It has been a fantastic journey networking with football friends, both loyal and enthusiastic, about their League of Ireland. The voices of the faithful fans since childhood now share with us their love for the game with a look at the League itself and this year’s opening fixtures on Valentine’s weekend beginning Feb. 14.
Just exactly what is in store for the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division and what can we expect in 2025? The suspense is at an all-time high after the title race went right down to the wire in 2024, Shelbourne pipping Shamrock Rovers by just 2 points.
Dundalk FC investor Chris Clinton showed just how much the LOI means to him making no bones about it when he declared: “It’s the best league in the world.”
High Expectations
“If the 2025 League of Ireland Premiership Season is as exciting as last year, then we are in for a real treat,” Mick Behan said. “In the tightest of campaigns in Premier League history Shelbourne FC was victorious, coached by Irish legend Damian ‘Duffer’ Duff.”
Mick, an ex-LOI B player, continued, “Shels made hard work of the ’24 campaign when pushed all the way by Shamrock Rovers and Derry City. All three will be there or thereabouts again this coming season. However, my tip this season will be St. Patrick’s Athletic under the tutelage of former international manager Stephen Kenny. Last year Kenny, a stalwart figure in LOI management, took the reins at Richmond during mid-season and he did not disappoint.”
St. Patrick’s Athletic manager Stephen Kenny. [Inpho/Tom Maher]
“Love him or hate him, Kenny is one to beat in this title race,” Mick said. “He set the Saints on their way to a club record of nine consecutive victories as well as securing the Leinster Senior Cup. He guided Pat’s to qualification for the Euro Conference League by finishing in third place a mere four points behind Shels.”
Mick’s Predictions: St Pat’s to win the title, Shamrock Rovers runners-up. FAI Cup, Galway United.
Fellow Ringsender Declan “Joxer” O’Brien, ex-Leinster Senior player, agrees that Pat’s could win the league after that winning streak of nine. At the same time, he is not writing off another tight contest.
“Could be a toss-up between Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and St Pat’s. In recent years I have been watching the games on the box and last year was particularly good. Shels' captain Mark Coyle caught my eye with his consistent performances — he is technical, tackles hard, does nothing over the top but puts a shift in on a weekly basis. While Pats young striker Mason Melia is a good finisher, Shamrock Rovers center forward Rory Gaffney is a handful. A big man and knows his role. Gaffney along with Jack Byrne, capped a few times for Ireland, can make things happen for the Hoops,” O’Brien said.
LOI fans in general, the neutral, would love to see Derry City disrupt the dominance of Dublin clubs and the Candystripes are favored to do so. For the impartial diehards, the biggest let down last year was Bohemians. The title race could prove very special if the League’s underdogs come to fight and Declan O’Brien believes the future looks bright for LOI.
“Bohs may improve but cannot see any other team disrupt the table toppers,” O’Brien said. “That does not mean the likes of Cork City, Galway and Sligo Rovers cannot win big games at home. It is a long haul west to the Showgrounds and Sligo is a soccer-town, has been for decades. These mid-table teams need a good start to build confidence, cannot afford early losses. Would need to see some games for predictions here but for me Drogheda could find themselves in another battle for survival.
“Overall, the standard looks good but more importantly the crowds are back. Premier level is good. They try to play proper football while attempts are under way to improve facilities. The Ringsend Derby, Shels vs Shamrock Rovers is as good as any derby around.
“Looking forward to the games on Valentine’s Day,” Declan admitted.
O’Brien’s Predictions: Pats to win League, Rovers to win Cup.
Let the games begin
LOI is shaping up to be an exhilarating line up of opening games at some of the most formidable grounds around the country. It did not take long for Stephen Kenny to become the main threat to defending champions Shelbourne FC. Furthermore, Derry buying from the English and Scottish Leagues shows a fixed intent to win the Premier. Some top players in the League, entertaining games, and the fans are back. What more could we ask of the League, as a sleeping giant in Irish Sports awakes on Valentine’s Day?
Cork City vs. Galway United
Top games anticipated countrywide for sure, as down south brings a burst of energy upon Cork City’s return to the Premier. The Rebels host western rivals Galway United at Turner’s Cross on Valentine’s Day, kick off 7.45pm.
There will be no love lost in this opening fixture at Turner’s. On game day there are no friends in football and Galway United will certainly feel the hostility of it all when they face off against a hungry City.
Cork is back at the main table after a successful season winning the First Division and that’s after relegation in 2023. Lessons to learn from that ’23 season — what hurt the Rebels most was away form. It was poor to say the least, managing just two road wins, against UCD, also relegated, and against Drogheda who finished seventh in the table.
It was a lesson learned when Coach Tim Clancy improved City’s away form last year. On their way to the First Division title, they lost only once on the road, to Athlone Town. Another plus back in July was luring center forward Ruari Keating from Pats back to Leeside to help City with its run in. Keating’s return paid off when building chemistry alongside striking partner Sean Maguire. It’s a striking force to be reckoned with and will not have gone unnoticed by Premier rivals Galway United and everyone else for that matter. Nevertheless, Cork’s survival in the Premier will be Tim Clancy’s priority and the Rebels are sure to be up for the battle.
Mason Melia is a “good finisher” for St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Galway United will know exactly what’s in store at Turners Cross as the Tribesmen themselves know how to build a fortress. Galway under Cork legend John Caulfield and partner Ollie Horgan have become one tough nut to crack since promotion in 2023. The formidable duo has turned Eamonn Deacy Park into a stronghold, proving difficult for opponents to break down.
United’s home record last year was a very respectable P18 W7 D7 L4, and they finished fifth, three points behind Derry. Deacy Park is not an easy place for visitors to come away with the three points and ,Caulfield will know, neither is Turner’s Cross.
The Tribesmen have bolstered the middle of the park with signings from down under Aussie Daniel Stynes and Kiwi Moses Dyer. Stynes a crafty technical midfielder holds his own with the top four. Galway also invested in a year loan from Swansea City goalkeeper Evan Watts. Expect the Tribesmen to lead the pack chasing after a European spot this season.
Prediction: A lively game, a busy day for the ref, low scoring draw.
Shelbourne vs. Derry City
Shelbourne are one of the most storied clubs in Irish sports. However, a rich football history can fade and in recent times Shels has battled in and out of the top-flight. Fortunately, since the arrival of Irish international Damien Duff the Reds look like they mean business after winning the 2024 title for the first time in 18 years.
Joining the homegrown leadership alongside Duffer is newly appointed CEO Tomás Quinn. The Commercial and Marketing Director from Dublin GAA will spearhead Shelbourne’s growth off the field. It’s all looking rosy red for Shel, but Derry City’s manager will have something to say about that.
Tiernan Lynch has vowed to make Derry City, “The biggest club on the island of Ireland.”
Taking over at the Brandywell was a dream come true for Lynch. The Belfast-born manager is under no illusions when it comes to winning games to keep his job at Derry FC. For the last 10 years several coaches have come and gone at the Brandywell. Expectations at the Foyleside football club are lofty. With steadfast determination along with bold enthusiastic management the Candystripes can improve on last season’s fourth place.
Coach Lynch’s new additions in Gavin Whyte, Liam Boyce and Dom Thomas bode well, while striker Patrick Hoban could end up scoring for fun.
In the last 20 years Derry and Shels have played 43 games. The Candystripes won 21 of those games and drew 15, Shelbourne won just seven. Meantime, Derry finished 8 points behind Champions Shelbourne in 2024.
Prediction - still riding high from last year’s triumphant season Shels to prove still hard to beat under Duff, but Derry earn a 2-2 draw.
St Patrick’s Athletic vs. Drogheda United
No better feeling than first game back after surviving relegation in the previous season. The Super Drogs will head south to Richmond Park to face St Pat’s, kick off 7.45pm Feb. 14.
Both teams had a memorable run at the end of last season, albeit at opposite ends of the table. Once again coach Kenny proved his worth in domestic football, taking full points off title contenders Shamrock Rovers, Derry City, and eventual champions Shelbourne. St. Pats have strengthened their squad with seasoned defender Aaron Greene returning while Simon Power and Northern Ireland man Barry Baggley joining forces at Richmond. Expect Kenny to send his Saints rushing out of the opening gate to show their ambitious intentions for the upcoming season.
Drogheda on the other hand found themselves in a relegation battle last year. They clawed their way out and managed to stay in top-flight by beating the Seagulls from Bray 3-1 in a Promotion/Regulation play-off game.
As a club Drogheda took a massive step by turning full-time, a decision that can only make them stronger going forward. Unfortunately, they lost the services of Gary Deegan. Hopefully, Walsall FC, their sister club, can give them a dig out. Either way Coach Kevin Doherty is sure to have a busy season keeping the Drogs safe.
Prediction: Saint Pats 3 Drogs 1
Sligo Rovers vs. Waterford
Showgrounds on Feb. 15 kick off at 7.45 pm and they won’t be holding hands at this affair. It’s more likely going to be a bloodbath of two teams pumped up to not lose.
The exodus of footballers has not gone unnoticed at Waterford, with nine players released and four on-loan returning to their mother club. The departure willingly or not spells a whole new beginning for the Blues under Keith Long. The much-travelled manager has been through it all before and knows how to survive. He knows what relegation feels like and he knows how to persist. Conversely, Long can’t be happy with just the two points from his side’s last five games. Perhaps all the departures have something to do with Long’s plans for this season.
Waterford held on last year and avoided the relegation battle. Coach Long will want to solidify a mid-table status and kick on from there. The most refreshing sign of all is the retention of academy players Adam Queally, Calum Costello, Jason Healy, and Ronan Mansfield. All of whom have signed a professional contract. It's a long arduous road ahead for the Blues and that road begins with a trek west over to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
Sligo, who finished four points ahead of Waterford last season, also had a poor run of results in their last handful of games. Like Waterford’s coach Long, Sligo manager John Russell will demand his team to leave everything they’ve got at the Showgrounds.
It’s already shaping up as a mid-table clash but a win at Sligo is no pushover for any opponent. Sligo may not challenge for a Euro spot but it’s a passionate town when it comes to their soccer. Like Waterford, The Bit o’Red need an exceptional start for a home win here. It is all to play for at the Showgrounds and this battle could be one not to miss.
Prediction: An intense game with both teams covering every blade of grass resulting in a 1-all draw.
Bohemians vs Shamrock Rovers
On Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. the Valentine’s weekend wraps up the League’s scintillating openers with the Gypsies versus the Rovers at the Aviva Stadium. There will be no “love is in the air” in Aviva or on the banks of the Dodder River. Geographically and historically, Rovers may feel a little more at home, but Bohs will not be short of travelling fans on the day.
For the Hoops, Johnny Kenny and Neil Farrugia have departed and will be a hard double act to follow. Still, coach Stephen Bradley and staff have shown over recent campaigns an ability to produce well-rounded footballers from their Academy. Nurturing players into first-team football is a Hoops asset where players grow into the club’s playing style. Bradley’s boys slot right in, adding versatility and ambition to the Tallaght club. That mixture of the new crop alongside existing seasoned players has staying power. The Hoops will be dining at the top table again throughout the season.
On the other side of the Liffey, Bohs have undergone a parting of ways with many players while carrying out some clever deals during the off season. As always with rebuilding, players need several proper games for the squad to gel. Time will tell, but never write the Gypsies off.
Prediction: Rovers will use the width of Aviva to suit their style and etch out a 3-1 win.
It looks like Drogheda have it all to do to avoid relegation. The top four clubs seem so tight that it makes it extremely difficult for the likes of Drogheda, Sligo, and Waterford to be title contenders. Derry still has stuff to prove, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Rovers though are right up there. Shels, we know will compete with Duff and coach Stephen Kenny has already shown what he brings to the table. He wins games.
Cork will find the going tough especially if Bohs put a run together; that means another powerhouse pulling away from the Rebels. Galway could be a dark horse here to join Bohs for a scrap that could close a gap to the top four. Mid-table title underdogs will make life a lot tougher in the relegation zone but expect 3 or 4 clubs to battle for survival. It means every team must bring their A game every week. Every club has invested in new signings and every club has something to play for. It’s a recipe for another wonderful LOI season. It all starts on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 — let the games begin!
