Current Cork City youth footballer and Ireland u15 international Cathal Heffernan is set to go on a series of trials in Italy, namely at Juventus, AC Milan, Roma and Atalanta.

The son of Irish Olympians Rob and Marian Heffernan, Cathal comes from fine sporting background.

Heffernan has impressed at underage level for Ireland, helping his side to impressive wins over England, Poland and a number of other nations.

Heffernan isn’t the only Irish international in his age range to attract interest from Italy in recent months. Shamrock Rovers wonderkid is reportedly set to sign for Inter Milan having attracted interest from a number of European clubs over the past year, however nothing has been officially announced as of yet.

Post-Brexit regulations means Irish footballers under the age of 18 are unable to sign for British clubs, however that is not the case for other European countries. Due to this, it’s highly likely that other Irish underage players will follow in the footsteps of Heffernan and Zefi in taking a non-traditional route in pursuit of a career in football.

The very best of luck to DCSFC star Cathal Heffernan as heads to Italy for training with @juventusfcen @acmilan @ASRomaEN & @Atalanta_BC

A brilliant opportunity for Cathal who is a credit to his School, his club Cork City and his family. pic.twitter.com/V3h4VnSoMp

— DCS Sport (@DCSSport) MARCH 8, 2021

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The 2020 Irish Premier Division came to a conclusion last night. Each team played just 18 league games in a season plagued by Covid-19. The season itself was not it’s drama, though. Last night in particular featured several twists and turns as each club aimed to finish their season on a high note. Some clubs rejoiced while others suffered the consequences of defeat. Here’s how it played out.

Finn Harps vs. Waterford

In one of the most decisive fixtures on the day, Finn Harps took on Waterford. Prior to the game, Finn Harps found themselves in the relegation/promotion play-off spot. Waterford also found themselves with a lot on the line. A win for Waterford would have ensured a European spot for the club. Additionally, only a win would suffice – along with other results – if Harps were to move out of that position.

They did just that as they narrowly defeated Waterford by 1-0. A goal from Adam Foley in the 27^th minute proved to be the deciding goal. Harps were very nearly back where they started in the final minute of extra time, though. Waterford found themselves in the opposition box in the dying seconds with a clear sight of goal. They shot at goal, but Dave Webster was there to stop a certain goal as he cleared off the line.

In truth, Harps deserved to avoid a relegation battle, having won 3 of their last 4 games. After the Harps win, it was down to Derry City and Shelbourne to win or draw their games in order to ease their survival hopes.

Waterford can count themselves unlucky not to have made Europe after their season, but the better team won on the night.

THE GREAT ESCAPE!!! WE’VE DONE IT!

WE ARE STAYING UP #UTH pic.twitter.com/5UJFeQaaVp

— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Derry City vs. Cork City

As mentioned previously, Derry City had to at least draw their game to avoid slipping into the play-off spot. Cork City, on the other hand, had nothing to play for other than pride. The Rebels had been condemned to automatic relegation earlier in the season.

Despite the disparity of fortunes on the line for both clubs, Derry City very nearly succumbed to defeat. Cork took the lead through Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s goal in the 59^th minute to put pressure on the Northern club. A Finn Harps win and a Shelbourne draw would have meant relegation for Derry if the scoreline remained as it was.

James Akintunde was the hero in the end, though. His strike for Derry in the 76^th minute meant Derry almost certainly avoided the play-off. Derry had the best goal difference by far of the 3 clubs fighting for survival so even if Finn Harps won, Derry would likely retain their position in the Irish Premier Division.

The match finished 1-1 as Derry narrowly avoided a relegation battle.

Derry leave Turner’s Cross with a point to finish the league season and avoiding the play-off.

#RAWA28 pic.twitter.com/noEe8jQAHI

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers

Similar to the Derry vs. Cork fixture, both teams in this fixture were playing for entirely different outcomes. Shamrock Rovers had already been crowned champions, meaning they effectively had nothing to play for – other than their unbeaten run. Shelbourne, on the other hand, had it all to play for. If results in their own game and other fixtures didn’t go their way, they would be dragged into a relegation play-off.

Shamrock Rovers’ showed no sympathy for the relegation battling Shelbourne as they fielded a strong side. Their quality showed in the end as they ran out 2-0 winners. Their win last night meant they finished the league season unbeaten. This is just the 3^rd time this has happened in League of Ireland history, with Rovers also going unbeaten in the other 2.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦

Rovers become the first side in 93 years to go an entire season undefeated in the league

We are the only club in League of Ireland history to achieve this

1925 – @ShamrockRovers
1927 – @ShamrockRovers
2020 – @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/xclqYiJYP9

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

A wonderful Jack Byrne goal kicked it off in the 22^nd minute as he went on a marauding run up the pitch before smashing into the corner of the net. Jack Byrne has inarguably been the best player in the League of Ireland, despite what the naysayers may claim. His stock has only risen in the past few months and this may be the last time League of Ireland fans get to witness his ability in a Shamrock Rovers shirt in the foreseeable future amid reported overseas interest. The midfielder will also join up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Wales fixture.

Aaron Greene put the finishing touches on the game as his 57^th minute goal effectively sealed Shelbourne’s relegation play-off spot. Results in the Finn Harps and Derry City games meant Shelbourne were condemned to the play-off spot.

Shelbourne will now face Longford Town on Saturday as they look to stay in the Premier Division for at least another season. It should make for a fascinating contest.

CONFIRMED!@SSEAirtricityLg Promotion/Relegation Final@shelsfc v @LongfordTownFC#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/c3PjsyM3P6

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers

After a disappointing domestic season by their standards, Dundalk needed a win to ensure a European spot. Similarly, a Sligo Rovers win would mean a *potential* European spot for the Bit O’ Red.

In a surprise result, Sligo Rovers ran out 2-0 winners. A bizarre goal from Jesse Devers in the 10^th minute opened the scoring as his attempted cross went straight over Gary Roger’s head into the net. Sligo Rovers ensured their victory through a Ronan Coughlan goal in the 95^th minute.

After Waterford’s defeat, Sligo move up to 4^th place. Although currently in a European position (1^st-4^th place), that could change given the winners of the FAI Cup. In order for Sligo to qualify, they must either win the FAI Cup or a team from 1^st to 3^rd must win. Currently, all top 4 teams are still in the cup out of the 6 remaining teams, so it looks good for Sligo as it stands. There is no guarantee of a European spot as for now, though.

Despite Dundalk’s abysmal result, they still finish in 3^rd place after Waterford’s loss to Harps. They will compete in Europa League qualifying next season, but it’s clear that much work is to be done if they intend to claim the league title.

Full-time: Dundalk 0-2 Sligo Rovers

The #bitored come from bottom of the table at the restart to finish fourth after a magnificent victory to round off a brilliant run

The FAI Cup will now decide the outcome of the European place pic.twitter.com/s7tpzjprnI

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic

St Pat’s could have potentially claimed a play-off spot with a win against Bohemians, but even if they did, they would have to rely on other results. Bohs’ on the other hand had nothing to play for as their 2^nd place position was secured earlier in the season.

Bohemian’s have had an incredible season; particularly given the youthfulness of the squads they’ve chosen over the season. They were the youngest team in the Irish Premier Division and 21^st youngest team in Europe’s top flight divisions as they finished the season. They continued to trust in youth last night as they played yet another young team. Brighton bound 16-year-old Evan Ferguson was the focus of attention as he started his first league match of the season.

The teenager nearly made an impression early into the game as a Danny Grant cross found him before he bundled the ball into the net. In a controversial decision, though, the goal was ruled out for handball.

St Pat’s were the first to score an official goal as Jordan Gibson broke the deadlock in the 37^th minute. That didn’t last for long, though. Danny Grant scored the equaliser just before half time for Bohemians. The left winger has been in terrific form this season which has warranted his inclusion in the latest Ireland u21s squad.

Andre Wright, another in form man, secured the win for Bohemians with his penalty in the 63^rd minute. The match finished 2-1 to Bohemians.

Danny Dre
⠀
Another goal added to each of their season tallies last night!
⠀
: @sportsfile pic.twitter.com/R57WT7xQmV

— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) November 10, 2020

Here’s how the final league table looks:

FINAL TABLE | Premier Division

Wow. What a night. @FinnHarpsFC survive@sligorovers in potential European spot @ShamrockRovers unbeaten Champions @shelsfc head to the promotion/relegation play-off#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/sw9yJdC6vF

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

The post Drama filled Irish Premier Division final day recap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The season was brought to a halt in March as restrictions across the country heightened. Fast forward to August and football was back in Ireland, this time without the fans. A decision was made to decrease the number of games by half. So here we are in November about to embark on the final week of the season. The decrease in fixtures has led to an increase in excitement for the neutrals.

Seven out of ten team have something to play for as they head towards the finish line. To put this into context, there is a five point gap between fourth and eighth place. As the season came to a climax last year, this gap was five times bigger, at twenty points.

So what’s at stake for each team?

Shamrock Rovers crowned Champions

Shamrock Rovers will lift the 2020 SSE Airtricity League title on Wednesday evening after their penultimate league game against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Rovers have been a dominant force this season, remaining unbeaten with impressive wins over Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and their arch rivals Bohemians since the league restarted. It has been a long time coming for the Hoops who have not lifted a league title since 2011.

Eighteen times LOI Champions pic.twitter.com/KlHl5B2keI

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) October 27, 2020

Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne has been pivotal in their success, with eight goals to his name this season. It will be manager Stephen Bradley’s priority to keep the midfielder in Tallaght for next season, with reports that Rovers have already made Byrne a ‘fantastic’ contract offer. That being said, after another impressive season, interest from abroad seems inevitable.

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash against St. Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers have appealed for fans not to gather outside Tallaght Stadium in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions.

Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, Cork City have been relegated to the First Division. The 2017 Champions have endured a fall from grace in recent seasons, and head into their final game seven points adrift at the bottom of the league.

Finn Harps’ survival hopes were dented by Shamrock Rovers as they lost 2-0 on Sunday. The Donegal side need a win against fourth placed Waterford on Sunday evening to give themselves any chance of staying up. They also need to rely on results elsewhere, namely Shelbourne and Derry City.

Harps stay in the promotion/relegation spot

FT | @FinnHarpsFC 0-2 @ShamrockRovers

Rovers win in difficult conditions as Harps head for dramatic final day of the season in bid to avoid the drop

Report | https://t.co/GssP53kvRU#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/yeoPhRxI0U

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) November 1, 2020

Derry City were looking comfortable after a convincing win against Shelbourne at the end of October took them up to fifth in the league. However since then things haven’t gone as planned. Following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases within their squad, the club entered a 14-day isolation period and therefore failed to play their scheduled clash against Shamrock Rovers. A forfeit and subsequent 3-0 loss could be on the cards for Derry, who will likely appeal any potential decision.

Similar to Derry, Shelbourne also find themselves at the wrong end of the table following a run of only three wins from thirteen matches since the restart. Shels take on Rovers on the final day. Despite the fact the league has been won, Rovers still have the added incentive of an unbeaten campaign to play for. Both Shels and Derry sit on 19 points, two points ahead of Finn Harps.

The final occupiers of ninth spot will face either Galway United or Longford Town in the relegation/promotion play-off.

European Qualification

A bitter-sweet moment for Bohemians who will finish the season in second place, their highest league position since 2010. Dundalk’s draw with St. Pat’s on Sunday wasn’t enough to claim their spot for European football next season. They need a point against Sligo Rovers on Sunday to secure third place.

That leaves Waterford, Sligo Rovers and St. Pat’s in a final battle for the potential last European spot. Waterford travel to Finn Harps. With a lot at stake for both team, it’s set to be an exciting game. After heartbreakingly missing out on Europa League football in 2019 due to a UEFA technicality, Waterford will be hoping for an upturn in their fortunes this time round.

Waterford gave their own European qualification hopes a big boost as they got the better of Dundalk

Full highlights below #rtesoccer #watchloi pic.twitter.com/hc0vWB1NUv

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 26, 2020

Although St. Pat’s are four points behind Waterford, they have the added advantage of an extra game in hand. That being said it won’t be easy for the Dublin side as they face champions Rovers before playing runners up Bohs on the final day. Two losses and they might be heading for a relegation play-off if other scores don’t go their way. A prime example of how congested the table is.

Likewise, Sligo Rovers also finish with a tricky trip to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk. Now there’s the added caveat of the FAI Cup. With Shamrock Rovers, Bohs, and Dundalk still in the competition, they will form an orderly queue as strong favourites to lift the cup. However, if Sligo Rovers (albeit they get a bye into the quarter finals after Derry City failed to play the game), Finn Harps or Athlone Town manage to cause an upset, then fourth spot becomes irrelevant. The FAI Cup winners head for Europe.

If that was too much to digest, you can find the full league table ahead of this weeks’ fixtures here. It is set to be a thrilling end to an abnormal season.

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The news comes after the League of Ireland and FAI have decided to postpone the league till June 19th. The club released a statement on Saturday confirming the news that players and staff will receive wages as normal up to next weekend. However, they stated “they are not in a position to continue paying wages beyond this point”. The club said that they have to act in terms of sustaining the club long term going forward. The statement continued, 2We also have to act in order to secure the long-term future of the club”.

The club announced that they have been working on some initiatives to raise some much needed revenue. They said that although they are grateful for the support, that the revenue generated comes nowhere near that would generated from playing games in the League of Ireland. It said, “The club has been working on a number of initiatives to generate revenue”. They stated they are immensely grateful for the support we have received thus far, this comes nowhere near replacing the revenue that would have been generated by playing matches”.

Chairman of Cork City Declan Carey said that “these are difficult and unprecedented times”. He said the club is responsible to shareholders and that these decisions were made in the best interest of the club. He asked all supporters of the club to help in anyway, be it through purchasing merchandise and supporting online initiatives.

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