Football in NI
Structure of Football in Northern Ireland
NORTHERN Ireland proudly boasts one of the oldest, longest-running domestic leagues in the world.
First contested in 1890 the Irish League continued through not only two World Wars but also the well-publicised Northern Ireland troubles to retain a degree of normality in even the darkest of days in the history of our wee country.
Unlike their high profile equivalents across the water footballers here are, with very few exceptions, part-time players combining their love of the game with their day-to-day careers. There are many different reasons for this, not least the lack of investment in the game in comparison with the English and Scottish versions.
The pinnacle of the game in Northern Ireland is the JJB Sports sponsored Premier League comprising 12 teams from five of our six counties.
Current holders of the title are Linfield, one of the traditional 'Big Two' along with their cross-city rivals Glentoran .
Linfield, who ownWindsorPark, recently struck a blow for the JJB Sports Premier League by winning the inaugural Setanta Cup, a competition comprising the elite from both Northern Irelandand theRepublicofIreland.
Undoubtedly the single most important fixture on the domestic calendar is the Irish Cup final, traditionally held in early May.
Linfield became the latest side to claim the famous old trophy - now in its 129th year - with a 2-1 defeat of plucky underdogs Coleraine, who confounded many expectations by reaching the decider in the first place.
Below the JJB Sports Premier League are the IFA Championship and Intrim Intermediate. Promotion exists between these and the top flight although this is dependent on a number of criteria such, for example, as ground facilities.
By Martin Harris
