FAI National League Thread

[culloty82]

The odd thing is that I recall the FAI were calling it a Conference in their initial briefings on the concept, which would have highlighted its role as a conduit between the district leagues and the First Division.

[Buckett]

People's Judean Front

[Nesta99]

I'm old enough to remember when the LOI was called the National League*

*(it was only about 20-25yrs ago).

Exactly! and it wa the national league.

[nr637]

Maybe we will have a Premiership, Championship & First Division in 2027!

[Nesta99]

Even omething like that without being so English system about it. But years back I also thought it is a bit sill having a thrid tier called 1st division. As sid it not a deal breaker, I just think they could come up with something a bit more interesting, new even, attention grabbing somehwo without being daft. A good sponsor could do that but easier said than done. Be edgy, National All Ireland League....prep for future realities, enter a side from Cullaville. Seriousl though, conference is the name for it but its used, is there something similar. Then national league i ued in England also. Whatever...how long is it to season KO????????

[culloty82]

September, I believe - clubs seeing out their final junior seasons between now and May.

[2 Year Contract]

If anything, Mayo FC being booted out of their ground before they’ve even entered the national league just shows their credentials to reach the GLITW one day :D

https://www.westernpeople.ie/sport/major-fallout-in-mayo-soccer-leaves-sport-in-turmoil_arid-83496.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPR5i1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcn RjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeReo1Dwj81jdU yhuOZWrCFUX8cqKwfiNzJLMvuMDEKjMah2_ZbUm9YZLCMoU_ae m_8f_FMF4VJikttyFl3Hq-HQ

[nr637]

If anything, Mayo FC being booted out of their ground before they’ve even entered the national league just shows their credentials to reach the GLITW one day :D

https://www.westernpeople.ie/sport/major-fallout-in-mayo-soccer-leaves-sport-in-turmoil_arid-83496.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPR5i1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcn RjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeReo1Dwj81jdU yhuOZWrCFUX8cqKwfiNzJLMvuMDEKjMah2_ZbUm9YZLCMoU_ae m_8f_FMF4VJikttyFl3Hq-HQ

Great post, 2 Year Contract at it again! :confused:

[2 Year Contract]

If anything, Mayo FC being booted out of their ground before they’ve even entered the national league just shows their credentials to reach the GLITW one day :D

https://www.westernpeople.ie/sport/major-fallout-in-mayo-soccer-leaves-sport-in-turmoil_arid-83496.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPR5i1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcn RjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeReo1Dwj81jdU yhuOZWrCFUX8cqKwfiNzJLMvuMDEKjMah2_ZbUm9YZLCMoU_ae m_8f_FMF4VJikttyFl3Hq-HQ

A follow up to this piece: https://www.mayonews.ie/news/soccer/1988683/breaking-mayo-football-league-stood-down-by-fai.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Seems a right mess across the board at management level of football in mayo

[Nesta99]

So the whole county is tarred as a mess, if it had just been Castlebar, Ballina et al would be able to gloat. The whole county thing just messes the norm up and they're missing out!

[legendz]

Senior League:
• Home Farm (Dublin)
• Lucan United (Dublin)
• St. Francis (Dublin)

There are currently 4 Dublin clubs in Premier Division. All 4 finished in the top half last season. If the above mentioned clubs obtain First Division licences, promotion could be a strong possibility.

[culloty82]

Although it must be said, St Francis made little impression on the First Division during their previous spell in the League. There was the famous FAI Cup run, but that was when they were still non-League, and gave them the confidence to apply for election when St James's Gate went bust.

[Roones26]

Senior League:
• Home Farm (Dublin)
• Lucan United (Dublin)
• St. Francis (Dublin)

There are currently 4 Dublin clubs in Premier Division. All 4 finished in the top half last season. If the above mentioned clubs obtain First Division licences, promotion could be a strong possibility.

It wouldnt be

[nr637]

Any additions to the 15 yet 😶*🌫️

[Buckett]

No.

Application window was open until 31st January.

There were no leaks before the first 15 were announced so there probably won't be any before the rest of the clubs are announced.

https://www.fai.ie/latest/15-clubs-confirmed-new-fai-national-league/

[EatYerGreens]

Any additions to the 15 yet ������*������️

If only someone could compile a list of possible teams.

[trevy]

I saw in the local paper that Villa in Waterford have appointed a commercial manager so they are obviously taking this seriously.

[culloty82]

Killarney Celtic have brought in a number of ex-Kerry players, including Kennedy Amechi, Togor Silong, and Trypimir Vrljcak, so clearly realise some prior LoI experience is required if they are to acclimatise to their new environment.

[EatYerGreens]

I saw in the local paper that Villa in Waterford have appointed a commercial manager so they are obviously taking this seriously.

Their first task should be persuading the club to change its name!

[nigel-harps1954]

Their first task should be persuading the club to change its name!

Real Kerry FC

[BigEars]

Real Kerry FC

Would be a bold move for a club from Waterford !

[nigel-harps1954]

Would be a bold move for a club from Waterford !

It's a bold strategy Cotton..

[Nesta99]

Their first task should be persuading the club to change its name!

Maybe they're hoping to qualify for Europe.....

[nr637]

The fact that 67 clubs expressed interest in joining the new FAI National League, has surprised many, especially those against the format. Now with an extended date offered to allow a further 5 clubs to be added, it should give many clubs who did'nt get selected initially, the opportunity to re-set their application through the advice from the FAI selection team. The FAI will get enough clubs again to select from as the amount of interest generated has created a bigger appeal than was imagined. The FAI have stated that many clubs had already re-applied for consideration, which is again great news and showing the attraction of this format for progressive clubs.

As for the extra 5 clubs required, it seems that areas from Monaghan & Cavan, Meath, Laois & Offaly, Tipperary and Clare seem to be the standout regions that many posts and supporters would like to see a representation from.

[Roones26]

THIRD TIER

As an aside, former League of Ireland chief Fran Gavin is now overseeing the process of introducing a new third tier that has generated a lot of curiosity. Delegates at the FAI meeting were given an update on the latest state of play with an initiative that will kick off from September with a truncated season before a full launch in 2027.

Fifteen applicants have been accepted – Mayo FC have made the most headlines – but there are hopes to even up the numbers before kickoff with more applicants set to go through a process that others didn’t pass. Significantly, it looks as though League of Ireland clubs will be allowed to loan players to the third tier once these individuals are on a pro deal.

From Dan McDonnells newsletter, won’t be clubs already rejected for the last 5 spots

[EatYerGreens]

Step up Irish Sea FC !

[Buckett]

I thought that crowd were involved in Limerick FC?

[EatYerGreens]

Is that delightful 'forgotten clubs' guy involved with Limerick? Or has his experience with Irish Sea led him to, err, forget about clubs ? :D

[nr637]

Is that delightful 'forgotten clubs' guy involved with Limerick? Or has his experience with Irish Sea led him to, err, forget about clubs ? :DWho are you on about!

[EatYerGreens]

The guy who runs the 'Forgotten Football Clubs' stuff on social media etc.

[nr637]

The guy who runs the 'Forgotten Football Clubs' stuff on social media etc.Names, source, please!

[nr637]

I reckon the FAI more or less know the last five clubs to be added. The fact that they extended the deadline was more than likely to give these clubs a chance to meet the necessary requirements that the FAI set out. Limerick FC have confirmed they have applied again and social media posts also suggest that Trim Celtic were among those who have re-applied.

[Nesta99]

The guy who runs the 'Forgotten Football Clubs' stuff on social media etc.Is it the same as the book of the same name person? Yer man Lukens was ISFC and I thought had something to do with Athlone for a bit. Was afraid that Dundalk would be a target and become Irelands Armenian club.

[Kingdom]

Although it must be said, St Francis made little impression on the First Division during their previous spell in the League. There was the famous FAI Cup run, but that was when they were still non-League, and gave them the confidence to apply for election when St James's Gate went bust.

I feel it's important to reply to this point. The St. Francis of present day bears little to no resemblance of the St Francis of FAI Cup fame and former St Pats merger. The club bears the same crest and plays out of John Hyland Park but that's about it. has a huge underage section now too.