Enniskillen Rangers have been reinstated to the Irish Junior Cup at the expense of Bessbrook United and will take on Tummery Athletic in the final which is scheduled for Saturday May 18 at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.

Bessbrook United were adjudged by the IFA Board, to have played an ineligible player, Conor Sloan, in their semi-final victory on April 1 over Rangers, a game the Carbane League side won 3-1. This came after the IFA Junior Committee had twice ruled in favour of Bessbrook on the matter.

The IFA Board though met last night and after considering written submissions form Bessbrook United and the Carbane League and hearing directly from the IFA Junior & Youth Committee they were satisfied that Sloan was not registered and in accordance with Rule 4 of the Junior Cup Rules Bessbrook United were removed and Enniskillen Rangers reinstated. Bessbrook have the right to appeal the decision and it is understood that would be heard on May 15.

The statement reads:

“At its meeting last night the IFA Board considered written submissions from Bessbrook United FC and the Carnbane League in addition to hearing directly from the IFA Junior & Youth Cup Committee regarding the eligibility of Conor Sloan (Bessbrook United FC) to play in the semi-final tie of the fonaCAB Junior Cup which was played at Lakeview Park, Loughgall, on Monday 1 April 2019.

Members were satisfied that Mr Sloan was not registered to participate in organised football in accordance with the Irish Football Association Amateur Game Player Registration Regulations at the time of his participation in the semi-final tie v Enniskillen Rangers FC on 1 April 2019. The player was therefore ineligible to play in this fixture. In accordance with Rule 4 of the Junior Cup Rules, Bessbrook United FC are removed from the Junior Cup and Enniskillen Rangers FC reinstated.

Bessbrook United FC has the right of appeal under the IFA Articles of Association, and without prejudice to the outcome of any appeal Enniskillen Rangers FC and Tummery Athletic FC have been advised to prepare for the Final tie of the Junior Challenge Cup at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast, on Saturday 18 May 2019.”