Saturday soccer called off due to extreme weather warning

Be careful what you wish for!

After years of trying to switch the NEFL (MDL) season from winter to summer a familiar old problem has arisen this week with games being postponed because of adverse weather conditions.

However, instead of the drivinbg wind and rain turning pitches to mud holes and threatening pneumonia on players, this week it is the heatwave that has hit Ireland that led to sugguestions that NEFL games might have to be called off.

On Wednesday afternoon NEFL Treasurer and interim Fixtures Secretary Gerry Gorman contacted clubs and match officials to suggest that games could be postponed in the interest of health and safety of all involved.

"Given the yellow weather warning for week ahead with temperatures to hit late 20s and possibly upwards. I am of the view it would be in the best interest of all concerned to put back the return from the summer break for another week. i.e. postpone all scheduled fixtures for Thursday 11th to Monday 15th inclusive.

"Before contemplating such a move. I would welcome some feedback on the merits or otherwise of doing so."

Gorman asked officials to reply to him before 8pm on Wednesday and they obviously returned with their views very quickly because before 6.30pm yesterday Gorman released another notice to the clubs and referees confirming that games for Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday evenings and Sunday morning would go ahead with the introduction of two water breaks, one in each half.

All Saturday 3pm kick-offs have been postponed.

17-07-19. Launch of Meath Exhibition of Football at the MDL, Navan.NEFL Secretary, Gerry Gorman officially opening the Meath Exhibition of Football.Photo: John Quirke / www.quirke.ie©John Quirke Photography, Unit 17, Blackcastle Shopping Cte. Navan. Co. Meath. 046-9079044 / 087-2579454. Photo by John Quirke

"Thanks to all the clubs and referees that responded so quickly with their views on the subject matter featured below," said Gorman.

"After collating all the info. The majority feel Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday evening, and Sunday AM fixtures should go ahead with the introduction of water breaks in the 22nd min and 67th min (the time allowed at the discretion of the referee).

"The overwhelming majority feel the Saturday schedule where all matches were timed for a 3pm kick off should be postponed.

"Referees please apply water breaks at the times indicated above.

"Thanks again for the feedback. Use plenty of sun screen and keep safe," concluded the long serving official.

The revised fixture plan for this weekend is.

THURSDAY 11 AUGUST (7.45PM)

Premier - Kentstown v Duleek, 7pm Liam Byrne.

Div 1 - Torro v Johnstown, 7pm, D Gavagan.

Div 2 - Albion Rov 2nds v Walshestown, C Halligan.

Div 3B - Ardee Cel 2nds v Kells Cel 2nds, E Philips.

FRIDAY 12th AUGUST (7PM)

Premier - Carrick v Quay Cel, P McGeown; Muirhevna Mor v Parkvilla, 8pm, Paul Rooney; Rock Cel v Bay FC, 7.45pm, D Hughes; Bellurgan v Trim Cel, 8pm, B Murphy.

Div 1 - OMP v Kells Cel, Conor Byrne; Square v Chord Cel, Brendan Doyle; Ardee Cel v Albion, 7.30pm, T Little.

Div 2 - Newtown v Glenmuir, A McCann; Kingscourt v Thatch FC, Kingscourt Astro, 8pm, Stephen Rooney.

SUNDAY 14th AUGUST (11.30AM)

O’Neill Shield quarter-final - Robinstown v Chord Cel 2nds, D Gaff.

Div 3A - Lourdes Cel v Trim Town, Albion, K O’Brien; Park Cel Summerhill v Rossin, J Sheerin.

Div 4 - Bohermeen v Albion 3rds, K Ennis; Grove Rangers v Electro, Rathmullen, Gary Doyle.

MONDAY 15th AUGUST (7PM)

Women’s Cup - Kinnegad v Bellurgan, B Cruise.

Women’s Premier - Balrath v Parkvilla, M Conway; Park Cel Summerhill v Kentstown, P Henry; Rossin v Quay Cel, C Halligan.

Women's Div 1 - Skryne-Tara v Duleek, D Hegarty; Torro v Ardee Cel, Wayne Doyle; Cootehill v Albion, 8pm, A McCann.

TUESDAY 16th AUGUST (8PM)

Div 3A - Bailieboro v Navan Town Cosmos, A O’Hanlon.