per regulations, all players coming from another jurisdiction require an ITC unless they have not previously registered for a club for a period of 30 months.
Avenue United look set to face Newmarket Celtic in a title deciding clash at the start of June with their Banner Flooring Clare Cup final currently pencilled in for the end of May. As it stands, Avenue would only need a draw to secure league honours while the defending champions would have to secure all three points.
After last night’s games Avenue remain ahead of of Newmarket Celtic at the top of the table having thrashed Mountshannon Celtic 5-0 away from home. Newmarket Celtic meanwhile enjoyed a 3-0 win over Ennis Town.
Last week, Avenue struck five past Lifford AFC with Elias Kunz and Gary Roche firing in two each while Mark Roche also found the scoresheet.
Meanwhile, Newmarket Celtic secured a 5-0 win over Shannon Olympic with Gearoid O’Brien, Eoin Hayes, Dave McCarthy, Steven Kelly and Ronan McCormack finding the target.
A Paddy Fitzgerald double helped Mountshannon Celtic to a 4-0 win over Ennis Town as William Glass and Guy Vigurs also found the target. Bridge United beat Shannon Hibs 5-2.
A Billy Connors’ double wasn’t enough as Leon Daly, Brian Corry, Leon Kelly, Kieran Quinlan and an own goal helped Bridge prevail.
In the Ann Romer Flowers First Division Tulla United have been promoted to the Premier Division as they sit on top of the table after a late Sean Withycombe goal propelled them to a 3-2 win over Shannon Town B. Emmet Lynch and Craig McNamara found the target but despite the Shannon side managing to level the game, Withycombe’s late winner kept them top.
Coole FC lie in second place just one point behind Tulla United. However, they have a game in hand as they currently have the edge in the title battle. This Sunday they face Avenue United B, Tulla United host Kilrush Rangers, Hermitage FC face Moher Celtic, Bridge United B host Newmarket Celtic B and Turnpike Rovers host Shannon Town B.