By Conor Sharkey

A row between Strabane District Council and the Tyrone Milk Cup Association which looked set to over shadow this year's competition has been resolved at the eleventh hour.

The row broke out in Ballymoney last July when an altercation took place between Tyrone Milk Cup Association Treasurer Felix McCrossan and council chairman Gerard Foley.

What was said during the pitchside exchange has been disputed, however Cllr Foley alleges Mr McCrossan accused him of neglecting Strabane soccer in favour of the GAA fraternity. It was, Mr Foley claimed, "an attack not just on me, but the entire Strabane District Council".

Strabane District Council donate £1,000 per year to the Milk Cup and have been an annual sponsor for several years.

In addition, Strabane was due to hold the county launch of the event this year, which would have seen teams from across Tyrone converging on the town prior to the competition.

Both the sponsorship and the launch remained in the balance until a meeting on Monday night, when councillor Foley agreed to take the matter no further.

He told a relieved chamber: "I have spoken to a few young boys involved in this year's competition and I don't want to see any of them losing out.

" I believe the Tyrone Milk Cup Association should sort out their committee but I would say go ahead and give them the money and let them have the launch ceremony in Strabane.

"But I still believe the Milk Cup Association need to sort out their committee."

Mr Foley's decision was applauded by other council members.

Derg councillor Derek Hussey added: "I think it would have been wrong not to support this. This cannot be held back because of the actions of one person and I applaud councillor Foley.

"I look forward to a good launch and a successful tournament," he said.