Foley's fate will not harm cup tie

Kieran Foley's involvement in the FAI Cup semi-finals is at the discretion of Longford Town after Galway United were drawn away to the midlanders in last night's draw.

The other semi-final pairing has thrown up an all-Premier Division Dublin derby with Bohemians at home to St Patrick's Athletic.

Both matches will be screened live on RTÉ television with the Longford-Galway tie at Flancare Park on Friday, October 3rd, and the Dalymount Park game being played on the following Sunday afternoon.

Foley, a key figure in Galway's quarter-final win at Sligo Rovers on Saturday, is on loan to his home town club from Longford and under normal loan etiquette would not be allowed play against his registered club.

But Longford have agreed to look into the possibility of allowing Foley play against them. "As is usual with loan transfers, we have a stipulation in Kieran's loan deal that he can't play against us," said Longford manager Alan Matthews.

"But I'll look at it again and I've promised Tony Mannion I will do so. It depends on how we are fixed with injuries and suspensions coming up to the game."

Galway boss Mannion is anxious that the situation be resolved amicably. "We'll talk to Longford about it. We will approach it properly without creating any rancour," he said. "We need to promote the match. We don't want to be going into a cup semi-final haggling and fighting."

The Foley complication aside, both clubs stressed they were delighted with yesterday's draw.

"It's a great draw," said Mannion. "Longford is only an hour's drive from Galway and that should ensure a huge crowd. Okay, we are not at home, but no matter who you got you can't say you got a bad draw in a cup semi-final. We were always the sacrificial lamb in this. But we will be positive about it and we'll go and enjoy it and make it very interesting."

Matthews didn't hide his satisfaction at getting the only remaining First Division side at home in the last four of the competition.

"We're absolutely delighted with a home draw," he said. "You'd be lying if you said that you didn't mind if you drew St Pat's or Bohs."

Being at home was all that mattered to Bohemians manager Stephen Kenny, even if it is against a side that's already beaten his outfit twice this season.

"I'd rather be in Dalymount than in Richmond," said Kenny. "St Pat's are a good side and the fact they have beaten us this season is immaterial, though this is obviously an opportunity for us to put that right."

Tonight'sFixtures

(7.45 unless stated)

National League

Premier Division: Cork City v Bohemians; Shelbourne v Longford Town; UCD v Shamrock Rovers; Waterford United v St Patrick's Athletic (7.30).

First Division: Athlone Town v Monaghan United; Bray Wanderers v Dublin City; Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers (8.0)