Northern Ireland round-up: Omagh on the up

Belarus trip
That European opportunity should have gone to Linfield FC, who qualified by finishing fourth in the Irish League Premier Division of the Irish League, but the Blues have decided not take part after all. Linfield manager David Jeffrey had expressed concerns about the journey to play a team from Belarus next month and his club has now confirmed that they will not take part in the competition.

Not worried
Jeffrey said: "We have a fair number of players who are still injured, then there are others away on holiday and some who are out of contract. Also, taking part in this competition would mean a very early start to our season." However, Omagh manager Roy McCreadie was delighted to take Linfield's place. "We are not concerned about the tricky travel arrangements to Belarus. We have been down this road before," he said. The Tyrone team finished fifth and also reached the semi-finals of the Irish Cup, losing out to eventual winners Coleraine FC.

Fire damage
In complete contrast to Omagh Town, a bad situation has just got worse for Glenavon FC. After finishing just two places off the bottom of the table, the Lurgan club suffered a fire at its ground, Mourneview Park at the weekend. Damage was caused to the Lurgan Blues' boardroom and a kitchen under the main stand. Initial investigations point to the fire having been started deliberately, with further damage only avoided thanks to the automatic fire alarm system.

International chance
Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy selected two Irish League players to start the 'B' international challenge match against the 'Scotland Future' side at Firhill, Glasgow which they lost 2-1 last night. Defender Gareth McAuley of Irish Cup-winners Coleraine and striker Andy Smith from league champions Glentoran FC made the first eleven, while three other Irish league players were on the bench, namely Glens goalkeeper Elliott Morris, Coleraine winger Rory Hamill, and Portadown FC striker Gary Hamilton.

Donnelly staying
Ireland's oldest club, Cliftonville FC, have secured the services of Solitude stalwart Mickey Donnelly for another season, which should see him playing during the club's 125th anniversary year in 2004. The 35-year-old Donnelly signed a one-year contract with the north Belfast club and should now chalk up his 600th appearance with the Reds next season after signing for them way back in 1987. "I am pleased that I will be concluding my playing career with the Reds," Donnelly said. "After nearly 16 years with the club there's no better place than Solitude to finish."