Decision has knock-on effect
Editorial Department • Published 9 Feb 2012 13:00
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The Fermanagh and Western Football League have ruled that Enniskillen Town will have to play their game against Enniskillen Santos after the original fixture betwen the sides was not played - a ruling which had a knock-on effect on a number of Fermanagh and Western fixtures last weekend.
The game, a home fixture for Town, was originally scheduled to take place at the Lakeland Forum on Saturday December 17 but when the pitch at the Forum was deemed unplayable, Town switched the game to the 3G pitch at the Bawnacre.
Santos were then informed on Friday evening by the Fixtures Secretary Gerry Connolly that the venue had been switched to the Bawnacre but Santos refused to play the game claiming that they were unable to secure transport to Irvinestown at that short a notice.
When called to give their account, Shane O'Brien, on behalf of Santos, read out the definition of fixture from a dictionary and stated that the game could not be deemed a fixture as the venue was changed. He therefore argued that the game was then a re-arranged fixture and that they had not received the 48 hours notice required for a re-arranged fixture.
The Fermanagh and Western Management Committee accepted that argument and sided with Enniskillen Santos on the matter, ordering that the game should be played, however that then had a knock on effect on some games last weekend.
Previously, home teams could have informed the Fixture Secretary that they were moving their game to a different venue and he would inform the visiting team where the game was taking place. Now though the ruling means that teams must be given 48 hours notice of a change of venue with Connolly stating that he needs to be told of any changes by Wednesday at the latest.
"For a change of venue now teams must be given 48 hours notice. For me to be able to give the other team notice I would need to be informed well in advance of that so I would require that I'm informed no later than Wednesday so that I then have time to inform the other side," said Connolly.
Ballinamallard Reserves were hit by the ruling on Saturday when their game against Churchtown had to be postponed.
"I received an email from Neil Coulter late on Friday night which was sent at 6.30pm on Friday stating that they were moving their game from Ferney Park to Fisher Park as their first team were at home. After consulting with Neil Jardine on Saturday morning it was decided that this was contrary to the decision on Thursday night and they were informed accordingly," explained Connolly. Kesh III were also looking to change their game to the Bawnacre last Saturday but this also was not permitted.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 09 Feb 12
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