Cabinteely FC will compete in the SSE Airtricity First Division next year after being granted a licence by the FAI.

The FAI's Licensing Committee met this morning to discuss Cabinteely FC's application, which was subsequently awarded subject to the completion of necessary paperwork.

Cabinteely FC will play their home matches at Blackrock RFC's ground in Stradbrook and preparations are already well under way to be ready in time for the start of the campaign on 6 March.

FAI competitions director Fran Gavin said: "I would like to welcome Cabinteely FC into the SSE Airtricity League. We have been involved in discussions with the club in recent months.

"They have good structures in place and good foundations on which to build a First Division side that can compete nationally. They were accepted as a member of the SSE Airtricity League following receipt of a number of expressions of interest and subsequent discussions.

"Cabinteely will be filling the position left vacant by Shamrock Rovers and are set to join Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps Shelbourne, UCD, Waterford United and Wexford Youths in the 2015 SSE Airtricity League First Division."

Pearse Toale of Cabinteely FC said: "Cabinteely FC are delighted to become a new member of the SSE Airtricity League.

"We believe this to be a natural progression for the club and builds on the very strong foundation of our under-age structures and provides a pathway for our players to the SSE Airtricity League.

"We look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead with great enthusiasm and commitment. We would like to thank Blackrock College RFC for their help in making this possible."

The 2015 SSE AIrtricity League First Division fixtures will now be released at 2pm on Thursday.