Cup derby still a live prospect

Officials from the FAI and National League will consult this morning on the implications of the Government's call for a suspension…

Officials from the FAI and National League will consult this morning on the implications of the Government's call for a suspension of sporting fixtures across the country, writes Emmet Malone.

FAI president Pat Quigley anticipated a decision being taken today, although he pointed out there would be less cross-Border movement involved in the weekend's soccer programme than in other sports.

Longford Town chairman Adrian Duncan, whose club is scheduled to play St Patrick's Athletic in a refixed FAI Cup replay at Richmond Park on Sunday , said the club may seek professional advice before deciding on whether to travel. But Joe Colwell of Shamrock Rovers expressed the hope that tomorrow night's cup game against Shelbourne in Tolka Park would still go ahead.

The FAI has meanwhile asked the Football Association of Wales not to send over the under-14 team that was scheduled to play their Republic counterparts in Dublin on Tuesday and Thursday.