Wishful thinking of a Second Division

[legendz]

I've made mention of my wishful thinking of a Second Division, so I'll elaborate a bit here on it.

I believe a Second Division of:
GUST
Cobh
Carlow
Tralee
Castlebar
Tullamore

I believe it this was given a chance and the 6 clubs wanted it to happen, that the league could get off the ground. 6 clubs is not ideal but U19 south league has set a standard. Someone might explain how budget for such a division would be much different to the A Championship? In terms of travel costs, it's manageable?

If such a division was given a chance, rivalries would build up between the clubs to win the division and get a shot at a promotion/relegation play-off to join the First Division.

The hope would be it the division was successful to a degree and able to stand on it's own feet that more clubs might be inclined to join e.g. Fanad, Kilkenny or PortLaoise etc.

Surely the way to develop the game is to have clubs playing at national level at some level and these clubs being the focal point of the development of the game within their area.

[Eminence Grise]

The travel is probably reasonable. Carlow/Cobh to Castlebar are the greatest treks. Would you play four rounds of matches? Monotony might be a problem, as might trying to finance a team on just ten home games. I wonder whether there is any room for a cup competition between the first division and your proposed second. Two groups of 7 - 4 from the first and 3 from the second, maybe regionalised if possible; each team plays every other team once, so that's three home and three away games; top two qualify for the semi-final. Apart from the home gates, it would give the second division a chance to measure their progress against four first division teams competitively.

It's all academic for now, but if there's enough discussion and the clubs want it ... who knows what might happen.

[kerrysock]

A six team meaningless league? Honestly like what is the point!
I get the feeling we are "clutching at straws" here ...

Where would the sponsorship come from? - especially when the league most probably won't be backed by the FAI

[legendz]

The travel is probably reasonable. Carlow/Cobh to Castlebar are the greatest treks. Would you play four rounds of matches? Monotony might be a problem, as might trying to finance a team on just ten home games. I wonder whether there is any room for a cup competition between the first division and your proposed second. Two groups of 7 - 4 from the first and 3 from the second, maybe regionalised if possible; each team plays every other team once, so that's three home and three away games; top two qualify for the semi-final. Apart from the home gates, it would give the second division a chance to measure their progress against four first division teams competitively.

It's all academic for now, but if there's enough discussion and the clubs want it ... who knows what might happen.

Thanks for being willing to discuss it at least.


I can only hold up the U19 south league division of 6 as an example. Monotony could be a problem but it's better than on games or division at all. The First division has to put up with 4 rounds. If it's the only option and more teams aren't there, it's hard to complain.


A cup has merit but will have a decent prize. The mentioned proposed wishful thinking of a second division would have the carrot for the winner of getting a shot at the first division through a relegation/promotion play-off.


Alas it is academic and wishful thinking right now but hopefully a discussion can take place between clubs and the FAI to make it happen.

[legendz]

A six team meaningless league? Honestly like what is the point!
I get the feeling we are "clutching at straws" here ...

Where would the sponsorship come from? - especially when the league most probably won't be backed by the FAI

In fairness kerrysock, how the **** would it be meaningless? The prize for winning would be a promotion/relegation play-off to join the first division.


If it was entering the last 5 games of the season and Dynamos were battling with Carlow and Cobh to win the division. Would you not go to the game. If Dynamos were so win such a division and get a shot against SD Galway in a promotion/relegation play-off, would you not go to such a game??


The point of this, while clutching at straws, is to discuss the merit in having a third tier division allowing clubs a route into LoI football while not being heavily restricted with licencing. If Cobh, Tralee and more clubs aren't ready for the first division, the only solution is for these clubs to play in a third tier and progress from there both on and off the park.


Regards sponsorship etc., that's a good point. I don't doubt these obstacles at all but it's the very reason for clubs to discuss and explore the options and possibilities, working to see if there is a solution.

[kerrysock]

In fairness kerrysock, how the **** would it be meaningless? The prize for winning would be a promotion/relegation play-off to join the first division.
I wasn't clear enough in my last post. I feel the third tier would be meaningless as the FAI will not back it i.e. the winner will not get a chance for a promotion/relegation play-off. The point being I think a club only backed third tier would be pointless.

It is clear that the FAI have not considered the a-championship successful enough i.e. they have got rid of it altogether. So I don't think the FAI will back a 3rd tier in the near future or a 3rd tier backed by clubs only for that matter.

[kerrysock]

By the way, in my view the most natural progression for clubs to become senior clubs as part of the LOI would be to come from the intermediate leagues. But with the current climate in this country, I feel that the FAI rightfully will close ranks for a while and only allow clubs that are financially well backed to compete in the LOI. With the current state of existing teams that scraped through the licensing process, it wouldnt surprise me to see a one division 14-15 team tier in another year or two.

This thread is discussing how the LOI could expand to a third tier. In my view if anything there is a better chance of a contraction in the LOI and a single division structure. Plain economics says it is going that way...sadly!

[gufc2000]

I admire your optimism legendz, but come on a 6 team league? 8 teams is ridiculous for the First Division this year, we've complained that 10 teams before have lead to monotony, so 6 would be farcical. Its looking increasingly likely that there maybe a 16 team league next year. The only hope for teams like GUST, Carlow & Cobh etc. is that there are regional leagues below this and have them feeding into the Premier Division.

12-16 team Premier League

---------------------

10-12 team First Division

--------------------

Munster/Leinster/Connacht/Ulster Senior Leagues (could have a few divisions here, especially in Munster & Leinster where you could have promotion and relegation)

---------------------

The District Leagues.


While I'd like to think a national First Division could exist, I just don't think the FAI want it.

[legendz]

I've always said it would be far from ideal but something is better than nothing. U19 south league has gone ok with 6 clubs, so it's sets a prededent of sorts.


One reason I'm banging on about this third tier is that the senior and district leagues are played over a different season.

[kerrysock]

I've always said it would be far from ideal but something is better than nothing. U19 south league has gone ok with 6 clubs, so it's sets a prededent of sorts.


One reason I'm banging on about this third tier is that the senior and district leagues are played over a different season.
You can bang on about a third tier all you want, gufc2000 is right! - the FAI dont want a third tier and if anything, we will simply have a single premier division next year.

Legendz, will Dynamos go back into the KDL now or will they re-try their hand in the Munster Senior League? Surely the club will do something? The club cannot stay in oblivion for a few years surely...

[peadar1987]

I think a single division would be a disaster in terms of crowds. There'd be no interest for 75% of the teams after the first round of games. There needs to be the threat of relegation to keep the interest alive for teams outside of the top few.

I think a proper regionalised league as an intermediate level would work quite well, although as legendz says, it would have to address the issue of the separate calendars. Ideally, it would have fairly lax licensing, so clubs with no further ambitions would be able to enter and play with changing rooms and a clubhouse, but still provide a decent season, limited travel, and a chance to grow a fanbase for clubs looking to develop these things for an eventual crack at the league proper

[legendz]

You can bang on about a third tier all you want, gufc2000 is right! - the FAI dont want a third tier and if anything, we will simply have a single premier division next year.

Legendz, will Dynamos go back into the KDL now or will they re-try their hand in the Munster Senior League? Surely the club will do something? The club cannot stay in oblivion for a few years surely...

Just because the FAI might not want it, it doesn't mean clubs can't push to keep in on the agenda. Especially by clubs looking to join in the future.

Mervue, Salthill, Tullamore, Castlebar, Tralee, Carlow, Cobh and Fanad are all teams who've played in the A Championship between '08 and '11. If a third tier remained in existence, in the next four years there'd be the potential for more clubs to join.
While I accept talk of the third tier is wisful thinking at this time, I don't accept it's impossible and as I've said, it should remain on the agenda to look for a solution.

[legendz]

I think a single division would be a disaster in terms of crowds. There'd be no interest for 75% of the teams after the first round of games. There needs to be the threat of relegation to keep the interest alive for teams outside of the top few.

I think a proper regionalised league as an intermediate level would work quite well, although as legendz says, it would have to address the issue of the separate calendars. Ideally, it would have fairly lax licensing, so clubs with no further ambitions would be able to enter and play with changing rooms and a clubhouse, but still provide a decent season, limited travel, and a chance to grow a fanbase for clubs looking to develop these things for an eventual crack at the league proper

The one problem I see is that I can only name about 6 or 7 clubs at the moment who would take in a regionalised intermediate tier. For that reason, I've suggested a national third tier as the majority of the clubs could cope with that.


Clubs at the very least should lobby the FAI and try to put it on the agenda to try to find a solution. If teams are looking to join the league proper, they should be able to get their structure right within a national division. If they can survive financially, they'll get on ok, if not, they'll simply have to remain where they are or get involved in the senior leagues.

[Eminence Grise]

If, as looks possible according to the rumour mill, there is a move to a 16 team premier in the next few seasons, that would leave four teams cut adrift. What would they do? Drift into local football? What a slap in the face that would be to all the fans who worked hard to keep their team in league football. Dumped because they were the last four out of 20 – and while the likeliest candidates (Salthill, Mervue, Wexford) aren’t long in the league, who would join them? Going on the last few years, Longford? Athlone? Finn Harps? Maybe two of these, if Salthill succeed in becoming Galway's No.1 team (of Delaney supporters).

If there was a third tier now, however weak or insubstantial on paper, there would be six teams with an organisational perspective above local/regional leagues with whom the four 'orphans' could form a second division, or, if a16 team league never happens, aim to increase numbers in the first division, which, after all is said and done, has only two teams more than the unviable, imaginary six-team third tier. For a multitude of reasons, the A-Championship never took off properly, but it did achieve one aim – getting teams into the league proper.

If the FAI isn’t going to show leadership and provide teams with an opportunity to show they can make the step up to league football, the history of the league in recent years suggests that we’ll go on haemorrhaging clubs until there aren’t enough left to form a proper league anyway, or even a proper single division (which, as Peadar says, would be disastrous anyway). Like Legendz, I think it’s up to ambitious clubs, who can reach the required standards on and off the pitch, to keep banging on the FAI’s door until somebody lets them in.

[peadar1987]

The one problem I see is that I can only name about 6 or 7 clubs at the moment who would take in a regionalised intermediate tier. For that reason, I've suggested a national third tier as the majority of the clubs could cope with that.


Clubs at the very least should lobby the FAI and try to put it on the agenda to try to find a solution. If teams are looking to join the league proper, they should be able to get their structure right within a national division. If they can survive financially, they'll get on ok, if not, they'll simply have to remain where they are or get involved in the senior leagues.

I think if the licensing was relaxed in terms of necessary facilities, and sponsorship was brought in, a lot of junior clubs could be brought on board as well. So in Munster, for example, you'd have teams like Tralee, Cobh, and perhaps a Clare or Tipperary team looking to make the step up to LOI level, but there's no reason why clubs with no such ambitions, like for example Pike Rovers, or UCC, couldn't simply join it as a league in its own right. I think if it's pitched right, and the licensing done well, there's no reason it couldn't attract enough teams for four ten-team provincial intermediate leagues.

As things stand, if a team wishes to join even the lowest level of the LOI, they have to go from playing at the other end of the county, at worst, to facing six-hour drives to Ballybofey and Wexford. Obviously the aim for most clubs will be to be playing at a national level against the likes of Shamrock Rovers and Bray, but there is no reason why they have to make that step up in one go.

There's also the issue of clubs going in the other direction. If you're refused a division 1 license for whatever reason, a regionalised intermediate division with reduced travel and overhead costs is a safety net, in a situation when dropping back to pure local football could be terminal for the club, yet playing a nationwide campaign with more stringent licensing requirements prohibitively expensive.

[legendz]

I like what you're proposing and back it 100% but I can't see it getting off the ground I'm afraid. I know people in Clare, Tipperary and UCC. I know you've only given them as examples but they're not going to provide teams. Before starting this discussion on a third tier I considered that. There's a better chance of 6 clubs competing in a national division than 40 or even 24 clubs spread across 4 regions of 10 or even 6 clubs in each region.


I do as I say support the idea and would love if it did take off.

[citybone]

I like what you're proposing and back it 100% but I can't see it getting off the ground I'm afraid. I know people in Clare, Tipperary and UCC. I know you've only given them as examples but they're not going to provide teams. Before starting this discussion on a third tier I considered that. There's a better chance of 6 clubs competing in a national division than 40 or even 24 clubs spread across 4 regions of 10 or even 6 clubs in each region.


I do as I say support the idea and would love if it did take off.
Leinster Senior League is already set up
Munster Senior league just needs non Cork Clubs to join to make it a proper provincial league
We are half way there at this stage
Ulster senior League needs Cavan and Monaghan clubs to join
Connacht senior League was there before. If Salthill and Mervue drop back down it should not be a problem with the likes of Castlebar, NUIG, IT Sligo, and a few more.

[legendz]

Leinster Senior League is already set up
Munster Senior league just needs non Cork Clubs to join to make it a proper provincial league
We are half way there at this stage
Ulster senior League needs Cavan and Monaghan clubs to join
Connacht senior League was there before. If Salthill and Mervue drop back down it should not be a problem with the likes of Castlebar, NUIG, IT Sligo, and a few more.

That's fair enough but what about them being run on a different season? Can the senior leagues be switched to a calendar year season while district leagues remain as they are?

[Shannonsider]

For this season alone, a good idea in my opinion, but seems pointless having it in the long-term. There should be some sort of way for clubs to get into the First Division on a yearly basis. Don't think the A championship worked the way the FAI had hoped. Only really Salthill have come through from that.

A 16 team Premier is a must I think.

Then a 10 team First Division.

Other than that, there isn't enough clubs to have a third tier in a country of over 4 and a half million and about a third of that population in 1 urban setting which already has 5 clubs at LOI level.

The likes of Castlebar and Portlaise will end up like Cobh or Kilkenny in my opinion. They might have a few years success in the league but then either go bust or pull out for financial reasons. Good idea but maybe just for one season to give maybe Galway United, Cobh, Tralee, Kilkenny, Kildare etc a chance to re-enter the league if they wanted.

But there is no point adding clubs for the sake of it. Need sustainable clubs in areas which will get support. I mean putting in another 2 Galway clubs when Galway United were struggling was a disgrace. Putting in Fanad when Finn Harps were struggling and trying to get the support of Donegal was a joke.

[citybone]

That's fair enough but what about them being run on a different season? Can the senior leagues be switched to a calendar year season while district leagues remain as they are?

They could start their season earlier than junior leagues and finish before junior leagues giving any champions a very short off season before joining the senior league and any junior league team coming up a very short off season while coming up. Teams going down would have a long off season. instead of a summer of winter season you could call it a Autumn season. A half way. This would mean that these clubs would be out of seasons in the second round of the FAI cup.

[nigel-harps1954]

Ulster senior League needs Cavan and Monaghan clubs to join
.

The Ulster Cup has teams from those counties in but I don't think they want to join the Ulster Senior League.



Putting in Fanad when Finn Harps were struggling and trying to get the support of Donegal was a joke.

Fanad applied themselves. They weren't asked. It was either them or Letterkenny Rovers, and Rovers aren't liked in the league circles. It would be even worse if Rovers got in with Harps 15 minutes up the road. Fanad have their own support, who wouldn't follow Harps anyway.

[eitoof]

Just FYI, Tullamore have zero interest in LOI at the moment.

[peadar1987]

I think turning away clubs purely because of their proximity to an existing LOI club is just going to breed resentment in junior football. Clubs should be accepted or refused on their merit and adherence to licensing requirements, not on geographical location.

[nigel-harps1954]

I think turning away clubs purely because of their proximity to an existing LOI club is just going to breed resentment in junior football. Clubs should be accepted or refused on their merit and adherence to licensing requirements, not on geographical location.

Harps take a good brunt of their support from Letterkenny. A town of 18,000 people just down the road is very important for Harps development. It would ruin the club if Letterkenny Rovers got in.

[culloty82]

I don't think it would make much difference in an intermediate league though, where you could have Fanad v Letterkenny or Tralee v Killarney derbies. As Peadar says, for his gateway set-up to be practical, you would need a number of "filler" teams, who wouldn't be looking for full League status.

[legendz]

The best chance of an intermediate league taking off could be 3 regions of 8 or 10 club in each. The three regions would be roughly south-west, east and north-west sections. In terms of relegation/promotion, possibly a group of 4 involving the last team in the first division and the 3 region champions, with one off games in neutral venues on a Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday, with the group winner either retaining or earning first division status?

[kerrysock]

We are a small country, and we are in the deepest recession in the history of the state.
We will contract to a single division next year, from 3 divisions last year and rightfully so in my view.

We already have junior and intermediate leagues and I think a 3rd tier is a waste of time.

What I do think is required is a defined entry mechanism into the LOI, but this has to be purely financially based unfortunately.
I think an entity e.g. club or something like mayo and kerry league should be allowed to apply for the LOI each year.
If finances add up and support base is big enough and passes "tough" licensing measures, then they should be given an LOI license.

[Shannonsider]

What I do think is required is a defined entry mechanism into the LOI, but this has to be purely financially based unfortunately.
.

Agreed. The FAI are getting slated this year for not letting Cobh and/or Tralee into the league but it would be worse off if they let these clubs into the league, they go bust trying to just survive in the First Divison and these clubs who could have grown naturally over the next few seasons are gone forever.

[citybone]

Agreed. The FAI are getting slated this year for not letting Cobh and/or Tralee into the league but it would be worse off if they let these clubs into the league, they go bust trying to just survive in the First Divison and these clubs who could have grown naturally over the next few seasons are gone forever.

But they have given them no other option. Also a ametuer club in the 1st division would not have too many bills, Ref's fee, Travel costs, Floodlights (if they have/use them) cant be too many more.

[sadloserkid]

Tullamore and Castlebar both dropped out of the A Championship before this season because they didn't see themselves making the switch to a fully national second tier. I don't think you can just include them in your mythical division which would require more travel than they had previously (I presume you excluded Fanad for that very reason?) and lacks the appeal of even middleweights like Limerick and Waterford to add a very, very thin veneer of glamour. So realistically you've listed four groups with recently stated desires to play senior football? Now that's just not viable. There are only 6 teams in the Women's national league alright and that seems to be functioning but it's hardly been a raging success either (though I believe Limerick's ladies team are in discussions about stepping up next year).

I would love to see a third tier in this country (indeed, I'd love a fourth, fifth and everything down to a twenty-fifth tier!). The A Championship should have been kept but that it wasn't is every bit as much the fault of the clubs who moaned and cribbed about having to provide a team for it as it is that of the FAI (to say nothing of the countless clubs who could very easily have applied to join but didn't bother). Cobh and Tralee should both have been allowed into the First Division had they secured licenses. The FAI should be bending over backwards to aid and facilitate clubs such as these who desire to step up. Sadly, not enough clubs in this country have shown a desire to do this and until that mentality changes we're unlikely to see much development in the structures. It's a new sensation to be agreeing with Kerrysock but in the current economic climate the league, just like everything else is more likely to contract than expand. Quite honestly it does look more likely that more clubs will be cut adrift in future than that we'll be welcoming newcomers and visiting new grounds.

Also, Shannonsider, Mervue also stepped up from the A Championship (arguably with a little more success than Salthill). So did Fingal technically though that doesn't help my argument much. :)

[legendz]

I read local articles where Tullamore and Castlebar sited the A Championship ending and uncertaint being the reason they opted out of the last season. I included them in the mythical division as I felt it would be same finances as the A Championship and could cope if they were interested. Someone in the know has clarified Tullamore have no interest in the League of Ireland at this time. Yes, I excluded Fanad due to travel. Felt it would be more or less the same for the rest, making the finance effectively no different to what they had to put up with. I've listed four and two I felt could possibly be enticed and back, and they would have to be for 6 to form a division. There's 6 teams in the South U19 league as well and they're getting by ok. Not ideal but better than nothing is where I was coming from. If Limerick were forced to drop to a second division of 6 or not exist at all, which would you opt for?


I don't disagree with clubs having a part to play in the demise of the A Championship. At the same time, it's not the place of clubs to prop up a league with reserve sides. Non-reserve clubs should have opened dialogue with each other, possibly an A Championship board and have worked with the FAI. I think it's a narrow minded view not to lobby and very much a junior sort of mentality.


The FAI should be helping clubs but clubs should be helping themselves as well and looking for solutions to problems. Not enough clubs have desire but I listed 8 clubs Mervue, Salthill, Tullamore, Castlebar, Tralee, Carlow, Cobh and Fanad that took part in the A Championship. If it wasn't for the strife of clubs higher up, there'd be 22 clubs in the LoI proper with 8 a level down.

[sadloserkid]

If Limerick were forced to drop to a second division of 6 or not exist at all, which would you opt for?

Of course I'd prefer to see us continue in the six team league but I am a Limerick fan so that's to be expected. It wouldn't mean it was definitely a good idea. As it is I've to endure Limerick playing in a second division of eight this season but I'm hoping I'll manage.



Non-reserve clubs should have opened dialogue with each other, possibly an A Championship board and have worked with the FAI. I think it's a narrow minded view not to lobby and very much a junior sort of mentality.


The FAI should be helping clubs but clubs should be helping themselves as well and looking for solutions to problems. Not enough clubs have desire but I listed 8 clubs Mervue, Salthill, Tullamore, Castlebar, Tralee, Carlow, Cobh and Fanad that took part in the A Championship.

I agree with both these points but therein (IMO) lies the problem, the interest just isn't there right now. In the little over a decade I've followed the league we've lost almost as many clubs from senior football as took part in the A Championship outright (St.Francis, Dublin City, Kilkenny City, Kildare County, Sporting Fingal and now Galway United). I want to see a thriving, widespread successful LOI but right now there's a lack of interest, money and ambition overall and that's hindering any real chances for progress. Until there are enough clubs with the intent to make the step up and the viable plans to make that happen we won't see any big increase in the number of senior clubs in this country.

[kerrysock]

The FAI should be helping clubs but clubs should be helping themselves as well and looking for solutions to problems. Not enough clubs have desire but I listed 8 clubs Mervue, Salthill, Tullamore, Castlebar, Tralee, Carlow, Cobh and Fanad that took part in the A Championship. If it wasn't for the strife of clubs higher up, there'd be 22 clubs in the LoI proper with 8 a level down.

I think the FAI have helped clubs by disbanding the a championship and implementing a tight licensing policy. As sadloserkid said, the interest and money is not there. The FAI recognise that and they do not want to further damage the LOI by allowing teams with unstable budgets to enter the league.

[Mr A]

I think the FAI have helped clubs by disbanding the a championship and implementing a tight licensing policy.

http://alltheragefaces.com/img/faces/png/cereal-guy-cereal-guy-spitting.png

[legendz]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/champions-to-net-100000-3031331.html

Gavin was giving away much when asked about moves towards one division. If the league does that route, is the league likely to have a combination of the first division and A Championship below this league?

[culloty82]

When the clubs voted against a 16 team premier, I think the earliest that decision could be reviewed was 2015, but it looks to be on the cards then - with four clubs joining the current four on the sidelines, some form of secondary structure would have to be devised by that stage.

[legendz]

Wasn't there something last year that the FAI wanted a single first tier with the first division and A Championship being effectively combined? The U19 league has that structure at present of national division and two regional divisions.

[legendz]

I had to go away with wounds after the second division was shot down!

With the frustration of Dynamos not been involved, is there any solution for getting new clubs involved in the league in a regional set-up, run over a summer season?

One suggestion I'd like to put forward would be three regionalised leagues of 8 teams located: north-west, east and south-west. Phase one: all teams playing home and away in each section over 14 games. Phase two: top 2 in each section going forward to a national division of 6, playing home and away over 10 games, with the winner going forward to a promotion/relegation play-off. The 6 teams left behind in each section could play each other home and away over an additional 10 games in effectively shield divisions.

[Dodge]

I'll say this for you, you're persistent

[citybone]

He is and i agree with him to a certain degree but we are just talking to a wall, the FAI wont listen and if the clubs want something like this they could contact the FAI them selves or organise something themselves.

[legendz]

He is and i agree with him to a certain degree but we are just talking to a wall, the FAI wont listen and if the clubs want something like this they could contact the FAI them selves or organise something themselves.

I accept that. It's a fair point that if the clubs want something, they should look to drive it on, alas the interest is not there.

[legendz]

I had to go away with wounds after the second division was shot down!

With the frustration of Dynamos not been involved, is there any solution for getting new clubs involved in the league in a regional set-up, run over a summer season?

One suggestion I'd like to put forward would be three regionalised leagues of 8 teams located: north-west, east and south-west. Phase one: all teams playing home and away in each section over 14 games. Phase two: top 2 in each section going forward to a national division of 6, playing home and away over 10 games, with the winner going forward to a promotion/relegation play-off. The 6 teams left behind in each section could play each other home and away over an additional 10 games in effectively shield divisions.

If rumour is to be believed that there will be a single tier 18 division next year, there's huge scope for three way split regional league or whatever is appropriate. With 14 counties now without a club, it's a disgraceful situation for the league to be in. Still though, maybe there'll be strength in a single division but surely over the next few years, work will have to done to get some form of regional league linked to the top in place.

[Dodge]

If rumour is to be believed that there will be a single tier 18 division next year
Be careful with these rumours for as long as I've been a Pats fans there has been rumours of one division.

[qquote]there's huge scope for three way split regional league or whatever is appropriate. With 14 counties now without a club, it's a disgraceful situation for the league to be in. Still though, maybe there'll be strength in a single division but surely over the next few years, work will have to done to get some form of regional league linked to the top in place.[/QUOTE]
No club that has facilities and/or finanial backing to look after themselves will be refused entry. Tralee and Cobh (and others) need to themselves sorted. FAI/League can't just magic up clubs who can play in the league

[kerrysock]

If rumour is to be believed that there will be a single tier 18 division next year, there's huge scope for three way split regional league or whatever is appropriate.
Thats what the munster and leinster senior leagues are there for!

[nigel-harps1954]

Thats what the munster and leinster senior leagues are there for!

Ulster not count?

[legendz]

Thats what the munster and leinster senior leagues are there for!


Those leagues are on a different season and not linked to the LoI.


Be careful with these rumours for as long as I've been a Pats fans there has been rumours of one division.


There seems to be more of a possibility of a single division now but your point and experience is noted!


No club that has facilities and/or finanial backing to look after themselves will be refused entry. Tralee and Cobh (and others) need to themselves sorted. FAI/League can't just magic up clubs who can play in the league

It’s a bit of a mountain to climb in terms of facilities/finances. Naturally clubs won’t magically appear but the environment can be set-up for clubs to compete at a certain level. The creation a regional league will take years. It shouldn’t deter the FAI from working to try and achieve that. It’s the only way I can see more clubs getting involved.

When clubs at a low level come and go, it doesn’t impact on the integrity of the league. Look at the A Championship when Castlebar and Tullamore pulled out. There wasn’t much coverage of it. If it happened to a LoI club it’d have more of a negative impact e,g. Monaghan Utd. There need to be an intermediary level. A level which also can help have clubs ready for LoI football.

[Charlie Darwin]

Did the FAI not just magic up a club 3 months ago? I'd never heard of no SD Galway before then.

[Dodge]

There need to be an intermediary level. A level which also can help have clubs ready for LoI football.

There is absolutely no appetite from clubs for this. The top junior and intermediate sides in the country are pretty much happy to stay that way. Why would 10 teams leave the Leinster Senior League to join the FAI League 2 - Leinster Division? Thet don't want to became national clubs (and all that that entails)

Again, I'm not arguing with your pyramids idea, but it simply won't happen as people invilved in junior/intermediate clubs don't want anything to do with the league

[legendz]

I'm not looking to argue against realism. Mainly just pointing out the environment has to be created for clubs to get involved.


It's a fair point/question, why would 10 teams leave the Leinster League? It'd be the job of the FAI or whoever to look to get some involved.


If word is to be believed in other threads, we're heading in the direction of a single tier top division of 16. If it's the only way for the league to survive, I've no problem with it. While they're resolving that, a solution should be looked into getting more clubs involved in a regional set-up linked to the top. Clearly wishful thinking and hoping against hope at present.

[citybone]

It does look like there will be a 16 or 18 team league in a year of two but the likes of SD and Mervue to go back to Junior football in order for GUST to come in and if a 16 team league is the way to go then the likes of Finn Harps (too big of a club to drop to the Ulster Senior league in my opinion) and Wexford Youths drop to provincial leagues which would make regional leagues stronger, i would agree a 16 team premier division with relegation/promotion to Provincal leagues would be a good idea as there isnt enough support for 20 teams in two national leagues.
A Leinster senior league with Kildare County, Kilkenny, Wexford Youths, Mullingar town, Carlow FC and Tullamore town, a Ulster Senior League with Finn Harps and Monaghan United and a Munster senior league with Cobh Ramblers, Tralee Dynamo's, Killearney Celtic, Pike Rovers, Clonmel Town plus all existing teams in each league would have three very strong Provencial leagues capable of a playoff system to promote one.