FAI Invites First Division Expressions of Interest

**sadloserkid** · 16/08/2013, 9:15 AM

Originally Posted by Nesta99

only to be promoted eventually by a goal scored by Limerick...

What a goal it was though.

**Dermotron** · 16/08/2013, 10:28 AM

For those wondering about Kilkenny City reforming, it's unlikely. Posted here prior to the new season when everyone was curious as to who was going to enter / could enter the league.

Without a North/South or East/West split an expanded 1st Division is unrealistic from the point of view of newly formed clubs entering the league. Rivalries would form easier thus meaning better attendances and more sustainable clubs. Like a potential 8 team First Division South could be - Waterford, Wexford, Cobh plus Carlow, Tralee, Kilkenny, perhaps team from Tipperary. It may be against what I mentioned in the post I linked but it would certainly be more appealing to think that there would be 6 south east derby games per season straight away.

The majority of nations with something similar already have a 3rd tier (which is normally where the splits are) which are made up of teams we would regard as Senior or Intermediate teams here. But here in lies the problem with expanding or creating a bigger league, the league itself is not connected to what should be it's feeder leagues i.e. Leinster/Munster/Ulster and Connaught Senior leagues. Even the nations with similar populations have a structure in place where every team that plays is part of the same pyramid, from Pro down to Junior. With exception of the FAI Cup, there is no connection to those leagues. I guess the other issue is that if ever a move was made to connect the leagues to each other, there would be general uproar from the Senior clubs who are quiet happy with their current set-up and league systems. What's acceptable in terms of the First Division licencing would also need to change of course.

**nigel-harps1954** · 16/08/2013, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Dermotron

I guess the other issue is that if ever a move was made to connect the leagues to each other, there would be general uproar from the Senior clubs who are quiet happy with their current set-up and league systems. What's acceptable in terms of the First Division licencing would also need to change of course.

I'd imagine there'd be more uproar amongst junior clubs.

**oriel** · 16/08/2013, 11:10 AM

Newry Town (City now) looked into joining the LOI when they were forced out of the Irish Lge PD 2 years ago. I dont think they took it any further as the IFA were having just about enough of the players thing, and cut them a deal to join up in some regional league.

But they definitely looked into a FD application.

**Nesta99** · 17/08/2013, 4:57 PM

Originally Posted by sadloserkid

What a goal it was though.

Oh I agree totally - dramatic stuff it was!! Took everyone by surprise especially the Kildare stewards who thought that the fans running on to celebrate were running at John Gill rather than to him - they were hastily carrying him away as he was trying to confirm what what had happened and they were hanging on to him for dear life, quite funny and priceless memories.

**culloty82** · 20/08/2013, 1:15 PM

Today's Indo reporting that the plan for a single Galway club is on the brink of collapse - GUST requested that the name "Galway United" be used and the merged entity be run as a co-operative, and are considering pulling out, as neither demand proved acceptable to Mervue and Salthill.

**bluewhitearmy** · 20/08/2013, 1:36 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

Today's Indo reporting that the plan for a single Galway club is on the brink of collapse - GUST requested that the name "Galway United" be used and the merged entity be run as a co-operative, and are considering pulling out, as neither demand proved acceptable to Mervue and Salthill.

So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

**nigel-harps1954** · 20/08/2013, 1:47 PM

Originally Posted by bluewhitearmy

So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

In fairness now, if it's just another show run by Naughton and his cronies then I don't blame them in the slightest.

This is meant to be a club run by Galway football in the best interests of football in the region. If the people in the region don't get a say in things then whats the point in the first place?

**Eminence Grise** · 20/08/2013, 2:04 PM

I like Mervue Salthill Galway as a name. Wouldn't MSG would be a great additive to the league?

**Longfordian** · 20/08/2013, 2:30 PM

What have they been discussing up to now if they haven't any agreement on the basic running of the club and what it may be called?

**Guitd** · 20/08/2013, 3:41 PM

Originally Posted by Longfordian

What have they been discussing up to now if they haven't any agreement on the basic running of the club and what it may be called?

AHHH things like >>>who will be representing them on the fai council.......what deal can salthill get from the FAI.......what deal can Mervue get from the fai....who be CEO and it will take a few week to PICK a F"""""ing name for christ sake

**NeverFeltBetter** · 20/08/2013, 3:41 PM

We've had the discussion over the name at some point in the past and I remember this: http://foot.ie/threads/172511-Report...=1#post1632454

And I knew right then and there that the name it was going to be a sticking point at one stage. Not surprised to see SD and Mervue balking at what no longer looks like a true merger of equals, just Galway United absorbing the other two and carrying on.

**Dodge** · 20/08/2013, 4:21 PM

Here's my post from a year ago. I think it still applies to the naming issue

http://foot.ie/threads/172511-Report...=1#post1632537

**Eminence Grise** · 20/08/2013, 5:07 PM

I think you're right. New club, new name. Otherwise it's just a takeover, not a merger. Pity the rugger boys have Galwegians sewn up.

**NeverFeltBetter** · 20/08/2013, 5:18 PM

I seriously can't see any reasonable objection to something like "Galway City FC". Or just "Galway FC".

**Eminence Grise** · 20/08/2013, 5:25 PM

Ditto. Or County. Insisting on 'United' seems like a deliberate attempt to put a stumbling block in place.

**Patrick Dunne** · 20/08/2013, 5:33 PM

SD Galway Bay Waves

**Strongbow10** · 20/08/2013, 5:33 PM

Originally Posted by bluewhitearmy

So all the talk about wanting whats best for football in Galway from GUST but if its not on their terms then they pull out.

In a fully functioning Irish football system, Mervue and Salthill would be thriving clubs in their own right at underage and junior level, with the Ultimate aim of providing a competitive Galway United with players.

The fact that all 3 are squabbling is really sad to see.