Two ties are called off

Two of tonight's five scheduled Harp Lager FAI Cup first-round games have already fallen victim to the weather while further …

Two of tonight's five scheduled Harp Lager FAI Cup first-round games have already fallen victim to the weather while further pitch inspections are planned at two of the remaining three venues before a final decision is made on whether the games can go ahead.

The big clash of the round, the meeting of Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne at Tolka Park, was the first game to go yesterday.

That game, as well as the one at United Park between Drogheda and Galway, has been pencilled in for Sunday afternoon although in both cases the new kick-off times are subject to further inspections on Saturday afternoon.

The Regional Sports Centre, St Mel's Park and the Carlisle Grounds passed inspections yesterday although in the cases of the former two the state of the surface will be looked at again this morning before a final decision is taken.