Mayo FC signal intent for League of Ireland third tier as FAI plan takes shape

Mayo football’s long-held ambition of securing a place in the League of Ireland setup has taken a tangible step forward, with Mayo FC confirming they have submitted an expression of interest to join the proposed third tier of the domestic game.

The Milebush-based club is one of 67 teams from across the country to have formally lodged their interest in a spot in the new division, which the FAI aims to launch by August 2026.

The blueprint for the competition outlines a 20-team structure, split into northern and southern conferences, with sides playing within their region before advancing to an end-of-season playoff format that could ultimately lead to promotion to the League of Ireland First Division.

In a statement on social media, Mayo FC described their move as an “historic step forward” for the club, which was formed in 2023 with the ambition of bringing senior League of Ireland football to the county.

At present, they field five teams at underage level—U-14, U-15, and U-17 boys, as well as U-17 and U-19 women’s sides—with a long-term plan to establish full underage pathways and adult teams in both men’s and women’s football.

Securing a place in the new tier is one thing, but meeting the infrastructure demands of national league football is another. League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon acknowledged that Mayo FC, like many aspiring clubs, will need to upgrade their facilities in line with competition requirements.

With Mayo being one of the largest counties in Ireland without a senior League of Ireland presence, this is a significant moment for football in the county.

But the road to full League of Ireland status is rarely smooth, and Mayo FC will need to prove they have the financial backing, facilities, and structure to sustain a long-term presence in the competition.