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 Carnegie sponsored Premier League comprising 16 teams from five of our six counties.
Current holders of the title are Glentoran, one of the traditional 'Big Two' along with their cross-city rivals Linfield. Glentoran also hold the CIS Insurance Cup.
Linfield, who own Windsor Park, recently struck a blow for the Carnegie Premier League by winning the inaugural Setanta Cup, a competition comprising the elite from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Undoubtedly the single most important fixture on the domestic calendar is the Irish Cup final, traditionally held in early May.
Portadown became the latest side to claim the famous old trophy - now in its 125th year - with a stunning 5-1 defeat of plucky underdogs Larne, who confounded many expectations by reaching the decider in the first place.
Below the Carnegie Premier League are the Carnegie First and Second Divisions. Promotion exists between these and the top flight although this is dependent on a number of criteria such, for example, as ground facilities.
Armagh City recently earned promotion to the Carnegie Premier League by clinching the First Division title undefeated while Glenavon also progressed via the play-offs.
Glenavon, from Lurgan, also claimed the Belfast Telegraph sponsored Intermediate Cup, the principal knock-out competition at this level.
By Martin Harris
Last updated 27th May 2005
