2012 First Division structure?

[legendz]

Were all 4 of Cobh, Carlow, Tralee and Fanad invited to join with only Fanad declining?

[passinginterest]

Personally all for election of FC Carlow, but to play out of Kilkenny ? Might as well re-elect Kilkenny City.
If this condition goes ahead would it not be Carlow's interest to consider a name change to appeal to a wider audience ? South Leinster FC anyone.

Considering FC Carlow started life as South East FC that's not really a huge jump. I'm sure if they thought it would get more people through the gates they'd return to it.

[nigel-harps1954]

Considering their ground is in the middle of nowhere, I'd say it's a great move for them.

[WoodquayBoy]

The Just Follow The Floodlights page thinks Salthill may be pulling out?

It's wrong to think that, they have appointed Tony Mannion as manager, and it is not so he can manage in the Galway & District League

[gufc2000]

Surely if Carlow are getting a licence provided they play in Kilkenny, then GUST merit a licence. This whole selection process is absolutely farcical, nothing short of a joke.

[gufcfan]

Surely if Carlow are getting a licence provided they play in Kilkenny, then GUST merit a licence. This whole selection process is absolutely farcical, nothing short of a joke.

I don't pretend to know what's going on, but there being no word from either party at the moment is good news as far as I'm concerned. The alleged problems with GUST getting a licence was nothing to do with how suitable they were or if the requirements were satisfied, which I hear they were. It seemed to be more to do with politics and certain people not wanting a licence granted to GUST.

The county is behind GUST. The City Council passed a unanimous vote to publicly support GUST, the county mayor supports GUST, more elected officials than I can remember, prominent local business people including Pat McDonagh, the Galway FA (who are the trustees of Terryland), a large number of junior clubs (with 2 obvious exceptions), the Connacht FA, government ministers, the President of our country...

[Youths4Ever]

Also, is Mick Wallace still bothering with Wexford Youths?? Very quiet down there.

Only question marks I'd have on that list would be are Wexford gonna be around and if Bray go tits up will the FAI put us up or fudge Waterford up.

Youths plan to be aorund this season (depending on license obviously). New manager Shane Keegan in place and working on pre season some interviews with Shane here

[legendz]

The FAI are really handling this first division process very badly. It's damaging for the image of the league and even the integrity of the league.

[culloty82]

Still, at least it's actually an improvement on last year, in that the clubs can reasonably predict their chances of success and the process seems to have been concluded a month earlier. The fact that there hasn't been any confirmation yet of an announcement on Thursday won't do anything to ease the uncertainty, though.

[adamd164]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

[legendz]

I suppose if LoI football is coming to Kerry, the wait will be worth it!

[WoodquayBoy]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

You're close, but still a little off!!

[Jofspring]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

Even if both clubs agree to it it sounds very messy. I would think both clubs would feel they either play seperate from each other as their own clubs or not at all, otherwise what would be the benefit in either club being involved in senior football if it was not as Salthill or Mervue.

[Jofspring]

You're close, but still a little off!!

Mervue/GUST??

[gufcfan]

There's a long way from being asked to actually agreeing to it. GUST reps might burst into flames in the presence of Mervue officials.

[Longfordian]

What's in it for Mervue? Can't see them agreeing to that too easily.

[Mr A]

I got the impression that the plan was for either Salthill or Mervue to 'rebrand' to something with Galway in the name. Not sure how that would work.

[Sean South]

Any truth in rumours that the FAI have asked Mervue and Salthill to merge as Galway FC and play in Terryland?

Salthill were asked would they change their name to Galway Devon

[holidaysong]

The FAI asking clubs to re-brand themselves, that's crazy but not unbelievable. Franchise football is alive and well.

[gufcfan]

Franchise football is alive and well.

It's only been one season since Sporting Franchise fell apart after all.