First Division

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The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier Division.

Since 2003, the First Division has been run as a summer league. It also operates on the relegation and promotion system which has existed since the inaugural edition.

The division has 10 clubs participating in it. All the teams play each other thrice for a total of 27 matches in a season. A win attracts three points and a point is awarded for a draw.
At the end of the season, the league champions earn automatic promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division. The other promotion spot is contested among the second to fourth-placed teams.

First, the third and fourth-placed teams go head-to-head in a two-legged tie to earn the opportunity to play the division's second-placed team. The winner of the clash between the second-placed team and the winner of the third and fourth place playoff subsequently qualifies to play in the promotion/relegation playoff. This is contested with the ninth-placed team of the Premier Division.

Clubs in the League of Ireland First Division are eligible to play in the FAI Cup and the League of Ireland Cup.