LoI Academies

[Nesta99]

I didn't feel the comment I was responding to was deserving of much more of a response tbh.
Kerry had a disappointing finish to 2024 but hat's off to Longford who surged ahead. While Harps finished above Kerry last year, it was the late surge by Longford again as Kerry faltered that stood out.
I wouldn't see either poor finishes to the last two seasons or the current struggles to get results on the field as something that invalidates what Kerry are doing clubwise in what they represent.
I was surprised from the journey to Tallaght Stadium last year that the high flying Shamrock Rovers had a respect and understanding for Kerry's journey. I suppose game respects game. Some get it and some don't.

This almost sounds like the genesis of a footballing rivalry almost. Which is generally the basis of how I feel on the county system - who wants a MLS like polite rivalry?! It needs to be tribal for the bug to bite, (respectful ish) hostility, no catch all diluted identity. Kerry County Council meetings should have councillors from Tralee and Killarney sniping weekly about the others sh1thole football ground between the minor stuff of running the county. If the time ever comes where Mayo FC beat Kerry FC in a winner takes all League of Ireland title game half of Mayo folk will think they've broken the '51 hoodoo and the other half will be in Croke Park wondering what time throw in is.

Now if Kerry and Longford fans start sniping I might start thinking there's hope for Kerry FC, cause the places in Munster where LoI has been established, even Limerick, wont see Kerry as much more than just a game. It'd hopefully be better than the poor Monaghan United fans thinking they had a rivalry with Dundalk so tried playing mind games like flooding dressing rooms and locking visiting fans out (who could just hop the fence and watch from the neighbouring field among the cows).

A Kerry Derby 4 times a year though and FAI Cup draws - and an identity is forged, inherited generational allegiances stuff.

[legendz]

There's no one size that fits all. I think someone was saying the "Connacht Derby" between Galway and Sligo is pushing it. Possibly an Athlone - Mullingar rivalry would suit the Midlands.
Haven't seen any detail on what's required for NL clubs to earn a First Division licence. I would expect having teams entered to the youth leagues being required. Would any of the NL clubs from Galway and Donegal for example be likely to enter youth teams?
My understanding is that Killarney Celtic are focused on the National League only. Doubt they'll be entering the youth leagues or seeking a First Division licence any time soon.