as a result of a club-structural rethink, the men's national league team was separated from the club, financially and management wise. for the 1985–86 season, mike smith and william milteer were recruited, and yoplait were retained as sponsors. in january 1986, team yoplait reached the semi-finals of the national cup. there they faced the league-leading neptune, but were defeated. the team's league form continued to disappoint, as they battled with ballina and sporting belfast for two relegation spots. a bottom-two finish saw marian relegated for the second time in four seasons.