The IRN-BRU Cup quarter-final match involving Bohemian FC and East Fife FC was postponed on Saturday 2 February 2019. With Bohemian FC beginning their 2019 domestic league and cup season and East Fife FC progressing in the Scottish Cup (requiring the re-scheduling of their Ladbrokes League 1 fixture from 9 February 2019) there appears to be no scope to reschedule last Saturday’s tie.
In these circumstances, and following positive discussions with the two clubs involved and our FAI colleagues, it has been agreed that Bohemian FC will withdraw from this season’s IRN-BRU Cup. This will enable them to focus on their domestic competition and we hope to see them once again in the IRN-BRU Cup in the future.
All at the SPFL wish Connah’s Quay Nomads FC, East Fife FC, Edinburgh City FC and Ross County FC the very best of luck in the semi-finals of this season’s IRN-BRU Cup.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster commented: “We are grateful to Bohemian FC and to the FAI for their cooperation and assistance in ensuring the smooth conclusion of this year’s IRN-BRU Cup. We look forward to welcoming our Irish friends to next season’s competition.”
East Fife FC Chairman Jim Stevenson said: “We all enjoyed the hospitality shown by our new friends at the weekend but were disappointed that we could not get the game played. We wish Bohemians every success in their 2019 season and look forward to continuing our own still competing in three competitions.”
Bohemian FC spokesperson Luke O’Riordan said: “We deeply regret having to withdraw from the competition but feel that, given that the semi-final is due to take place in 11 days’ time, the logistical and time constraints involved in trying to reschedule our quarter-final tie before then was an impossible task and leave us with no other option.
“With little scope to find an alternative date that suited both clubs and following discussions between our club’s board and the first-team management about the distracting effect ongoing disruption could have on preparations for the new league season, we agreed that we have to prioritise that and thus regrettably withdraw from the tournament.
“As a club, we have been grateful for our inclusion in the IRN-BRU Cup despite the logistical challenges it has presented. Our supporters have enjoyed the camaraderie of the occasions of visiting Peterhead and of hosting Sutton United in previous rounds. These were memorable and unique days for our players and fans alike and it is of deep regret that Saturday did not provide us with yet another one against East Fife. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the competition.”
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