LAST UPDATE | 10 Nov 2020
LIMERICK CLUB TREATY United have revealed that they are interested in applying for a First Division League of Ireland licence.
The news could be a major boost to soccer in the region by ensuring there is a League of Ireland team in action in Limerick once again.
Limerick FC were not part of the First Division in 2020 after undergoing a turbulent period that emerge from examinership in December 2019 and then take a High Court case against the FAI, which was formally settled, after the club had claimed they had not been invited to submit a licencing application and were therefore excluded from the league.
Treaty United already have a senior team in the Women’s National League and an underage outfit in the U17 League.
In a lengthy statement published on their club’s Twitter account, chairman Conn Murray outlined their current position.
“The focus and energy of my board has been on delivering a successful application and we look forward to working with the FAI throughout the process.
“I am very grateful for the overwhelming support we have received by key stakeholders in the Mid West and our aim remains to oversee a return of League of Ireland men’s football to the region.”
Press Release from Treaty United pic.twitter.com/PyqbyFmbYK
— Treaty United FC (@TreatyUnitedFC) November 10, 2020
Dublin side St Francis have revealed that they are keen to make a return to the League of Ireland ahead of today’s deadline.
The 1990 FAI Cup runners-up previously played in the First Division from 1996-2001, having made the step up from the Leinster Senior League.
“St Francis Football Club can confirm we have made contact to the FAI regarding an expression of interest in partaking in the League of Ireland first division,” their statement reads.
“The FAI asked for expressions of interest around placing a team in the First Division of the League of Ireland by 10 November 2020.
It is potentially an aim of the club to regain its League of Ireland status as part of the many development pathways we want to offer for our members of all ages and the local community that St Francis serves.
“As such we have written to the FAI to express an interest in rejoining the league of Ireland; and have asked for a meeting to consider the feasibility either now or in the future of having, not just a Senior team, but underage teams for both boys and girls, playing in the national leagues.”
Meanwhile, a local consortium in Wexford have also expressed their intent to apply for a First Division licence.
According to the Wexford People, the newly-formed entity plans to play at Ferrycarrig Park under the name ‘Yola FC’. It adds that they are hoping to gain entry as the county’s sole League of Ireland representative in place of Wexford FC.
- With additional reporting from Ben Blake
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