Dundalk granted Premier Division licence as fears over 2026 line-up eased
LICENCE SECURED: Dundalk’s receipt of a Premier Division licence by the FAI yesterday alleviates fears that sporting merit wouldn’t decide the composition of the 2026 top-flight. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Dundalk’s receipt of a Premier Division licence by the FAI yesterday alleviates fears that sporting merit wouldn’t decide the composition of the 2026 top-flight.
Financial concerns arose around the time the Lilywhites secured promotion at the first attempt in October, compounded by a boardroom battle that temporarily causing manager Ciarán Kilduff to quit.
Minority shareholder Chris Clinton eventually brokered a deal to assume control from John Temple, immediately allaying fears by announcing the club’s supporter trust has committed ‘substantial’ monies towards the essential replacement of the artificial surface.
Floodlight upgrades have also begun but the primary stumbling block to obtaining the necessary licence, financial certainty for the entire season, was resolved.
Had that not been the case, Dundalk risked being stuck in the second tier, rippling the effect of relegated Cork City being gifted a stay of execution.
“Securing our Premier Division licence confirms the positive direction the club is moving forward in, especially as this will be our 100th anniversary of competing in the league,” said Clinton.
“This is a significant milestone and a huge endorsement of the massive amount of work that has gone on behind the scenes in Oriel Park in recent weeks.
“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank the FAI for their continuous engagement and cooperation during the process.
“This has been a great help, and we look forward to working closely with the FAI and other stakeholders as preparations continue for the 2026 season.”
The nine other clubs set for top-flight football next year have all been awarded Premier Division licences, as well as First Division outfits Cork City and UCD.
Meanwhile, former Ireland international Enda Stevens has rejoined Shamrock Rovers for the 2026 season.
Stephen Bradley confirmed after Thursday’s 2-1 Conference League defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk that striker 36-year-old striker Rory Gaffney is on the verge of extending his contract and the intention is for Jack Byrne to stick around for the 2026 season when he returns from his loan stint in Dubai.
: Bohemian, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Galway United, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic, UCD, Waterford.
Athlone Town, Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps, Kerry, Longford Town, Treaty United, Wexford.
: Athlone Town, Bohemian, Cork City, DLR Waves, Galway United, Peamount United, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, Treaty United, Waterford, Wexford.
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