In 1985 five teams – Bray Wanderers, Cobh Ramblers, Derry City, EMFA and Newcastle United – were elected to join the League of Ireland.
All five subsequently participated in the inaugural 1985–86 First Division season, along with Monaghan United from the League of Ireland B Division and four clubs – Drogheda United, Finn Harps, Longford Town and Sligo Rovers – who were relegated following the 1984–85 League of Ireland season.
[1][2] In 2009 Sporting Fingal qualified for the 2010–11 UEFA Europa League after winning the 2009 FAI Cup Final.
During this time both Mervue United and Salthill Devon were both promoted to the First Division from the A Championship.
Treaty United from the Munster senior league joined the first division in 2021, replacing Shamrock Rovers second team.
[8][9][3] Newly established Kerry were awarded their license in November 2022, confirming their place for the 2023 season.