Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a tremendous league that does not get the support or recognition it deserves. All of us should support our local clubs. We have a great club in Limerick, Limerick FC, which returned to the Market's Field a few years ago. We are getting much better crowds now. The standard of football would surprise people. There is an idea out there that the standard is pretty low. I ask people to think about the wonderful players who have come through the League of Ireland, including Roy Keane, Seamus Coleman, Kevin Doyle and Paul McGrath.

This matter merits a debate at some point. To some degree, the League of Ireland is the poor relation when it comes to funding and recognition. That should not be the case. This weekend, thousands of people throughout the country will support their local teams. It is apt, just before the league starts, to highlight that all of us should get out and support our local teams. When people do that, they are supporting the development of young players. They are supporting the league and supporting football in the truest way possible. I like watching Spurs, of course, but the point is that we should start at home. Our home clubs need support and it is kicking of this weekend.