Mayo FC remain in pole position for League of Ireland third tier berth
Mayo FC’s push to enter the League of Ireland’s new third tier has gathered momentum after a constructive meeting with FAI officials, with the western outfit now viewed as frontrunners to secure one of the coveted places.
The FAI’s preference for county representative clubs over local town sides has strengthened Mayo’s hand, and chairman Joe Faughnan described the recent Dublin summit as “a great success” as the club seeks to make the jump to senior football.
A decision is expected by mid-September, with ten licences up for grabs for the inaugural campaign. Mayo FC, Klub Kildare, Cockhill Celtic, Salthill Devon and several Dublin hopefuls are in the mix, with the national body eager to broaden the footprint of the league as part of wider UEFA-aligned reforms.
The third tier – entirely amateur – will be split on a regional basis for year one, running over a shortened season before moving to a full calendar in 2027 to align with the Premier and First Divisions. The FAI see it as a vital plank in building development pathways and strengthening the case for additional European competition slots.
For Mayo, the move would be historic. It would mean the county featuring in senior men’s and women’s football from 2026 onwards, with upgrades planned for their Milebush base in Castlebar.
“The next steps are exciting for the game here,” said Faughnan. “We’re awaiting confirmation, but we’re confident. To have Mayo in the League of Ireland would be something totally historic.”
Behind the scenes, Mayo have already started preparing for life in the LOI structure. An expression of interest has opened for a men’s U20 manager – with the expectation that the successful candidate will transition to take charge of the senior men’s side in August 2026.
The FAI are keen to finalise the third-tier lineup in the coming weeks. For Mayo FC, the opportunity is tantalisingly close and could finally provide the county with a permanent seat at the League of Ireland table.