THE FAI are set to win their race against time to get a replica trophy made in time for Friday’s League of Ireland showdown.
With two teams - Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers - still in with a shout of winning this year’s championship, the FAI have been working against the clock to get a fake trophy finished in time as a back-up plan.
Their problem is the two title deciding games are scheduled 145 miles apart, Shelbourne playing in Derry, Rovers against Waterford in Tallaght.
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The FAI considered hiring a helicopter to be positioned midway between the two venues but in the end opted for the more sensible option of ordering a replica trophy.
That piece of silverware is most likely to be at Tallaght Stadium as the precedent exists whereby the original trophy is brought to the venue of the team leading the League.
That currently is Shelbourne, who are top of the table, leading Rovers by two points.
The FAI have ordered two sets of winners medals, platforms and champagne for both venues. But their fear was whether the replica could be finished in time.
However it will be, 48 hours ahead of the biggest League of Ireland night in 10 years.
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