Once again the weather caused disruption in the SSE Airtricity League with the Premier Division games between St. Patrick’s Athletic and Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers and Waterford FC all had to be called off because of frozen pitches. There were still two games that did go ahead though. Cork City were able to extend their lead at the top as they beat Bohemian FC 3-0 in Turner’s Cross. Graham Cummins, Kieran Sadlier and Karl Sheppard scored their goals. Despite the cold weather there was still a great crowd with over 4,000 in attendance for a game on a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. The Division’s other game saw Limerick FC take on Shamrock Rovers in the Market’s Field. Shamrock won 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Graham Burke. Shamrock had to finish with ten as Sean Kavanagh was sent off with seven minutes remaining. In the First Division the meeting of Wexford FC and UCD was postponed but Athlone Town’s game at home to Cabinteely did go ahead in the Athlone Stadium. Before the game even kicked off there was an incident of note as Athlone had to play outfielder Luke Kelly in goal as all of their goalkeepers were either injured or working!
Kelly who had played Gaelic football in his youth didn’t to do bad but couldn’t prevent his side losing 2-1. Conor Keely and Joe Doyle with the goals for Cabinteely while Jake O’Connor scored for Athlone. There was one game also played in the first round of the EA Sports Cup as First Division side Galway United played host to non-league side Cockhill Celtic from the Ulster Senior League in Eamon Deasy Park. Galway laboured to a 1-0 win with the only goal of the game being an own goal from Cockhill’s Gerry Gill. Cockhill finished with ten as they had James Bradley sent off late in the second half. Drogheda United were also meant to be in action but their fixture against Leinster Senior League side St. Mochta’s also fell victim to the weather. All of the postponed games will be refixed over the Easter season. In other news it was great to see some players planning for their future. Sligo Rovers veteran and legend Raffaele Cretaro got his UEFA A Licence as he prepares for life after football although to be fair the man himself will tell you he has another 3-4 seasons left in him. John Russell who has has his A Licence is taking his first steps into coaching. The former Rovers man who left the club at the end of last season was appointed as manager of non-league side Westport United of the Mayo Super League. The Mayo side have big ambitions and have targeted a good run in the FAI Junior Cup.