CONFIRMATION that three Donegal clubs will be part of the new FAI National League has been described by Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, as a significant boost for the game locally.
On Friday, the FAI announced that Letterkenny Rovers, Bonagee United and Cockhill Celtic were among the 15 clubs that will form the new league that will commence in the Autumn of 2026.
“This development will establish a clear and structured pathway for local talent to progress to the elite levels of Irish football,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy commented.
“This is a landmark moment for soccer in Donegal and a testament to the hard work and dedication of volunteers at all levels within these three highly respected clubs. The establishment of this new tier is an important step in the FAI’s commitment to developing the game from grassroots right up to high-performance level.
“The new league will provide enhanced opportunities for player progression, high-performance development, and a tangible pathway for young players in our county to compete on a national stage,” he added.
“Having three of our own clubs involved from the outset will ensure Donegal is at the heart of this exciting new chapter for Irish soccer. The new league represents a significant boost for the profile of soccer in the region and will offer players, coaches, and supporters unprecedented opportunities for growth and success.
Finn Harps has been Donegal’s only team in the League of Ireland. The Ballybofey club was founded in 1954 and elected to the League of Ireland in 1969.
The new league will commence with a truncated introductory season in Autumn next year to align its calendar with the existing League of Ireland First and Premier Divisions.
The 15 confirmed clubs will initially be divided into North and South divisions. Promotion and relegation will be introduced from the 2027 season onwards.
Annually, the winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a play-off final to be crowned FAI National League champions. Subject to licensing approval, the league champions will then face the bottom-placed team in the League of Ireland First Division in a promotion/relegation play-off for a coveted spot in the second tier of Irish football.
