The Inishowen Football League (IOFL) is an amateur league for football clubs in the Inishowen peninsula of County Donegal, Ireland. There are three divisions, with a promotion-and-relegation system in operation. This three-division setup, introduced in 2016, replaced a structure that had been in place for twenty years.
The season runs from late August to May. The league is featured in much of Inishowen's media, such as the Inish Times and the Inishowen Independent.
The current champions are Buncrana Hearts who won the 2022-23 Premier Division season.
History
The Inishowen Football League was formed in 1988 with people representing their towns to play in small tournaments and the main league itself.
Clubs
League format
The league is split up into three divisions: the Jackie Crossan Premier Division, the Strand Hotel First Division and the Inishowen Engineering Second Division. The divisions function with a promotion-and-relegation system.
Teams for the 2023-24 season
Jackie Crossan Premier Division
Aileach
Buncrana Hearts
Carndonagh
Clonmany Shamrocks
Cockhill Celtic
Glengad United
Greencastle
Illies Celtic
Moville Celtic
Strand Hotel First Division
Aileach Reserves
Buncrana Reserves
Carndonagh Reserves
Clonmany Reserves
Cockhill Celtic Youths
Culdaff
Dunree United
Greencastle Youths
Quigley's Point Swifts
Rashenny
Redcastle United
Inishowen Engineering Second Division
Aileach Youths
Carrowmena
Cockhill Celtic Colts
Cockhill Celtic Reserves
Culdaff Reserves
Dunree United Reserves
Gleneely Colts
Glengad United Reserves
Illies Celtic Reserves
Moville Celtic Reserves
Quigleys Point Youths
Rashenny Reserves
Rashenny Rovers
Redcastle United Reserves
Sea Rovers
Honours
Premier League winners
Clonmany Shamrocks have won the most titles with six championships. 2022-23 - Buncrana Hearts 2021-22 - Greencastle 2020-21 - NO SEASON 2019–20 - Aileach 2018–19 - Greencastle 2017–18 - Glengad United 2016–17 - Glengad United 2015–16 - Glengad United 2014–15 - Glengad United 2013–14 - Carndonagh 2012–13 - Clonmany Shamrocks 2011–12 - Aileach 2010–11 - Clonmany Shamrocks 2009–10 - Redcastle United 2008–09 - Redcastle United 2007–08 - Clonmany Shamrocks 2006–07 - Redcastle United 2005–06 - Redcastle United 2004–05 - Cockhill Celtic 2003–04 - Illies Celtic 2002–03 - Illies Celtic 2001–02 - Clonmany Shamrocks 2000–01 - Clonmany Shamrocks 1999–2000 - Cockhill Celtic 1998–99 - Culdaff 1997–98 - Moville Celtic 1996–97 - Quigley's Point Swifts 1995–96 - Newtown 1994–95 - Clonmany Shamrocks 1993–94 - Quigley's Point Swifts 1992–93 - Quigley's Point Swifts 1991–92 - Cockhill Celtic 1990–91 - Cockhill Celtic 1989–90 - Illies Celtic 1988–89 - Cockhill Celtic
Cup competitions
Clubman Shirts League Cup
This cup competition is fought out between the Premier and First Division teams in a mini league and then knockout format. This competition begins prior to the start of the league and played out through the season.
Buncrana Credit Union Cup
This cup competition is played between teams from the Premier and First Divisions in a knockout format only.
Hannon Greene Father O'Gara Cup
The Father O'Gara Cup is one of the most famous and historic competition in the league. The format is every team from the First and Second Division compete against one another in a knockout format. First teams and their reserve teams may compete against one another if they are drawn to play. Mainly it has been the First Division teams that make the final. The competition lasts all the way through the season and is very popular throughout the peninsula.
Donegal Signs Reserve League Shield
This competition is played between the Second Division teams in a knockout format. It is played prior to the start of the league campaign.
FAI Junior Cup
Teams from the Premier and First Divisions take part in the FAI Junior Cup, which features 600-plus teams from around the country. Teams who do well in the Jackie Crossan Premier are invited to compete against other clubs from around Ulster. Teams from the Inishowen Football League have been competing in the cup for a long time and continue still.