Greatest League in the World 2026 [LOI Thread]

move to america fell through. talk of him going to kerry now

FAI National League Third Tier

The fact that 67 clubs expressed interest in joining the new FAI National League, has surprised many, especially those against the format. Now with an extended date offered to allow a further 5 clubs to be added, it should give many clubs who didn't get selected initially, the opportunity to re-set their application through the advice from the FAI selection team. The FAI will get enough clubs again to select from as the amount of interest generated has created a bigger appeal than was imagined. The FAI have stated that many clubs had already re-applied for consideration, which is again great news and showing the attraction of this format for progressive clubs.

As for the extra 5 clubs required, it seems that areas from Monaghan & Cavan, Meath, Laois & Offaly, Tipperary and Clare are the standout regions that many posts and supporters would like to see a representation from.

I reckon the FAI more or less know the last five clubs to be added. The fact that they extended the deadline was more than likely to give these clubs a chance to meet the necessary requirements that the FAI set out. Limerick FC have confirmed they have applied again and social media posts also suggest that Trim Celtic were among those who have re-applied.

With the rain forecast for the rest of the week it would be no surprise if there were more cancellations on Friday.

I think what surprised most was the interest shown in this new league. I don't doubt there were some clubs that approached this without doing their research But from what I have seen and heard from clubs that applied, there was a very comprehensive standard to follow. I think some clubs, especially the Limerick FC group are desperate to be recognised while having lost all thrust from the FAI. Several clubs were very close to being accepted and that the main reason for the extension. As far as the Junior game being in rag order, I think is a bit of a farce. The amount of progressive clubs around the country now is amazing. Some of the these clubs have facilities to be admired. The fact that the FAI Football Pathways Plan has began is the correct way. Of course there are going to be issues with the move to summer football, but the fact is those clubs that don't get on board, will be left behind. If you fail to move with this plan you will not be able to operate as a club because the FAI have the license and authority allow clubs and competition to play in this country!

I’m fully in favour of a proper pyramid and a genuine national pathway but we’re a long way from that reality.

The football pathways plan called for a fully aligned calendar across Irish football, yet when it came to implementation, the major junior leagues like the DDSL simply refused to switch. Push came to shove and the FAI simply backed down. That tells you everything about how much practical authority the FAI actually has.

What we’re left with is fragmentation, junior leagues continuing on their winter calendars, while certain national competitions and cups operate in the summer.

The new National League is being presented as a third tier, but it’s not officially part of the League of Ireland structure. It’s positioned as the top end of the junior game, which itself operates on a different calendar. That’s not a coherent pyramid, it’s two systems running side by side.

And if this league is meant to be a statement about the strength of the junior game nationally, the geographic spread just shows how weak it is. Three Donegal clubs (At a time Finn Harps are seriously struggling), two from Galway, two college sides, and five Dublin clubs and that’s a heavy concentration in a small number of areas rather than broad national representation

I didnt expect the annual "x club falls into civil war" to happen so early.

Her stance is to be applauded but difficult to see her being able to continue when they want her out. It's comical if she/Drogheda didn't realise they were being funded by Israeli money and it's sympathisers. Trivela is the investment wing of a wealth management fund claiming to manage $12 Billion. Their reaction to her comments clearly shows where their money is coming from.

Strong likelihood they drop Drogheda like a hot snot and move on to another club. Fanciful to think an American conglomerate would have any loyalty to them if things get problematic. What kind of shape that would leave Drogheda in is anyone's guess.

That's what I love about boards.ie, everyone can post their own views and opinions on a discussion. Based on your post, I acknowledge several of your points are true.

But you must admit, there are certain leagues who have had issues with the FAI and see these proposals being forced on their organisations while refusing to accept the inevitable benefit for the future of the game. You must accept there are a few power struggles going on within some of our bigger domestic leagues.

You need to be careful when dealing with the US and Israel.

I remember reading somewhere that there is some US law about other countries/business, whatever, taking action against Israel. The US does not take kindly to this.

I also read somewhere that you can burn any national flag in the US, incl. the Stars & Stripes, but you'll be arrested if you burn the Israeli flag. They're a protected species as far as the US is concerned.

So, I'm not surprised at the actions of the US owners.

That is leaving morals and ethics aside.