2012 First Division structure?

**Mr A** · 26/01/2012, 12:37 PM

I didn't take from the FAI statement that they had fallen down- they just won't be considered unless somebody drops out. I can't understand the logic behind that at all.

**culloty82** · 26/01/2012, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

8 teams it is.. Tralee and Cobh on a waiting list of sorts.

http://www.fai.ie/domestic-a-grassro...-released.html

It says the fixtures are out but I don't see them there as yet.

Hmm, that release tells precisely nothing about why Cobh or Tralee were excluded - as Legendz says, there would be no complaints if they failed the licensing criteria, but when it goes on to say that the process hasn't been completed yet, things don't add up. Galway had five days to appeal after they were put in the A Championship, if I remember correctly, so looks like that and lobbying the clubs are their only two options. As things stand, once the U-19 season ends, they're only left with the KDL and MSL respectively.

**bennocelt** · 26/01/2012, 12:43 PM

KDL and MSL, so will they be allowed to take part in the league cup like last season, hardly. And what about the FAI cup, what level will they come in at......? Jeez what a mess

**El-Pietro** · 26/01/2012, 12:59 PM

Cobh definitely owe players money. They haven't attempted to contact at least two of those players - though as was mentioned they haven't even begun the licensing review process. strange

**adamd164** · 26/01/2012, 1:23 PM

Utterly bizarre, it would be understandable if Cobh and Tralee simply hadn't met the licensing requirements, but willingly going for an 8 team league and excluding the two of them is a shocking decision by the FAI.

Who are they trying to fool with this SD Galway malarky on the fixture list anyway... what a shambles.

**gormacha** · 26/01/2012, 1:30 PM

Originally Posted by sadloserkid

Already the gloss has been taken off what I was hoping would be a leisurely stroll to the title this season...

Here's a game: rearrange these words into a coherent sentence. "Give never to fortune hostages."

**adamd164** · 26/01/2012, 1:36 PM

Interesting theory by a Galway fan that actually seems like a plausible reason why the FAI are insisting on 8 teams:

There is a good chance that this was another obstacle put in the way to ensure that we did not get a licence this year. As it has already been mentioned there is a precedent set that a late application was accepted before by the fai. So if we had taken legal action it is likely the fai would have just said its an 8 team league so you still cant join. If they let the other clubs in then they would have to let us in as well.

**Mr A** · 26/01/2012, 1:36 PM

Also- Harps home fixtures are on Saturday nights, not Fridays.

**legendz** · 26/01/2012, 1:41 PM

There is a good chance that this was another obstacle put in the way to ensure that we did not get a licence this year. As it has already been mentioned there is a precedent set that a late application was accepted before by the fai. So if we had taken legal action it is likely the fai would have just said its an 8 team league so you still cant join. If they let the other clubs in then they would have to let us in as well.

It does seem plausible alright.

**CrowdedHouse** · 26/01/2012, 1:55 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Unless the FAI believe there's a real chance that two of the existing clubs won't make it...... (but I can't see any of the 8 having too much of an issue)

I think there could be a twist in this yet

Get back Limerick for having the cheek to take them on

**bluewhitearmy** · 26/01/2012, 2:14 PM

Originally Posted by CrowdedHouse

I think there could be a twist in this yet

Get back Limerick for having the cheek to take them on

Dont think they would risk us bringing them to court again seen as there is no grounds to not give us a licence.

**legendz** · 26/01/2012, 2:14 PM

Originally Posted by JC_GUFC

Yeah I agree - as a Galway United fan I feel somewhat hard done by this season but can only imagine what those at Tralee and Cobh think. It seemed as if they were shoe-ins to get in with no A-Championship to compete in next year but what do they do now? It must feel like the last 3 or 4 years in the A-Championship striving for a League of Ireland place was all a total waste. It would be interesting to hear where they fell down and what the lower teams in Division 1 have that these clubs don't.

Edit: Also as my better half is from near to Tralee they were going to be the team I supported for this season. Do I need 2 petrol canisters?!

From what I've seen/heard the clubs haven't lobbied for much. Some see calls for an interim league as foolish but the status quo doesn't always have to be accepted, otherwise things would never change.

**CrowdedHouse** · 26/01/2012, 2:29 PM

Originally Posted by bluewhitearmy

Dont think they would risk us bringing them to court again seen as there is no grounds to not give us a licence.

And again fair play to you for that

**sadloserkid** · 26/01/2012, 3:20 PM

Originally Posted by gormacha

Here's a game: rearrange these words into a coherent sentence. "Give never to fortune hostages."

My tongue was firmly in my cheek there.

I suspect that, Limerick being Limerick, we will somehow manage to come second before losing a playoff to Monaghan on penalties.

**nigel-harps1954** · 26/01/2012, 3:27 PM

3 points to start with anyway in Limerick.

**D24Saint** · 26/01/2012, 3:47 PM

Always thought the ten team league was a terrible format but this takes the biscuit just goes to show you what Delaney and his minions know about the game sweet FA!