Salthill Devon is to apply for membership of the League of Ireland first division.
The move follows Monday evening’s general meeting of club members who unanimously endorsed the committee’s proposal to enter the league.
The club is completing its licensing process at present and a decision is expected to be made by the League of Ireland next month.
It is an ambitious step, but is seen as the next progression for the club having played in the A championship for the last two seasons.
Devon finished last season’s A Championship as runners-up to Shamrock Rovers. They were also in the finals of the Dr Tony O’Neill u-20 League where they were beaten by UCD, the inaugural winners of the A championship which was established two seasons ago as a first step for clubs hoping to move into the League of Ireland. Devon’s success last season, finishing top of Group 1, ahead of Drogheda, Finn Harps, Derry, Dundalk, Sligo and Galway United, will have given the club a huge confidence boost, while they have also watched their local rivals Merve United maintaining their first division status despite a tough opening season at the higher level.
Club chairman Tony Johnstone says the move is exciting for the club which has always encouraged all its players, regardless of the levels they play at, to be the best they can be.
“We are excited about this progression and, should we be accepted, we realise that a lot of hard work is required to be able to compete at this level.”
The squad will be remain strictly amateur, he says, and “predominantly” made up of home grown players.
“A very high percentage of squads who have played in the A Championship and under 20s have been graduates of our Nippers Academy and been with the club since they were eight years of age.”
Emlyn Long and Michael Quirke, who cut their teeth in the A Championship over the past two seasons, having previously delivered the u-21 crown to the club, will continue to take charge.
“We will enter the league on an amateur basis,” says Long, “and while it is expected the majority of the squad will comprise players who have come through the ranks with the club, new players wishing to play League of Ireland football can contact me in the coming week.”
Founded in 1977, Salthill Devon is one of the more recognised clubs in the country with its playing and training facilities at Drom hosting the annual Umbro Cup. There will be a small number of infrastructural changes required, including additional lighting and walkway modifications.
