Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he wants to develop an all‑island football competition that could raise standards across Ireland. He believes cooperation between the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association can create new opportunities for players and clubs.
He pointed to Derry City’s recent FAI League Cup victory as evidence that competitive play benefits teams on both sides of the border. Martin said the two associations could work together on initiatives while retaining their separate traditions and competitions.
Martin addressed the audience at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin during a Fianna Fáil centenary event. He noted that the historical split of football governance predates the 1921 partition and that a cross‑border championship could be explored following the end of the Setanta Sports Cup. He added that his party’s support and the readiness of the Shore Island Unit make such initiatives feasible.
Source: www.derrynow.com
