Setanta hit by withdrawal of Northern duo

After arriving in a blaze of fanfare as a potential precursor to an All-Ireland League in 2005, yesterday’s announcement of the 2014 Setanta Sports Cup was delivered amid its latest setback.

Even by the time the organisers of the cross-border tournament confirmed details of the competition, half of the Northern representatives – Linfield and Cliftonville – had declined invitations to participate.

Both clubs cited “scheduling difficulties” as contributory to their decision – natural given the competition begins in February just as their domestic campaign intensifies – but the 80% cut in prize money over the eight-year lifespan of the event was also a factor.