Kilkenny City are likely to be replaced in the League of Ireland by Sporting Fingal after the club quit senior football today.
First Division outfit Kilkenny withdrew their league membership due to "a lack of finance and inadequate support". The club cited the lack of appetite for senior soccer in the city and county.
Despite his best efforts to keep the club above water, chairman Jim Rhattigan said the time had come for "a reality check".
Club officials stressed today's decision was not easily arrived at but said the best interests of Kilkenny City were being served.
"We thank those who have supported us since our election to the League of Ireland in 1985 and if circumstances change we will consider reapplying for membership of the League in the future," a statement read.
Although Kilkenny struggled to attract local crowds, the club possess one of the finer league grounds in Buckley Park.
Irish youth international matches are regularly played at the venue and Kilkenny officials will now turn their attention to preparing the ground for next month's under-17 game against Finland.
"Kilkenny City's decision to resign is based on practicalities," League of Ireland director Fran Gavin said today.
"They do not have sufficient people on board to meet the demands now being placed on clubs in an effort to raise standards throughout the league.
"When the FAI took over the running of the League we said that there would be a realignment as the demands on clubs to adhere to higher standards increased and this is an example of this.
"Kilkenny City were a well run club. They had very good facilities at Buckley Park and managed their finances prudently but they had reached a crossroads.
"After a period of reflection they decided that they didn't want to push on to the next level and I fully understand that and compliment them for their honesty."
Sporting Fingal have been invited to meet the FAI next week to discuss their eligibility for a First Division licence and manager Liam Buckley told ireland.com this evening that he is "very optimistic" they will make the grade. The club was the highest ranking team in the recent IAG process for the A Championship.
"If we get it, it's a great challenge from our point of view," said Buckley. "It's very exciting for everyone involved."
The club is backed by Fingal County Council and will be managed by former Shamrock Rovers boss Liam Buckley.
They became one of four new clubs - Tullamore Town, Mervue Utd and Salthill Devon being the others - accepted into the A Division which is effectively a third tier to the league.
As Kilkenny take a fatal blow to the pocket, Fingal are on the up. The club is believed to have agreed at sponsorship deal with fruit distributor Keelings for a substantial €250,000 a year.
Fingal County Council intend building a €10million academy near Swords and the team will play their league games from Santry's Morton Stadium.
Kilkenny's division rivals Limerick 37 are urgently seeking new investment as a result of running into financial difficulties just one year after being established.
