2012 First Division structure?

[legendz]

Were all 4 of Cobh, Carlow, Tralee and Fanad invited to join with only Fanad declining?

[passinginterest]

Personally all for election of FC Carlow, but to play out of Kilkenny ? Might as well re-elect Kilkenny City.
If this condition goes ahead would it not be Carlow's interest to consider a name change to appeal to a wider audience ? South Leinster FC anyone.

Considering FC Carlow started life as South East FC that's not really a huge jump. I'm sure if they thought it would get more people through the gates they'd return to it.

[nigel-harps1954]

Considering their ground is in the middle of nowhere, I'd say it's a great move for them.

[WoodquayBoy]

The Just Follow The Floodlights page thinks Salthill may be pulling out?It's wrong to think that, they have appointed Tony Mannion as manager, and it is not so he can manage in the Galway & District League

[gufc2000]

Surely if Carlow are getting a licence provided they play in Kilkenny, then GUST merit a licence. This whole selection process is absolutely farcical, nothing short of a joke.

[gufcfan]

Surely if Carlow are getting a licence provided they play in Kilkenny, then GUST merit a licence. This whole selection process is absolutely farcical, nothing short of a joke.
I don't pretend to know what's going on, but there being no word from either party at the moment is good news as far as I'm concerned. The alleged problems with GUST getting a licence was nothing to do with how suitable they were or if the requirements were satisfied, which I hear they were. It seemed to be more to do with politics and certain people not wanting a licence granted to GUST.

The county is behind GUST. The City Council passed a unanimous vote to publicly support GUST, the county mayor supports GUST, more elected officials than I can remember, prominent local business people including Pat McDonagh, the Galway FA (who are the trustees of Terryland), a large number of junior clubs (with 2 obvious exceptions), the Connacht FA, government ministers, the President of our country...

[Youths4Ever]

Also, is Mick Wallace still bothering with Wexford Youths?? Very quiet down there.


Only question marks I'd have on that list would be are Wexford gonna be around and if Bray go tits up will the FAI put us up or fudge Waterford up.

Youths plan to be aorund this season (depending on license obviously). New manager Shane Keegan in place and working on pre season some interviews with Shane here (http://www.wexfordyouthsfc.ie/News.html)

[legendz]

The FAI are really handling this first division process very badly. It's damaging for the image of the league and even the integrity of the league.

[culloty82]

Still, at least it's actually an improvement on last year, in that the clubs can reasonably predict their chances of success and the process seems to have been concluded a month earlier. The fact that there hasn't been any confirmation yet of an announcement on Thursday won't do anything to ease the uncertainty, though.

[adamd164]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

[legendz]

I suppose if LoI football is coming to Kerry, the wait will be worth it!

[WoodquayBoy]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?
You're close, but still a little off!!

[Jofspring]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

Even if both clubs agree to it it sounds very messy. I would think both clubs would feel they either play seperate from each other as their own clubs or not at all, otherwise what would be the benefit in either club being involved in senior football if it was not as Salthill or Mervue.

[Jofspring]

You're close, but still a little off!!

Mervue/GUST??

[gufcfan]

There's a long way from being asked to actually agreeing to it. GUST reps might burst into flames in the presence of Mervue officials.

[Longfordian]

What's in it for Mervue? Can't see them agreeing to that too easily.

[Mr A]

I got the impression that the plan was for either Salthill or Mervue to 'rebrand' to something with Galway in the name. Not sure how that would work.

[Sean South]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?
Salthill were asked would they change their name to Galway Devon

[holidaysong]

The FAI asking clubs to re-brand themselves, that's crazy but not unbelievable. Franchise football is alive and well.

[gufcfan]

Franchise football is alive and well.
It's only been one season since Sporting Franchise fell apart after all.

[nigel-harps1954]

Galway Devon? That makes no sense whatsoever.

I'd guess it's something like Mervue/GUST. A nice training ground in Fahy's field there anyways.

[gufcfan]

Hilarious speculation.

[Sean South]

Galway Devon? That makes no sense whatsoever.

I'd guess it's something like Mervue/GUST. A nice training ground in Fahy's field there anyways.
I'd say that was Salthills reaction. Some about of stories going around Galway these days I'd say all are sh1te

[Martinho II]

i heard the same rumour in longford bout galway devon .I would strongly believe it.. the q is what would happen to tony mannions position at devon or will he replace jumbo brennan at galway devon?

[WoodquayBoy]

If it is a link-up between Devon and GUST, I can't see either 'United' or 'Devon' in the name, more than likely it would be 'Galway xxxx' - FC, Athletic, maybe even Rovers in a throw-back to the LOI roots in the city - so as to 'sell' it to United fans as a new version of United, rather than a switch to supporting Devon. As for Tony and Jumbo, I'd imagine they would work very well together, with Jumbo as the manager of the Airtricity League side, Tony as a Director of Football or something, while continuing to work with all the other Devon sides. I can't see Mervue being involved - I'd offer to run naked through the streets of Galway if that happened but, quite frankly, no-one wants to see that, in relation to both me being naked, and Mervue and GUST in partnership.

[legendz]

So at this stage, what's the most probable make-up of the first division for 2012?

Can it be said for certain these clubs will be involved:
Limerick, Waterford, Longford, Finn Harps, Athlone, Wexford.

Are we looking at 1, 2 or 3 clubs from Galway? I could see a place for two clubs from a number or counties/regions but 3 is a bit much.

Of potential new clubs:
Cobh, Carlow, Tralee and Fanad.

[Mr Maroon]

Can it be said for certain these clubs will be involved:
Limerick, Waterford, Longford, Finn Harps, Athlone, Wexford.
The only one of those I'd have a slight doubt about is Wexford.



Of potential new clubs:
Cobh, Carlow, Tralee and Fanad.I think Fanad are definitely out.

[LFC-Zulu]

So at this stage, what's the most probable make-up of the first division for 2012?

Can it be said for certain these clubs will be involved:
Limerick, Waterford, Longford, Finn Harps, Athlone, Wexford.

Are we looking at 1, 2 or 3 clubs from Galway? I could see a place for two clubs from a number or counties/regions but 3 is a bit much.

Of potential new clubs:
Cobh, Carlow, Tralee and Fanad.
Limerick
Waterford
Longford
Finn Harps
Athlone
Wexford
Mervue
GUST/Salthill mash up
Cobh
Tralee
Carlow

That's what I reckon. 11 teams, I know.

[Lim till i die]

Ten teams.

One of Cobh, Tralee or Carlow wont make it.

If Salthill Devon change to Galway Devon it wont involve the GUST afaik.

[adamd164]

^ that's how I'd figure it too, the FAI want max 2 teams in Galway, Delaney has publically stated that there are too many sides there.

'Galway Devon' or whatever they're going to be called in Terryland and Mervue in Fahy's Field.

[legendz]

Are Fanad definitely out? Where's the harm in pressing ahead with 11? It'll leave scope for one more club to join in the near future.

[nigel-harps1954]

Nobody really knows about Fanad it seems.

[culloty82]

Ten teams.

One of Cobh, Tralee or Carlow wont make it.

If Salthill Devon change to Galway Devon it wont involve the GUST afaik.

If an even number of teams was an issue, surely it'd make more sense to admit GUST independently, rather than penalising clubs who, if the various threads are correct, have met the licensing requirements?

[gufc2000]

Ten teams.

One of Cobh, Tralee or Carlow wont make it.

If Salthill Devon change to Galway Devon it wont involve the GUST afaik.
Well all of the above believe they are in, so hard to see who they would drop.

[MagicMon]

Out of interest, are there any Salthill or Carlow fans on here?

[Martinho II]

Ten teams.

One of Cobh, Tralee or Carlow wont make it.

If Salthill Devon change to Galway Devon it wont involve the GUST afaik.
do you mean lim till i die that galway utd would merge with devon so.. if thats the case its a surprise..

[Martinho II]

Nobody really knows about Fanad it seems.

I read somewhere that Fanad got put off by the amount of travelling involved.. why how far are they from ballybofey?

[Martinho II]

Out of interest, are there any Salthill or Carlow fans on here?

salthill no.. not sure about carlow tbh..

[nigel-harps1954]

I read somewhere that Fanad got put off by the amount of travelling involved.. why how far are they from ballybofey?

Christ, you're talking close to an hour for them to get to Ballybofey. Heard that they were told it would be a regional division and now it's not going to be that way they're put off by the travelling. They wouldn't have a huge fanbase anywho so they'd be no loss.

[nigel-harps1954]

Out of interest, are there any Salthill or Carlow fans on here?


Salthill? Fans? Really?

[Sam_Heggy]

Christ, you're talking close to an hour for them to get to Ballybofey. Heard that they were told it would be a regional division and now it's not going to be that way they're put off by the travelling. They wouldn't have a huge fanbase anywho so they'd be no loss.

They'va a damn sight more fans than Salthill or Mervue id wager.

[Terry-Lander]

Out of interest, are there any Salthill or Carlow fans on here?

Not sure there are even Salthill fans in Drom....

[Lim till i die]

If an even number of teams was an issue, surely it'd make more sense to admit GUST independently, rather than penalising clubs who, if the various threads are correct, have met the licensing requirements?


Well all of the above believe they are in, so hard to see who they would drop.

Why stop at GUST?? Why not admit Mullingar and Castlebar, make it fourteen, they've been mentioned in foot.ie threads aswell....


You all realise the FAI have to operate in the (often semi in their case tbf) real world and not in foot.ie land??

There's nothing to suggest all three clubs think they are in bar idle speculation on here.

Don't get me wrong it's just an educated guess on my part, doesn't matter to me whether there's ten, eleven or twenty three teams involved.


do you mean lim till i die that galway utd would merge with devon so.. if thats the case its a surprise..

No I mean Salthill will re brand their senior team for the purposes of League Of Ireland football.

Again just an educated guess, probably wont even happen this year.

Galway United is dead and as such would be bringing nothing to that table.


I read somewhere that Fanad got put off by the amount of travelling involved.. why how far are they from ballybofey?

This is exactly what happened Fanad.

I wish people would stop mentioning Fanad.

They thought the Division would be regionalised.

They expressed an interest.

They were told it wouldn't be regionalised.

They baulked at the costs involved.

The end.


They'va a damn sight more fans than Salthill or Mervue id wager.

Totally irrelevant unless they were all going to push the bus on the long away trips cut down on costs.

[legendz]

If Fanad want a regional league, it's the place for some form of regionalised third tier. If a reserve league was to come in, it'll probably be regionalised. A mix of the two is still the obvious choice. I haven't seen Mullingar mentioned much. Tullamore and Castlebar were the two clubs to pull out of the A Championship last year citing the uncertainty and the end of that league.

[culloty82]

After the bold headlines of a fortnight ago, tomorrow is now merely Tralee's final meeting with the FAI (http://www.kerryman.ie/sport/soccer/100k-a-year-to-fund-dynamos-in-league-of-ireland-2992151.html), so looks like nothing will be decided until 12th February. Just to pull Lim up on "speculation", I've only put updates in this thread that were based on a source, so when anything is wrong, it's because new info has become available afterwards.

[gufc2000]

Open meeting - this evening, Claddagh Hall, 9.00pm
Galway United Supporters Trust will hold an open meeting this evening, Wednesday January 18th, to update our members, supporters and the public on developments over the two weeks regarding our application for the 2012 Airtricity League First Division.

The meeting will be held at the Claddagh Hall at 9.00pm. GUST apologise for the short notice, we hope to see you at the Claddagh Hall later on.

[gufct]

Limeick fans have short memories

The FAI's decision effectively disenfranchised the incumbent Limerick F.C. and its chairman Danny Drew, although the organisation remained receptive to the continued participation of Limerick within senior football. To this end, FAI chief executive John Delaney openly solicited approaches from other interested parties within the city of Limerick even as he announced the rejection of Limerick F.C.'s appeal: "We want a healthy Limerick based club in the new Eircom League of Ireland and if interested entities seek a licence, we would assess them carefully for their suitability to meet the criteria required to play in the league."[8] On January 3, 2007, the FAI confirmed that its appeal for Limerick-based applicants to the league had garnered interest from a number of parties, one of which identified itself as Soccer Limerick, a consortium purporting to represent the entire spectrum of Limerick football, from schoolboy to Junior (amateur) level, and operating under the auspices of the Limerick Sports Partnership.[9]

Eight days later, Soccer Limerick confirmed that its constituent committees had approved the submission of a formal application for a UEFA club license, with a view to gaining entry to the First Division of the National League for the 2007 season. Soccer Limerick spokesman Ger Finnan confirmed that Limerick 37 planned to stage home fixtures at Jackman Park, headquarters of the LDMC, and would announce the appointment of a first-team manager on Monday January 15, 2007.[10] Paul McGee was subsequently appointed manager of Limerick 37, and signed 11 players before the start of the season.[11]

With McGee's results and style of play not going down well with the home fans, the club opted to replace him with former player and manager Mike Kerley, who brought abput mid-table respectability, as well as a remarkable end of season run which saw Limerick end Waterford's promotion hopes with a 5-1 win in Limerick, a 1-0 away defeat of eventual division winners Dundalk, and most memorably, a 1-1 draw away to shelbourne, with Colin Scanlan's late equaliser denying Shelbourne the title and promotion in the 2008 season.

[bluewhitearmy]

Limeick fans have short memories

The FAI's decision effectively disenfranchised the incumbent Limerick F.C. and its chairman Danny Drew, although the organisation remained receptive to the continued participation of Limerick within senior football. To this end, FAI chief executive John Delaney openly solicited approaches from other interested parties within the city of Limerick even as he announced the rejection of Limerick F.C.'s appeal: "We want a healthy Limerick based club in the new Eircom League of Ireland and if interested entities seek a licence, we would assess them carefully for their suitability to meet the criteria required to play in the league."[8] On January 3, 2007, the FAI confirmed that its appeal for Limerick-based applicants to the league had garnered interest from a number of parties, one of which identified itself as Soccer Limerick, a consortium purporting to represent the entire spectrum of Limerick football, from schoolboy to Junior (amateur) level, and operating under the auspices of the Limerick Sports Partnership.[9]

Eight days later, Soccer Limerick confirmed that its constituent committees had approved the submission of a formal application for a UEFA club license, with a view to gaining entry to the First Division of the National League for the 2007 season. Soccer Limerick spokesman Ger Finnan confirmed that Limerick 37 planned to stage home fixtures at Jackman Park, headquarters of the LDMC, and would announce the appointment of a first-team manager on Monday January 15, 2007.[10] Paul McGee was subsequently appointed manager of Limerick 37, and signed 11 players before the start of the season.[11]

With McGee's results and style of play not going down well with the home fans, the club opted to replace him with former player and manager Mike Kerley, who brought abput mid-table respectability, as well as a remarkable end of season run which saw Limerick end Waterford's promotion hopes with a 5-1 win in Limerick, a 1-0 away defeat of eventual division winners Dundalk, and most memorably, a 1-1 draw away to shelbourne, with Colin Scanlan's late equaliser denying Shelbourne the title and promotion in the 2008 season.

You have posted this twice now.Whats it to do with anything?

[culloty82]

Open meeting - this evening, Claddagh Hall, 9.00pm


Galway United Supporters Trust will hold an open meeting this evening, Wednesday January 18th, to update our members, supporters and the public on developments over the two weeks regarding our application for the 2012 Airtricity League First Division.

The meeting will be held at the Claddagh Hall at 9.00pm. GUST apologise for the short notice, we hope to see you at the Claddagh Hall later on.

Wonder if the Galway fans were watching Nuacht TG4 tonight - it reported that GUST won't be awarded an independent licence, that the FAI have ordered a merger with either Mervue or Salthill, and that three-party talks were held last night between GUST, Salthill and the FAI, but adjourned without agreement. After tonight's GUST EGM, discussions will reportedly resume tomorrow morning.

[Martinho II]

there was a good piece in the mail about galway devon merger today.. interesting to see what will happen next.. I sincerely hope that the merger will not be a disaster as the St Pats St Francis merger was eleven years ago which ceased a few months later!