The FAI has announced 15 clubs to join the new FAI National League, starting in Autumn 2026.
Former league of Ireland members, Home Farm, St. Francis, Mervue United and Salthill Devon join the new league, which will sit below the League of Ireland first division.
In total there are four Dublin clubs; Home Farm, Lucan United, St. Francis and TU Dublin. Three clubs from Donegal, Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic and Letterkenny Rovers.
Two teams from Galway, Salthill Devon and Mervue United join Mayo FC, meaning three Connacht sides join the league.
Whereas, just three Munster sides UCC Soccer (Cork), Villa FC (Waterford) and Killarney Celtic (Kerry) join the league.
While CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny) and Newbridge Town (Kildare) see’s national league soccer return to Kilkenny and Kildare after near 20-year absences.
"We're delighted to be able to announce the clubs who will be the founding members of the new FAI National League” said FAI Head of Competitions Fran Gavin.
“We congratulate them on coming through a rigorous selection process. As part of the process, we have reopened a short window for final Expressions of Interest for the remaining places”.
“Our priority from day one was not just to hit a number, but to ensure that every club involved was ready to be part of this league”.
"We recognised that a number of clubs were not able to meet the original deadlines, so that is why the portal has reopened to encourage any final applications".
“Our priority is to have a strong, competitive league, and while we are happy to start with our founding member clubs to ensure the right quality, if there are clubs who now feel that they meet the criteria, we would like to hear from them.”
League of Ireland promotion in 2027
This new division of men’s senior football will be the top tier of grassroots football. It shall create a direct pathway between the grassroots game and the League of Ireland for the first time.
The league will commence with a truncated introductory season in the Autumn of 2026.
The 2027 season, a clear pathway for promotion to the League of Ireland Men’s First Division will be established. The winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a Play-Off Final to be crowned FAI National League champions.
If the Champions have been approved for a First Division licence; they will play against the team that finishes bottom of the First Division in a Promotion/Relegation Play-Off; for a place in the second tier.
