NIFL confirm that League Cup Semi-Finals will go ahead despite snowy conditions

Mourneview Park, home of Glenavon

The snow and ice might be affecting the majority of Northern Ireland, but it won’t get in the way of tonight’s BetMcLean League Cup Semi-Finals after the NI Football League confirmed both games will go ahead.

There were understandable fears that the weather might call off the last-four ties between Dungannon Swifts and Linfield at Stangmore Park and Glenavon and Portadown at Mourneview Park, both of which are due to kick off at 7:45pm, after a blanket of snow fell over the country overnight.

However, a NIFL spokesperson has confirmed that both games will take place as scheduled and will not require pitch inspections.

“Following consultation with both host clubs, we’re pleased to advise that both tonight’s BetMcLean Cup semi-finals will not require pitch inspections and will proceed as scheduled,” they said.

Earlier in the day Glenavon groundsman David McClure had taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ease fans’ fears that their game would be called off, insisting the playing surface is fine ahead of tonight’s game.

"Was a bit worried when I looked outside and seen the snow but Lurgan is clear,” wrote McClure.

"Mourneview Park is fine. A bit wet but playable. We are good to go (unless some drastic change in weather ) for Bet McLean League semi final Mid Ulster Derby!”

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There has been one game called off in the GAA’s Sigerson Cup, though, as St Mary’s College’s game against TU Dublin has been postponed due to an unplayable pitch.