THE CHAMPIONS HELD TO A 3 - 3 DRAW AS THE LEAGUE KICKS OFF ON SAT 13 AUGUST 2022

The new season 2022-23 started on Saturday 13 August with the all conquering champions of 2021-22 Cleary Celtic travelling to Newtownhamilton to open the defence of their title against newly promoted Cartwheel United at Jimmy Steen Park. The home side led three times in the game and were only denied a famous win by Cleary Celtic's prolific goal scorer Neil Barr who grabbed an equaliser in the 85th minute to leave the final score at 3 - 3.

In the other Premier Division game Camlough Rovers won 1 - 0 against Ballybot United up in the Barley Field.

In Division 1 Archview United and Millburn United won 5 - 0 and 4 - 0 respectively and Carnbane League new boys Orchard United edged out last seasons new boys Newry Rovers 3 - 2 at Willie Davis Park.

In the MUFA Kennedy Cup semi-final Newry Celtic progressed to the final beating Greenfield Park 4 - 2 in Artie Green Park. Newry Celtic will now play Lurgan Celtic in the Final on Friday 26 August 2022. Full details later.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLUBS

CHANGE TO THE RULE ON THE NUMBER OF PERMITTED SUBSTITUTIONS
Clubs will be pleased to learn that the IFA has approved the League's request to permit the use of five substitutes from seven named in all Carnbane League competitions for the new season. It should be noted that for external competitions such as the MU Kennedy Cup, the MU Shield and the Irish Junior Cup the rule is unchanged with three substitutes only permitted from five named. Any future changes to this rule will be notified to all clubs.

IFA UNPAID FINES
Clubs should remain aware that it is in their best interests to pay IFA fines as soon as notification is received. Failure to settle within the specified time will inevitably result in additional financial penalties and possible suspension.