Getting accepted to play in the new inaugural FAI National League – effectively a new third tier of senior soccer in the country – will be ‘massive’ for Bonagee United, manager Michael Funston declared this week.
Speaking at the Letterkenny club’s official launch on Monday night to mark their membership of the new league, he said that it was a proud moment for all associated with the club.
“This is a leap into the unknown, it is a massive commitment for the club, but it is always hungry for success and always ambitious,” he told the audience in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.
Bonagee are one of 15 clubs who have already been accepted into the new competition which will be known as the FAI National League.
Letterkenny Rovers and Cockhill Celtic will also be competing. There will be a northern division and a southern division, with up to five more teams likely to still be accepted.
There will be a truncated season from September through to November, and then in 2027 the full season will run from February to November.
The winners of the FAI National League North will face the FAI National League South winners in an end of season play-off. If the winning club has a licence that would permit them to play in the League of Ireland First Division, they will then have a play-off with the side who has finished bottom in that league. Promotion and relegation will be at stake.
Club Chairman Niall Callaghan spoke of ‘a new chapter’ and said it was a result of countless hours of hard work behind the scenes over the years.
“The foundations may take time to show impact, but I am confident that the work today will bear fruit in years to come,” he said.
Fran Gavin, FAI Head of Competitions & Football Services, revealed that nearly 70 clubs had applied for the third tier process, but not everyone had made it, and Bonagee had given what he termed was a ‘fantastic presentation’ to the assessment panel.
While a third tier is a major step forward, he warned: “The league is here to reward those clubs who feel they can move up, but it will not be easy. There will be challenges, to develop players, coaches, match officials, administrators and clubs both on and off the pitch.”
He added: “In years to come we can say we took part and were at the start of something really good for Irish football; with Donegal and Bonagee right at the centre of it.”
The Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sports Charlie McConalogue congratulated Bonagee on being part of what he said was ‘a very important step forward nationally’.
“This is an exciting moment,” he continued. “The Ulster Senior League is no longer there, but what we have seen now is that three teams (Bonagee United, Letterkenny Rovers and Cockhill Celtic) are moving into tier three, a really appropriate place for them and a mechanism for young players coming through and who have the talent.”
Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr. Ciaran Brogan said it was a ‘unique and very successful club’ and recalling some great deceased clubmen from the past – like Hughie Greene, Paddy McFadden and Hugh McGuinness – he said: “Imagine how proud they would be.”
In conclusion, MC Chris McNulty expressed thanks to all who attended and looking ahead, said that this is now ‘an exciting new era for Bonagee United FC’.
