In the red corner, hailing from Inchicore, St Patrick’s Athletic will aim to round off a term that saw them finish second in the league and secure some European football with a trophy to complement that.

In the (red and) black corner is Bohemians, the country’s entertainers who caught the eye in Europe and at home with their attacking football.

After dominating the PFAI Team of the Year selection, Bohs will want to nab some silverware before the core of their squad looks elsewhere (excluding Ross Tierney, who already has a flight to Motherwell booked).

Both teams have gone several years without a major honour to their name – Pats are hoping to break a seven-year duct while Bohs look to snap a 12-year streak without a league title or FAI Cup to their name.

The teams’ managers have inspired their sides in recent years which sees them meet in a battle for glory at the Aviva Stadium.

Stephen O’Donnell has breathed life back into The Athletic after several stale years saw them move into unremarkable territory.

A second-placed finish in the league sees them back with the big dogs but a trophy only solidifies it further.

Liverpool loanee Viteslav Jaros has improved their defence and himself over the course of the season, developing a commanding presence in his box and making Pats fans fall in love.

Bohs manager and former St Pats midfielder Keith Long has the chance to win an FAI Cup for the first time when his team walk out on the Lansdowne turf on Sunday afternoon.

The goalscoring antics of Donegal native Georgie Kelly and the creative presence of the likes of Tierney, Ali Coote and Dawson Devoy will be sure to cause many problems throughout the match.

Long will want to turn his team from entertainers to challengers next season and the FAI Cup final is the first step they will take on that journey.

Ruaidhri Higgins and his Derry City team will watch from afar after he revitalised a side languishing in the bottom half and led them to fourth in the league at the end of the season, ahead of Bohs.

Their European fate will be decided today – a Bohs win will see the Candystripes denied a run in the Europa Conference League next season.

It’s all to play for and a record Aviva crowd for an FAI Cup final will be watching eagerly as well as fans at home.

Teams

Bohemians (4-3-3): Talbot; Lyons, Cornwall, C. Kelly, Wilson; Buckley (C), Devoy, Tierney; Coote, Kelly, Burt.

Subs: McGuinness, Breslin, Finnerty, Levingston, Mullins, Ward, Mallon, Omochere.

St Patrick’s Athletic (4-2-3-1): Jaros; Barrett, Bone, Desmond, Bermingham (C); Benson, Lennon; Burns, Lewis, Forrester; Smith.

Subs: Murphy, Nwoko, Coughlan, McClelland, King, Melvin Lambert, Griffin, Hickman, Abankwah.

Odds

Bohemians 13/10

Draw 15/8

St Patrick’s Athletic 2/1

Where To Watch

The match will be available to watch live on RTÉ 2 with coverage beginning at 3:15 pm.

The post Bohs v Pats: FAI Cup Final – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Kelly has been named SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for the second time this season, first earning the accolade in June.

The 24-year-old is the current top scorer in the Premier Division and his win marks the fourth month in a row that a Bohs player has won the award.

He sits on 18 goals in the league this season, with penalties against Drogheda and Finn Harps and a brace in an exciting 3-3 draw with Derry City helping to put him seven goals clear of the chasing pack.

Kelly’s win in June started the trend, with Dawson Devoy and Ali Coote picking up the award for the months of July and August.

“To pick up the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland award for the second time is unexpected,” Kelly said. “It’s four in a row now for Bohs, which is an incredible achievement.

“The goal against Derry is definitely one of my best. I probably won’t score many more of them.

“I should have headed it to be honest, but for some reason I took it down and hit it over the shoulder. It was a nice finish and a great game, so that was a good advert for the league.”

After some memorable moments in the Europa Conference League this year, Bohs are aiming to qualify for the competition once again.

Keith Long’s side play Dundalk at Dalymount Park this Friday night, before the derby with Shamrock Rovers and an FAI Cup semi-final tie against Waterford next week.

“The team is focused on getting into Europe,” Kelly adds. “We’ve eight league games left so the emphasis will be on performance and picking up results – starting with Dundalk on Friday.”

The post Bohs striker Georgie Kelly is September’s SSE Airtricity POTM appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The defending SSE Airtricity League Champions were knocked out by Bohemians in the second round of the FAI Cup on Sunday.

The two sides were reduced to 10 men each after a scuffle between Bohs forward Georgie Kelly and Rovers captain Ronan Finn led to both players receiving their marching orders – Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley does not agree with Finn’s dismissal but says his side “have to accept it.”

Bradley reflected on the game and noted that he felt that it was a match of poor quality throughout.

The post Shamrock Rovers Looking To Bounce Back Against Finn Harps appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers advance to the FAI Cup semi-finals after their victories over Bohemians and Finn Harps tonight. 3 of the 4 FAI Cup have now been decided after Athlone Town defeated Shelbourne at the end of October. The final spot will be decided next Wednesday as Sligo take on Derry.

Shamrock Rovers vs. Finn Harps

Shamrock Rovers travelled to Ballybofey in the evening kick-off as they took on Finn Harps. The pitch wasn’t in the best shape, not helped by the conditions. This could have impacted Rovers’ possession-based playstyle, but they came away with a win in the end.

It wasn’t easy for Rovers, however, as they had to mount a comeback from 2-0 down. Barry McNamee opened the scoring in the 15^th minute with a neat finish inside the box. Stephen Folan increased Harps’ advantage just a few minutes later with an accurate header from a corner.

Finn Harps went into half time with a comfortable 2-0 lead, but that wouldn’t last for long. Shamrock Rovers were awarded a penalty in the 49^th minute which was initially saved. Unfortunately for Harps, though, the referee ordered a retake of the penalty. Aaron McEneff made no mistake the second time around as he tucked past the keeper.

Incredibly, Rovers were awarded another penalty in the 53^rd minute as Graham Burke went down in the box. Aaron McEneff equalized from the spot with his 2^nd penalty goal of the night.

Rovers completed their comeback in the 70^th minute as Graham Burke slotted home from a rebound. Today’s goal was Burke’s 10^th of the season since joining Rovers on loan from Preston North End.

The match finished 3-2 after an incredible comeback from Rovers.

#WeAreRovers pic.twitter.com/7qxVex40pK

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk vs. Bohemians

Bohemians took on Dundalk from Dalymount Park in the 2^nd cup game of the day. Dundalk played Bohemians twice this season prior to this fixture but failed to pick up a win. That changed tonight as the Louth club ran out 4-1 winners.

It didn’t take Dundalk too long to open the scoring as Michael Duffy netted in just the 2^nd minute after being played through. Bohemians got their equalizer in the form of a penalty kick not long after as Andre Wright dispatched from the spot.

After an end to end few minutes, Dundalk got a penalty of their own in the 35^th minute. Michael Duffy was brought down in the box after some excellent footwork. Bohemians keeper got a hand to the resulting David McMilan penalty, but it wasn’t enough to keep it out of the net.

Dundalk got their 3^rd goal in the 38^th minute under controversial circumstances. Cameron Dummigan provided the assist for McMilan’s 2^nd, but the ball looked to have gone out of play before Dummigan got his cross into the box. Unfortunately for Bohs, VAR wasn’t there to help their cause and it was always an uphill battle from then on.

Michael Barker received his second yellow card of the night in the 76^th minute which effectively ended Bohs’ chance of getting a result. Dundalk begun to control possession thereafter.

Substitute Nathan Oduwa completed the rout in the 87^th minute as he tapped home from close range.

The match ended 4-1 to Dundalk. The scoreline was perhaps harsh on Bohemians as they were competitive throughout the game.

FT: Bohemians 1-4 Dundalk FC
⁣
A brilliant display at Dalymount secures our place in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup for the sixth year on the trot!!⁣
⁣
We will now face Athlone Town in Lissywoollen on Sunday, September 29th.⁣
⁣
| @sportsfile⁣
⁣#CmonTheTown pic.twitter.com/Qs7pMfUNXV

— DundalkFC (@DundalkFC) NOVEMBER 20, 2020

Dundalk will now face Athlone town in the semi-final. Shamrock Rovers will play the winner of Derry City vs. Sligo Rovers.

The post Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers victorious in FAI Cup quarter finals appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The League of Ireland Premier Division season came to a conclusion yesterday after each team played just 18 games. Despite it’s brevity, the 2020 season was not without it’s drama, incidents and of course, standout performers.

With that said, here are our picks for the best XI of the 2020 League of Ireland Premier Division season:

GOALKEEPER

Edward McGinty – Sligo Rovers

At just 20 years of age, Ed McGinty made quite an impression this season as his side finished 4^th in the league table.

McGinty was voted Sligo’s Young Player of the Year in 2019 and has only improved since. He was one of the few players to play every league game of the season as he firmly established himself as the Bit O’ Red’s number one. He made several stunning saves during a stellar season. McGinty also played a key part in Sligo’s win over Dundalk yesterday as he managed to keep a clean sheet.

He recently earned a call up to Jim Crawford’s Ireland u21 squad ahead of the upcoming games against Iceland and Luxembourg. A credit to his domestic form.

Ed McGinty included in @FAIreland Under-21 squad. https://t.co/IvD4hEvCnt

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) NOVEMBER 6, 2020

RIGHT BACK

Andy Lyons – Bohemians

Normally this position is reserved for Sean Gannon of Dundalk but his lack of playing time in recent weeks and Dundalk’s less than impressive season means he misses out. Instead, Andy Lyons comes in at right back.

The 20-year-old made the right back position his own this season after featuring on a rotation/sporadic basis in season’s past. Impressive going forward but also accomplished defensively, Lyons helped his club to a 2^nd place finish this season. Lyons will only improve in years to come, meaning overseas interest may not be far off for the young right back.

CENTRE BACKS

Joey O’Brien – Shamrock Rovers

The veteran full back turned central defender had a very impressive season as Shamrock Rovers went unbeaten on their way to winning the league title.

Despite having Premier League and international experience, O’Brien is arguably one of the most underrated players in the league. His ball retention as a defender and football IQ is second to none when compared to other defenders in the league.

His experience is vital to this Shamrock Rover’s team. His inclusion in this XI is warranted given his commanding performances this season.

Roberto Lopes – Shamrock Rovers

Joey O’Brien’s defensive partner for Rovers makes up the 2^nd central defensive spot in this XI. The Cape Verdean international produced some immense displays this season on the way to the title. His performance against AC Milan in the Europa League qualifiers showed how capable he is of performing as a high level.

In truth, Shamrock Rover’s other starting central defender, Lee Grace, was unlucky to miss out on the XI. His performances were equally as impressive as the aforementioned centre backs.

LEFT BACK

Tyreke Wilson – Waterford

Wilson had an impressive first season in the League of Ireland. The young left back arrived from Manchester City in January and has made quite the impression since.

Like Andy Lyons, Wilson is a modern day full back in that he can attack and defend with equal efficiency. He scored an incredible free kick earlier in the season as Waterford defeated Bohemians. Waterford will do well to keep hold of him after a fine debut season.

What a fantastic freekick from Orchard boy Tyreke Wilson. Tyreke helped his Waterford FC side to a 2-0 victory over Bohemians as they climb to fourth place in SSE Airtricity League. Keep up the good work Tyreke #COFC#ForTheFuture pic.twitter.com/jAaRz5DVov

— Cherry Orchard FC (@CherryOrchardFC) SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

CENTRE MIDFIELDERS

Aaron McEneff – Shamrock Rovers

The former Spurs trainee has impressed since joining Dundalk from Derry in 2019. He was pivotal in Shamrock Rover’s title challenge as he started the majority of their games.

McEneff is a technical midfielder with a ferocious shot. He displayed his finishing ability on occasion as he ended the campaign with 3 goals to his name.

76: GOAL!

Sligo Rovers 1-2 SHAMROCK ROVERS.

Aaron McEneff sidefoots the ball over Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty to give the visitors the lead at the Showgrounds.

It’s LIVE now on eir sport 1! #LOI #SLIvSHA pic.twitter.com/wJCjVAtxeT

— eir Sport (@eirSport) MARCH 7, 2020

Keith Buckley – Bohemians

Keith Buckley featured in all but one of Bohemian’s games all season as they achieved their highest top flight finish in a decade.

The Bohs’ captain produced several impressive performers this season with his combative displays in the centre of the park. Bohemians needed a leader with the retirement of Derek Pender and Buckley more than stepped up to the plate as he lead his young side to an excellent finish.

Gary O’Neill – Shamrock Rovers

It’s an all Rovers/Bohs midfield three as Gary O’Neill takes the final spot.

Like McEneff, O’Neill joined Rovers in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since. The former UCD man scored the winning penalty in last season’s FAI cup final and has only improved since. His performances in the Rovers midfield this season have firmly established him as an important member of the first team squad for years to come.

RIGHT WINGER

Jack Byrne – Shamrock Rovers

Byrne is the first name that springs to mind when you think of a League of Ireland footballer and it’s easy to see why. He joined Shamrock Rovers for the 2019 season and has earned several plaudits since.

The winger/midfielder won Player of the Year for the 2019 season and it looks likely he’ll reclaim his title for 2020. He put in some spectacular performances this season which seen him rack up 9 goals and 4 assists.

Although it would be nice to witness Byrne in the league for another season it doesn’t look likely. Reported interest from Bournemouth, Stoke City and Colorado Rapids could provide a challenge for Rovers to keep him at the club.

The @SSEAirtricityLg at it’s brilliant best.

Jack Byrne #LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/GzFYaX8wxD

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) FEBRUARY 28, 2020

LEFT WINGER

Danny Grant – Bohemians

Grant is one of the most improved players in the league this season. He had a good 2019 season but stepped up a level this term.

The inverted winger was key to Bohemian’s finishing as high as they did. His 7 goals from the wing were vital in securing a top 2 finish.

Grant is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the League of Ireland currently. His breath-taking performances this season have earned him an inclusion in Jim Crawford’s u21 squad. Bohemians could mount a serious title challenge next season if they can hold onto Grant and secure some first team additions.

GOAL | @FinnHarpsFC 0-1 @bfcdublin

24 | Lovely touch inside and Danny Grant makes no mistake

WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/hBonq5XxNE

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) AUGUST 15, 2020

STRIKER

Pat Hoban – Dundalk

Despite Dundalk’s unimpressive league form, Pat Hoban can hold his head up high with his return this season.

The striker has scored goals with regularity since re-joining the Lilywhites. This season, he kept up his goalscoring form as he chipped in with 10 league goals, making him the league’s top goalscorer.

Dundalk lead!

GOAL | @stpatsfc 0-1 @DundalkFC

23′ | Darragh Leahy got in around the back to get on the end of a cross and Hoban tapped home

WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/50QDAaK0eB

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 1, 2020

The post The best League of Ireland Premier Division XI of the season appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The 2020 Irish Premier Division came to a conclusion last night. Each team played just 18 league games in a season plagued by Covid-19. The season itself was not it’s drama, though. Last night in particular featured several twists and turns as each club aimed to finish their season on a high note. Some clubs rejoiced while others suffered the consequences of defeat. Here’s how it played out.

Finn Harps vs. Waterford

In one of the most decisive fixtures on the day, Finn Harps took on Waterford. Prior to the game, Finn Harps found themselves in the relegation/promotion play-off spot. Waterford also found themselves with a lot on the line. A win for Waterford would have ensured a European spot for the club. Additionally, only a win would suffice – along with other results – if Harps were to move out of that position.

They did just that as they narrowly defeated Waterford by 1-0. A goal from Adam Foley in the 27^th minute proved to be the deciding goal. Harps were very nearly back where they started in the final minute of extra time, though. Waterford found themselves in the opposition box in the dying seconds with a clear sight of goal. They shot at goal, but Dave Webster was there to stop a certain goal as he cleared off the line.

In truth, Harps deserved to avoid a relegation battle, having won 3 of their last 4 games. After the Harps win, it was down to Derry City and Shelbourne to win or draw their games in order to ease their survival hopes.

Waterford can count themselves unlucky not to have made Europe after their season, but the better team won on the night.

THE GREAT ESCAPE!!! WE’VE DONE IT!

WE ARE STAYING UP #UTH pic.twitter.com/5UJFeQaaVp

— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Derry City vs. Cork City

As mentioned previously, Derry City had to at least draw their game to avoid slipping into the play-off spot. Cork City, on the other hand, had nothing to play for other than pride. The Rebels had been condemned to automatic relegation earlier in the season.

Despite the disparity of fortunes on the line for both clubs, Derry City very nearly succumbed to defeat. Cork took the lead through Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s goal in the 59^th minute to put pressure on the Northern club. A Finn Harps win and a Shelbourne draw would have meant relegation for Derry if the scoreline remained as it was.

James Akintunde was the hero in the end, though. His strike for Derry in the 76^th minute meant Derry almost certainly avoided the play-off. Derry had the best goal difference by far of the 3 clubs fighting for survival so even if Finn Harps won, Derry would likely retain their position in the Irish Premier Division.

The match finished 1-1 as Derry narrowly avoided a relegation battle.

Derry leave Turner’s Cross with a point to finish the league season and avoiding the play-off.

#RAWA28 pic.twitter.com/noEe8jQAHI

— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers

Similar to the Derry vs. Cork fixture, both teams in this fixture were playing for entirely different outcomes. Shamrock Rovers had already been crowned champions, meaning they effectively had nothing to play for – other than their unbeaten run. Shelbourne, on the other hand, had it all to play for. If results in their own game and other fixtures didn’t go their way, they would be dragged into a relegation play-off.

Shamrock Rovers’ showed no sympathy for the relegation battling Shelbourne as they fielded a strong side. Their quality showed in the end as they ran out 2-0 winners. Their win last night meant they finished the league season unbeaten. This is just the 3^rd time this has happened in League of Ireland history, with Rovers also going unbeaten in the other 2.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦

Rovers become the first side in 93 years to go an entire season undefeated in the league

We are the only club in League of Ireland history to achieve this

1925 – @ShamrockRovers
1927 – @ShamrockRovers
2020 – @ShamrockRovers pic.twitter.com/xclqYiJYP9

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

A wonderful Jack Byrne goal kicked it off in the 22^nd minute as he went on a marauding run up the pitch before smashing into the corner of the net. Jack Byrne has inarguably been the best player in the League of Ireland, despite what the naysayers may claim. His stock has only risen in the past few months and this may be the last time League of Ireland fans get to witness his ability in a Shamrock Rovers shirt in the foreseeable future amid reported overseas interest. The midfielder will also join up with the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of the Wales fixture.

Aaron Greene put the finishing touches on the game as his 57^th minute goal effectively sealed Shelbourne’s relegation play-off spot. Results in the Finn Harps and Derry City games meant Shelbourne were condemned to the play-off spot.

Shelbourne will now face Longford Town on Saturday as they look to stay in the Premier Division for at least another season. It should make for a fascinating contest.

CONFIRMED!@SSEAirtricityLg Promotion/Relegation Final@shelsfc v @LongfordTownFC#Town2020 pic.twitter.com/c3PjsyM3P6

— Longford Town FC (@LongfordTownFC) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Dundalk vs. Sligo Rovers

After a disappointing domestic season by their standards, Dundalk needed a win to ensure a European spot. Similarly, a Sligo Rovers win would mean a *potential* European spot for the Bit O’ Red.

In a surprise result, Sligo Rovers ran out 2-0 winners. A bizarre goal from Jesse Devers in the 10^th minute opened the scoring as his attempted cross went straight over Gary Roger’s head into the net. Sligo Rovers ensured their victory through a Ronan Coughlan goal in the 95^th minute.

After Waterford’s defeat, Sligo move up to 4^th place. Although currently in a European position (1^st-4^th place), that could change given the winners of the FAI Cup. In order for Sligo to qualify, they must either win the FAI Cup or a team from 1^st to 3^rd must win. Currently, all top 4 teams are still in the cup out of the 6 remaining teams, so it looks good for Sligo as it stands. There is no guarantee of a European spot as for now, though.

Despite Dundalk’s abysmal result, they still finish in 3^rd place after Waterford’s loss to Harps. They will compete in Europa League qualifying next season, but it’s clear that much work is to be done if they intend to claim the league title.

Full-time: Dundalk 0-2 Sligo Rovers

The #bitored come from bottom of the table at the restart to finish fourth after a magnificent victory to round off a brilliant run

The FAI Cup will now decide the outcome of the European place pic.twitter.com/s7tpzjprnI

— Sligo Rovers (@sligorovers) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Bohemians vs. St Patrick’s Athletic

St Pat’s could have potentially claimed a play-off spot with a win against Bohemians, but even if they did, they would have to rely on other results. Bohs’ on the other hand had nothing to play for as their 2^nd place position was secured earlier in the season.

Bohemian’s have had an incredible season; particularly given the youthfulness of the squads they’ve chosen over the season. They were the youngest team in the Irish Premier Division and 21^st youngest team in Europe’s top flight divisions as they finished the season. They continued to trust in youth last night as they played yet another young team. Brighton bound 16-year-old Evan Ferguson was the focus of attention as he started his first league match of the season.

The teenager nearly made an impression early into the game as a Danny Grant cross found him before he bundled the ball into the net. In a controversial decision, though, the goal was ruled out for handball.

St Pat’s were the first to score an official goal as Jordan Gibson broke the deadlock in the 37^th minute. That didn’t last for long, though. Danny Grant scored the equaliser just before half time for Bohemians. The left winger has been in terrific form this season which has warranted his inclusion in the latest Ireland u21s squad.

Andre Wright, another in form man, secured the win for Bohemians with his penalty in the 63^rd minute. The match finished 2-1 to Bohemians.

Danny Dre
⠀
Another goal added to each of their season tallies last night!
⠀
: @sportsfile pic.twitter.com/R57WT7xQmV

— Bohemian FC (@bfcdublin) November 10, 2020

Here’s how the final league table looks:

FINAL TABLE | Premier Division

Wow. What a night. @FinnHarpsFC survive@sligorovers in potential European spot @ShamrockRovers unbeaten Champions @shelsfc head to the promotion/relegation play-off#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/sw9yJdC6vF

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) NOVEMBER 9, 2020

The post Drama filled Irish Premier Division final day recap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

The season was brought to a halt in March as restrictions across the country heightened. Fast forward to August and football was back in Ireland, this time without the fans. A decision was made to decrease the number of games by half. So here we are in November about to embark on the final week of the season. The decrease in fixtures has led to an increase in excitement for the neutrals.

Seven out of ten team have something to play for as they head towards the finish line. To put this into context, there is a five point gap between fourth and eighth place. As the season came to a climax last year, this gap was five times bigger, at twenty points.

So what’s at stake for each team?

Shamrock Rovers crowned Champions

Shamrock Rovers will lift the 2020 SSE Airtricity League title on Wednesday evening after their penultimate league game against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Rovers have been a dominant force this season, remaining unbeaten with impressive wins over Dundalk, Sligo Rovers and their arch rivals Bohemians since the league restarted. It has been a long time coming for the Hoops who have not lifted a league title since 2011.

Eighteen times LOI Champions pic.twitter.com/KlHl5B2keI

— Shamrock Rovers FC (@ShamrockRovers) October 27, 2020

Republic of Ireland international Jack Byrne has been pivotal in their success, with eight goals to his name this season. It will be manager Stephen Bradley’s priority to keep the midfielder in Tallaght for next season, with reports that Rovers have already made Byrne a ‘fantastic’ contract offer. That being said, after another impressive season, interest from abroad seems inevitable.

Ahead of Wednesday’s clash against St. Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers have appealed for fans not to gather outside Tallaght Stadium in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions.

Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, Cork City have been relegated to the First Division. The 2017 Champions have endured a fall from grace in recent seasons, and head into their final game seven points adrift at the bottom of the league.

Finn Harps’ survival hopes were dented by Shamrock Rovers as they lost 2-0 on Sunday. The Donegal side need a win against fourth placed Waterford on Sunday evening to give themselves any chance of staying up. They also need to rely on results elsewhere, namely Shelbourne and Derry City.

Harps stay in the promotion/relegation spot

FT | @FinnHarpsFC 0-2 @ShamrockRovers

Rovers win in difficult conditions as Harps head for dramatic final day of the season in bid to avoid the drop

Report | https://t.co/GssP53kvRU#LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/yeoPhRxI0U

— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) November 1, 2020

Derry City were looking comfortable after a convincing win against Shelbourne at the end of October took them up to fifth in the league. However since then things haven’t gone as planned. Following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases within their squad, the club entered a 14-day isolation period and therefore failed to play their scheduled clash against Shamrock Rovers. A forfeit and subsequent 3-0 loss could be on the cards for Derry, who will likely appeal any potential decision.

Similar to Derry, Shelbourne also find themselves at the wrong end of the table following a run of only three wins from thirteen matches since the restart. Shels take on Rovers on the final day. Despite the fact the league has been won, Rovers still have the added incentive of an unbeaten campaign to play for. Both Shels and Derry sit on 19 points, two points ahead of Finn Harps.

The final occupiers of ninth spot will face either Galway United or Longford Town in the relegation/promotion play-off.

European Qualification

A bitter-sweet moment for Bohemians who will finish the season in second place, their highest league position since 2010. Dundalk’s draw with St. Pat’s on Sunday wasn’t enough to claim their spot for European football next season. They need a point against Sligo Rovers on Sunday to secure third place.

That leaves Waterford, Sligo Rovers and St. Pat’s in a final battle for the potential last European spot. Waterford travel to Finn Harps. With a lot at stake for both team, it’s set to be an exciting game. After heartbreakingly missing out on Europa League football in 2019 due to a UEFA technicality, Waterford will be hoping for an upturn in their fortunes this time round.

Waterford gave their own European qualification hopes a big boost as they got the better of Dundalk

Full highlights below #rtesoccer #watchloi pic.twitter.com/hc0vWB1NUv

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) October 26, 2020

Although St. Pat’s are four points behind Waterford, they have the added advantage of an extra game in hand. That being said it won’t be easy for the Dublin side as they face champions Rovers before playing runners up Bohs on the final day. Two losses and they might be heading for a relegation play-off if other scores don’t go their way. A prime example of how congested the table is.

Likewise, Sligo Rovers also finish with a tricky trip to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk. Now there’s the added caveat of the FAI Cup. With Shamrock Rovers, Bohs, and Dundalk still in the competition, they will form an orderly queue as strong favourites to lift the cup. However, if Sligo Rovers (albeit they get a bye into the quarter finals after Derry City failed to play the game), Finn Harps or Athlone Town manage to cause an upset, then fourth spot becomes irrelevant. The FAI Cup winners head for Europe.

If that was too much to digest, you can find the full league table ahead of this weeks’ fixtures here. It is set to be a thrilling end to an abnormal season.

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It is expected Rovers will face Tampere at Tallaght Stadium as Finland are currently a country on Ireland’s green travel list. Tampere are currently in mid table in the Finland League. They were beaten in the first round of the Europa League in 2018, which incidentally was there first appearance in European football in three decades.

Bohemians will face a difficult task against Fehervar. This side was formerly known as Videoton and are based in Hungary. Derry City will have to travel to Lithuania to face Riteriai. These played also in the first round last year by Faroese opposition. They are in poor form in Lithuania though having only won one game from 14. Derry and Bohemians will be allowed to play in the respective countries as they currently are on the Irish government’s green travel list.

Other fixtures include Aberdeen who play NSI Runavik of the Faroe Islands. The winner of that game faces Barry Town United of Wales. Motherwell of Scotland will face Northern Ireland League side Glentoran or FC Torshavn.

Games will take place on a one leg basis on August 27th. If normal time isn’t enough extra time and penalties will be required. The winners of the games will advance to round two.

Europa League first round draw:

Riteriai (Lithuania) v Derry City

Shamrock Rovers v Ilves Tampere (Finland)

Fehérvár (Hungary) v Bohemians

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Dundalk drew 1-1 last week with St Pat’s and were poor going by their high standards. Vinny Perth’s side are now two points behind Bohs and a further five points behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers who have a game in hand with Derry on Sunday. The two goals came courtesy of Keith Buckley and Daniel Grant. Michael Duffy registered a goal for the away side.

Keith Buckley makes it 2-0 thanks to a deflection #rtesoccer
Subscribe to https://t.co/9HrAoXnXYd to watch over 55 games pic.twitter.com/wjo6WX9y2l

— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) August 7, 2020

Bohs were very creative in the game, creating chances and showing signs of the excellent qualities they possess. They will target a top four finish and by the way they are playing they are well on the way to this. If they stay in touch with the their Dublin rivals then they may be able to pose a threat. Bohs took the lead after just 7 minutes of play. Twardek did excellent on the left side, before pulling it back to Anthony Breslin. He in turn crossed to find Daniel Grant at the back post who finished past Gary Rogers. Bohs doubled their lead on 15 minutes with that man Twardek causing problems for Sean Gannon, Grant got on to ball to lay it back to Buckley who scored via a deflection of Andy Boyle.

Dundalk looked sluggish at times and some sloppy play by Jordan Flores allowing JJ Lunney to be put through by Twardek but Rogers saved. Colovic moved to the right wing now for Dundalk. Andy Boyle headed over from a Duffy corner and Dundalk needed a goal to have any chance after the break one thought. That goal eventually came. Colovic, crossed to find Michael Duffy to head home past Stephen McGuinness. Bohs to their credit were comfortable after the restart. Dundalk, had a chance with Patrick Hoban heading off the bar when it looked a certain goal.

With a half hour into the second half Dawson Devoy hit a curled effort wide of the post. Dan Cleary also had a shot but it wasn’t to be for Dundalk. They will have to improve if they are to get into the title race once again.

Dundalk: Rogers; Gannon, Boyle, Cleary, Massey (Oduwa 87); Kelly (Mountney 34), Shields, Flores (Patching 66), Duffy; Colovic; Hoban.

Bohemians: McGuinness; Lyons, Casey, Cornwall, Breslin; Grant, Buckley, Lunney, Twardek; Ward (Devoy 72); Wright.

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The FAI’s Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne received the results today from the tests carried out at Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians. All of the indivduals tested have been informed of their negative result.

All four clubs will undergo further testing next Monday, June 8, when they return to collective training.

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