Today’s FAI Cup third round match between Portmarnock and Dundalk has been postponed. The north Dublin club lodged an appeal to have the tie rescheduled.
Portmarnock lodged the appeal - which will be heard in 14 days - with the FAI over the decision to order a Junior club to play on a weekday with only 24 hours' notice. The game was due to kick off at 2.30 p.m. today.
The decision to stage the fixture today was made only yesterday afternoon and the Junior League side did not show for today’s game as they claim insufficient notice was given.
But an Oriel Park official said: "The Dundalk team left for Baldonnel at 10.45 a.m." after match referee John Breen passed the John Hyland Park pitch playable at 9.30 a.m. today, according to the official. Dundalk say they were instructed by the FAI to travel.
Earlier, the FAI were reluctant to officially call off the game until they received a written request by registered post from the objecting club.
But, as the fixture was scheduled only yesterday it will be tomorrow before such a letter could reach FAI headquarters.
Portmarnock say they have posted a letter.
The game was originally scheduled for 1.30 p.m. last Saturday but an unplayable pitch forced a postponement. Portmarnock offered to play the match on Sunday with Tolka Park as the venue after Shelbourne permitted use of the Drumcondra pitch.
But Dundalk declined and instead suggested Oriel Park as a possible venue.
Portmarnock - not wishing to lose the home initiative - rejected the offer.