Top Mayo club reinstated to FAI Cup after successful appeal

Castlebar Celtic have been reinstated in the FAI Junior Cup.

The leading Mayo club was officially informed today they have been successful in their appeal against the legality of the Waterford Villa side that defeated them 3-0 in the sixth round of the competition on February 16 last.

Celtic's assertion that Villa fielded an ineligible player in the game in Waterford was upheld by an FAI appeal committee.

The ruling was based on Rule 13.2 of the Football Association of Ireland Junior Challenge Cup Competition Rules 2024/2025 states that ‘a player who has played in the FAI Senior Cup with a League of Ireland Premier or First Division team during the season of this competition is not eligible to participate in the FAI Junior Cup’.

Celtic can now start planning for a home quarterfinal clash against Salthill Devon.

However, reports are emerging that Villa are considering appealing the decision and that process could take another few weeks.