FAI League of Ireland 2008 season
Encyclopedia
The 2008 League of Ireland
season consisted of both Premier and First Division, as well as the newly introduced 'A' Championship. The season kicked off in March and the 'A' Championship commenced in June. In order to prepare for the 'A' Championship, competing clubs were offered the opportunity to compete in a Shield competition, which began in March.
The season was a transitional one in order to reduce the number of clubs in the Premier Division to ten and increase the amount in the First Division to twelve. As a result there was no playoffs with just the three bottom clubs in the Premier Division automatically relegated to the First Division and the First Division champions automatically promoted to the Premier Division.
There was a playoff between the bottom placed side in the First Division and an 'A' Championship qualifier to determine who would participate in 2009 in the First Division.
resigned as manager of recently relegated Longford Town
. The First Division club have since promoted Mathews' assistant at the club, Aaron Callaghan, to replace him as manager of the club. Pat Fenlon
was also back in management after his brief reign in charge of Derry City
in the early stage of the previous season. He was manager of Bohemians
after they sacked Sean Connor
. Back at Derry City they re-appointed former manager Stephen Kenny after he had left the eircom league club the season before previous to take over the reins of then SPL
side Dunfermline Athletic
. Kenny was sacked by the Scottish club this season. Another manager without a job was Damien Richardson
after he and Cork City reached a settlement for him to leave the club. The 2007 FAI Cup
winners have since appointed Alan Mathews
as their new manager.
issued a statement saying they were withdrawing from the League due to financial and inadequate support. Sporting Fingal
, who were due to take part in the inaugural 'A' Championship, were offered Kilkenny's place in the First Division.
and the eircom League. It gave clubs the opportunity to win promotion to the league for the first time. It has been decided that this championship would not kick off until June but a Shield competition, starting in March, was put in place in order to give the 'A' Championship participants a chance to prepare. The league contained reserve sides of the eircom League clubs also. The previous December four new clubs were accepted for entry into the championship. These clubs were Mervue United
, Salthill Devon
(both from Galway
), Tullamore Town
from Offaly
and newly formed Dublin club Sporting Fingal
who have since been elevated to the First Division.
. This show was presented by Con Murphy. Radio coverage was provided by national broadcaster RTÉ with live reports and commentary on match nights. TG4
were the weekly broadcasters, with Sacar Beo. RTÉ and Setanta Sports
occasionally showed matches.
Teams received three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points were awarded for a loss. Teams were ranked by total points, then goal difference and then goals scored. If there is equality in points, goal difference and goals for tallies, the clubs involved must partake in a play-off to decide their finishing positions. At the end of the season, the club with the most points in their division were crowned as champion of that division. The three lowest placed teams in the Premier were automatically relegated into the First Division and the top team from the First Division was automatically promoted to the Premier Division. In addition, the 2007 winner of the First Division had a once-off play-off with the winners of the FAI League Cup for a Setanta Cup place. The team that finished last in the First Division participated in a promotion/relegation playoff. The winners of the playoff between the highest placed non-reserve sides in both 'A' League Championship groups, provided that they both finished in the top four in their respective group, would have challenged the team that finished last in the First Division for their place in a promotion/relegation playoff. However, since only one of the 'A' League Championship groups had a non-reserve side in the top four then this team automatically faced the club that finished last in the First Division in a promotion/relegation playoff. If eircom League reserve sides had occupied the top four positions in both 'A' League Championship sections then no promotion/relegation playoff would have taken place and the team that finished last in the First Division would not have been relegated.
There were also three spots reserved in newly formed UEFA Europa League, two through league positions and one through domestic cup
. The second-placed and third-placed team should have qualified for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round while the cup winners should have qualified for the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. However, since Bohemians
won both the cup and the league, Europa League spot went to cup runners-up. Because they qualified for Europe through league, fourth-placed team were also awarded with a spot in the Europa League. The spot were thereby given to teams according to league positions. League runners-up and third-place team were given spots in the second, while the fourth-placed team was given a spot in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
, FAI League Cup and the Setanta Cup a prize fund in excess of €2 million was available. The prize fund for the Premier Division in 2008 has increased with the winners being awarded €250,000. Unlike previous year every team received funds, even the last placed. The winners of the 'A' Championship were given €20,000.
and Mervue United
competed in a two-legged playoff for one spot in 2009 First Division. Mervue United
won 5–2 on aggregate and thereby secured a place in next year's FAI First Division.
----
and UCD 'A'
competed in a playoff for the inaugural 'A' Championship title. UCD 'A'
won 2–1 and therefore became the 2008 'A' Championship winners.
16 goals Mark Farren
15 goals Mark Quigley
15 goals Dave Mooney
(Cork City)
11 goals Killian Brennan
(Bohemians
)
9 goals Padraig Amond
Glen Crowe
(Bohemians
) Ryan Guy
8 goals Keith Fahey
Davin O'Neill
16 goals Robbie Doyle
15 goals Anto Flood
13 goals Darren McKenna
11 goals Robbie Farrell
Vinny Sullivan
9 goals Conan Byrne
8 goals Gavin Doyle Jamie Duffy
David Freeman
Andy Haran
Peter Hynes
Ciaran Kilduff
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
season consisted of both Premier and First Division, as well as the newly introduced 'A' Championship. The season kicked off in March and the 'A' Championship commenced in June. In order to prepare for the 'A' Championship, competing clubs were offered the opportunity to compete in a Shield competition, which began in March.
The season was a transitional one in order to reduce the number of clubs in the Premier Division to ten and increase the amount in the First Division to twelve. As a result there was no playoffs with just the three bottom clubs in the Premier Division automatically relegated to the First Division and the First Division champions automatically promoted to the Premier Division.
There was a playoff between the bottom placed side in the First Division and an 'A' Championship qualifier to determine who would participate in 2009 in the First Division.
Managerial changes
Several League of Ireland clubs changed their managers during pre-season. Alan MathewsAlan Mathews
Alan Mathews is a former Irish footballer and the current manager of League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne.-Player:As a player, Mathews played for St...
resigned as manager of recently relegated Longford Town
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
. The First Division club have since promoted Mathews' assistant at the club, Aaron Callaghan, to replace him as manager of the club. Pat Fenlon
Pat Fenlon
Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian....
was also back in management after his brief reign in charge of Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
in the early stage of the previous season. He was manager of Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
after they sacked Sean Connor
Sean Connor
Sean Connor is a former footballer and manager currently without a club.-Playing career:Connor began his career at Distillery in the Irish League where he played for one full season before moving to Port Vale...
. Back at Derry City they re-appointed former manager Stephen Kenny after he had left the eircom league club the season before previous to take over the reins of then SPL
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
side Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
. Kenny was sacked by the Scottish club this season. Another manager without a job was Damien Richardson
Damien Richardson
Damien John Richardson is an Irish football manager and former player. He currently has no club attachments, having left Cork City at the end of the 2007 season. Richardson formerly managed Gillingham in England and Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.Richardson's father...
after he and Cork City reached a settlement for him to leave the club. The 2007 FAI Cup
FAI Cup 2007
The FAI Cup 2007 was the 84th staging of The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup or FAI Cup. It was the first FAI Cup to be sponsored by Ford....
winners have since appointed Alan Mathews
Alan Mathews
Alan Mathews is a former Irish footballer and the current manager of League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne.-Player:As a player, Mathews played for St...
as their new manager.
Kilkenny City withdraw from League
Shortly before the league issued fixtures for the new season Kilkenny CityKilkenny City A.F.C.
Kilkenny City A.F.C. was an Irish football club. The club played in the First Division of the League of Ireland until 18 January 2008 when they announced that they resigned their position in the league citing “lack of finance, poor results and paltry attendances”.The club hails from Kilkenny and...
issued a statement saying they were withdrawing from the League due to financial and inadequate support. Sporting Fingal
Sporting Fingal F.C.
Sporting Fingal Football Club was a professional football club based in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The club competed in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2011. Former Shamrock Rovers manager, Liam Buckley was the club's manager while former Arsenal player, John Devine...
, who were due to take part in the inaugural 'A' Championship, were offered Kilkenny's place in the First Division.
'A' Championship
The 'A' Championship was a new league introduced in order to provide a link between non-league soccer in the Republic of IrelandRepublic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
and the eircom League. It gave clubs the opportunity to win promotion to the league for the first time. It has been decided that this championship would not kick off until June but a Shield competition, starting in March, was put in place in order to give the 'A' Championship participants a chance to prepare. The league contained reserve sides of the eircom League clubs also. The previous December four new clubs were accepted for entry into the championship. These clubs were Mervue United
Mervue United F.C.
Mervue United A.F.C. is an association football club from Galway in the Republic of Ireland.In November 2008, they won promotion from the A Championship to the FAI First Division...
, Salthill Devon
Salthill Devon F.C.
Salthill Devon F.C. is an Irish football club currently playing in the League of Ireland First Division in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Salthill, Ireland and play their home matches at Drom Clubhouse. Club colours are light blue and white stripes and their current manager is Paul...
(both from Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
), Tullamore Town
Tullamore Town F.C.
Tullamore Town F.C. is an Irish football club currently playing in the Newstalk A Championship in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Tullamore, Co Offaly in Ireland, and play their home matches at Leah Victoria Park. Club colours are Royal Blue and their current manager is Jimmy Greene...
from Offaly
County Offaly
County Offaly is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe and was formerly known as King's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Offaly County Council is...
and newly formed Dublin club Sporting Fingal
Sporting Fingal F.C.
Sporting Fingal Football Club was a professional football club based in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The club competed in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2011. Former Shamrock Rovers manager, Liam Buckley was the club's manager while former Arsenal player, John Devine...
who have since been elevated to the First Division.
Television coverage
For the first time in the history of the league the national broadcaster Radio Telefís Éireann started showing highlights of every Premier Division game played on its new show Monday Night SoccerMonday Night Soccer
Monday Night Soccer is the RTÉ's main football television programme. It is shown on RTÉ Two on Monday evenings during the Irish football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in Irish football's top division, the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. This show was presented by Con Murphy. Radio coverage was provided by national broadcaster RTÉ with live reports and commentary on match nights. TG4
TG4
TG4 is a public service broadcaster for Irish language speakers. The channel has been on-air since 31 October 1996 in the Republic of Ireland and since April 2005 in Northern Ireland....
were the weekly broadcasters, with Sacar Beo. RTÉ and Setanta Sports
Setanta Sports
Setanta Sports is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland. Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events...
occasionally showed matches.
Clubs information
| Team | Base | Manager | Main sponsor | Kit supplier | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlone Town | Athlone, Co. Westmeath |  Place, Brendan |
Ganly's Hardware | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Athlone Town Stadium | 2,000 |
| Bohemians Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
Dublin | Fenlon, Pat Pat Fenlon Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.... |
Des Kelly Interiors | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Dalymount Park Dalymount Park Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup... |
8,500 |
| Bray Wanderers | Bray Bray Bray is a town in north County Wicklow, Ireland. It is a busy urban centre and seaside resort, with a population of 31,901 making it the fourth largest in Ireland as of the 2006 census... , Co. Wicklow |
Gormley, Eddie Eddie Gormley Eddie Gormley is a former Irish football player and manager of Bray Wanderers.Gormley was a midfielder and played league football in England, Scotland and Ireland... |
Hard Metal | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Carlisle Grounds Carlisle Grounds The Carlisle Grounds is a football stadium in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, situated directly behind the Bray D.A.R.T. station. It is home to Bray Wanderers A.F.C. Its current capacity is roughly 3,000.-History:... |
7,000 |
| Cobh Ramblers | Cobh Cobh Cobh is a seaport town on the south coast of County Cork, Ireland. Cobh is on the south side of Great Island in Cork Harbour. Facing the town are Spike Island and Haulbowline Island... , Co. Cork |
Henderson, Stephen Stephen Henderson Stephen McKinley Henderson is an American actor.-Life and career:Henderson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Ruby Naomi and Elihue Henderson. He was originally part of Group 1 of the Juilliard Drama School, later finishing his degree at the North Carolina School of the Arts... |
Goodyear | Uhlsport Uhlsport Uhlsport is a manufacturer of football equipment. Based in Germany and founded in 1948, the company's products include goalkeeper gloves, football boots, shin pads, footballs, training clothes, and kits.... |
St. Colman's Park St. Colman's Park St Colman's Park is a football stadium in Cobh, County Cork. It is home to Cobh Ramblers F.C. of the Newstalk A Championship. The stadiums capacity is 5,000... |
5,000 |
| Cork City | Cork Cork (city) Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban... |
Mathews, Alan Alan Mathews Alan Mathews is a former Irish footballer and the current manager of League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne.-Player:As a player, Mathews played for St... |
Beamish Beamish and Crawford Beamish and Crawford is the longest-established brewery in Cork, Ireland. Established in 1792 by William Beamish and William Crawford on the site of an existing porter brewery, it has had a number of owners over the centuries... |
Hummel Hummel International hummel International is a Denmark-based sportswear company. The firm was started in 1923 by the Messmer family in the town of Hamburg, Germany. It currently manufactures apparel for football, handball, basketball, rugby league, Australian football, shinty and volleyball... |
Turners Cross Turners Cross (stadium) Turners Cross is an all-seater football stadium located in and synonymous with the district of Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland. It is home to the Munster Football Association, and League of Ireland side Cork City FC.... |
8,000 |
| Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
Derry Derry Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"... |
Kenny, Stephen |
MeteorElectrical.com | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
The Brandywell | 7,700 |
| Drogheda United Drogheda United Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park.... |
Drogheda Drogheda Drogheda is an industrial and port town in County Louth on the east coast of Ireland, 56 km north of Dublin. It is the last bridging point on the River Boyne before it enters the Irish Sea.... , Co. Louth |
Doolin, Paul Paul Doolin Paul Doolin is a former Irish footballer and manager.He played for Bohemians, scoring on his debut on 13 September 1981. In June 1985 he signed for Shamrock Rovers and in his three years at the club won the double twice scoring 30 goals in 107 appearances. In his first season at Milltown he was... |
Hunky Dorys | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
United Park United Park Hunky Dorys Park is a football stadium in Drogheda, Ireland. The ground has been home to League of Ireland side Drogheda United since 1979. The ground has a capacity of 2,000 with 400 seats... |
5,400 |
| Dundalk Dundalk F.C. Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The... |
Dundalk Dundalk Dundalk is the county town of County Louth in Ireland. It is situated where the Castletown River flows into Dundalk Bay. The town is close to the border with Northern Ireland and equi-distant from Dublin and Belfast. The town's name, which was historically written as Dundalgan, has associations... , Co. Louth |
Connor, Sean Sean Connor Sean Connor is a former footballer and manager currently without a club.-Playing career:Connor began his career at Distillery in the Irish League where he played for one full season before moving to Port Vale... |
Shop Dundalk | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Oriel Park Oriel Park Oriel Park is a multi-purpose stadium in Dundalk, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Dundalk F.C. Its current capacity is about 4,500 with 3,000 seats. The ground was opened in 1919.-History:... |
6,000 |
| Finn Harps | Ballybofey Ballybofey Ballybofey is a town located on the south bank of the River Finn, County Donegal, Ireland. Along with the smaller town of Stranorlar on the north side of the River Finn, Ballybofey makes up the Twin Towns.... , Co. Donegal |
James Gallagher |
Donegal Creameries | Masita | Finn Park Finn Park Finn Park is a football stadium in Ballybofey, Ireland, the home of League of Ireland Premier Division team Finn Harps F.C., and has a capacity of 7,500 with 400 seats... |
7,900 |
| Galway United Galway United Galway United F.C. was founded as Galway Rovers in 1937. They are a football club currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier of the Irish football.... |
Galway Galway Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the... |
 Foster, IanIan Foster Ian Foster is a Distinguished Fellow and the Associate Division Director in the Mathematics and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, where he leads the Distributed Systems Laboratory, and he is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago... |
O'Connell Drylining LTD | Rival | Terryland Park Terryland Park Terryland Park is a multi-purpose stadium in Galway, Ireland, owned by the Galway & District Football League. It is currently used for association football matches and has been the home ground of Galway United since 1977.- History :... |
5,000 |
| Kildare County Kildare County F.C. Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :... |
Newbridge Newbridge, County Kildare The earliest known mention of Newbridge was by traveller and bookseller John Dunton in 1698, though he does not refer to any settlement other than at Ballymany.... , Co. Kildare |
Somerville, John |
Cill Dara Betting | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Station Road Station Road, Newbridge Station Road is a football park located in Newbridge, County Kildare. It is home to Leinster Senior League outfit Newbridge Town F.C.. It was also the home of now defunct Eircom League Division One side Kildare County F.C..... |
2,500 |
| Limerick 37 | Limerick Limerick Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the... |
Kerley, Michael |
Limerick's Live 95FM | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
Jackman Park Jackman Park Jackman Park is a football ground in Limerick, Republic of Ireland located on the Lower Carey's Road, that is home to Limerick F.C. It is regularly used by almost every grade of football in Limerick, from schoolboy to women's international games. The capacity is 2,450. The ground has a single 261... |
8,000 |
| Longford Town Longford Town F.C. Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park... |
Longford | Gough, Alan Alan Gough Alan Gough is an Irish football player and manager. He is the former Longford Town player manager.His clubs included Portsmouth, Galway United, Fulham, Shelbourne, Glentoran, Derry City and Bray Wanderers.... |
Flancare | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Flancare Park Flancare Park Flancare Park is a soccer stadium in Longford, Ireland. It is the home stadium of League of Ireland side Longford Town F.C.. Flancare Park has also held numerous international underage matches. The stadium underwent a huge redevelopment at the end of 2000/2001 season... |
4,500 |
| Mervue United Mervue United F.C. Mervue United A.F.C. is an association football club from Galway in the Republic of Ireland.In November 2008, they won promotion from the A Championship to the FAI First Division... |
Galway Galway Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the... |
Glynn, Johnny |
Atlantic Developments | Fahy's Field | ||
| Monaghan United Monaghan United Monaghan United F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1979 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Monaghan and play their home matches at Gortakeegan, Monaghan... |
Monaghan | Cooke, Mick |
The Squeeling Pig | Nike Nike, Inc. Nike, Inc. is a major publicly traded sportswear and equipment supplier based in the United States. The company is headquartered near Beaverton, Oregon, which is part of the Portland metropolitan area... |
Century Homes Park | 3,000 |
| Salthill Devon Salthill Devon F.C. Salthill Devon F.C. is an Irish football club currently playing in the League of Ireland First Division in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Salthill, Ireland and play their home matches at Drom Clubhouse. Club colours are light blue and white stripes and their current manager is Paul... |
Galway Galway Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the... |
Long, Emlyn |
FCS | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Drom Clubhouse Drom Clubhouse Drom Clubhouse is a football stadium in Ireland, the home ground of Salthill Devon, who play in the League of Ireland First Division. It was built in 1977 and has a capacity of 2,000 people. Drom also holds the Umbro Galway Cup annually.... |
2,000 |
| Shamrock Rovers | Dublin |  O'Neill, MichaelMichael O'Neill (footballer) Michael Andrew Martin O'Neill is a former Northern Irish international association football player, who is now the manager of Shamrock Rovers.-Playing career:... |
Woodie's DIY | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Tolka Park Tolka Park Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne... |
9,700 |
| Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
Dublin | Keely, Dermot Dermot Keely Dermot Keely, is the former manager of Irish football team Shelbourne.-Family:Keely's family have played League of Ireland football at various levels. His late father Peter Keely played for Shelbourne, his brother Joe played on the same Home Farm FAI Cup winning side of 1775 as Dermot Keely himself... |
Cab 2000 | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Tolka Park Tolka Park Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne... |
9,700 |
| Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
Sligo Sligo Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht... |
Cook, Paul Paul Cook (footballer) Paul Anthony Cook is an English former footballer, currently manager of Sligo Rovers in Ireland. He had a lengthy career, playing for a number of clubs in the Football League as a left sided or central midfielder before retiring from the game in 2006.-Playing career:Cook began his career at his... |
Toher's | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
The Showgrounds Showgrounds The Showgrounds is stadium in Sligo, which has been home of Sligo Rovers F.C. since the club was formed in 1928.- Biography :... |
5,500 |
| Sporting Fingal Sporting Fingal F.C. Sporting Fingal Football Club was a professional football club based in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The club competed in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2011. Former Shamrock Rovers manager, Liam Buckley was the club's manager while former Arsenal player, John Devine... |
Dublin | Buckley, Liam Liam Buckley Liam Buckley , is an Irish former professional football player and manager.-Playing career:Liam began his League of Ireland career with Shelbourne F.C. and signed for Shamrock Rovers as a full time player in the 1979 close season... |
Keelings | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Morton Stadium Morton Stadium Morton Stadium, or the National Athletics Stadium, is an athletics stadium in Santry, in the north of Dublin City. Often called Santry Stadium, it is the centre for athletics events in Ireland, and home track of Clonliffe Harriers. It was home to Sporting Fingal FC... |
10,000 |
| St. Patrick's Athletic | Dublin | Kenna, Jeff |
Paddy Power Paddy Power Paddy Power is Ireland’s largest bookmaker. Offline it conducts business through a chain of licensed betting offices and by operating Ireland's largest telephone betting service. Online it offers sports betting, online poker, online bingo, online casino games and spread betting... |
Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Richmond Park Richmond Park (football ground) Richmond Park is a football stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It is the home ground for Irish football team St. Patricks Athletic of the League of Ireland. It is situated in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore... |
5,500 |
| Tullamore Town Tullamore Town F.C. Tullamore Town F.C. is an Irish football club currently playing in the Newstalk A Championship in the Republic of Ireland. The club hails from Tullamore, Co Offaly in Ireland, and play their home matches at Leah Victoria Park. Club colours are Royal Blue and their current manager is Jimmy Greene... |
Offaly | Colsh, Keith |
Leah Victoria Park Leah Victoria Park Leah Victoria Park is an Irish football ground situated in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. It is the home of Tullamore Town F.C. The ground has three pitches in total, two which are of international standard and an all weather pitch.... |
4,000 | ||
| UCD University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
Dublin | Mahon, Pete Pete Mahon Pete Mahon , is an Irish football manager who is currently the manager of St. Patrick's Athletic .His son, Alan Mahon , played all his career for UCD.... |
Budweiser Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch) Budweiser is a 5.0% abv American-style lager introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and one of the highest selling beers in the United States. It is made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt. Budweiser is produced in various breweries located around the world... |
O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
UCD Bowl UCD Bowl The UCD Bowl is a rugby union and football stadium in the Southeast of Dublin. It is the home ground of University College Dublin RFC in the AIB All Ireland League and University College Dublin A.F.C. in League of Ireland Premier Division... |
3,000 |
| Waterford United Waterford United Waterford United is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports... |
Waterford Waterford Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland... |
Cronin, Gareth Gareth Cronin Gareth Cronin is former Irish player and manager.Cronin had been assistant manager to Dermot Keely at Cork City before the club went out of business in July 2006. The following month, Gareth Cronin became manager at Waterford United where he spent over two full seasons before leaving on the 17... |
Hutchison 3G Hutchison 3G 3 is a brand name under which several UMTS-based mobile phone networks and Broadband Internet Providers are operated in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom... |
Azzurri | Waterford Regional Sports Centre Waterford Regional Sports Centre The Waterford Regional Sports Centre is part of Waterford Corporation's Municipal sporting facilities and home to Waterford United of the League of Ireland .... |
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| Wexford Youths | Crossabeg Crossabeg Crossabeg or Crosabeg is a small village in County Wexford, Ireland, just north of Wexford town. It contains The Forge Storytelling House, Foley's Pub and a primary school.-Sport:... , Co. Wexford |
Wallace, Mick Mick Wallace Mick Wallace is an Irish independent politician, property developer and former football manager.-Early life:He was born in Wellingtonbridge, Wexford... |
Wallace Construction | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Ferrycarraig Park | 5,000 |
Procedure
There were twelve participating clubs in the Premier Division and ten participating clubs in the First Division for 2007. During the course of the 2008 season (which lasted from March to November) each Premier club played the respective others three times. A pre-season draw decided which clubs will have the benefit of two home games in these matches. First Division sides played each other four times throughout the season - two games at home and two games at the stadium of the opposition. Each team in the Premier Division played 33 matches in total during the season, while those in the First Division played 36 games. The 'A' League Championship contained three clubs and reserve sides from Premier Division and some First Division clubs. The Championship was divided into two sections or groups. This didn't start until June with a Shield competition taking place before that.Teams received three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points were awarded for a loss. Teams were ranked by total points, then goal difference and then goals scored. If there is equality in points, goal difference and goals for tallies, the clubs involved must partake in a play-off to decide their finishing positions. At the end of the season, the club with the most points in their division were crowned as champion of that division. The three lowest placed teams in the Premier were automatically relegated into the First Division and the top team from the First Division was automatically promoted to the Premier Division. In addition, the 2007 winner of the First Division had a once-off play-off with the winners of the FAI League Cup for a Setanta Cup place. The team that finished last in the First Division participated in a promotion/relegation playoff. The winners of the playoff between the highest placed non-reserve sides in both 'A' League Championship groups, provided that they both finished in the top four in their respective group, would have challenged the team that finished last in the First Division for their place in a promotion/relegation playoff. However, since only one of the 'A' League Championship groups had a non-reserve side in the top four then this team automatically faced the club that finished last in the First Division in a promotion/relegation playoff. If eircom League reserve sides had occupied the top four positions in both 'A' League Championship sections then no promotion/relegation playoff would have taken place and the team that finished last in the First Division would not have been relegated.
Qualification for 2009–10 European competitions
The top team in the Premier League qualified for the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round and must win three two-legged knockout ties against higher seeded and stronger opposition with progression in order to enter the group phase.There were also three spots reserved in newly formed UEFA Europa League, two through league positions and one through domestic cup
FAI Cup 2008
The FAI Cup 2008 was the eighty-fifth staging of The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, or FAI Cup for short. This season was the second one sponsored by Ford....
. The second-placed and third-placed team should have qualified for the UEFA Europa League first qualifying round while the cup winners should have qualified for the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round. However, since Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
won both the cup and the league, Europa League spot went to cup runners-up. Because they qualified for Europe through league, fourth-placed team were also awarded with a spot in the Europa League. The spot were thereby given to teams according to league positions. League runners-up and third-place team were given spots in the second, while the fourth-placed team was given a spot in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
Prize funds
The trend of increasing prize funds for the league has continued this season. Between the National League, FAI CupFAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
, FAI League Cup and the Setanta Cup a prize fund in excess of €2 million was available. The prize fund for the Premier Division in 2008 has increased with the winners being awarded €250,000. Unlike previous year every team received funds, even the last placed. The winners of the 'A' Championship were given €20,000.
Relegation/Promotion play-off
Kildare CountyKildare County F.C.
Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :...
and Mervue United
Mervue United F.C.
Mervue United A.F.C. is an association football club from Galway in the Republic of Ireland.In November 2008, they won promotion from the A Championship to the FAI First Division...
competed in a two-legged playoff for one spot in 2009 First Division. Mervue United
Mervue United F.C.
Mervue United A.F.C. is an association football club from Galway in the Republic of Ireland.In November 2008, they won promotion from the A Championship to the FAI First Division...
won 5–2 on aggregate and thereby secured a place in next year's FAI First Division.
----
'A' Championship play-off
Bohemians 'A'Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
and UCD 'A'
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
competed in a playoff for the inaugural 'A' Championship title. UCD 'A'
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
won 2–1 and therefore became the 2008 'A' Championship winners.
Matches 1–22
Matches 23–33
First half of season
Second half of season
Group 1
Group 2
Top goalscorers
The following sections contain only goals which were scored in the respective leagues.Premier League
Source: soccerway.com16 goals Mark Farren
Mark Farren
Mark Farren is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker with League of Ireland club Derry City.-Career:...
15 goals Mark Quigley
Mark Quigley
Mark Quigley is an Irish professional football player who currently plays for Dundalk.-Career:Quigley came to prominence as a schoolboy with noted Dublin club Belvedere from where he signed for Millwall in 2003. He spent the 2005 season at Shamrock Rovers where he made a total of 12 appearances...
15 goals Dave Mooney
Dave Mooney
Dave Mooney is an Irish footballer, currently playing for Leyton Orient.-Shamrock Rovers:Born in Dublin, Mooney joined Shamrock Rovers, his first senior club, in 2000 and scored in every round when Rovers' won the U17 All Ireland title against Kingdom Boys in 2002. He made his first team debut...
(Cork City)
11 goals Killian Brennan
Killian Brennan
Killian Brennan is an Irish football player currently playing in the League of Ireland for Bohemians.-Early career:...
(Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
)
9 goals Padraig Amond
Padraig Amond
Pádraig Amond is an Irish footballer who currently plays for League Two club Accrington Stanley on loan from Paços de Ferreira of the Portuguese Primeira Liga...
Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League....
(Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
) Ryan Guy
Ryan Guy
Ryan Guy is an American professional soccer player who currently plays for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.-College and amateur:...
8 goals Keith Fahey
Keith Fahey
Keith Declan Fahey is an Republic of Ireland international footballer who plays for English club Birmingham City. With Ireland he was part of the team that secured qualification for UEFA Euro 2012....
Davin O'Neill
Davin O'Neill
Davin O'Neill is a professional footballer who currently plays for Cork City in the League of Ireland.-Playing career:Davin won the League of Ireland First Division in 2007 with Cobh Ramblers and he was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year the same year...
First Division
Source: soccerway.com16 goals Robbie Doyle
Robbie Doyle
Robbie Doyle is an Irish soccer player who is currently unattached. He most recently played for League of Ireland Premier Division club Bray Wanderers.-Career:...
15 goals Anto Flood
Anthony Flood
Anthony 'Anto' Flood , is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Bohemians in the Airtricity League of Ireland, Flood plays as a striker.-St Patrick's Athletic:...
13 goals Darren McKenna
Darren McKenna
Darren McKenna is an Irish footballer.-Career:McKenna began his League of Ireland career with Monaghan United and was top scorer for the Mons' during their 2003 campaign. He later returned his home county to join Kildare County where he was a regular member of their squad...
11 goals Robbie Farrell
Robbie Farrell
Robbie Farrell is an Irish footballer currently playing for Athlone Town .He began his senior footballing career way back in the 1996/97 season when he made four appearances for Home Farm...
Vinny Sullivan
Vinny Sullivan
Vinny Sullivan is an Irish footballer who plays for Cork City in the League of Ireland. Vinny plays as a forward.- Early career :Vinny left Dungarvan United for Celtic at the age of 17...
9 goals Conan Byrne
Conan Byrne
Conan Byrne , is an Irish footballer who plays as a winger for League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne.-UCD:...
8 goals Gavin Doyle Jamie Duffy
Jamie Duffy
Jamie Duffy is an Irish football player currently playing for Newry City.He arrived at Longford midway through the 2007 season from Shamrock Rovers.In his time at the Hoops he made 43 total appearances scoring three goals....
David Freeman
David Freeman (Irish footballer)
David Freeman is an Irish footballer who last played for League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United...
Andy Haran
Andy Haran
Andy Haran is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division side Monaghan United. Haran plays as a striker.-Career:Haran who hails from Julianstown joined St...
Peter Hynes
Peter Hynes
Peter Hynes is an Irish footballer. He also works as a lorry driver.-English career:Hynes began his career as a trainee with Aston Villa where he played in Villa's 2002 FA Youth Cup winning side and turned professional in November 2000...
Ciaran Kilduff
Ciarán Kilduff
Ciarán Kilduff , is a footballer currently playing with League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers.-Biography:Ciaran "Killer" Kilduff played in the Kildare and District Schoolboys League for Clane Boys and Kilcock Celtic before moving to Maynooth Town in the Brenfer League...
2008 national league UEFA ranking
The FAI National League's UEFA coefficient accumulated to a total value of 7.332 as of the 2007–08 European season. Ranking going into 2008–09 European season:-
LithuaniaA LygaThe A Lyga is the top division of professional football in Lithuania. It is organized by LFF . League size has varied between 8 and 12 teams over the past few years; for its 2011 season, the league features 12 teams... -
Moldova - Republic of Ireland
-
Macedonia -
Iceland
See also
- FAI Cup 2008FAI Cup 2008The FAI Cup 2008 was the eighty-fifth staging of The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, or FAI Cup for short. This season was the second one sponsored by Ford....
- League of Ireland Cup 2008
- Setanta Sports Cup 2008Setanta Sports Cup 2008The Setanta Sports Cup 2008 was the 4th staging of the cross-border cup competition featuring football clubs from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland...