The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed the 15 clubs that will form the new FAI National League, which will kick off in autumn 2026.
This new division of men’s senior football will be the top tier of grassroots football and creates a direct pathway between the grassroots game and the League of Ireland for the first time.
Four provinces and 10 different counties are represented by the 15 clubs, with promotion and relegation to be introduced from the 2027 season. A final application window is now open for the remaining places.
The confirmation of the 15 clubs follows an extensive process which saw an initial 67 clubs/entities from around the country express an initial interest in joining the new league, the FAI said. Following a thorough assessment of the criteria, designed to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness, 15 clubs have been formally admitted and will become the league’s founding members.
The composition of the league represents every province in Ireland, reinforcing the FAI’s commitment to fostering talent and ambition across the entire football community.
The 15 confirmed clubs are:
• Bonagee United (Donegal)
• CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny)
• Cockhill Celtic (Donegal)
• Home Farm (Dublin)
• Killarney Celtic (Kerry)
• Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal)
• Lucan United (Dublin)
• Mayo Football Club (Mayo)
• Mervue United (Galway)
• Newbridge Town (Kildare)
• Salthill Devon (Galway)
• St. Francis (Dublin)
• TU Dublin (Dublin)
• UCC Soccer (Cork)
• Villa FC (Waterford)
Shamrock Rovers sporting director Stephen McPhail. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers sporting director Stephen McPhail has informed the club of his intention to step away from football after nine years.
McPhail has been a key figure for the club since arriving in the role in 2016, joining after a successful playing career which saw him play for Leeds and earn 10 Republic of Ireland caps.
The 46-year-old has overseen an unprecedented run of success, with two FAI Cups and five league titles, as the club reached the knockout stages of the Conference League last season. McPhail’s knowledge and contacts in the football world have been important for the club in the transfer market, including the sale of Irish teenager Victor Ozhianvuna to Arsenal for €2 million.
“For the past decade Stephen has helped us achieve unprecedented success domestically and in Europe. The club is losing a brilliant professional and an extremely decent man,” Rovers manager Stephen Bradley said.