Mervue Utd become latest addition

As was largely expected, Mervue United were today formally awarded their First Division licence to compete in the 2009 League of Ireland. A historic achievement for a proud club formed in 1960, Mervue's entrance into the League marks a new era for the east-side outfit who were founding members of the now-defunct Connacht Senior League in the early 80's.

A club with an impressive under-age structure which has been producing talented players for decades, today's announcement is a culmination of many year's hard work by countless volunteers who have given their time to help in the development of both the club's players and its facilities.

Having defeated Kildare County in the promotion/relegation play-off last year, manager Johnny Glynn must now prepare his young, enthusiastic squad for life in the First Division. David Goldbey and Ollie Keogh are to date the only recognised players with League experience within the squad, and with the club adamant on sticking to their amateur status, Glynn and his assistant Mark Herrick face a big job in making their side competitive.

Mervue United have announced a press conference which will take place tomorrow at the Kingsvalley Hotel in Galway where they will be discussing their plans for the season ahead, which include a training camp in Marbella which has been part-funded by their own players.