John Delaney Cup Launched

Now that the World Cup is but a memory, teams in the Premier County are refocusing on the 2010-2011 season that will commence in August. While most will be organising preseason friendlies, the committees from North Tipperary & District League (NTDL) and the Tipperary Southern & District League (TSDL) got together to put a new competition in place.

Two Mile Borris/St. Kevin’s AFC grounds in Newhill Park, Littleton Co. Tipperary hosted the historic launch of this competition last Monday 12 July where the Officers and Committee members of both Leagues outlined the format to the representatives from the eight clubs that are involved. It sees the top 4 teams from each league battled it out to become the inaugural winners of the John Delaney Cup.

This is only the second time since 1977 that both these Leagues met in an official capacity – the last time was in 2006 for the launch of the Joe Delaney Youth Cup – and it’s the first time in 33 years that they have met to organise a junior competition. The only other time these sides might meet is in either the FAI or Munster Cup competitions.

The draw for the Quarter-Finals which will be on a ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ basis is:

1. Cloughjordan AFC (NTDL) v Peake Villa (TSDL)

2. Nenagh Celtic (NTDL) v Clonmel Town (TSDL)

3. Clonmel Celtic (TSDL) v Nenagh AFC (NTDL)

4. St. Michael's AFC (TSDL) v Blackcastle United (NTDL)

(Away goals count ‘double’)

(1^st Leg to be played on or before 28/07/2010)

(2^nd Leg to be played on or before 01/08/2010)

Semi-Finals (To be played on or before 05/08/2010)

3 v 2

4 v 1

(No extra-time; if level after 90minutes it is straight to a penalty shoot-out)

The Final is provisionally fixed for Saturday 7^th August.

Should it be an NTDL side facing a TSDL side the final will be played at Newhill Park, however, if it’s an all NTDL or TSDL affair the venue will be arranged by the League in question?

A panel of 16 players registered for the new 2010/2011 season must be submitted to their League’s Hon. Registrar before the 1^st leg commences. All 5 Substitutes named on the Referee’s Card can be used during the game.

This competition is named in honour of John Delaney, who will remain on as Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Ireland for another five years. Like his father Joe, the former Treasurer/Security Officer of the FAI, John too has played his part in developing the game of soccer in the Premier County. The high profile visits of the Irish Senior and Amateur squads and the ongoing help with the development of the ‘beautiful game’ at grassroots level.

John Delaney will be attending the Final to present the Cup and 16 specially designed trophies to the winners. He will be accompanied by Irish Amateur/Junior manager Gerry Smith giving those players with international aspirations the ideal opportunity to impress.