Fixtures
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/16 18:45 | 2 |
Wexford FC vs Longford Town
|
View |
| 04/19 18:45 | 11 |
Bray Wanderers vs Treaty United FC
|
View |
| 04/19 18:45 | 11 |
Wexford FC vs UCD
|
View |
| 04/19 18:45 | 11 |
Cork City vs Longford Town
|
View |
| 04/19 18:45 | 11 |
Cobh Ramblers vs Finn Harps
|
View |
| 04/19 18:45 | 11 |
Kerry FC vs Athlone Town
|
View |
| 04/20 18:30 | - |
Longford Town vs Cork City
|
View |
| 04/26 18:45 | 12 |
Bray Wanderers vs Kerry FC
|
View |
| 04/26 18:45 | 12 |
Treaty United FC vs UCD
|
View |
| 04/26 18:45 | 12 |
Cork City vs Finn Harps
|
View |
| 04/26 18:45 | 12 |
Athlone Town vs Cobh Ramblers
|
View |
| 04/27 19:30 | 12 |
Longford Town vs Wexford FC
|
View |
Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/13 18:30 | 10 |
[10] Longford Town vs Bray Wanderers
[8]
|
0-3 |
| 04/12 18:45 | 10 | [4] Treaty United FC vs Kerry FC [8] | 0-0 |
| 04/12 18:45 | 10 |
[9] Cobh Ramblers vs Wexford FC
[5]
|
2-4 |
| 04/12 18:45 | 10 |
[7] Athlone Town vs Finn Harps
[2]
|
1-0 |
| 04/12 18:45 | 10 |
[3] UCD vs Cork City
[1]
|
0-0 |
| 04/05 18:45 | 9 |
[6] Wexford FC vs Treaty United FC
[4] |
3-2 |
| 04/05 18:45 | 9 |
[1] Cork City vs Cobh Ramblers
[7]
|
3-0 |
| 04/05 18:45 | 9 |
[9] Kerry FC vs Longford Town
[10]
|
3-0 |
| 04/05 18:45 | 9 |
[8] Bray Wanderers vs Athlone Town
[5]
|
3-0 |
| 04/05 16:00 | 9 |
[2] Finn Harps vs UCD
[3]
|
1-1 |
| 04/01 16:00 | 8 |
[8] Athlone Town vs Treaty United FC
[4] |
1-0 |
| 04/01 16:00 | 8 |
[3] UCD vs Kerry FC
[9] |
1-1 |
Cabinteely FC
Galway United
Shelbourne
Waterford FC
Drogheda United
Limerick
Shamrock Rovers II
Wikipedia - League of Ireland First Division
The League of Ireland First Division (Irish: Céad Roinn Sraith na hÉireann), also known as the SSE Airtricity League First Division for sponsorship reasons, is the second-highest division in both the League of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland football league system. The division was formed in 1985 as it replaced the League of Ireland B Division as the League of Ireland's second level division. Since 2003 the First Division has operated as a summer league. The division is contested by 10 clubs.
History
Inaugural season
In 1985 five teams – Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Derry City, EMFA and Newcastle United – were elected to join the League of Ireland. All five subsequently participated in the inaugural 1985–86 First Division season, along with Monaghan United from the League of Ireland B Division and four clubs – Drogheda United, Finn Harps, Longford Town and Sligo Rovers – who were relegated following the 1984–85 League of Ireland season. Bray Wanderers were the inaugural First Division champions.
Europe
As a second level division, clubs playing in the First Division cannot qualify directly for Europe. However First Division clubs have qualified for Europe after winning the FAI Cup. In 1989–90 Bray Wanderers qualified for the 1990–91 European Cup Winners' Cup after winning the 1989–90 FAI Cup final. As a result, they became the first First Division team to play in Europe. In 1993–94 Sligo Rovers qualified for the 1994–95 European Cup Winners' Cup after winning the 1993–94 FAI Cup final. Rovers were also the 1993–94 First Division champions and were promoted to the 1994–95 Premier Division. As a result, they were actually a Premier Division club when they played in Europe. Bray Wanderers qualified for the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup after winning the 1999 FAI Cup Final. However, after finishing eleventh in the 1998–99 Premier Division, they were relegated to 1999–2000 First Division and as a result they were playing in the First Division when they subsequently embarked on their European campaign.
In 2009 Sporting Fingal qualified for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League after winning the 2009 FAI Cup Final. They were also promoted to the 2010 Premier Division after winning the promotion/relegation play-off. In 2015 UCD qualified for the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League via the UEFA Respect Fair Play ranking system. After the FAI finished third in the 2014–15 rankings, they nominated UCD for the extra European place.
Promotion and relegation
A promotion and relegation system has existed between the League of Ireland Premier Division and the First Division since 1985–86. In 1992–93 a promotion/relegation play-off was also introduced. Between 2008 and 2011, A Championship teams were also eligible for promotion to the First Division. During this time both Mervue United and Salthill Devon were both promoted to the First Division from the A Championship. There is no formal promotion and relegation relationship between the First Division and the three third level provincial leagues – the Leinster Senior League Senior Division, the Munster Senior League and the Ulster Senior League. However provincial level teams have been invited to join the division. In 1990–91 St James's Gate were invited to join and in 1996–97 they were replaced by St Francis. In 2015, Cabinteely became the most recent team to accept an invite. All three clubs were recruited from the Leinster Senior League. Treaty Utd from the Munster senior league joined the first division in 2021, replacing Shamrock Rovers second team. Newly established Kerry FC were awarded their license in November 2022, confirming their place for the upcoming campaign.
The tournament features ten teams from various regions of Ireland, each vying for the coveted title and the opportunity to be promoted to the Premier Division. The participating teams consist of both established clubs with rich histories and newly formed teams looking to make their mark in Irish football.
The Republic of Ireland First Division offers a thrilling display of skill, passion, and determination as players showcase their talents on the field. The matches are known for their fast-paced action, intense rivalries, and unpredictable outcomes, making it a must-watch for soccer enthusiasts.
Throughout the season, teams compete in a round-robin format, playing each other twice – once at home and once away. The tournament spans several months, providing ample opportunities for teams to showcase their abilities and make strategic moves to climb up the league table.
The Republic of Ireland First Division not only serves as a platform for teams to showcase their talent but also acts as a breeding ground for young and upcoming players. Many talented individuals have emerged from this tournament, going on to represent the national team and even securing contracts with renowned clubs both domestically and internationally.
The tournament also attracts a dedicated fan base, with supporters filling the stadiums to cheer on their favorite teams. The passionate atmosphere created by the fans adds to the excitement and intensity of the matches, creating an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators.
Overall, the Republic of Ireland First Division is a thrilling soccer tournament that showcases the best of Irish football. With its competitive nature, talented players, and passionate fan base, it continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the growth and development of soccer in Ireland.