The Villa can now get back to the business of trying to secure their Premier League status following a 1-0 defeat by Clonmel Town in Cahir Park on Sunday afternoon.
They gave as good as they got against the red hot favourites and they more than held their own against a team who have also reached the final of the FAI Junior Cup.
The only goal of the game was scored by the former Waterford United and Carrick United striker Aaron Moroney three minutes into extra time, during which the Villa’s Nicky Corcoran was sent off.
The other semi-final between Pike Rover of Limerick and Carrick United was postponed. Pike Rovers were removed from the FAI Junior Cup by the FAI and as a result the MFA decided to set up an enquiry regarding the eligibility of some of their players.
It is possible that Clonmel Town could now play neighbours St Michael’s in the semi final of the FAI Junior Cup and Carrick United in the Munster Cup final.
Pike Rovers have an option to go to arbitration in the FAI Cup and they may also have to take that path if the MFA decide to follow the decision of the FAI. It is an unholy mess and hopefully the problem will be resolved sooner rather than later.