FAI confirm club licences

The Independent Club Licensing Committee (ICLC) has awarded 14 Premier Division and seven First Division licences for the 2010 season, but will wait to make a decision on Cork City.

The ICLC decisions have been as expected with eight of the clubs in the Premier Division last season keeping their top-tier status.

A decision will be made on Cork’s application pending their takeover, while Derry City demotion to the First Division is confirmed after the dual-contract saga at the end of the last season.

In addition, First Division clubs Longford Town, Monaghan United, Shelbourne and Waterford United have also been handed Premier licences but they will still play in the second-level of the league, with Bray Wanderers in line to replace Cork should their takeover deal collapse.

Drogheda United have kept their Premier Division status despite confusion over their playing budget for the year.

Meanwhile, Salthill Devon’s application to compete in the First Division has been successful with Cobh Ramblers set to play another campaign in the A Championship.

Premier Division Licences: Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Dundalk, Drogheda United, Galway United, Longford Town, Monaghan United, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Sporting Fingal, UCD and Waterford.

First Division: Athlone Town, Derry City, Finn Harps, Limerick, Mervue United, Salthill Devon and Wexford Youths.

Newstalk A Championship: Castlebar Celtic, Cobh Ramblers, FC Carlow, Tralee Dynamos, Tullamore Town.