Mayo FC express interest in joining League of Ireland third tier

Mayo FC have announced they have officially submitted an Expression of Interest to join the Football Association of Ireland’s Third Tier of the National League.

The FAI announced plans to a much-delayed third tier as a link between the LOI and the amateur game by 2026 back in December. The association’s five-year strategy plan, announced in 2022, planned for a third tier by 2023 but the target was missed due to financial concerns from some clubs.

The league has not had a third tier since the ‘A’ Championship was dropped in 2011 but there has been interest over the years in reinstating it.

In a statement, the club said the submission ‘marks a historic step forward’ in Mayo FC’s development as they strive to bring senior League of Ireland football to Mayo.

‘Our vision is to create a platform for local talent to shine on the national stage while growing the game in our community.’ 

Mayo FC chairperson Joe Faughnan expressed delight with the news. “I think it’s a league that is setup for clubs and county teams from around the country to make the next step, give the League of Ireland more diversity in where teams are from and to spread out the game around the country,” he told the Western People.

“It’ll give players in Mayo an opportunity to make the step up to the next level. That was very important for us. It gives the pathway from under-14 boys all the way to senior and I’d be hoping it won’t be long before the women’s team go into the senior Women’s National League so we’ll be giving players from Mayo a huge platform to play at the next level, to test themselves and that’s what the club is all about.

“We’re delighted to be making huge strides on and off the pitch.”