2026 Attendances

[Buckett]

Ya can't be showing the first division on a national broadcaster, it's absolutely shyte. If a floating sports fan saw it and assumed that the Premier was basically the same, the sport here would never grow! It's the graveyard for good reason. If a club doesn't like it, step up and get yourself out of it!

[outspoken]

I had heard VM were going to show the goals from the FD this season but some of the footage simply wouldn't be broadcastable on TV.

[nigel-harps1954]

Ya can't be showing the first division on a national broadcaster, it's absolutely shyte. If a floating sports fan saw it and assumed that the Premier was basically the same, the sport here would never grow! It's the graveyard for good reason. If a club doesn't like it, step up and get yourself out of it!

Au contraire, isn't that exactly how we expect to get bums on seats, if it got a bit more coverage?


I had heard VM were going to show the goals from the FD this season but some of the footage simply wouldn't be broadcastable on TV.

Audio issues were the reason I was given. Most of the commentary sounds horrible, and not even just the commentary itself, the sound is awful.

[cobhlad]

Not 1 crowd within even a couple of hundred of 1000 this weekend in the first division
Very early in the season for things to be falling off to those numbers. Can’t blame the weather, or any big clashes.

Tough for the clubs. Is there any real way to grow First Division attendances?

[outspoken]

Au contraire, isn't that exactly how we expect to get bums on seats, if it got a bit more coverage?



Audio issues were the reason I was given. Most of the commentary sounds horrible, and not even just the commentary itself, the sound is awful.

Sorry that's what I meant. Again, I'd never criticize another commentator, most of the lads in the FD are volunteers but some of the carry on couldn't be put on TV

[legendz]

Very early in the season for things to be falling off to those numbers. Can’t blame the weather, or any big clashes.

Tough for the clubs. Is there any real way to grow First Division attendances?
The playoffs are a lifeline but since Waterford - no clubs have looked likely to earn promotion via the playoffs.
FAI Cup semi finals aren't played in neutral venues. League Cup finals used to have a home team. When Bray took on Waterford in the promotion/relegation playoff, if it was over two legs having a bumper crowd when hosting the Premier opponent would be a big event.
There's no major incentive for finishing 2nd or 3rd. The deck chairs of the playoff lifeline possibly could be adjusted. Down to the clubs & FAI to work that one out.
Treaty for their region are underperforming. Are there many other clubs where a sizeable support would be expected..

[Roones26]

Au contraire, isn't that exactly how we expect to get bums on seats, if it got a bit more coverage?



Audio issues were the reason I was given. Most of the commentary sounds horrible, and not even just the commentary itself, the sound is awful.

I think there's a nuance to this piece, like you do want to see it get more coverage, but you also need to have it presented in a way that doesn't confirm people's pre-existing biases and I'm not certain that showing a game on TV with, with respect, a minimal attendance will do much positive

I genuinely don't know what the answer to the FD is, a lot of them are provincial clubs, which we can litigate again what an acceptable attendance is, but I think even being charitable, you would expect it to be better than that. Perhaps there is a piece in the structure that its too difficult for clubs to compete with 11 clubs for 10 places I think its a super challenging one

[Longfordian]

Sorry that's what I meant. Again, I'd never criticize another commentator, most of the lads in the FD are volunteers but some of the carry on couldn't be put on TV

You wouldn't necessarily need to broadcast the commentary if you were just showing the goals? Could just have graphics and maybe crowd noise or someone introducing it. Not 100% ideal but better than not showing anything.

[2 Year Contract]

You wouldn't necessarily need to broadcast the commentary if you were just showing the goals? Could just have graphics and maybe crowd noise or someone introducing it. Not 100% ideal but better than not showing anything.

Isn’t that what they do anyways for the premier division goals? They play the goals and Tommy Martin gives a quick run through description from the live studio

[nr637]

Not 1 crowd within even a couple of hundred of 1000 this weekend in the first division

Yes, but a consistent average of over 500 per game is the level that the First Division has reached and consistently over a 36 game format.

[nr637]

2846 at Derry v Drogs.
What is it with the Derry home support?
Is there no faith in the Tieran Lynch or what!

[nigel-harps1954]

You wouldn't necessarily need to broadcast the commentary if you were just showing the goals? Could just have graphics and maybe crowd noise or someone introducing it. Not 100% ideal but better than not showing anything.

Separating crowd noise from commentary wouldn't be easy as they're all transferred together to LOITV.

[Longfordian]

Separating crowd noise from commentary wouldn't be easy as they're all transferred together to LOITV.

Fair enough so. Can understand the concerns around the commentary.

[EatYerGreens]

But I can't help wondering why Dublin, which is a genuine "football city" with a (wealthy) population of 1.3m (+ 750k in Greater Dublin?), cannot support more clubs to a high level. Compare that eg with Belfast, which has four clubs in the Prem and another four in the Championship.


You can only support what exists. The clubs in Belfast you mention are long-standing and part of the NI pyramid. There is no stampede of other Dublin clubs to join the LOI currently (beyond the new 3rd tier, which is a very separate animal really).

So the very simple answer to your question is that there is no credible demand for more Dublin clubs. There isn't even demand for UCD if we're being honest, and they're realistically only kept going by their university connection.

I would flip your question back on you and argue that there are just too many Belfast clubs in NI. The players aren't there for them all to function at a good level, and it's also indicative of how the Irish League has long been geographically massively-skewed (way beyond the population skew there). It's also much easier to keep a small poorly-supported club going in the north than it is in the LOI, as travel costs are much lower up there - and the limited number of full-time teams makes it easier for everyone who isnt to compete on much more of a shoestring. Dundela, Newington and Queens woulnd't stand a chance in the LOI First Division.

[Keen2win]

Longford seem to be overstating attendances by about 200 people or 55% based on an analysis of the UCD game! Probably for sponsors etc. I do want them to win their games etc, but at some stage they will need to train in Longford after 30 years like every other club in world football. Currently they are training at St. Francis and giving talks etc to St Francis academy players.. not sure if that can continue when St Francis is in the league should really be looking at linking our academy to first team before it's too late!

On the above about Dublin teams, you could probably have 10 competitive Dublin teams in LOI the way it is now.. They have strength in depth when it comes to players definitely and for LTFC it is an easy option to just outsource the football to Dublin but it's extremely disappointing for local players, coaches and their families. I appreciate some people don't care, but they aren't involved in the game locally. I have heard it my whole life about LTFC training in Dublin. Hanley is probably afraid of having to pay accommodation for players in fairness to him.

Public funding will hopefully necessitate building the game/industry in the midlands. We get academy players from Leitrim, Roscommon, Cavan, Westmeath etc. Ultimately if they train in Longford, these players will still have to prove themselves but at least they won't be shafted by the status quo operational decision to base the first team in Dublin. I scouted 2 players in Abbeycartron, there are players around 100% they just need and deserve opportunity. The facilities exist for academy teams so they exist for a senior team also, and the argument that they don't exist - as made by a committee member here - isn't even an argument as if the facilities aren't there you don't get a license! Best of luck to Mr Groves but he should be training in Longford. He should think of it like St Mels College in the GAA - 29 Leinsters 4 All Irelands we used to sing, I think it might be 30 Leinsters now. The majority of these came when Mels was a boarding school and players from around the midlands went there for their Gaelic Football. Or Mullinalaghta beating Kilmacud Crokes to win a Leinster, a very small village with players commuting to training from England. If there's a will, there's a way!

[legendz]

The playoff system has changed so much throughout the years. Questionable if it has changed for the worse while offering a necessary lifeline. 2018 and 2019 gave 2nd a bye to the FD playoff final while 3rd v 4th battled it out in a semi final. Promotion/relegation playoff was over two legs as well.
More than one way to skin a cat in rearranging the deck chairs of the FD playoff lifeline. A more incentive based approach would be along the lines of...
QF 4th home to 5th.
SF 3rd home to QF winner.
FINAL 2nd v SF winner over two legs.
The promotion relegation playoff then in a one off neutral venue or back to being over two legs - down to the clubs really to stick or twist on that one.

[dcfc_legend9]

2846 at Derry v Drogs.
What is it with the Derry home support?
Is there no faith in the Tieran Lynch or what!

How do you mean? Its the same with any team throughout the league. When a team gets a bit of momentum and wins games you see a rise in attendances, Same when a team is under performing you get a drop off in support.

Derry has always had a core support of 2500 - 3000 that will attend games no matter what. The rest come and go.

On Tiernan Lynch however id say there is little support overall.

[brendy_éire]

2846 at Derry v Drogs.
What is it with the Derry home support?
Is there no faith in the Tieran Lynch or what!

I suspect there may have been more at the match that what's reported.

But no, most want Lynch out.

[Buller]

It's also much easier to keep a small poorly-supported club going in the north than it is in the LOI, as travel costs are much lower up there - and the limited number of full-time teams makes it easier for everyone who isnt to compete on much more of a shoestring. Dundela, Newington and Queens woulnd't stand a chance in the LOI First Division.

This. 100%

[MoydowMonty]

Longford seem to be overstating attendances by about 200 people or 55% based on an analysis of the UCD game! Probably for sponsors etc. I do want them to win their games etc, but at some stage they will need to train in Longford after 30 years like every other club in world football.

What's that 200 about? Where's that coming from or what analysis is this?

As for the training thing, I don't know how you'd approach that. The logistics of that would be so tricky. All well and good saying to move training to Longford, but would we find 20+ players capable of competing with first division teams? We're already up against it with the lads we have, and they'd have come from a level higher than Longford/midlands. You'd want to be very careful, if you kept it to all local lads there's a danger they'd not be up for it and be in for hammerings.
Just look at our academy results on FAI connect in last few seasons, there have been some bad beatings, and plenty of them. If that starts happening to the first team the attendances will plummet. I know myself I'd keep going, as would some of the other die hards, but lets face it, most won't stick around, even if they're local lads.

I do agree to some extent though. I'm still sick that Emmanuel James isn't around anymore. A player clearly good enough to at least be appearing regularly in our senior team. But presumably the Dublin training thing has to have been a factor in him not returning. Could they maybe move training to Kildare just to be a little bit closer to home, while still bring able to attract the lads we currently have?

[Buckett]

Longford is one of the cheapest places to rent in Ireland so I wonder would the savings made on not paying rent for facilities in Dublin cover the cost of renting a couple of houses in Longford for players to stay?
No team outside of Dublin could survive on a "local players only" policy.
Having the players in Longford on a daily basis interacting with the local community could do wonders for attendances.

[EalingGreen]

You can only support what exists. The clubs in Belfast you mention are long-standing and part of the NI pyramid. There is no stampede of other Dublin clubs to join the LOI currently (beyond the new 3rd tier, which is a very separate animal really).
Very true.. But the point about Dublin is that there must be potential for established clubs, even if they are Intermediate, even Junior, to aspire to the level of eg the second tier Belfast clubs. Now this will need a clear programme, with adequate resourcing, and take (many) years. But that is an argument for starting now, not kicking it into the long grass. Unless, of course, the new NL can hasten that process, but that is separate as you say, so that I suspect it is a fig leaf to meet UEFA's demands that domestic leagues must operate a pyramid.



So the very simple answer to your question is that there is no credible demand for more Dublin clubs. There isn't even demand for UCD if we're being honest, and they're realistically only kept going by their university connection.
There is no formal "demand" at present, but there must be potential there waiting to be exploited - at least more than more sparsely populated/isolated rural areas which have never had much of a footballing tradition.



I would flip your question back o you and argue that there are just too many Belfast clubs in NI. The players aren't there for them all to function at a good level, and it's also indicative of how the Irish League has long been geographically massively-skewed (way beyond the population skew there).That is certainly an argument.

But what do you do about it? Try merging clubs? Good Luck with "Cruville" or "Lintoran"! The fact is, those Belfast clubs are there on merit, both sporting and sustainability (just!) and can/should only be replaced by other clubs which are better placed in those respects - see eg Larne.

And in any case, the situation was FAR worse back in the days of the 12 team Irish League single division, when you also had Belfast Celtic and Distillery as top teams. In fact Belfast Celtic are interesting, since after they folded, they were replaced by Crusaders in 1950, who were elected as a leading Intermediate club, having been a Junior club until 1931. And yet after having been a leading club until relatively recently, those very same Crues could even find themselves relegated from the Prem if they don't get their act together for the last few games of this season, where they could even find themselves replaced by Limavady or another newcomer, Annagh.

The point being that the increase in Belfast clubs in the League is a consequence of the same structural developments which were later to see a further expansion out in the country to areas which had never before had Senior football.

As a result, the League top tiers are the opposite of you claim of being "geographically massively skewed", as clubs have moved up the pyramid in hitherto neglected areas - eg Dungannon, Ballinamallard, Loughgall, Warrenpoint, or even eg Armagh, Limavady, Coagh, Castlederg for periods lower down. In fact if you were to look at a map, you'll see that Senior football is far more widespread throughout NI than its counterpart in ROI - and all that's without Derry City!


It's also much easier to keep a small poorly-supported club going in the north than it is in the LOI, as travel costs are much lower up there - and the limited number of full-time teams makes it easier for everyone who isnt to compete on much more of a shoestring.There's no doubt that travel is a major outlay in ROI that is much more of a disincentive than in NI.

But as against that, there is rather less disposable income in NI than in ROI to spend on discretionary activities like football; also rather fewer billionaire "sugar daddys" around to subsidise clubs as well. On top of which, NI clubs have to pay 20% VAT on all gate income, unlike their ROI counterparts, which must be a significant saver for the latter to help offset travel costs.

So I guess what I am saying is that while there is a whole lot that NI club football could learn from the situation in ROI (understatement), nonetheless in respect of exploiting and developing Senior football outside the present same old same old 18* LOI clubs, if a much smaller NI can do it, there is no good reason why ROI isn't a whole lot further on.


* - Excls DCFC and UCD, as exceptional cases.


Dundela, Newington and Queens woulnd't stand a chance in the LOI First Division.No doubt, just as there are IL Prem clubs who would survive in your top tier. But that is a reflection of relative standards, esp since ROI's greater resources are rather more concentrated in a smaller number of clubs than NI's.

My point is is not one of standards, but one of untapped potential throughout ROI, most esp in Dublin, but also regionally.

[EatYerGreens]

Very true.. But the point about Dublin is that there must be potential for established clubs, even if they are Intermediate, even Junior, to aspire to the level of eg the second tier Belfast clubs. Now this will need a clear programme, with adequate resourcing, and take (many) years. But that is an argument for starting now, not kicking it into the long grass. Unless, of course, the new NL can hasten that process, but that is separate as you say, so that I suspect it is a fig leaf to meet UEFA's demands that domestic leagues must operate a pyramid.

There is no formal "demand" at present, but there must be potential there waiting to be exploited - at least more than more sparsely populated/isolated rural areas which have never had much of a footballing tradition.

That is certainly an argument.

But what do you do about it? Try merging clubs? Good Luck with "Cruville" or "Lintoran"! The fact is, those Belfast clubs are there on merit, both sporting and sustainability (just!) and can/should only be replaced by other clubs which are better placed in those respects - see eg Larne.

And in any case, the situation was FAR worse back in the days of the 12 team Irish League single division, when you also had Belfast Celtic and Distillery as top teams. In fact Belfast Celtic are interesting, since after they folded, they were replaced by Crusaders in 1950, who were elected as a leading Intermediate club, having been a Junior club until 1931. And yet after having been a leading club until relatively recently, those very same Crues could even find themselves relegated from the Prem if they don't get their act together for the last few games of this season, where they could even find themselves replaced by Limavady or another newcomer, Annagh.

The point being that the increase in Belfast clubs in the League is a consequence of the same structural developments which were later to see a further expansion out in the country to areas which had never before had Senior football.

As a result, the League top tiers are the opposite of you claim of being "geographically massively skewed", as clubs have moved up the pyramid in hitherto neglected areas - eg Dungannon, Ballinamallard, Loughgall, Warrenpoint, or even eg Armagh, Limavady, Coagh, Castlederg for periods lower down. In fact if you were to look at a map, you'll see that Senior football is far more widespread throughout NI than its counterpart in ROI - and all that's without Derry City!

There's no doubt that travel is a major outlay in ROI that is much more of a disincentive than in NI.

But as against that, there is rather less disposable income in NI than in ROI to spend on discretionary activities like football; also rather fewer billionaire "sugar daddys" around to subsidise clubs as well. On top of which, NI clubs have to pay 20% VAT on all gate income, unlike their ROI counterparts, which must be a significant saver for the latter to help offset travel costs.

So I guess what I am saying is that while there is a whole lot that NI club football could learn from the situation in ROI (understatement), nonetheless in respect of exploiting and developing Senior football outside the present same old same old 18* LOI clubs, if a much smaller NI can do it, there is no good reason why ROI isn't a whole lot further on.


* - Excls DCFC and UCD, as exceptional cases.

No doubt, just as there are IL Prem clubs who would survive in your top tier. But that is a reflection of relative standards, esp since ROI's greater resources are rather more concentrated in a smaller number of clubs than NI's.

My point is is not one of standards, but one of untapped potential throughout ROI, most esp in Dublin, but also regionally.

I'm not seeing this untapped potential for additional Dublin clubs in the LOi though. Where is it ? God knows that quite a few have tried - from longstanding non-league teams like St Francis, Home Farm, Cabinteely and St James's Gate, to newly manufactured ones like Dublin City and Sporting Fingal - created precisely out of the belief that there was untapped potential for them there. Yet none lasted the distance (and some barely lasted a wet weekend). So where is this alleged untapped potential for additional senior football clubs in Dublin hiding?

[outspoken]

Longford is one of the cheapest places to rent in Ireland so I wonder would the savings made on not paying rent for facilities in Dublin cover the cost of renting a couple of houses in Longford for players to stay?
No team outside of Dublin could survive on a "local players only" policy.
Having the players in Longford on a daily basis interacting with the local community could do wonders for attendances.

LTFC are just about part time, there's no way we'd have lads coming down to Longford every day.

Lads are kidding themselves if they think the standard of football locally is anywhere near LOI level.

Manny James would have been a great option off the bench this season, better than a couple of subs we've brought on in some of the games, but he's no where near as good as Murtagh or Dean Williams

[EalingGreen]

I'm not seeing this untapped potential for additional Dublin clubs in the LOi though. Where is it ? God knows that quite a few have tried - from longstanding non-league teams like St Francis, Home Farm, Cabinteely and St James's Gate, to newly manufactured ones like Dublin City and Sporting Fingal - created precisely out of the belief that there was untapped potential for them there. Yet none lasted the distance (and some barely lasted a wet weekend). So where is this alleged untapped potential for additional senior football clubs in Dublin hiding?The problem surely was that "makey-uppy" teams like Dublin City or S.Fingal were never going to succeed, since they had nothing to build upon.

Whereas those other established clubs were admitted at too high a level and before they were ready. Which is a direct result of trying to build a pyramid from the top down - something the Egyptians cottoned on to nearly 5,000 years ago!

Whereas if you build from the bottom up, teams may take their place at their appropriate level, then progress in stages as and when they're able to, with the best rising to the top. Now it may be that those best would actually come from outside (Greater) Dublin, though with eg the phenomenal range of school/youth football in the city, or the LSL etc, I wouldn't be so sure. Either way, 'suck it and see'.

And granted, it will likely take years, but anything is better than a botch job - see eg the "A" Championship.

[cláirseach]

What's that 200 about? Where's that coming from or what analysis is this?

They've been at this for a while. I've thrice now taken photos of all populated sections of the ground at different stages points of games and literally counted every head. What an exciting life! There was no way to match the numbers reported by the club with the amount of people in the ground.

[Martinho II]

Longford is one of the cheapest places to rent in Ireland so I wonder would the savings made on not paying rent for facilities in Dublin cover the cost of renting a couple of houses in Longford for players to stay?
No team outside of Dublin could survive on a "local players only" policy.
Having the players in Longford on a daily basis interacting with the local community could do wonders for attendances.

Yeah when Stephen Kenny was in charge Buckett that was tried out. it worked well but it was different times back then as it was winter football. Doubt there would be the same buzz back then!

[MoydowMonty]

To say James is nowhere near as good as the 2 lads is unfair. In a fraction of minutes he got almost as many league goals as Murtagh and has more than Williams in the last 2 years, again with far fewer minutes. There's quality there, and a joke that he doesn't get to have better crack at LOI anymore

[EalingGreen]

So the very simple answer to your question is that there is no credible demand for more Dublin clubs.

I would flip your question back on you and argue that there are just too many Belfast clubs in NI.Just happened to take a look at the PD table - the four Dublin clubs are already a bit out in front of all the rest and attracting great crowds, even after just 8 games.

While by contrast, with just four games remaining in the ("Belfast-centric") IL Premiership, Glentoran are 2nd (6 pts behind leaders Larne who are on 76 pts); Linfield are 4th (13 pts behind LFC); Cliftonville are 5th (29 pts behind LFC) and Crusaders in 11th on just 26 pts, are sinking like a stone, to find themselves in the relegation play-off slot, only one place/one point above the automatic relegation slot, currently occupied by a resurgent Glenavon. (Crues are also 8 pts behind 10th placed Ballymena, who also have a game in hand):
https://www.nifootballleague.com/premiership/2025-2026/standings/

[nigel-harps1954]

1,007 in Finn Park with about 15-20 Cork fans.

[outspoken]

1,007 in Finn Park with about 15-20 Cork fans.

Good going that

[trevy]

2616 at the RSC last night.

[Buckett]

4, 611 in Terryland last night

[2 Year Contract]

4, 611 in Terryland last night
That’s a great crowd. Can’t get my head around Galway’s crowds at all considering the 2 previous home games drew less than 2,000 people each game!

[Buckett]

Last night was a "clubs night". Kids teams from around the county were invited. They basically filled the old stand along with their parents and coaches. We do these a couple of times a year now, the last few have been a great success. It's so important to get a win on night's like these too

[ger121]

I have to ask the question but are some clubs in the 1st Division including Season Tickets in their attendance figures? A few clubs seem to have higher attendances on FAI Connect then appear to be in the ground.

[outspoken]

I have to ask the question but are some clubs in the 1st Division including Season Tickets in their attendance figures? A few clubs seem to have higher attendances on FAI Connect then appear to be in the ground.

Must be. Beyond that I can't understand why you'd inflate it.

[nigel-harps1954]

I have to ask the question but are some clubs in the 1st Division including Season Tickets in their attendance figures? A few clubs seem to have higher attendances on FAI Connect then appear to be in the ground.

I know Harps are just counting what's scanned on the night. If we were counting season tickets we'd have official attendances of 1,500-2,000 a game as we have a massive amount of kids season tickets.

[oriel]

Shels v Dundalk was 4,674, was that one of the biggest this season for Shels with the new / new stand re-opened, noticed it wasn't full but more or less, Riverside looked jammed.

Any idea on the away support figure? Tolka is always a favourite for DFC fans, Cat & Cage another fav spot !

Finally, any Shels know why there is the need to block off the first 3 or 4 rows for away fans, can be hard to see the goal line from that area depending on where you are standing. Overall though have to say the place looks great, pitch was in great nick too.

[ger121]

I know Harps are just counting what's scanned on the night. If we were counting season tickets we'd have official attendances of 1,500-2,000 a game as we have a massive amount of kids season tickets.

I think the Harps ones look fine Nigel and what you see is what is published.

[oriel]

4, 611 in Terryland last night

Brilliant crowd, I had Galway down to finish bottom !! Caulfield doing a great job there, they will be nowhere near any relegation worries.

[shelsfan1]

Any idea on the away support figure?

There was 544 Dundalk fans.

[Dalymountrower]

Shels v Dundalk was 4,674, was that one of the biggest this season for Shels with the new / new stand re-opened, noticed it wasn't full but more or less, Riverside looked jammed.
.
Bigger home Shhels crowds v Pats,Shams and Bohs.
Nearly 1,000 more at the Bohs game.
550 odd away fans for Dundalk is impressive given the average Dundalk home games