20 Teams, 2 Divisions, 1 National League

[Nesta99]

How many times do people here in the know have to explain that while 3 galway clubs was not ideal, it was not the reason Galway collapsed before it stops being repeated as fact

If thats directed at me, I didnt claim Galway United's collapse was caused by 3 galway clubs. I have said that after Galway United Galway FC was an uneasy and FAI driven solution that GUST werent in to and it didnt stick, that the Comers investment facilitated the return of the Galway United name and change in the makeup of the club officials with GUST retaining part ownership. So out of interest where is the inaccuracy?

[Buckett]

Kerry looks a success so far but Galway 'United' fell apart when more than one club tried to combine for senior ball.

This is why I replied to your post.

Your subsequent summary of what actually happened was spot on in fairness, but the quoted text above is not what happened

[Nesta99]

My use of 'United' and in quotes alluded to the irony when after Galway United, Galway FC was more disunited. Id have though that the comment of the clubs combining would have indicted reference to Galway FC. I get why it would have been misunderstood so will be less flippant if it arises again.

[culloty82]

Newbridge Town join Klub Kildare in applying:

https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1757479/two-kildare-clubs-have-applied-for-league-of-ireland-status.html

[2 Year Contract]

Newbridge Town join Klub Kildare in applying:

https://www.kildarenow.com/news/local-news/1757479/two-kildare-clubs-have-applied-for-league-of-ireland-status.html

"League of Ireland Division 3 South" did I miss that name being coined or has that just been made up by the author of the article? I thought it was the National League with North and South divisions

[Elfman]

"League of Ireland Division 3 South" did I miss that name being coined or has that just been made up by the author of the article? I thought it was the National League with North and South divisions
First time I've heard of it! Maybe they've mixed it up with the Leinster Senior League's not-at-all-confusing naming convention.

Got me thinking though... Do we have official confirmation on Shamrock Rovers reserves having applied for the 3rd tier?

[Nesta99]

To avoid the percieved undervaluing a league with reserve sides, what about the silly but effective rugby style different name to the 2nd team. Colts being a common one. Its superficial and window dressing but it could also help mitigate the inevitable issue of players moving between 2 sides in 2 leagues by having development players registered with a slightly different team. While there are costs involved if senior teams are to be allowed move players outside of a transfer window and use their second side as a traditional reserve team, geting returning from injury and fringe players game time, then all senior clubs should be compelled to enter sides. If its a bridge between U19s and senior as player development pathway then some sort of transfer window should be applied. It will effect the number of players available for loan withing the league.

[Acornvilla]

Shamrock Zwei

[Buckett]

The 19's was changed to 20's and a couple of overage players can play in the games too so I don't think that bridge is needed anymore.
I don't like the idea of B teams either.

[EatYerGreens]

To avoid the percieved undervaluing a league with reserve sides, what about the silly but effective rugby style different name to the 2nd team. Colts being a common one. Its superficial and window dressing but it could also help mitigate the inevitable issue of players moving between 2 sides in 2 leagues by having development players registered with a slightly different team. While there are costs involved if senior teams are to be allowed move players outside of a transfer window and use their second side as a traditional reserve team, geting returning from injury and fringe players game time, then all senior clubs should be compelled to enter sides. If its a bridge between U19s and senior as player development pathway then some sort of transfer window should be applied. It will effect the number of players available for loan withing the league.


If there have been 67 applicants for 20 new league places, then there is no need whatsoever for any B Teams. They should be rejected.

[GUFCghost]

After much lurking I've decided to pitch in with my own thoughts:
We need to fix intermediate football before anything else. The country should be divided into 8 or so districts, each containing 4 to 6 junior leagues. The existing intermediate leagues will be linked to junior leagues in Cork & Dublin and rebranded from Munster & Leinster Senior League to Greater Dublin/Greater Cork League.
The Leagues would look something like this:
North West League
Mid West League
West Munster League
Greater Cork League
East Munster League
South Leinster League
Greater Dublin League
North Leinster League.

The intricacies of each League might end up very different, but I'll expand on how I think the Mid West League should look given it's the area I know best.
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon & The Combined Counties (Midlands) would all promote to a 10 team Mid West League. Playoffs at the end of each year between the junior champions would determine who's going up. Bottom of the Mid West League goes down, second from bottom gets a play off against the junior play off runner up.

We've never had a proper pyramid, so I think this system should be allowed to run for a few years before it's linked to the first division. In the meantime, I think well run clubs and academies should be given a chance to join the first division like Kerry did. Representative football suits areas like Kerry & Mayo. Let's not kid ourselves, our sporting culture is set by the GAA.
After a few years, you could establish a national intermediate division on top of these regional leagues, with the winners of the league given a chance to get promoted to the LOI proper.
All of it will take time. The scheme will change as new challenges and issues arise. Flexibility is key here, you can't just bolt a 20 team national league onto the LOI when most of the country has absolutely no intermediate football.

[Roones26]

After much lurking I've decided to pitch in with my own thoughts:
We need to fix intermediate football before anything else. The country should be divided into 8 or so districts, each containing 4 to 6 junior leagues. The existing intermediate leagues will be linked to junior leagues in Cork & Dublin and rebranded from Munster & Leinster Senior League to Greater Dublin/Greater Cork League.
The Leagues would look something like this:
North West League
Mid West League
West Munster League
Greater Cork League
East Munster League
South Leinster League
Greater Dublin League
North Leinster League.

The intricacies of each League might end up very different, but I'll expand on how I think the Mid West League should look given it's the area I know best.
Galway, Mayo, Roscommon & The Combined Counties (Midlands) would all promote to a 10 team Mid West League. Playoffs at the end of each year between the junior champions would determine who's going up. Bottom of the Mid West League goes down, second from bottom gets a play off against the junior play off runner up.

We've never had a proper pyramid, so I think this system should be allowed to run for a few years before it's linked to the first division. In the meantime, I think well run clubs and academies should be given a chance to join the first division like Kerry did. Representative football suits areas like Kerry & Mayo. Let's not kid ourselves, our sporting culture is set by the GAA.
After a few years, you could establish a national intermediate division on top of these regional leagues, with the winners of the league given a chance to get promoted to the LOI proper.
All of it will take time. The scheme will change as new challenges and issues arise. Flexibility is key here, you can't just bolt a 20 team national league onto the LOI when most of the country has absolutely no intermediate football.

This is great if you are drawing something on a blank piece of paper but that is not the environment the FAI operates in or if you had an exceptionally powerful central authority, again not something the FAI is. But the reality is that in most of those areas there are clubs that wont want that structure, stakeholders who don't want the existing local leagues to be folded or downgraded and individuals who have the authority to oppose it. Like the FAI is a democratic organisation and these people would have to vote essentially to remove their own power and that is extremely unlikely

I keep saying this was of doing it is the only show in town because it is putting football in where there is currently a gap. Trying to rationalise the structure of football from Dublin alone will be something like a centuries level task

[Elfman]

After much lurking I've decided to pitch in with my own thoughts:
We need to fix intermediate football before anything else. The country should be divided into 8 or so districts, each containing 4 to 6 junior leagues. The existing intermediate leagues will be linked to junior leagues in Cork & Dublin and rebranded from Munster & Leinster Senior League to Greater Dublin/Greater Cork League.
The Leagues would look something like this:
North West League
Mid West League
West Munster League
Greater Cork League
East Munster League
South Leinster League
Greater Dublin League
North Leinster League.
.

I like this proposal GUFCghost, and while I might make a few tweaks myself, in the main I think it's a good idea. And if we're not sharing different ideas how an improved structure would work then we're just hurlers on the ditch! So qudos to you.

One questions I have is how you see the current Leinster, Munster and Connacht FAs being affected by such reforms. Would they remain, be reformed or be be completely abolished in your scenario?

[Nesta99]

I have to agree wih Roones, whatever is put in place has to survive in the existing ecosystem such are the complexities of the democratic organisation the FAI is (yes I am biting my tongue while saying this too). A blank canvas and its in the ball park but we struggle to align seasons never mind asking people to vote away their little ego boost...and ticket allocations.

[yurt]

Being ultra positive about this expansion for a second and assuming there's 50+ clubs who are motivated and capable of giving the step up in level a proper go. I wonder what would there be much appetite from the FAI to adjust the 2x10 team divisions, to say 3x14 divisions. This would in practice just kind of end up being a rebrand of intermediate football so I'm not really sure if that's what the FAI are actually trying to achieve with the additional tier.

I guess what I feel like it should come down to is a licensing process and any clubs which are able to get their ducks in a row should be included, there's no point limiting to 20 clubs for the sake of it.

Will be very interested to hear what the proposed plan is for the 2026 version before full alignment with LOI season in 2027.

[EalingGreen]

Have 67 clubs actually applied to join the NL?

Or merely "expressed interest"?

[yurt]

Only expressions of interest at this stage. I reckon there's a fair few time wasters in that 67 who just expressed interest because they could.

[culloty82]

Being ultra positive about this expansion for a second and assuming there's 50+ clubs who are motivated and capable of giving the step up in level a proper go. I wonder what would there be much appetite from the FAI to adjust the 2x10 team divisions, to say 3x14 divisions. This would in practice just kind of end up being a rebrand of intermediate football so I'm not really sure if that's what the FAI are actually trying to achieve with the additional tier.

I guess what I feel like it should come down to is a licensing process and any clubs which are able to get their ducks in a row should be included, there's no point limiting to 20 clubs for the sake of it.

Will be very interested to hear what the proposed plan is for the 2026 version before full alignment with LOI season in 2027.

The abridged version will be over before Christmas 2026, so will be intriguing alright to know whether the champions get promoted automatically (assuming they meet First Division licensing requirements), or as in the A Championship days, whether they'd go into a playoff with the bottom club in the League? Either way, this will presumably (and rightly) be the last year without potential relegation.

[Nesta99]

Being ultra positive about this expansion for a second and assuming there's 50+ clubs who are motivated and capable of giving the step up in level a proper go. I wonder what would there be much appetite from the FAI to adjust the 2x10 team divisions, to say 3x14 divisions. This would in practice just kind of end up being a rebrand of intermediate football so I'm not really sure if that's what the FAI are actually trying to achieve with the additional tier.

I guess what I feel like it should come down to is a licensing process and any clubs which are able to get their ducks in a row should be included, there's no point limiting to 20 clubs for the sake of it.

Will be very interested to hear what the proposed plan is for the 2026 version before full alignment with LOI season in 2027.

Curently I would unashamedly back this idea because it improves the chance for Dundalk to be promoted and to consolidate in the top tier also. It is an example of how it is difficult to get things done if clubs vote on everything as such self interest is always going to be there.

[Roones26]

i think also there will be value perhaps over time in bringing 2-4 more clubs into the PD if the level of spending remains the same. A natural sorting to get all the FT clubs into the PD

[GUFCghost]

I have to agree wih Roones, whatever is put in place has to survive in the existing ecosystem such are the complexities of the democratic organisation the FAI is (yes I am biting my tongue while saying this too). A blank canvas and its in the ball park but we struggle to align seasons never mind asking people to vote away their little ego boost...and ticket allocations.

Seasons are going to be aligned soon anyway, aren't they?
My idea is basically just linking the pre existing district leagues, but you are right that the provincial FAs would hate it. It's their own fault in my opinion. If you can't organise a league across your province, you're not a very good provincial FA.

[Roones26]

Willing to bet 7 million euro the season never wind up alligned

https://www.donegallive.ie/news/soccer/1762868/donegal-soccer-leagues-unite-against-fai-s-calendar-season-proposal.html

[Elfman]

Willing to bet 7 million euro the season never wind up alligned

https://www.donegallive.ie/news/soccer/1762868/donegal-soccer-leagues-unite-against-fai-s-calendar-season-proposal.html
The way they're acting you'd think they'd been told they have to switch overnight, instead of in 3 years time! I'm at least glad to finally hear some reasons against the switch from them and not just "we don't want to".

I think this sums it up though: "However, we feel we should have the right to choose for ourselves on what best suits the leagues in our area."

If they had been doing what's best for their leagues, they wouldn't have such massive issues with facilities and refs.

[EatYerGreens]

The way they're acting you'd think they'd been told they have to switch overnight, instead of in 3 years time! I'm at least glad to finally hear some reasons against the switch from them and not just "we don't want to".

I think this sums it up though: "However, we feel we should have the right to choose for ourselves on what best suits the leagues in our area."

If they had been doing what's best for their leagues, they wouldn't have such massive issues with facilities and refs.

Let them decide what's best for their leagues. And whilst they're at it, they can also fund themselves too without any outside help or influence. Can't have it both ways.

[Burnsie]

While I have zero sympathy for this kind of parochial gombeenism, where do you get the idea that there's any funding coming from the FAI?

[Nesta99]

While I have zero sympathy for this kind of parochial gombeenism, where do you get the idea that there's any funding coming from the FAI?

Fundaing doesnt have to be from the FAI. But to get funding from Dept of Sport or S.I. you need to be a member of a recognised governing organisation. This is where the leverage could come in to play - toe the line or be cut loose but if cut loose dont go looking for public money for your new 5 a side area. Offer them another couple of international tickets and their heads would turn, its not about whats best for the game in their area, its about preserving their own blazer. That does not mean there are not very good people involved and valuable clubs, its just time to stop the tail wagging the dog.

Some of the issues raised by the Donegal et al leagues are not really season related, they indicte a well worn issue of lack of investment and limited capacity. These concerns are legitimate and not easy to fix in the short and medium term. I think they should be saying until these issues are addresses we are not changing rather than using spurious arguments on dual players, Summer holidays, should be allowed to dictate their own agenda. Maybe addressing the real issues would ease the way and build confidence though Im not convinced that these local leagues wouldnt then just move the goal posts.

That impressive gathering of elected reps could really have been guided to focus on highlighting what needs to be done rather than resist change. The league reps could come up with a cohesive regional fix to propose a win win and Pearse Doherty will suffocate if he adds much more to shout about!

[EatYerGreens]

While I have zero sympathy for this kind of parochial gombeenism, where do you get the idea that there's any funding coming from the FAI?

You've presumably never had the joy of sitting in the John Delaney stand at Arranmore United FC :D

[nigel-harps1954]

You've presumably never had the joy of sitting in the John Delaney stand at Arranmore United FC :D

There is no such thing!

[WeAreRovers]

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f1uI9IM0rs_33_iMEjeu432g

[EatYerGreens]

There is no such thing!

He opened the stand there and it has his name on the side. It's probably not the formal name, but when I visited that's what it was referred to as anyway.

Last outpost of Irish football prepares for visit of FAI chiefs | Irish Independent (https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/last-outpost-of-irish-football-prepares-for-visit-of-fai-chiefs/26875816.html)

Anyways - it's proof that there is indeed FAI money for clubs in Donegal who behave themselves in the eyes of our glorious overlords :D

[cláirseach]

I actually think the points raised by Inishowen are reasonable enough and, more importantly, surmountable within the framework.

The points raised by the Donegal League rep. are daft.

[thebronze14]

Fundaing doesnt have to be from the FAI. But to get funding from Dept of Sport or S.I. you need to be a member of a recognised governing organisation. This is where the leverage could come in to play - toe the line or be cut loose but if cut loose dont go looking for public money for your new 5 a side area. Offer them another couple of international tickets and their heads would turn, its not about whats best for the game in their area, its about preserving their own blazer. That does not mean there are not very good people involved and valuable clubs, its just time to stop the tail wagging the dog.

Some of the issues raised by the Donegal et al leagues are not really season related, they indicte a well worn issue of lack of investment and limited capacity. These concerns are legitimate and not easy to fix in the short and medium term. I think they should be saying until these issues are addresses we are not changing rather than using spurious arguments on dual players, Summer holidays, should be allowed to dictate their own agenda. Maybe addressing the real issues would ease the way and build confidence though Im not convinced that these local leagues wouldnt then just move the goal posts.

That impressive gathering of elected reps could really have been guided to focus on highlighting what needs to be done rather than resist change. The league reps could come up with a cohesive regional fix to propose a win win and Pearse Doherty will suffocate if he adds much more to shout about!

As a player of that league I wasn't asked my opinion or anything like that by the league. Doesn't really bother me as by the time it starts I'll have hung up the boots!

Tbf it won't suit areas that are strong at GAA. My own club will lose a lot of our best players, many of whom play both. We're one of the bigger clubs so we'd still get by. Problem is some of the smaller areas will struggle. Areas like Letterkenny will really begin to dominate.

Heard last night the youth League will struggle as the GAA in their wisdom have moved minor games to Wednesday, the day the youth teams are supposed to play. If these things are to work properly for both codes and the benefit of players then the GAA need to take their head out of their arse and facilitate players instead of ****ing off players that want to play both. Plenty do and some I know won't play GAA either due to their shenanigans.

If we are to get any sort of pyramid going, which we need to, then I believe the move is a must. Will the third tier or a nice to summer football for junior and intermediate be a success, I have grave doubts sadly. Although if it works in a GAA mad county like Mayo and underage here in Donegal, then it can work

[Roones26]

Without talking about anyone in particular, summer football will mean losing people to the GAA is repeated a lot but is there any actual imperial evidence that can be pointed to to support this ? Like nobody seems to have produced a survey or anything as far as I can see ? A lot of it just seems to be conventional wisdom

[thebronze14]

In my own club if it's a choice between both the majority will pick GAA. As there is only short overlap at the moment there's some scope for both. GAA lads don't train with football team this time of year but will play matches if there's no clash. Some clubs make it harder than others to do both I find. If seasons were the same most GAA lads woulnd't really be able to play much at all

[nigel-harps1954]

Similar to thebronze, my own club are actually in favour of the move, but being lumped in with the entire Donegal League on it. The committee of the donegal league is full of idiots really. I've been to a few delegate meetings and some of the talk from them is utterly bizarre.

[Nesta99]

A lot of these delegates get a platform because they are often the only ones at their club willing to take on the job. Its great fun if it wasnt so frustrating, to see nominees pitch for a role on a committee on why they shouldnt get the job - the person who has least commitments at home tend to lose by winning. It does mean that, at the least, there are often subpar people running things, or at best capable people that are disinterested (my Grandfather used to say 'if you dont want to do a job do it badly and you wont be asked to do it again' :eek:). Over and over you see these people get a taste of things, decision making for a league, fall in love with sitting on disciplinary panels and then dont want to give it up. They do have in common a malleability where one interested individual, someone with a strong personality (probably the ars€hole) can take control and lead the pack.

It not always negative but I wouldnt be surprised if someone at these Donegal meetings suggested playing ball with the FAI on condition of certain things being met, it could happen - kick the can down the road pretty much sure that capacity issues wont be met in the next 3-5 years - then they could check to see they way the wind is blowing elsewhere in the country in due course. If its a mess elsewhere they could claim that they had foresight, if there are efforts afoot to improve on isses they could claim their stance was justified and worked. They can call a win without looking like protectionists circling the wagons to perserve their own little titles.


As a player of that league I wasn't asked my opinion or anything like that by the league. Doesn't really bother me as by the time it starts I'll have hung up the boots!

Tbf it won't suit areas that are strong at GAA. My own club will lose a lot of our best players, many of whom play both. We're one of the bigger clubs so we'd still get by. Problem is some of the smaller areas will struggle. Areas like Letterkenny will really begin to dominate.

Heard last night the youth League will struggle as the GAA in their wisdom have moved minor games to Wednesday, the day the youth teams are supposed to play. If these things are to work properly for both codes and the benefit of players then the GAA need to take their head out of their arse and facilitate players instead of ****ing off players that want to play both. Plenty do and some I know won't play GAA either due to their shenanigans.

If we are to get any sort of pyramid going, which we need to, then I believe the move is a must. Will the third tier or a nice to summer football for junior and intermediate be a success, I have grave doubts sadly. Although if it works in a GAA mad county like Mayo and underage here in Donegal, then it can work

The GAA is seriously struggling to sort out their own calender, I'd question the issues on going head to head on seasons cause as far as i can make out GAA is a 10 month commtment even for clubs and if good enough to be on a County panel then dual codes is tough beyond kids who can play multiple times of anything per week. I think its periodisation for s+c that the real conflict is for players and how it could be an issue if trying to play multiple sports. Jury is out for me on the 'professionalisation' at all levels of amatuer sport - the recreational aspect of participation is sport is really being squeezed by this obsessive drive to win. Winning is of course important too but at Junior II B is GAA and Division 900 in the Donegal football leagues? the wanna be Jim McGuinness's or Guardiolas should take it handy.

I also feel we should completely ignore other codes schedules when planning long term. Again in my own experience if football clubs moved to midnight on Tuesdays for schoolboys fixtures GAA would move game to the same slot. It isnt ideal but things would settle down. We are seeing a trend of GAA clubs merging underage and certain grades especially in rural areas nationwide - its pragmatic when people continue to move toward urban centres, its a societal issue. Rural football may need to jjust cede to urban clubs, merge or be very good at retaining players, change focus to womans teams where there is growth still - stay alive until things balance eventually. GAA is changing at Croke Park level, we see it in the increased used of grounds for 'Garrison Games,' Connacht in the rugby this weekend eg. Maybe, a small maybe, they will soften attitudes at grassroots over time. If we can shift from competing for the best players, not always winning obsession, we could end up with an increase of particapants when the average footballer is also getting games across all ages?


Without talking about anyone in particular, summer football will mean losing people to the GAA is repeated a lot but is there any actual imperial evidence that can be pointed to to support this ? Like nobody seems to have produced a survey or anything as far as I can see ? A lot of it just seems to be conventional wisdom

The same can be said for switching to a Summer season. Beyond being midseason for clubs in Europe helping their prospects i dont think there's anything beyond annecdotal opinions on the benefits. People could point to attendances now but since 2002 has there been a statistically backed proven improvement? pitches, crowds, games stats etc. that cant be attributed to other thinsg eg improved s+c? Id hate to go back to cold nights in January but thats a personal preferenence rather than hard statistcally backed benfits to the change in season. I dont think anyone can reall claim that the FAI have done serious in depth research. Aligning seasons to LoI is probably due to it being easier tbh than to go back. My own total backing of other levels of football aligning with a Summers season is because I see LoI as the pinnacle of the game here and everyone else should feed in to the senior level. For years the powerbase was with cliques at lower levels (i'll excludee schoolboys as that back has been broken) whose main agenda was to 'put LoI in its place' when LoI hould have had weighted votes at FAI AGMs.

[Roones26]

Ultimately there is a reluctance on my part to criticise these people. They are volunteers, doing what I am not doing, running the sport in my native county probably coaching, doing everything to keep the show on the road but as with all things volunteers nobody is beyond accountability and they are poor advocates for their cause. I think of the lads going on off the ball and making a holy show of themselves before the vote. Fair enough you think you know what's best for the game and your free to advocate for that but it has to be something more now than just cause I know its better.

People have some much choice now what to do with their leisure time. They can play any number of sports including in Donegal now American Football or nothing at all so continuing to see this present as a simple axis between the GAA and Football by some people feels like an Ireland that doesnt really exist anymore. ]

I have more loathing in my heart for the politicians including someone who fancies themselves to be minister for finance thinking they can tell the FAI when they can have their season

[Nesta99]

I get your poin and it is valid. But I dont think administrators of the game should be beyond criticism, even if volunteers, if they not doing their job or obstructing just for the sake of it. They have a duty of care to the game and its development. If they a have legitimate argument, and they do, they should be listened to and they should listen when there is a valid proposal put to them. Maybe change the language away from criticism to guidance, discussion, utilising a honest democratic process - assuming they are open to it all. The old desperate arguments that are being made are tiresome.

Training of officers in how to be effective is important too. LCC via the Louth Sports Partnership ran workshops (tbh where I had most interaction and developed some insight to the mindsets and processes) in basic skills and how to be a representative. The practical stuff eg just how to take minutes properly did get buy in, some new club secretaries were super stressed thinking they had to record every word in writing which at an Irish committee meeting in anything is impossible. The leadership type training had a different profile of person who, being elected to the chair, eg just assumed a know it all manner and their meetings were often chaos - it created conflict tbh when people felt they were nt getting their say, being spoken across. Trying to get across that there is a legal element, and obligation to do things right well it was the noughties (reaonable pun for the era).

I dont know maybe this is just ramble, but annoyances grew from the most benign things, took root, and caused a ripple of stubbornness and, maybe idealisticlly, if you can manage that it alleviates all sorts of roadblocks in advance. Cheap and easy in the long run for NGBs.

[KianD]

He opened the stand there and it has his name on the side. It's probably not the formal name, but when I visited that's what it was referred to as anyway.

Last outpost of Irish football prepares for visit of FAI chiefs | Irish Independent (https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/last-outpost-of-irish-football-prepares-for-visit-of-fai-chiefs/26875816.html)

Anyways - it's proof that there is indeed FAI money for clubs in Donegal who behave themselves in the eyes of our glorious overlords :D

Formal name, and the only one used, is the Antoin Gallagher Stand; Antoin being my great-uncle and instrumental in uniting the multiple teams there were on Arranmore prior to Arranmore United.

"Opened by John Delaney" is on the sign, below the name, in a smaller font.

[Nesta99]

Well he would have handed over 8k and been the belle of te ball, with is name still on the stand even if not called after him. The delaney stand could stick regardless. Would locals still at the club continue to follow the Delaney cult?

[EatYerGreens]

Well he would have handed over 8k and been the belle of te ball, with is name still on the stand even if not called after him. The delaney stand could stick regardless. Would locals still at the club continue to follow the Delaney cult?

Does anyone know if the notorious lickspittles at Clones Town FC still have their ground named after Delaney? He gave the FAI seal of approval to the club's patently ridiculous and unfounded claim to be the oldest in Ireland, and because of that and handing over a development cheque JD got the entire ground named after him. Probably his most blatant example of gombeenism/nepotism (?)

[EalingGreen]

I was round this place a couple or three years ago, though not a match day:

https://focus.independent.ie/thumbor/1JdBRYvw_rGfFcNDAC5l2FrLCVY=/0x25:980x565/1280x853/prod-mh-ireland/13c9dfea-eea7-11ed-a160-0210609a3fe2.JPG

Although the name plaque was nicely done, as you can see (the gates too) the rest of the actual stadium was only half done.

[EalingGreen]

Does anyone know if the notorious lickspittles at Clones Town FC still have their ground named after Delaney? He gave the FAI seal of approval to the club's patently ridiculous and unfounded claim to be the oldest in Ireland, and because of that and handing over a development cheque JD got the entire ground named after him. Probably his most blatant example of gombeenism/nepotism (?)

Sorry, just noticed this post after I'd posted the above one.

Anyhow, this town website repeats the "oldest club" claim, adding that Clones Town are also "the most successful club in the North East of Ireland."
https://clones-ireland.com/index.php/clones-sports-and-groups/clones-town-football-club

While I doubt the name has been changed, since the club were opposed to that back at the time of JD's fall from grace:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/no-appetite-for-club-to-change-name-of-john-delaney-park/38549762.html

EDIT: A quick look at their Facebook page shows references a couple of months ago to "JD Park" - seemingly abbreviated for space purposes.

[nr637]

Just came across this again and really think its a great ideas, one of the FAI's better ones!

https://m.independent.ie/sport/socce...134249540.html (https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/you-have-changed-the-face-of-irish-football-fai-give-green-light-to-aligned-calendar-year-schedule/a2134249540.html)

[EatYerGreens]

Just came across this again and really think its a great ideas, one of the FAI's better ones!

https://m.independent.ie/sport/socce...134249540.html (https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/you-have-changed-the-face-of-irish-football-fai-give-green-light-to-aligned-calendar-year-schedule/a2134249540.html)

We await the inevitable split :eek:

Maybe those upset could join the NI football structures (in the same way that the Falls District League in West Belfast joined the FAI during the 1921 split) ;)

[Nesta99]

Sorry, just noticed this post after I'd posted the above one.

Anyhow, this town website repeats the "oldest club" claim, adding that Clones Town are also "the most successful club in the North East of Ireland."
https://clones-ireland.com/index.php/clones-sports-and-groups/clones-town-football-club

While I doubt the name has been changed, since the club were opposed to that back at the time of JD's fall from grace:
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/herald/no-appetite-for-club-to-change-name-of-john-delaney-park/38549762.html

EDIT: A quick look at their Facebook page shows references a couple of months ago to "JD Park" - seemingly abbreviated for space purposes.

Originating as a GNR works team and most successful in the North East - Dundalk FCs real derby rivals and we never knew. Im glad I read beyond the highest level football ground (at 85m) rather than laugh and quit. With some creativity you really can make something out of nothing online!

*It is mad that this club could be a stalwart, centre of community, giving young players a really good grounding and chance to progress, but I'll never see past the Delaney connection!

[nr637]

1st Round Draw complete. It is the last 16 of the FAI Intermediate Cup (excluding UCD's LSL team who were replaced by Baldoyle United, the side they beat in the last 32) and last 8 of the FAI Junior Cup, so 12 ties with the winners qualifying for the 2nd round joining the 20 League of Ireland clubs.

St. Mochta's (LSL Dublin) v Douglas Hall (MSL Cork)
St. Michael's (TDSL Tipp) v Usher Celtic (LSL Dublin)
Leicester Celtic (LSL Dublin) v Fanad United (Donegal League)
Ringmahon Rangers (MSL Cork) v UCC (MSL Cork)
Tolka Rovers (LSL Dublin) v Janesboro (Limerick League)
Fairview Rangers (Limerick League) v Baldoyle United (LSL Dublin)
Crumlin United (LSL Dublin) v Lucan United (LSL Dublin)
Midleton (MSL Cork) v Killester Donneycarney (LSL Dublin)
Salthill Devon (Galway League) v Liffey Wanderers (LSL Dublin)
North End United (Wexford League) v Castlebar Celtic (Mayo League)
Wayside Celtic (LSL Dublin) v River Valley Rangers (LSL Dublin)
College Corinthians (MSL Cork) v Bangor Celtic (LSL Dublin)

How many of these clubs could be in the new National League Divisions in 2026?

[Elfman]

So far, probably just Salthill Devon. I've seen a few newspapers claim they have applied but nothing from the club themselves.

I saw LOI Talk interviewed a rep from St Francis. While there's not much of real interest past the opening 6mins, I did note he said the FAI asked about covered stands, implying the new 3rd tier will have to have covered areas for spectators [7:40].
He also claims there is a plan to expand to a 4th tier [11:01].

Here's the link to the full video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ra0C9Bgt5CQ

[nr637]

New National League clubs may have to have at least some covered seated area for spectators as part of their facilities.

What non-league club have a minimum of 500 covered seated areas?

I know Jackman Park Limerick has an approximate 260 seated stand and Station Road, Newbridge has approximately 850 seated areas.

[EatYerGreens]

It appears we have a new Clones Town in the LOI now :eek:

John Delaney At Mounthawk Park as a guest of Kerry FC, and spoofing about hoiw much money he's handed out from his own pocket :o This sort of nonesense risks killing the goodwill that exists towards Kerry FC around the league.

(2) Daniel McDonnell on X: "Presented without comment (But if the Masters is making you feel queasy then best ignore this) https://t.co/2wBwI4Grw8" / X (https://x.com/McDonnellDan/status/1911528451565060563)