Donegal clubs considering National League applications

Three Donegal clubs are considering their options as the deadline for expressions of interest in the new National League - effectively a third tier for the League of Ireland - approaches.

The FAI have asked that clubs express their interest before February 21.

Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic and Letterkenny Rovers are all weighing up the possibility of proceeding with an application.

The three clubs returned to play junior football following the demise of the Ulster Senior League in 2023.

The FAI plans to have a short season in 2026 to allow for alignment with the 2027 League of Ireland calendar. 

After expressions of interest are reviewed, the FAI will meet with teams to further explore their suitability.

“The club has discussed it and there will be an application,” Cockhill Celtic manager Cullen told Donegal Live.

“If the third tier creates a pyramid, maybe a regionalised top division for junior teams might be ideal. The third tier has to be introduced first.

“It will be a big ask and there will be boxes to be ticked. We would love to be involved in it. Every team and player should be trying to play at the highest level possible. We’ve had a lot of success on the pitch over the last 10 years and we’d like to keep that going.”

The A Championship, which at a time included Fanad United, acted as a previous version of a third tier, but it was shelved in 2011.

The reintroduction of something to connect the layers of Irish football’s pyramid has been on the cards for some time and the hierarchy plan to roll out the National League in 2026,

 “It’s definitely something we should be aspiring to,” Bonagee United manager Mailey said. 

“As a player, you want to play as high as you can. Bonagee got a taste of it when Shelbourne came here in the FAI Senior Cup and they could see the potential. It’s something you need to strive to. It’s higher competition and I think there are clubs in Donegal who would definitely be interested in. It’s something that Bonagee should definitely be aiming at.”

Letterkenny Rovers previously competed for three seasons in the U21 League of Ireland around 20 years ago.

Rovers Vice Chairman Danny McConnell says the is ruling ‘nothing in and nothing out’ at this point. 

“We are prepared to speak to anyone and we are looking into it,” he said. 

The matter is up for discussion at the next meeting of the Rovers committee.

A big concern among clubs is the cost of affiliations, player registrations, travel and match officials - as well as possible assistance from the FAI - which have yet to be fully confirmed to clubs.

The governing body has said that the National League will comprise of two divisions and 20 teams, split into north and south divisions.

“The National League will be integrated into the existing football pyramid in Ireland, offering a clear route for promotion and relegation to and from the League of Ireland,” the FAI said.

The top teams in each section will play against each other to have a chance to be promoted to the League of Ireland First Division.

The FAI’s Chief Football Officer, Marc Canham, says that the creation of the National League “provides a clear pathway and progression from the Amateur game to the League of Ireland”.

Last month, the FAI rubber-stamped a switch to calendar-year football. An aligned calendar - something that has caused widespread consternation among strands of the game with the majority if clubs in both the Donegal League and Inishowen League against the plan.

Cullen, however, is a firm supporter.

“I think calendar football is a no-brainer,” he says, “especially when we see the underfoot conditions that we have been playing. 

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“Groundsmen are struggling to get pitches playable. In the long-term, it will be good for the game and we’ll realise that in the next 10 years. There will be natives in the short-term, but it’s something that will help the game.

“It’s something that should’ve been done 15 years ago. It will have its critics, but I think the sooner it happens the better.”