Donegal Celtic And Portadown Excluded In 'New Look' League

Donegal Celtic Chairman, Raymond Bonner, has spoken of his club's disappointment after being excluded from the IFA's new-look league.

At the same time, Portadown - the most successful club in the Premier League outside Belfast - were also left out after their application was submitted minutes after the March deadline.

The club has since appealed, but the IFA are standing by their original decision.

Meanwhile, Bangor, who have not been included in the league since 1996, and Institute have now been included in the Irish FA's new 12-team Invitational League.

Celtic's Raymond Bonner, called the decision a "body blow for the community in west Belfast".

"It's the feelgood factor Donegal Celtic has brought to west Belfast. [We reached] The semi-finals of an Irish Cup, we've brought Linfield, Glentoran and all other teams that the people around west Belfast want to see without any trouble at all.

"You ask any Irish League teams where they like to play and it's up at Donegal Celtic Park," he said.

Portadown's application for the new-look Premiership was deemed invalid due to an "administrative error".

A statement from the IFA, after the 'Ports' appealed the decision, said their decision was "valid", and noted: "The IFA Appeals Board, after hearing lengthy and detailed submissions from Portadown, unanimously agreed to reject the club's appeal on the basis that the required documentation was not submitted on or before the deadline set by the Association."

(JM)