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Teams
Bohemians U19
St Patricks U19
Dundalk U19
UCD U19
Derry City U19
Drogheda United U19
Shamrock Rovers U19
Shelbourne U19
Sligo Rovers U19
Bray Wanderers U19
Finn Harps U19
Cork City U19
Longford Town U19
Athlone Town U19
Cobh Ramblers U19
Galway United U19
Wexford Youths U19
Waterford FC U19
Treaty United FC U19
Cabinteely U19
Kerry DL U19
Limerick U19
Monaghan Utd U19
Klub Kildare U19
CK United FC U19
Kerry FC U19
Wikipedia - League of Ireland U19 Division
The League of Ireland U19 Division is the under-19 division of the League of Ireland. The current division is the successor of earlier U21 and U20 divisions. Like the Premier Division and First Division, the U19 Division is currently sponsored by Airtricity and as a result it is also known as the SSE Airtricity U19 League. The earlier U21 and U20 divisions were sponsored by Eircom and as a result were referred to as the Eircom U21 League or the Eircom U20 League. The division is also sometimes referred to as the Dr Tony O'Neill League because the winners are awarded the Dr Tony O'Neill Cup. In 2016 Cork City became the first team to represent the division in the UEFA Youth League.
History
Eircom U21 League
The inaugural season of the U21 division took place in 2000–01 and St Patrick's Athletic finished as the first champions. In 2001–02 Waterford United won the title before Cork City won their first title in 2002–03. City then retained the title in 2003–04. UCD subsequently won three of four remaining titles during the U21 era. As well as featuring the youth teams of contemporary League of Ireland clubs, the division also featured the representative teams of junior leagues such as the Kerry District League, the Mayo Association Football League and the Sligo/Leitrim League. In 2004 Sligo/Leitrim reached the final of the Enda McGuill Cup. In addition to featuring UCD, the division also featured three other university teams – NUI Galway, the University of Limerick and Dublin University. The division was also used by the League of Ireland as an avenue for future members of its senior divisions. Both Salthill Devon and Mervue United began their League of Ireland careers in the U21 division. In 2003 Mervue United were Enda McGuill Cup finalists and in 2006 Salthill Devon became the first club to win the Dr Tony O'Neill Cup without having a team in the senior divisions. In addition to competing for the Dr Tony O'Neill Cup and the Enda McGuill Cup, teams in the U21 division also played in several other competitions including pre-season tournaments in 2006 and 2007 and a futsal league in 2007 which was won by Shamrock Rovers. This latter competition evolved into the FAI Futsal Cup.
Eircom U20 League
In 2008, as part of a restructuring of the League of Ireland that also saw the introduction of the A Championship, the U21 division was relaunched as a U20 division. The new division featured the youth teams of the 22 clubs in the Premier Division and First Division plus four other teams – F.C. Carlow, Kilkenny City, Salthill Devon and Mervue United. Cork City were the first U20 champions in 2008–09 followed by UCD in 2009. In 2010 Andrew Myler guided Shamrock Rovers to their first title.
Airtricity U19 League
During the U19 era Cork City have established themselves as the dominant team, winning the Dr Tony O'Neill Cup four seasons out of five and winning the Enda McGuill Cup on three occasions. In 2016 Cork City also became the first team to represent the division in the UEFA Youth League.
The Republic of Ireland U19 League is a premier youth football competition that showcases the best young talent in the country. Established to promote the development of under-19 players, this league serves as a vital stepping stone for aspiring footballers aiming to make their mark in professional football.
Featuring clubs from across the Republic of Ireland, the league operates on a competitive format, where teams compete in a series of matches throughout the season. Each game is an opportunity for young athletes to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and tactical understanding of the game, all while gaining invaluable experience in a structured environment.
The league not only emphasizes the importance of competitive play but also focuses on player development, with clubs encouraged to nurture their young talents through coaching and mentorship. Scouts and coaches from professional clubs often attend matches, providing players with exposure and potential pathways to higher levels of the sport.
In addition to the on-field action, the Republic of Ireland U19 League fosters a sense of community and sportsmanship, bringing together fans, families, and local communities to support their teams. The league is a celebration of youth football, highlighting the passion and dedication of young players who aspire to represent their country at the highest levels.
As the league progresses, it culminates in exciting playoff matches, where the top teams compete for the coveted title, further igniting the competitive spirit and ambition of the participants. The Republic of Ireland U19 League is not just a tournament; it is a vital part of the footballing landscape in Ireland, shaping the future of the sport and inspiring the next generation of football stars.