The format for the inaugural FAI National League season has been confirmed with the league set to kick-off in late August.
The 15 funding clubs will partake in a truncated 2026 season before a fully formatted competition is rolled out in Spring 2027.
This year will see three groups of five play home and away matches. The three group winners advance to the National League Semi-Finals with the fourth spot reserved for the best-placed group runner-up. The winners from the Semi-Finals ties will face off in the National League Final in November.
Two out of the three Donegal clubs have been put in the same group, with Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic joining Home Farm DCU, Lucan United and Mervue United in Group 1.
Letterkenny Rovers are in Group 2 of the competition and they’ll face Mayo FC, Salthill Devon, St Francis and TUD.
Confirmation of the groups are outlined below with the fixture schedule to be announced in due course.
FAI National League Group 1
Bonagee United
Cockhill Celtic
Home Farm DCU
Lucan United
Mervue United
FAI National League Group 2
Letterkenny Rovers
Mayo FC
Salthill Devon
St. Francis
TUD
FAI National League Group 3
CK United
Killarney Celtic
Newbridge Town
UCC
Villa FC