20 Teams, 2 Divisions, 1 National League

[nr637]

If August 2026 is the expected start date for the 2026 shortened third tier then what league format could that take?

If there are two third tier sections South & North of 10 teams with only two rounds of fixtures played over the weekends dates for August, September, October, based on current fixtures arrangements.

August has 5 W/E + 1 Bank Holiday
September 4 W/E
October has 4 W/E + 1 Bank Holiday

If its a shortened fixture season of 18 games over this period there will have to be a fair number of mid-week fixtures unless it will only be 1 round of fixtures.

[culloty82]

If it's until mid-December, that's roughly 18 weeks.

[Roones26]

Women's second tier launched today

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/...troduced-2026/

[culloty82]

Makes sense not to introduce promotion/relegation straight away, as Kerry, for one, were working towards an U19 team next year, and presumably many of the other new clubs were thinking similarly. Presumably, like with the old Men's A Championship, eventually the top senior sides in each section will playoff for promotion?

[nr637]

Women's second tier launched today

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/...troduced-2026/

Great news, exciting news and justs show the huge strength and popularity in women's football around the country!

[nr637]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17E3gqJ1Mt

The following list of teams has appeared on several social media LOI outlets and seem to suggest where the final 20 teams will be picked from.

[Burnsie]

Supposedly the Leinster Senior League is going to hold a vote about boycotting the FAI Intermediate Cup in protest of it switching to a calendar year schedule (February - October 2026).

Strange, because there's a guy on the FAI board (which unanimously approved the aligned calendar) who looks just like the LSL chairman.

[nr637]

Supposedly the Leinster Senior League is going to hold a vote about boycotting the FAI Intermediate Cup in protest of it switching to a calendar year schedule (February - October 2026).

Strange, because there's a guy on the FAI board (which unanimously approved the aligned calendar) who looks just like the LSL chairman.

The LSL should just get on board and accept that the change will eventually be the right way to progress the game here. I do believe that the way the LOI is progressing with the new TV contracts, Shels & Rovers in Europe, the third tier and Women's leagues progression, shows the extent & real popularity in the growth of the game here.

[nigel-harps1954]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17E3gqJ1Mt

The following list of teams has appeared on several social media LOI outlets and seem to suggest where the final 20 teams will be picked from.

I don't know why people continue with these speculative lists. There's quite a few names on there that aren't in the running at all.

[Elfman]

Strange, because there's a guy on the FAI board (which unanimously approved the aligned calendar) who looks just like the LSL chairman.

Haha, brilliant! He votes it through instead of voicing any opposition, then blindsides the FAI with a boycott that puts the kibosh on the Intermediate Cup. You couldn't make this stuff up... but I suppose you could predict it.

Will a boycott matter much Burnsie? I'm sure the Munster Senior League teams will be happy to take the free hit at the cup.

[Elfman]

I don't know why people continue with these speculative lists. There's quite a few names on there that aren't in the running at all.

I think I've neglected to ask before Nigel but which Donegal team would you say in most likely to be in the running?

[nigel-harps1954]

I think I've neglected to ask before Nigel but which Donegal team would you say in most likely to be in the running?

From what I understand, both Letterkenny Rovers and Cockhill Celtic are in the running.