One Tailteann Cup semi not played

There was a late St Patrick's Day Tailteann Cup semi-final postponement this morning when Meath Co Board called off the scheduled game at Castletown between Slane and Drumconrath.

The unofficial 'word' yesterday (Thursday) was the game would not be played due to requests for a postponement but there was no official word from either club or from the Co Board - until this morning when notification about the postponement was issued.

Even at this stage it's not abundantly clear whether the game was postponed or conceded by the Slane club and that's a matter that will be decided by the Co Board fixture officials, probably next week.

The background to the non-playing of the semi-final - which would have been a big game for both clubs - relates to the abandonment of a A FL Div 4 game three weeks ago between Slane and Drumconrath.

That game was played in Slane and it was abandoned in the closing stages, allegedly arising out of incidents that took place outside the perimeter fence between spectators.

It is understood that a number of 48-week and 24-week suspensions were issued this week by Meath Co Board and that fines of more than €1,000 were also imposed - on the clubs.

It is also understood that appeals will be made by both clubs.

It is not clear, as stated earlier, if the semi-final will be re-fixed, awarded or declared void - if it is declared void it would mean that Meath Hill's win in the semi-final today would get them the cup.

It is also not clear if the A FL game will be re-fixed or declared a result or declared void.

FIXTURE UPDATES
The following information has been confirmed
AHL Div 4 Clann na nGael v Ratoath fixed in Athboy Saturday 18/3/17 at 16.30pm
will now be played in Grangegodden.
AHL Div 2 Clann na nGael v Drumree fixed in Athboy Sunday 19/3/17 at 11-30am
will now be played in Grangegodden.