Ballyclare Comrades FC notes the recent speculation in the local press regarding participation in the 2020/21 Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup. We would like to advise our supporters that it is our intention to compete in this season’s competition, subject to being granted sufficient preparation time by the Northern Ireland Executive. Our last 32 clash away to Warrenpoint Town is provisionally scheduled to be played on Saturday 1st May 2021.

Manager Paul Harbinson states: “We asked the players for their opinion and, overwhelmingly, they want to get back playing. We have talked long and hard about their mental health and the fact they need that release of being together again. They are crying out for a date to get back training again. Of course, there is also a sense of reality about competing in the Irish Cup. I have assured the players that there will not be a lot expected of them. If conditions are right and we’re given the proper amount of time to train and prepare, we will look forward to the challenge of competing in this year’s Irish Cup.”

Naturally, we are still disappointed that we did not get to compete in a league programme this season due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we feel that participating in the Irish Cup will be a good way to bring our club back together again ahead of the 2021/22 NIFL Championship season starting in August, when we hope that we will be welcoming fans back through the gates of Dixon Park once more.