First Division drops to eight teams

The 2012 Airtricity First Division will consist of just eight teams with Galway United Supporters Trust, Tralee Dynamos and Cobh Ramblers missing out on a place in the league.

The FAI held a series of meetings with the GUST following Galway United’s decision to withdraw a licence application.

The organisation said that the "discussions involved all stands of the game in the Galway area including GUST, Salthill Devon and Mervue Utd and will continue during the 2012 season."

Tralee and Cobh will be on standby if one of the eight sides proposed for the league fails in the licencing application.

Salthill Devon have nominated Terryland Park as their home ground for this year after Galway’s withdrawal and will now play as SD Galway.

View the fixture list for 2012 Airtricity First Division here.