The Football League of Ireland, usually known simply as the League of Ireland or the Eircom League (from the league's sponsorship by Irish telecommunications company Eircom), is a league of football clubs in the Republic of Ireland. It should not be confused with the Irish League, which is the league in Northern Ireland.

The Football League of Ireland includes one club from across the border, Derry City. Derry City formerly played in the Irish Football League, but was forced to leave that league following the 1972-73 season because of safety and security concerns. Derry City joined the Republic's league at the second level in 1985, after a special dispensation from the Irish Football Association (IFA) and UEFA. It won promotion in 1987, and has stayed in the top flight ever since. No teams from the Republic play in the northern league.

History

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Formed in 1922, the league originally contained 8 teams and was first won by St. James' Gate FC. Over the next forty years the league grew to eventually twenty-two clubs. In 1985 the league split into two divisions Premier and First Division, with 12 teams in the Premier Division and 10 in the First. Clubs are promoted and relegated between the Premier and First divisions at the end of each season. Also, the club which finishes bottom of the First must reapply for league membership.

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FAI chiefs are to meet the Oireachtas Joint Committee for Sport to discuss the future of the League of Ireland. http://tiny.cc/hr8lw
elevenaside (eleven-a-side.com) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:05:58 -0000
FAI chiefs are to meet the Oireachtas Joint Committee for Sport to discuss the future of the League of Ireland. http://tiny.cc/hr8lw
Crouch makes us look like a League of Ireland team #Spurs
xActionMaNx (JaY ) Sat, 12 Dec 2009 16:54:19 -0000
Crouch makes us look like a League of Ireland team #Spurs
Derry City have made their first signings as they prepare for life in the First Division of the League of Ireland. http://tiny.cc/0bBw8
elevenaside (eleven-a-side.com) Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:14:03 -0000
Derry City have made their first signings as they prepare for life in the First Division of the League of Ireland. http://tiny.cc/0bBw8
The way forward for the LOI? http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/numbers-dont-add-up-1964132.html
gcass (Gerard Cassidy) Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:51:32 -0000
The way forward for the LOI? http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/numbers-dont-add-up-1964132.html
McCann's power of prayer: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/help-from-above-speeds-up-mccanns-comeback-1964010.html
gcass (Gerard Cassidy) Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:48:44 -0000
McCann's power of prayer: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/help-from-above-speeds-up-mccanns-comeback-1964010.html
How to influence folk - Coughlan style: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/coughlan-gets-deferred-date-1966894.html
gcass (Gerard Cassidy) Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:42:37 -0000
How to influence folk - Coughlan style: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/league-of-ireland/coughlan-gets-deferred-date-1966894.html

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