Bohs handed FAI Cup walkover after Ringmahon withdraw

Bohemians will receive a walkover in the second round of the Club Orange Men's FAI Cup after Cork club Ringmahon Rangers opted to withdraw from the competition.

The sides were due to meet on 19 July but the Munster Senior League outfit decided to forgo the fixture because of a potential clash with the All-Ireland hurling final which could feature Cork should the Rebels beat Galway in their semi-final on Saturday.

"As a club, we feel we were treated unfairly and placed in an impossible position," the club said in a statement.

With Ringmahon Rangers' home ground not an option for the FAI Cup clash against Bohs, the club had sought to use Cobh Ramblers' St Colman's Park.

The club's statement continued that, "other team games v League of Ireland opposition have been allowed to be played at our home ground.

"Following discussions with the Munster Football Association, we were informed that Turner's Cross would not be available that weekend. We then explored the possibility of staging the game in Cobh, with concerns over reduced attendance due to a potential clash with a Cork GAA fixture and the FIFA World Cup final later that day, created significant difficulties.

"In an effort to find a workable solution, we proposed severa alternative dates to the FAI, including Friday, Saturday, and Monday of the same weekend. We also offered to play the fixture the previous week or at any suitable date before the next round of the competition.

"We subsequently received correspondence from the FAI confirming that these requests had been declined and that the fixture details were to be finalised by 12:00pm on Monday."

A mooted 2pm kick-off time was deemed too close to the throw-in time for the hurling decider amid concerns about crowd numbers.

"Given the logistical challenges, player availability issues, logistical issues with staging the match approximately 30 minutes from our home venue on an already congested sporting weekend, we felt we had no viable option but to withdraw from the competition," the statement added.

"This is an outcome that deeply disappoints everyone associated with Ringmahon Rangers. We would like to thank our players, supporters, volunteers, and sponsors for their continued support and understanding.

"We will be making no further comment on the situation."

Bohemians' involvement in European qualifiers next month also precluded the rescheduling of the tie.

Republic of Ireland internationals Caoimhín Kelleher and Jaden Umeh are among the players to have been developed at Ringmahon Rangers.

Click here to read article