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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 Carling sponsored IFA Premiership 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.

The other ten competing sides are Ballymena United, Carrick Rangers, Cliftonville, Coleraine, Crusaders, Donegal Celtic, Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon, Lisburn Distillery, and Portadown.

Below the Carling Premiership is the Belfast Telegraph Championship, the premier intermediate level league in Northern Ireland, which comprises 30 sides split into two divisions of 14 and 16 teams respectively.

Promotion exists between Championship 1 and the top flight although this is dependent on a number of criteria such, for example, as ground facilities. Two sides are also relegated from Championship 1 with a similar number being promoted from Championship 2.

The main cup competition in Northern Ireland is the JJB Sports Irish Cup, our equivalent of the FA Cup in England.

Linfield defeated Crusaders at the end of last season to complete their fifth league and cup 'double' in six years.

For further information please visit our two dedicated domestic websites - www.carlingpremiership.com and www.ifachampionship.com.

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