A late reprieve for cup final trio

THE suspensions of St Patrick's Athletic centre half John McDonnell and Shelbourne midfielder Brian Flood, as well as reserve…

THE suspensions of St Patrick's Athletic centre half John McDonnell and Shelbourne midfielder Brian Flood, as well as reserve goalkeeper Declan Campbell, have been postponed until next season because of the 24 hour deferral of the FAI Cup final to next Monday.

McDonnell was understandably relieved. "After such a great season for the club the thought of missing on the Cup final was too much to take. It's a realistic decision, which both clubs will appreciate."

Details of the final were announced yesterday. The match will take place at Lansdowne Road (kick off 3.0) and will be televised live on Network 2. In the event of a draw, the replay will be played at Dalymount Park on Sunday May 12th (3.0).

Tickets went on sale at both clubs and the FAI offices last night, with St Patrick's being granted the East stand. The price structure is: adults: lower stands £12, upper stands £10, terrace £5; boys/girls: lower stands £4, upper stands £3, terrace £1.

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Hall of Fame awards will be presented to Dinny Lowry of St Patrick's and Shelbourne's Andrew Fitzpatrick, and the guest of honour will be Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

The first 2,500 patrons returning the application form - as contained in the official cup final match programme - will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase a terrace ticket to the Republic of Ireland v Portugal game at Lansdowne Road on May 29th.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times