The decision to allow Shamrock Rovers enter a second team follows a period of discussion between the FAI and the club to iron out the obvious issues that occur when a club has teams in the Premier and First Divisions.
The parameters which will apply to Shamrock Rovers include:
- The First Division team will not be eligible for promotion or the play-offs.
- Shamrock Rovers will play the full First Division affiliation fee.
- The First Division team will not be allowed to enter the EA Sports League Cup or the FAI Ford Cup.
- Disciplinary sanctions imposed on Shamrock Rovers players will apply to both teams.
- From their Premier Division squad, Shamrock Rovers will be permitted to play a maximum of three outfield players and a goalkeeper in First Division fixtures.
Subject to all clubs receiving licences, the 2014 First Division will consist of the following eight clubs:
Cobh Ramblers
Finn Harps
Galway
Longford Town
Shamrock Rovers B
Shelbourne
Waterford United
Wexford Youths.
Shamrock Rovers will continue to field a team in the U19 League of Ireland.
