Future of the A Championship

**Sam_Heggy** · 23/01/2011, 8:25 PM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

Last season of the A Championship and no cup. Season starts in April. Top placed team in each group play off in the Final.

My Bad, top 2 in each group play off in semi final. Top team in group has home advantage.

Interesting point that the groups will not be set out until Prem and 1st Div licences are handed out.

Also, the competition format will be changed this year. Wonder what that means?

**culloty82** · 27/01/2011, 10:07 AM

Kerry's Eye pretty much confirms Sam's story - last year of A Championship, the five teams to be invited to join First Division. Dynamos can't comment as no official information from the FAI, but will accept offer if that's what eventually transpires.

**stann** · 27/01/2011, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by cornflakes

What happens to Cobh, Carlow and the other First teams after this season?
Will they be invited to the First Division?

I've not heard much on this bar that it is the last year of the 'A', but I can't see how that will automatically mean we revert to a closed league.
I would assume - and it is only an assumption, but based on hearing the word 'restructuring' bandied about, rather than 'abolition' - that the A-league will be replaced by some form of reserve division, that the non-league clubs currently in it will be invited to step up to Div 1 if they wish, or if not to continue in the reserve division, and that that division will be the entry point for any new clubs in the future.

**legendz** · 27/01/2011, 8:06 PM

Originally Posted by stann

I've not heard much on this bar that it is the last year of the 'A', but I can't see how that will automatically mean we revert to a closed league.
I would assume - and it is only an assumption, but based on hearing the word 'restructuring' bandied about, rather than 'abolition' - that the A-league will be replaced by some form of reserve division, that the non-league clubs currently in it will be invited to step up to Div 1 if they wish, or if not to continue in the reserve division, and that that division will be the entry point for any new clubs in the future.

If there is a reserve Division, why not continue the A Championship but restructure it as such?
If all 5 teams have been invited to join the First Division, it suggest the First Divison is open ended and that there's no cap on the number of clubs can join? If it is, it'll be a very messy format. The A Championship itself can be kept open ended for all new clubs but if it's the way they want to go, it's the way it'll be.

**colinf** · 10/02/2011, 8:56 PM

any sign of a fixture list for this? or even the groups lists?

**Sam_Heggy** · 12/02/2011, 3:01 PM

Originally Posted by colinf

any sign of a fixture list for this? or even the groups lists?

Nothing until licences are granted tomorrow/Monday. Then id give it a week or so.

**legendz** · 12/02/2011, 3:34 PM

Heggy, do you have any idea what is likely to happen to the A Championship clubs after this season? Also, will a reserve league be formed for side looking to field a reserve team?

**Sam_Heggy** · 13/02/2011, 9:21 AM

Looking like a reserve league alright and the current A League clubs will be invited to play in it if they want.

In saying that, it could all change again during the course of the year.

**legendz** · 13/02/2011, 8:34 PM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

Looking like a reserve league alright and the current A League clubs will be invited to play in it if they want.

In saying that, it could all change again during the course of the year.

Are you serious Sam? The A Championship is to end, a reserve league will be created and the current A League clubs will be invited?! Isn't that more or less what the A Championship is and why won't they keep it as such?

I know towards the end of last season some Premier clubs wanted the A Championship ended. Surely removing the stipulation Premier clubs have to field an A side will appease them?

**culloty82** · 13/02/2011, 8:44 PM

Indeed, it all just looks like a pointless rebranding for no apparent reason.

**geezer** · 14/02/2011, 3:24 PM

that A Championship...crash course required urgently...i havent worked one minute on this St Valentines day massacre, over something i have supporterd for 35years

**Sam_Heggy** · 14/02/2011, 3:29 PM

Originally Posted by legendz

Are you serious Sam? The A Championship is to end, a reserve league will be created and the current A League clubs will be invited?! Isn't that more or less what the A Championship is and why won't they keep it as such?

I know towards the end of last season some Premier clubs wanted the A Championship ended. Surely removing the stipulation Premier clubs have to field an A side will appease them?

Nope Im pulling your leg man, really.

**Sam_Heggy** · 14/02/2011, 3:37 PM

So Fanad are in the A League now, luckily a handy away trip for our reserves. Also, Mons and Drogs will leave it another 2 relatively handy trips.

Northern section of: Harps, Fanad, Derry, Sligo, Mons, Drogs, Dundalk, Shels, Bohs,

Southern: Limerick (?), Tralee, Carlow, Cobh, UCD, Rovers, Pats, Bray, Galway (?)

Is that too logical of a separation?

**Sam_Heggy** · 14/02/2011, 3:39 PM

Originally Posted by geezer

that A Championship...crash course required urgently...i havent worked one minute on this St Valentines day massacre, over something i have supporterd for 35years

Crash course - see ye in April with about 10 people in attendance.

By the way, is there still good prizemoney for winning the A League? It used to be around €20k.

**Dodge** · 14/02/2011, 3:41 PM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

So Fanad are in the A League now, luckily a handy away trip for our reserves. Also, Mons and Drogs will leave it another 2 relatively handy trips.

Northern section of: Harps, Fanad, Derry, Sligo, Mons, Drogs, Dundalk, Shels, Bohs,

Southern: Limerick (?), Tralee, Carlow, Cobh, UCD, Rovers, Pats, Bray, Galway (?)

Is that too logical of a separation?

I'd have assumed they'd try to keep Galway close to Sligo etc. Wasn't Mervue/Salthill in the Northen section? Swap one of the Dub teams.

You'd have to think there was definitely some sort of plan for the league as Fanad wouldn't join for just 6 months would they?

**Sam_Heggy** · 14/02/2011, 3:56 PM

Originally Posted by Dodge

I'd have assumed they'd try to keep Galway close to Sligo etc. Wasn't Mervue/Salthill in the Northen section? Swap one of the Dub teams.

You'd have to think there was definitely some sort of plan for the league as Fanad wouldn't join for just 6 months would they?

Meh, Galway were in the Southern Section last season though. They are as close if not closer to Limerick than Sligo.

The Reserve league will replace the A League is what Ive been told. Maybe this will be reviewed over the course of the season.

**culloty82** · 14/02/2011, 4:13 PM

I'd say swap Shels and Galway over, so they'd play Sligo and Derry, but other than that, you're probably spot on. If Galway win their appeal, that section would be down to eight teams.

**legendz** · 14/02/2011, 4:50 PM

If it's going to be called a reserve league so be it. As long as there is a gateway for clubs to join the league, that's the main thing.

**Sam_Heggy** · 14/02/2011, 5:07 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

I'd say swap Shels and Galway over, so they'd play Sligo and Derry, but other than that, you're probably spot on. If Galway win their appeal, that section would be down to eight teams.

If Galway win their appeal they will have to have a team in the A League.
Shels were in Northern section last season with Galway in southern, why should that change now?

**Dodge** · 14/02/2011, 6:44 PM

Originally Posted by Sam_Heggy

If Galway win their appeal they will have to have a team in the A League.
Shels were in Northern section last season with Galway in southern, why should that change now?

Just to have a less weird decision than Galways in A and Drogheda in the premier...