National League football confirmed for Mayo FC

Mayo FC's application to be part of the new Football Association of Ireland National League - the third tier of senior men's football in the country - has been successful.

In a statement, Mayo FC said: “As a founding member of the National League, we look forward to working collaboratively with the FAI and all other clubs in what is a significant step for football pathways and player development.”

Mayo FC club chairman Joe Faughnan added: “It’s a huge day for the club and we’re absolutely delighted to finally have it officially announced. This is a really exciting chapter and it’s fantastic to see senior football coming to Mayo.

“We have a busy few months ahead as we plan and prepare, but it’s an opportunity everyone at the club is looking forward to.”

The club has thanked players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors and every supporter who 'believed in this journey from day one'.

“This is only the beginning,” Mayo FC concluded.

PATHWAY

The FAI has explained that this new division of men’s senior football will be the top tier of grassroots football, and will create a direct pathway between the grassroots game and the League of Ireland for the first time.

It will begin with a truncated season next autumn, with promotion and relegation to be introduced from the 2027 season.

Fifteen clubs have been confirmed so far. In addition to Mayo FC, they are: Bonagee United (Donegal), CK United (Carlow/Kilkenny), Cockhill Celtic (Donegal), Home Farm (Dublin), Killarney Celtic (Kerry), Letterkenny Rovers (Donegal), Lucan United (Dublin), Mervue United (Galway), Newbridge Town (Kildare), Salthill Devon (Galway), St. Francis (Dublin), TU Dublin (Dublin), UCC Soccer (Cork) and Villa FC (Waterford).

A final application window is now open for the remaining places. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31, 2026. The application form can be accessed here.