FAI National League

The FAI National League is a proposed association football league in the Republic of Ireland,^[1] scheduled to commence in August 2026, intended to act as a third tier of the League of Ireland. It was announced in December 2024 by the FAI,^[2] who invited teams to apply to enter the competition. Intended to consist of 20 teams split into North and South divisions, as of December 2024 the FAI had reportedly received almost 70 applications from interested clubs.^[3][4][5][6]

FAI National League

Founded	2024
First season	2026
Country	Ireland
Number of clubs	20 10 (North) 10 (South)
Level on pyramid	3
Promotion to	League of Ireland First Division
Domestic cup(s)	FAI Cup
League cup(s)	League of Ireland Cup

History

In December 2024, the FAI formally invited clubs to express interest in a new third-tier “National League” due to commence in August 2026, with the aim of bridging the gap between regional amateur football and the League of Ireland First Division.^[2][4] The proposed league is intended to feature promotion to the First Division and relegation into existing provincial competitions, creating a national pyramid for the first time since the A Championship folded in 2011.^[7]

The FAI proposes to select 20 clubs, divided into regional North and South divisions, based on criteria such as facilities, governance, and financial stability.^[7] Some clubs interested include reserve teams of League of Ireland clubs, established school teams and ambitious non-league sides, some considering joint bids in order to meet the required standards.^[4]

Teams

Confirmed Applicants

Connacht

• Mayo FC^[8][9]
• Salthill Devon^[10]

Dublin

• Shamrock Rovers F.C. II^[11]
• St Francis F.C.^[12][13]
• St. Patrick's C.Y.F.C.^[14]
• Dublin City University / Home Farm F.C. (joint bid) ^[12]
• Ballymun United^[15]

Rest of Leinster

• CK United^[16]
• Klub Kildare^[8]
• Newbridge Town FC^[17]
• Ratoath Harps
• South East Technological University^[8]
• Trim Celtic AFC^[18]

Munster

• Peake Villa FC^[19]
• Limerick FC^[20]

Ulster

• Buncrana Hearts F.C.^[21]
• Monaghan United F.C., reportedly rejected.^[8]

Rumoured Applicants

Connacht

• Athenry
• TUS Midlands
• Ballinasloe
• Mervue United
• University of Galway

Dublin

• Lucan United
• Kilbarrack United
• Malahide United F.C.
• Glebe North
• St. Mochta's F.C.

Rest of Leinster

• Arklow Town F.C.
• Tullamore Town F.C.

Munster

• Midleton F.C.
• University College Cork A.F.C.
• St. Michael's
• Newmarket Celtic
• Villa FC
• Fairview Rangers A.F.C

Ulster

• Cockhill Celtic^[22]
• Letterkenny Rovers F.C.^[22]
• Bonagee United F.C.^[22]