The Premier Division returns to action this evening, Shamrock Rovers looking to start their five in a row ambitions on a winning note against Dundalk, Galway United and Waterford make a return having spent a number of years in the First Division.
Bohemians v Sligo Rovers, Friday February 16th, Dalymount, 7:45pm
Missing out on the FAI Cup last season, Bohemians hunt for silverware this season begins with a home tie with Sligo Rovers.
Declan Devine’s side looked strong early last year but missed out on European football dropping to sixth by the final round. The loss of Jonathan Afolabi is a big one up front, he was a crucial goalscorer last term, Sten Reinkort and Dayle Rooney are two new additions hoping to open their tally on the opening night.
Sligo finished ahead of the drop zone last season and will want to be more of a competitive side this season. Ahead of the new campaign an old face returns in the form of Max Mata, he was in fine form last season earning a move to England as a result. He returns on loan and so does Ed McGinty, Wilson Waweru is an exciting addition up top for a side captained by Leitrim native Niall Morahan.
Derry City v Drogheda United, Friday February 16th, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, 7:45pm
Could it be a third season in a row where Derry finish as runners up, taking on a stern test in Drogheda on the opening night they will want a strong start to the season.
Ruaidhri Higgins side will always be a contender for the title but it has eluded them these last two seasons. Recruitment has been quiet by Derry, Daniel Kelly and Pat Hoban two quality additions, a host of last year’s squad remains signed on. While they have lost notable names like Cian Kavanagh, Brandon Kavanagh, Evan McLaughlin and Jamie McGonigle. On home soil they will fancy their chances to start as they mean to go on.
Drogs were seventh last season and as they transition to a full-time squad they will want to be fighting for European football this year. Kevin Doherty has done a massive job with Drogheda and now wants the club to be fighting at the summit rather than the foot in 2024. Frantz Pierrot was a star in the First Division last year and will look to be a force up top for the Louth side in the Premier this season.
Galway United v St Patrick’s Athletic, Friday February 16th, Eamonn Deacy Park, 7:45pm
The Tribesmen are back in the top flight and face a tough task in FAI Cup holders St Pat’s for a first appearance in the Premier Division since the end of the 2017 season.
A lot has changed in Galway United since and the club are very much looking forward and not back this year. John Caulfield has meant business since his appointment and on their return for the first time in seven years they are here to compete. The atmosphere will for sure be electric as Galway want to make headlines this year and fight at the top half of the table.
Pats will be licking their wounds following that Presidents Cup defeat to Shamrock Rovers, Jon Daly will hope his team can develop from last year and land more success in 2024. The door has opened and closed for players in the off season, Sam Curtis has left, Tommy Lonergan and Ben McCormack two other names who have departed. They have added quality in the two Kavanagh’s, Ruairi Keating and their overseas loanees Marcelo Pitaluga and Alfie Taylor. Pats look strong and will be contenders to challenge their Dublin neighbours for the title.
Waterford v Shelbourne, Friday February 16th, RSC, 7:45pm
Premier Division football is back in the land of the Deise for the first time in three years as Waterford look to make a splash against Damien Duff’s Shelbourne.
Waterford looked solid in the Premier prior to that 2021 season when they dropped down, missing out on European football in 2019 due to being denied a licence by UEFA having been in existence for less than three years. Now they return with their eyes set on that prize again, Padraig Amond is a statement signing and the returning Barry Baggley on loan will add to Keith Longs squad this season.
Shels have European football to look forward to this year, a first run in Europe for 17 years but after a strong season last term they are ready to chase silverware again on the domestic front. Jack Moylan will be a massive loss having shone last year, Keith Ward brings experience as a new signing, John O’Sullivan, Liam Burt, Sean Gannon, Dean Williams and Lorcan Healy all make the move from other clubs in the capital to be a part of this Shels campaign.
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk, Friday February 16th, Tallaght Stadium, 7:45pm
A glamour tie at Tallaght Stadium, as five in a row chasing Shamrock Rovers take on Dundalk.
Stephen Bradley’s men are setting a course for history and that all begins with this evening’s meeting with Dundalk. The Hoops again look like the favourites, while they had a rocky start last term, they will aim for three points this evening to steady the ship early. Jack Byrne is set to sit out tonight’s tie, as is Richie Towell, Graham Burke remains a doubt while new signing Aaron McEneff and the returning Johnny Kenny also will not be involved.
Dundalk have eleven new faces in the squad as they want to better their fifth placed finish last season and return to being a title contender. It was a testing time for Dundalk in the off season, a new owner coming in in Brian Ainscough, while Pat Hoban,Nathan Shepperd, Daniel Kelly, Greg Sloggett, and Darragh Leahy all departed. Stephen O’Donnell was active to bring in players and will hope to see that fruition pay off this evening at the home of the champions.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.