Stephen Kenny has condemned a 27-day gap without a league game as unacceptable for St Patrick's Athletic. The manager said the layoff showed a lack of respect for his players during a critical title race.

Kenny made his comments ahead of the club's return to Premier Division action against Shelbourne at Richmond Park on Friday night. St Patrick's Athletic last played a league match on 19 September, when Aidan Keena's 74th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win at Sligo Rovers. That victory had put them top of the table.

"Having no league game for 27 days is unprecedented and unacceptable in a league season," Kenny said. "There has been no respect or consideration or empathy for the St Patrick’s Athletic players."

He argued the fixture makers had badly treated his squad. The extended break was caused by the international window and the FAI Cup semi-finals, a competition St Patrick's Athletic exited at the quarter-final stage. Kenny pointed out that rivals Bohemians, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers all played two league games during the same period his side had none, a disparity he called "grossly unfair."

Title race context

St Patrick's Athletic now sit second in the Premier Division standings with 59 points from 32 games. They are six points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, who have played one game more. The Saints possess a superior goal difference, having scored 52 and conceded 25 this season, a key factor in the tight race.

Their recent form has been strong, with three wins and a draw from their last four matches. This includes a 4-0 victory at Dundalk and a 2-0 home win over Shamrock Rovers. The team's overall stats reflect a potent attack and a solid defence.

Kenny, who previously managed the Republic of Ireland and Dundalk, compared the disruption to the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak decades ago. He said it demonstrated scant regard for the athletes involved. St Patrick's Athletic won the last meeting between the sides 2-1 in August.

Looking ahead to the final fixtures, Kenny emphasised the challenge of regaining momentum after such a long break. The Saints will look to continue their winning run and close the gap at the top when they host Shelbourne this Friday at Richmond Park.

Read the full report at rte.ie