City Metro
|
Population
| |||
1
|
Dublin
|
1.110 ,627
| ||
-
|
Dublin City
|
525,383
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
Fingal
|
273,051
|
0
|
1
|
-
|
South Dublin
|
265,174
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
Rathtown
|
206,995
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Cork
|
198,582
|
1
|
2
|
3A
|
Derry (Northern )
|
93,000
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
Limerick
|
91,454
|
0
|
1
|
4
|
Galway
|
76,778
|
0
|
1
|
5
|
Waterford
|
51,519
|
1
|
1
|
6
|
Dundalk
|
37,816
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
Drogheda
|
38,578
|
1
|
1
|
8
|
Bray
|
27,041
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
Sligo
|
17,892
|
1
|
1
|
16
| ||||
Northern Ireland
| ||||
NI
|
Belfast
|
267,500
|
3
| |
Total Clubs
|
19
| |||
Here in the states, MLS placed clubs in the biggest marketing cities (New York, LA, Chicago ect.). The Republic of Ireland’s population is about 4,722,000 (Million) according to the CIA estimate. Looking at Ireland’s cities, we can see there is Dublin and the rest. Dublin’s population makes up over 35% of the Republic of Ireland’s population. Viewing population wise only there are 4 locations the League of Ireland is lacking exposure in. These locations are Fingal(Dublin county), Limerick, Galway and Cork.
Then there are 2 clubs in South Dublin (4) across the Liffey River. The Shamrock Rovers are located in Tallaght (Tallaght is about 75,000 population) while St. Patrick’s Athletic F.C. in located in Inchicore. The Shamrock Rovers have the best attendance the last 2 years. St. Pat’s are usually at the league average in attendance. This area of Dublin is spoken for. These are your 4 big clubs in the League of Ireland that tend to have the best derbies and largest crowds.
The 3th section of Dublin is called Rathtown(2) located south east of Dublin City along the coast. Dun Laughaire-Rathtown has many towns and this is where Belfield is located. Belfield has the main campus of the University College of Dublin (UCD). This is also where the students have their stadium. UCD is not supported by the local community like the other clubs. UCD relies on the students of the college to support them. UCD usually has the lowest attendance every year because of this. UCD is in the premier league because they have a competitive club.
The last part of Dublin County is north of Dublin City called Fingal (3). The population of Fingal has about (273,051). Fingal’s population is more than South Dublin. There was a club that started in Sporting Fingal. Sporting Fingal was in the League of Ireland from 2008 to 2010. This was great to see a club in this part of Dublin. The city council had ideas of building a stadium in 2008 that would have Sporting Fingal as their main tenant. Sporting Fingal unfortunately had an average attendance of only 917. Fingal has since dropped out of the League of Ireland and no more plans for a stadium have materialized. At this time Fingal does not even have a club in the U-19 league. The league needs supporters and they just do not seem organized enough in this area yet. There was even talk of building a stadium for Bohemians F.C. in this area but not word yet on this development. I believe Fingal would be a good location for a League of Ireland needs exposure in. Fingal would also create another derby for the Dublin clubs.
The second largest city is Cork. Cork City is the Rep. of Ireland’s 2nd largest population. Cork City tallies in at over 198,582 however Greater Cork population is close to 400,000. This city can compete against the big Dublin clubs (attendance wise). Cork City F.C. does outstanding in attendance. The lead the league in attendance in 5 of the last 6 years they were in the Premier Division. Is it time to explore maybe a second club from the City? Let’s say Cork United was reintroduced. Cork United could also take the 5 past Championship (1941, 1942, 1943, 1945, 1946.) to add to their resume. Maybe Cork Athletic could be revised with their 2 past championships. Either one of these clubs would instantly be a club with interest. Cork United/Athletic could mimic the success Cork City F.C. by gaining supporters. A great aspect aspect of this is that Cork City would double its chances of having a club in the Premier League each year. Blarney United and Everton are clubs from the Cork City area. Blarney play in the Munster senior league. Could either one of these clubs get enough supporters to join the league? This is an idea to ponder. A second club out of the 2nd largest city in the Republic of Ireland could create a great derby outside of Dublin. This local derby Cork City F.C. vs. Cork City F.C. United could also create great interest with in Cork City. It could be possible to also share Turners Cross so each week Cork City would be hosting a League of Ireland game.
Limerick is the 3rd largest City in the Republic but it is not represented in the Premier league. Limerick Population comes in at 91,454 (Wikipedia figure). Limerick is located is a strategic location ½ way between Cork and Galway. Limerick ties the 3 big southern cities (Galway-Limerick-Cork) together. I think it is important to have a competitive club from this city, year in and year out. Limerick presently has a competitive club in 2nd place in the First Division.
Limerick got a great boost for a local business man. The old spiritual ground of The Market’s Field was purchased for the club. There is also a proposal to refurbish the stadium however nothing has materialized yet. Limerick is the best chance to place a club in the Premier League next year. This would be great for exposure for the league to have a club in this vital city. Galway is your 4th largest city in the Republic of Ireland. Galway is located on the West coast right in the middle of Ireland. Galway is directly west of Dublin. Galway is situated in an essential location for a club for the League. Galway connects the 2 big southern cities of Limerick and Cork to Derry City in the North. It is a 2 hrs and 10 min from Galway to Dublin. Travel to Cork City is 2hrs & 35min. Galway is the gateway that connects the west coast cities to Ireland. Presently Galway has 2 clubs floundering in the First Division. Floundering both in attendance (interest) and play wise (bottom of the table). They are SD Galway and Mervue United. The supporters, Galway United Supporter Trust (GUST) wanted a club to run for themselves. They applied for a license in 2012 but were denied by the FAI. (Who now run the League of Ireland). The old Galway United directors folded the old team. However it was GUST who ran the club the last year. These supporters, I am hoping, will again apply for a license and have a club of their own. It question becomes, Will the FAI hold GUST responsible for the collapse of Galway United and not risk granting a license to volatile entity.
The FAI must realize it is the supporters are who make the league. Without supporters/fans/interest the clubs disappear (Sporting Fingal, Cork City, Derry City F.C. ….). Galway has as much of a population at Tallaght does. We all know how many supporters the Shamrock Rovers have. It is not only important to have a club in the Premier Division but a club that can be competitive and stay in the Premier League. I am hoping GUST is granted the license and Galway United is playing next year. I believe GUST will get the fans, supporters and the local businesses and community to back this club. The league needs a club from this vital area.
There is a bit of a drop off after Galway however Waterford, Dundalk and Drogheda each have found supporters and success in the league. These other locations are a essential part of the league. These 3 have done a very good job fielding quality clubs over time in the league. Dundalk F.C. has 9 League of Ireland Titles and 9 FAI Cups. Drogheda United recently won the FAI Cup in 2005. Then they won the Setanta Cups in 2006 and 2007. Drogheda finally won their first title in the League of Ireland Championship in 2007. Waterford has 6 League of Ireland Championships and 2 FAI Cups. These clubs are great when they challenge the Dublin clubs for the hardware.
The city/towns get a lot smaller from here. Clubs from Sligo, Bray Wanders and the like are good additions but nothing like the big cities. It would be nice to have a club represent these large urban areas of Ireland.
Derry City has a population at about 83,699 which would place them 4th largest in Ireland behind Dublin, Belfast; Cork City F.C.) Derry City is located in Northern Ireland however they play in League of Ireland. Derry City F.C. has a “good” supporters group that following their club. They have had outstanding travelers when they entered into the Europa League. I can not see Derry City supporting a second club at this time.
Locations like Fingal, Limerick, Galway and possibly a second club in Cork City are highly populated area in Ireland that could be good for the league.
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