The Trim Celtic team that started in the NEFL Cup final against Bellurgan Utd (from left) back - Sean Fitzgerald , Ger Murray, Aaron Ryan, Callum Ennis, Conor Walsh, Aaron Williams; front - Mark Leavy, Ciaran O'Connell, James Goggins, Dean Courtney, Brian Faulkner.

Gorman indicates changes to NEFL season are on the way

Jimmy Geoghegan

Published: Thu 15 Dec 2022, 11:46 AM

Last updated: Thu 15 Dec 2022, 11:53 AM

The Treasurer and Interim Fixtures Secretary of the North East Football League Gerry Gorman has indicated there will be changes to the local soccer season.

The changes will, in particular, relate to the cup finals - particularly the Challenge Cup final, the league's showpiece event of the season.

Last week this season's decider was played between Trim Celtic and Bellurgan at a freezing MDL - and largely because of the conditions only a small number of people showed up. Trim Celtic won a cracking contest 3-2.

While many are in favour of the calandar season there are clearly tweaks still required. The income from the Challenge Cup final can be significant but it clearly needs to be at a time of the year when spectators will want show up.

Holding the final at a venue such as the home of Drogheda Utd might also be an option. It was common in the past to hold the Challenge Cup final there but in more recent years it has been changed to the MDL where there is a expensive, high-quality, all-weather pitch but no stand or terrace area for spectators.

"The main drawback would appear to be leaving the finals of the competitions to the back end of the season when traditionally the weather is deteriorating," explained Gorman who is also General Manager of the MDL site.

"It is hoped this issue will be addressed in plenty of time for the conclusion of the 2023 season, with one suggestion being naming dates for finals at the start of the campaign, and prioritising to have ties out of the way to enable the finals go ahead on the selected dates (possibly late October, early November).

"The NEFL are always open to suggestions for improvement, as the window of opportunity for considering new methods is very short i.e. one month or so to season's start from the AGM.

Gorman was eager to thank all those who helped out to ensure this season's Challenge Cup decider was played out in an efficient manner.

:On behalf of the NEFL. I would like to thank each and everyone who played a part in making our blue riband Cup Final a great success. In particular I would like to pay tribute to the following -

"The professionalism and standards displayed by both competing teams. The match officials on the day Peter Burns, Derek Gaff, and Niall Byrne, with a special mention for the fourth official Conor Byrne for all his help and attention when checking out ground, and safety conditions on the morning of the match.

"The easy option would have been to err on the side of caution, and postpone the match for another date. Letting it go with reliance on the accuracy of the Yr.No weather forecast website proved to be the correct call.

"The main sponsor of the Cup, Paul Markey from PM Blinds & Shutters who showed great faith when stepping in to fill a void at the start of the season, and O'Neills.com who generously provided an 800 euro sports voucher for both teams. (Trim looked very smart, pre, and post match in their new O'Neills tops). Our gratitude to Cormac Farrell, and Ivan Halpin for the continued support.

"Each and every NEFL associate are greatly encouraged to support both Sponsors where possible.

"The great coverage by the media - Meath Chronicle, The Argus, Dundalk Democrat. Meath Daily to mention a few. Wonderful to learn of the full coverage devoted to it by LMFM radio.

"Our own tireless PRO Tommy Melia for his great consistent work through web, and social media promotions, etc throughout the entire season. Our former PRO Justin Burke who is always available for help and advice, and on this occasion provided a PA system which was a great addition on the day."