FAI chief executive John Delaney has defended his much-publicised drinking sessions with Irish fans during Ireland’s disastrous Euro 2012 campaign.

As 30,000 fans cheered on the Republic of Ireland in Poznan last night, yet another Airtricity League club was forced to withdraw from the domestic top flight due to a lack of support.

Monaghan United officials declared their intent to fulfil their fixtures this season despite a cash-flow crisis which as engulfing the club.