Treaty United v Cork City one of three League of Ireland matches postponed shortly before kick off

The three venues failed late pitch inspections following heavy rainfall.

WATERLOGGED: Three League of Ireland matches, including the Munster Derby between Treaty United and Cork City, have been called off at late notice on Friday night. Pic: Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile.

Three League of Ireland matches, including the Munster Derby between Treaty United and Cork City, have been called off at late notice on Friday night.

Just over an hour before kick-off at Market’s Field, Treaty posted on social media that there was set to be a pitch inspection at 6.50pm, 55 minutes before the First Division fixture was scheduled to begin.

Then at 6.54pm, the Limerick club posted an update confirming that the match had been called off “due to a waterlogged pitch”, with the visitors having already gone as far as announcing their starting 11.

Two Premier Division matches also fell foul to the terrible weather conditions with Galway United’s clash with Shelbourne at Eamon Deasy Park and Waterford’s game with Drogheda United at the RSC failing their own checks.

"The club apologises for the inconvenience caused from this evening’s postponement," said Treaty United.

"The weather conditions have been out of our control and we appreciate that many fans had planned to attend the match this evening.

"Tickets from tonight’s game will be valid for the re-scheduled game with Cork City - or a full refund is available from the club by contacting [e-mail]."

The League of Ireland also released the following statement. 

“The League of Ireland can confirm that Galway United v Shelbourne in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division has been postponed after a late sudden torrential rain downpour which has made the pitch unplayable following a pitch inspection from match officials.

“We can also confirm that Waterford v Drogheda United in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division has been postponed after the pitch has been deemed unplayable following a pitch inspection due to heavy rain.

“Treaty United v Cork City in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division has also been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch after a late torrential rain downpour.

“We will issue a new date for the fixtures in due course.”