Mayo FC to enter League of Ireland as line-up of clubs is confirmed

Mayo FC have been confirmed as one of the 15 founding clubs that will form the new FAI National League, set to kick off in autumn 2026.

The FAI have said the historic new third tier of Irish football aims to 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.

Mayo FC club chairman Joe Faughnan said "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."

Mayo FC are joined by fellow Connacht sides Mervue United and Salthill Devon from Galway in the National League. Three clubs from Donegal are included in the line-up: Bonagee United, Cockhill Celtic and Letterkenny Rovers.

The remaining clubs include: CK United (Kilkenny), Home Farm (Dublin), Killarney Celtic (Kerry), Lucan United (Dublin), Newbridge Town (Kildare), St Francis (Dublin), TU Dublin (Dublin), UCC Soccer (Cork) and Villa FC (Waterford).

The league will commence with a truncated introductory season in the Autumn of 2026. From the 2027 season, a clear pathway for promotion to the League of Ireland Men’s First Division will be established.

The winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a Play-Off Final to be crowned FAI National League champions. If the Champions have been approved for a First Division licence, they will play against the team that finishes bottom of the First Division in a Promotion / Relegation Play-Off for a place in the second tier.

Clubs still interested in joining the league have a final opportunity to register their interest. This extension period has been granted to allow clubs / entities more time to complete the application process and meet the criteria required. The deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31st, 2026.