Republic of Ireland U19 League

Links
www.sseairtricityleague.ie Wikipedia

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 an exciting and highly competitive soccer tournament held in Ireland. It showcases the immense talent and potential of young footballers in the country, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and abilities.

The tournament features teams from various regions of Ireland, representing their respective clubs. These clubs are known for their strong youth development programs and have a rich history of producing top-quality players. The league serves as a stepping stone for these young athletes, allowing them to gain valuable experience and exposure at a national level.

The Republic of Ireland U19 League follows a format that includes a regular season followed by playoffs. The teams compete against each other in a series of matches, battling it out on the field to secure a place in the knockout stages. The intensity and competitiveness of the games make for thrilling encounters, with each team vying for the coveted title.

The tournament not only focuses on the development of individual players but also emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. It provides a nurturing environment for young footballers to grow and learn, under the guidance of experienced coaches and mentors.

The Republic of Ireland U19 League has gained recognition for its ability to produce talented players who have gone on to represent Ireland at the international level. Many of these players have successfully transitioned into professional football careers, both domestically and internationally.

Spectators can expect to witness fast-paced and skillful football, as these young athletes showcase their technical abilities, tactical awareness, and determination on the field. The matches are played in various stadiums across Ireland, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere for fans to enjoy.

The Republic of Ireland U19 League is not only a platform for young footballers to shine but also an opportunity for fans to witness the future stars of Irish soccer. It is a testament to the country's commitment to nurturing and developing young talent, ensuring a bright future for Irish football.