Cobh Ramblers demoted to A Championship

Cobh Ramblers have today been demoted to the League of Ireland A Championship.

The decision has been made by the Independent Club Licensing Committee as the FAI seeks to clamp down on financial issues which have hit the league.

Athlone Town stay in the First Division, while Kildare County also return to the league-proper.

The three clubs, as well as Cork City, have received licences on the basis that financial commitments they have made will be honoured within the agreed dates before the start of the 2009 season.

Drogheda United will compete in the Premier Division, while Dundalk have been issued a Premier licence subject to their pitch passing FIFA tests.

Appeals must be submitted within five working days from the date of this decision notice.

Speaking today Fran Gavin, Director of the League of Ireland said: “Now that the licences have been issued for 2009, fixtures will be issued this evening and we can look forward to clubs focusing on matters on the pitch.”

Premier Licences: Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Galway United, Monaghan United, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, UCD and Waterford United.

First Division Licences: Atlone Town, Kildare County, Limerick 37, Longford Town, Mervue United, Sporting Fingal, Wexford Youths

Newstalk A Championship Licences: Cobh Ramblers, Salthill Devon, Tullamore Town.