SSE Airtricity League Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.SportsNewsIreland.com/tag/sse-airtricity-league Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:25:45 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 SSE Airtricity League Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.SportsNewsIreland.com/tag/sse-airtricity-league 32 32 229439223 Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/match-preview-shelbourne-vs-shamrock-rovers https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/match-preview-shelbourne-vs-shamrock-rovers#respond Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:25:45 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33216 Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers League of Ireland Premier Division Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City […]

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Match Preview: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

League of Ireland Premier Division

Tolka Park, Friday, 7.45 PM

Champions Shelbourne will welcome arch-rivals Shamrock Rovers to Tolka Park on Friday night in what promises to be a highly anticipated Dublin derby. Damien Duff’s side have started their title defence in perfect fashion, registering wins over Derry City (3-1) and Waterford (1-0). Another victory here would send out a strong statement of intent.

A sell-out crowd of 5,100 is expected at the famous Drumcondra venue, and the home side has received a major boost with a fully fit squad available for selection.

For Shamrock Rovers, this fixture provides a chance to make a statement after being edged out by Shels for the title on the final day of last season. Stephen Bradley’s side endured a disappointing opening-day defeat to Bohemians but had last weekend off due to a postponement, giving them extra time to prepare.

Shelbourne Team News & Preview

Shels’ strong start has been built on a solid defensive foundation and an ability to take chances when they come. New signings Mipo Odubeko, Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, and Ryan O’Kane have settled in well, adding quality to Duff’s squad.

Duff knows that derby wins will be vital if Shelbourne are to retain their crown.

“Derbies were a topic we referenced in a team meeting this morning,” he said. “They’re not about bragging rights, they’re about putting points on the board. If you want to win the league, you have to win Dublin derbies.

“You also need a strong points return from Friday-to-Monday games. More often than not, if you manage that, you’ll be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

With back-to-back games in quick succession, Duff has highlighted the importance of squad depth, praising his medical and coaching staff for keeping players fit.

Shamrock Rovers Team News & Preview

Rovers’ title defence crumbled in the early months of last season, and Bradley is determined to ensure they hit their levels consistently this time around.

“We just need to be better than what we were last season,” Bradley said. “We don’t look at any individual team, we never have or never will. It’s more about what we know—if we do what we do to our best, we’ll give ourselves a better chance of being successful.

“Last season we didn’t do that domestically. The second half of the season was good, but that’s not enough at this club. It’s not enough to do it for four or five months, and we know that wasn’t acceptable.”

Bradley is boosted by the return of Jack Byrne, Trevor Clarke, and Adam Matthews, though Darragh Nugent and Danny Mandroiu remain out.

Despite Shels’ improvements, the Rovers boss isn’t expecting any major tactical surprises from the hosts.

“They’ve added some good players, but they pretty much do similar things,” he noted. “They’re good at what they do, but it’s similar to what they’ve done last season and the one before.”

Key Battle: Shelbourne’s Defence vs Rovers’ Attack

Shels had the best record in Dublin derbies last season, and their defensive structure frustrated Rovers at times. Rovers, meanwhile, will look to Johnny Kenny, Graham Burke, and Aaron Greene to provide the firepower needed to break through.

Match Prediction

Shelbourne have momentum and home advantage, but Rovers’ extra preparation time could prove crucial. Expect a tight and physical contest under the Tolka Park lights.

Prediction: Shelbourne 2-1 Shamrock Rovers

Team News

Shelbourne

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: Darragh Nugent, Danny Mandroiu

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Match Details

Fixture: Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers

Venue: Tolka Park, Dublin

Kick-off: 7.45 PM

Referee: Neil Doyle

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Bohs v Pats: FAI Cup Final – Preview, Teams, Odds, Where To Watch https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/bohs-v-pats-fai-cup-final-preview-teams-odds-where-to-watch-2021 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/bohs-v-pats-fai-cup-final-preview-teams-odds-where-to-watch-2021#respond Sun, 28 Nov 2021 14:13:49 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22860 The FAI Cup Final is set to take place this Sunday at 4 pm in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, bringing an end to an action-packed year of Irish football with two teams looking to get over the final hurdle and finish strong seasons off with silver. In the red corner, hailing from Inchicore, St […]

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The FAI Cup Final is set to take place this Sunday at 4 pm in the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, bringing an end to an action-packed year of Irish football with two teams looking to get over the final hurdle and finish strong seasons off with silver.

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.

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Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely announce merger https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/bray-wanderers-and-cabinteely-announce-merger https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/bray-wanderers-and-cabinteely-announce-merger#respond Fri, 26 Nov 2021 11:45:49 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22832 SSE Airtricity League First Division sides Bray Wanderers FC and Cabinteely FC will merge to form a “new force” in Irish football. The newly amalgamated club will play in the Carlisle Grounds in Bray and will apply to compete in the First Division in 2022 – a name has yet to be announced for League […]

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SSE Airtricity League First Division sides Bray Wanderers FC and Cabinteely FC will merge to form a “new force” in Irish football.

The newly amalgamated club will play in the Carlisle Grounds in Bray and will apply to compete in the First Division in 2022 – a name has yet to be announced for League of Ireland’s latest proposition.

The Chairman of Cabinteely, Tony Richardson will become Chairman of the new club as his Bray Wanderers counterpart Niall O’Driscoll retires from his role.

Cabinteely’s Director of Football, Pat Devlin, will take up the same role at the merged club.

The move comes after a lengthy period of discussion between the management of both clubs while the joining together has been made possible through the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Bray Wanderers FC limited.

Incoming club Chairman Tony Richardson said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our two renowned clubs to establish a great good for football on a local, regional and national level.

“It is also very much in line with FAI encouragement for clubs to seek ways of co-operating more closely together.

“Both clubs have really brilliant people involved, with an exceptionally proud heritage, where Bray Wanderers was established in 1922 and Cabinteely in 1967.

“Both clubs have performed with distinction across all leagues throughout the years. Both are pillars within their communities and both have fantastic supporters, members and players who have an enormous love of football.

“It is this love of football that will continue to inspire us all to drive the future success of this endeavour.

“Now, with the coming together of both clubs, we will see a further strengthening of football for the generations to come and a commitment towards the continuing advancement of our combined club, and many partner clubs, for the football communities who we will continue to serve in the months, years and decades ahead.

“I look forward to working with everyone to continue the great progress of both clubs in recent years where by joining together, we are stronger for the future.”

Bray Wanderers’ outgoing Chairman Niall O’Driscoll said: “This coming together of Bray Wanderers and Cabinteely Senior FC is impressive in its vision and a logical step that will create a dynamic new influence in Irish football.

“I’m very proud to have helped stabilise and strengthen the position and status of Bray Wanderers, which is now on a firm footing and has performed very strongly in the 2021 league, enabling this excellent new development to take place.

“I express my absolute gratitude and my delight for everyone associated with Bray Wanderers, especially all the players, staff, volunteers, sponsors, local businesses and friends who have helped greatly in stabilising such a great club and securing such an exciting future that we announce today.

“The supporters and partner clubs’ continuous support, witnessed in the playoff final, was fantastic and shows that the future going forward is really exciting for everyone alike.

“I’m delighted with the success of our underage system and the progression of many players. This merger will only enhance these opportunities over the coming years.

“The conveyor belt of top underage players from the last few years, with the committed growth and investment of young talent, is exciting.

“I wish incoming Chairman Tony and everyone involved, both old and new, every possible success and I look forward to the exciting advancement, progress and success of the merged club.”

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Waterford manager Marc Bircham sacked before play-off https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/waterford-manager-marc-bircham-sacked-before-play-off https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/waterford-manager-marc-bircham-sacked-before-play-off#respond Tue, 23 Nov 2021 13:46:56 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22721 Waterford FC manager Marc Bircham has been sacked before his side’s promotion/relegation play-off against UCD on Friday, November 26. The game, held at Richmond Park, will determine the league status of both clubs for the 2022 season. Waterford finished ninth in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division while UCD finished third in the First Division […]

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Waterford FC manager Marc Bircham has been sacked before his side’s promotion/relegation play-off against UCD on Friday, November 26.

The game, held at Richmond Park, will determine the league status of both clubs for the 2022 season.

Waterford finished ninth in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division while UCD finished third in the First Division and beat Treaty United and Bray Wanderers to get within one game of the top flight.

Initially, Bircham claimed that he was suspended by the club’s owner after a “difference of opinion on a couple of matters” with the club’s owner, Richard Forrest, on Monday night.

However, Waterford announced via social media that the manager had been sacked under an hour later.

Their brief statement reads: “Waterford FC have terminated the contract of Marc Bircham. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Bircham had joined the club in May when they were bottom of the league and his efforts saw them finish 27 points ahead of Longford Town but fail to avoid a play-off.

He was the fifth manager the club had employed in 12 months since the departure of Alan Reynolds.

Speaking to WLR this morning following his sacking, Bircham said that he was surprised at the decision, but could not say much more under the advice of his legal team.

“I put out a statement today which I thought was perfectly fine, just stating facts and letting everyone know I wasn’t there and I won’t be at the game.

“Then I just found out on social media that they terminated the contract. Nobody has contacted me whatsoever.

“The owner texted me last night that I was suspended for a week and I’m not allowed contact players or staff.

“I was surprised this morning and even more surprised now. My official statement is that I am surprised. It’s all out of my control.

“The decision has been made without me.”

Waterford will play UCD at Richmond Park on Friday, November 26 at 7:45 pm with their Premier Division spot on the line.

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Greatest all time League of Ireland Ultimate Team cards https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/greatest-all-time-league-of-ireland-ultimate-team-cards https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/greatest-all-time-league-of-ireland-ultimate-team-cards#respond Thu, 11 Nov 2021 13:17:56 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22490 The League of Ireland may be one of the lower leagues in FIFA Ultimate Team but that does not mean it has not produced some great cards There have been some amazing Ultimate Team Cards from the Airtricity League dating from FIFA 12 to this year’s edition. Billy Dennehy’s FIFA 14 Team of the Season […]

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The League of Ireland may be one of the lower leagues in FIFA Ultimate Team but that does not mean it has not produced some great cards

There have been some amazing Ultimate Team Cards from the Airtricity League dating from FIFA 12 to this year’s edition.

Billy Dennehy’s FIFA 14 Team of the Season card and Conan Byrne’s In-Form in FIFA 18 are just some of the players that make our honourable mentions list.

The 2022 edition of the football game has proved to be divisive so far but we can expect a few more classic cards to join this roster in the coming months.

Here is a list of the Top 7 League of Ireland FIFA Ultimate Team Cards.

7. Richie Towell

Dundalk FC – 70 – FIFA 16

Hopping in first with one of the Irish leagues’ most accomplished players. Before moving to Preston North End in England, he managed to earn a very decent defensive midfielder card for Dundalk.

His card has four base stats above 70 including 87 stamina and 80 penalties.

 

6. Harry Ascroft (Hero)

Finn Harps – 69 – FIFA 20

This may not have been the best defender to use but the New Zealander was definitely one for the card collectors. The centre half was handed the card after he scored a 107th-minute winner against Drogheda United in the Relegation Play-off final.

5. Graham Burke (In-Form)

Shamrock Rovers – 75 – FIFA 20

Burke was a strong player in FIFA only hampered by his positioning. His lack of pace on the wing lets down his strong shooting and dribbling. This card at least stands as a reminder of the time that the Rovers player was called into the Irish national team setup.

4. Daryl Horgan (Player of the Year)

Dundalk FC – 74 – FIFA 17

Back in FIFA 17, this card became one of the first ‘must-haves’ for any League of Ireland fan. His speedy pace and the purple colour made him very desirable for any gamer. As one of the first POTY cards in all of FIFA, many people wanted to see what the hype was around Horgan.

 

3. Kieran Sadlier (In-Form)

Cork City FC – 75 – FIFA 18

It has been a long time since Irish fans have heard about the young winger Kieran Sadlier. The 27-year-old now plays for Rotherham United but back in FIFA 18 he became League of Ireland’s first gold Ultimate Team cards. After two In-Forms, the powers that be granted him a strong card with two base stats over 80.

 

2. Michael Duffy (Player of the Year)

Dundalk FC – 81 – FIFA 19

Duffy became the leagues first player to break the 80-rated mark when he was awarded as Player of the Year in 2019. The winger was given a very well rounded card but the main attraction is his four-star weak foot and skill moves. The Derry man still plies his trade with Dundalk and continues to earn nice cards with each FIFA edition.

 

1. Jack Byrne (Team of the Season)

Shamrock Rovers – 86 – FIFA 20

Lastly, the greatest Ultimate Team card goes to probably the best League of Ireland players in recent years. The 5’9” winger was best used as a CAM in FIFA two years ago. He now plays for APOEL FC with many Irish fans hoping that he will return from injury strong and back onto the national team.

 

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international club football news, click here.

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Damien Duff named new Shelbourne head coach https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/damien-duff-named-new-shelbourne-head-coach https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/damien-duff-named-new-shelbourne-head-coach#respond Wed, 03 Nov 2021 13:14:28 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=22313 Legendary former Irish soccer player Damien Duff has been announced as the new head coach of Airtricity League side Shelbourne This will be the first senior head coaching role for the ex-Fulham and Chelsea winger. Duff previously worked as an assistant for Scottish club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team. Shelbourne secured an […]

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Legendary former Irish soccer player Damien Duff has been announced as the new head coach of Airtricity League side Shelbourne

This will be the first senior head coaching role for the ex-Fulham and Chelsea winger. Duff previously worked as an assistant for Scottish club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Shelbourne secured an instant return to the Irish top flight in this year’s First Division. This was after being relegated from the SSE Airtricity League in 2020.

They finished top of the table with 57 points after 27 matches. Galway United, UCD, Treaty United, and Bray Wanderers will now compete in the play-offs for the remaining promotion place.

Speaking on the appointment, Damien Duff said:

“I’m delighted to take up the manager’s position at Shelbourne.

“Having coached and managed our U17 National league team and been around the club, I can see the plans and ambition in place here and am excited to begin a new chapter of Shelbourne’s 126-year history.

“I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and about Irish football in general and see this as a great opportunity to help build something that both the club, its fans, and myself can be proud of.

“With the club now in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, and the foundations being put in place by the board and its directors, I can’t wait to start.”

Most recently he managed Shelbourne’s Under-17 side this year. This was after he spent nine months part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team with the Boys in Green.

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Champions League and international club football news, click here.

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Unite the Union Champions Cup launched after year-long hiatus https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/unite-the-union-champions-cup-launched-after-year-long-hiatus https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/unite-the-union-champions-cup-launched-after-year-long-hiatus#respond Thu, 14 Oct 2021 19:11:45 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=21755 The Unite the Union Champions’ Cup 2021, which will bring together champions from the Northern Irish Football League and the SSE Airtricity League, was launched at the National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on Thursday with the final to be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, December 4. The Northern Ireland […]

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The Unite the Union Champions’ Cup 2021, which will bring together champions from the Northern Irish Football League and the SSE Airtricity League, was launched at the National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast on Thursday with the final to be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday, December 4.

The Northern Ireland semi-final will see Linfield face Coleraine while 2020 League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers will play the runners-up in the 2021 SSE Airtricity Premier Division with the fixture date to be confirmed.

Launching the plans for an expanded 2021 Champions Cup today at Windsor Park, Unite Regional Secretary Jackie Pollock expressed his union’s pride in the initiative and hopes that it would continue to use football as a vehicle to unite communities and address disadvantages.

“The Unite The Union Champions’ Cup promotes Diversity, Equality and Community and it does so through focussing on our common love of the beautiful game that is football,” said Pollock.

“After an unavoidable one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are re-launching the Champions’ Cup in an expanded format. This year’s games set for November and December will see the leading teams, north and south play-off before the champions come forward for an all-island final.

“But the Unite the Union Champions’ Cup is about more than just world-class football. The initiative seeks to celebrate our diversity, promote equality and build community – while also providing enjoyment and a positive occasion for all to enjoy.

“I’m very proud that this year again, Unite is providing funding of £50,000 which goes directly into communities and schools in the catchment areas of the teams involved.  This money is targeted at improving the lives and opportunities of those in greatest need.”

Vice-Chair of Unite the union’s Irish Executive Therese Maloney spoke at the launch pointing to the recent STEM initiative under the Champions’ Cup launched by the union in catchment schools.

“Over recent months and despite the pandemic, Unite has been working with schools in marginalised communities in the Republic to roll out a new STEM education initiative sponsored by Unite.

“Today we will also be launching this exciting new initiative, combining technology, learning, football and fun, for local schools in the North.

“The unique educational resource we are making available to young people comprises six miniature football pitches together with 15 interactive robots programmed by the learners to perform tasks, such as playing football, helping develop skills in sport, maths, computer programming and coding.  My own background is in science, so I am particularly excited by this initiative.

“While we are all looking forward to the prospect of the three football matches ahead of us – we can also recognise the value of the other aspect of the Champions’ Cup. It’s about more than a match – it’s about using football as a means to reach into communities and make a real difference.”

League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: “Our League of Ireland clubs are really looking forward to this expanded Unite the union Champions Cup.

“The COVID-19 pandemic meant we were unable to host the competition in 2020 but the new expanded format is a direct result of the increased interest from our clubs and their desire to play in this competition.

“We are fully committed to expanding our relationship with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League and I know the players and fans from all four clubs will be excited by the return of this Unite The Union Champions Cup and all will do their very best to win it.”

Football Association of Ireland President Gerry McAnaney added: “We are delighted to be here in Belfast today for the launch of the 2021 edition of the Unite the union Champions Cup.

“Our relationship with the Irish Football Association is very important to our Association and this competition further strengthens the bond between our Associations and our Leagues.

“I want to commend everyone involved with today’s launch and in particular everyone from Unite the union whose commitment to and passion for this Cup has been inspirational.

“The cross-community focus is to be applauded and I look forward to another successful Unite the Union Champions Cup campaign and wish all four teams the very best of luck as they compete for this unique title.”

Conrad Kirkwood, Irish FA President said: “This is a really exciting competition and, after a Covid hit year, it’s back and we are delighted about that.

“Its values of diversity, equality and community dovetail with that of the association. In Northern Ireland football really is for all.

“The game is strong on both sides of the border; I know NIFL is in a really good place, and I’m delighted to be embarking once again on this footballing journey with our counterparts at the FAI. A big thanks to Unite the Union too for its backing.”

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Best SSE Airtricity League XI in FIFA 22 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/best-sse-airtricity-league-xi-in-fifa-22 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/best-sse-airtricity-league-xi-in-fifa-22#respond Wed, 22 Sep 2021 16:24:51 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=20902 FIFA 22 launches Friday, 1st October which will see the return of the SSE Airtricity League along with Ireland’s ten best clubs This will be the 14th year that the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division has featured in-game. People that purchase the game will also get exclusive Club Pack Covers featuring the individual club crests […]

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FIFA 22 launches Friday, 1st October which will see the return of the SSE Airtricity League along with Ireland’s ten best clubs

This will be the 14th year that the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division has featured in-game. People that purchase the game will also get exclusive Club Pack Covers featuring the individual club crests of all 10 Premier Division teams.

Powered by The League, each Premier Division team will have their very own exclusive FIFA 22 Club Pack, and the cover sleeves will once again be free to download for all League of Ireland fans when the game launches on Friday, October 1st.

Many FIFA players are great fans of their most popular feature and there have been some upgrades and downgrades to the players in the Irish league.

The squad of best players is made up of four nations and five clubs with Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers having the majority of players.

Dundalk’s Michael Duffy is the new highest rated player in the game with a 68 rating. The best aspects of his card are his 81 pace and that he is one of three players in the league with four-star skill moves and weak foot – the other two are Rovers’ Danny Mandroiu and Sligo Rovers’ Kiwi forward Ryan de Vries.

The two fastest players in the league by FIFA 22 standards are English winger Junior Odegi-Uzokwe and Jamaican forward Romeo Parkes.

FIFA 22 Airtricity League XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Talbot (65)

James Talbot just edges out Mannus with more individual stats. The Bohemians keeper stands at only 5’11” but his higher reflexes will make him strong with close shots.

Defence: Kavanagh (63), Cleary (64), Lopes (65), Gannon (65)

The mainly Shamrock Rovers defence is made up of two silver cards. Cape Verde’s Roberto Lopes and Ireland’s Sean Gannon will sure up a backline that is missing speed.

Midfield: McEleney (65), Zahibo (66), O’Neill (65)

Now we start to move on to the big guns. Wilfried Zahibo from the Central African Republic is a rare silver card with high physicality and an orange link to Athletico Madrid’s Kondogbia.

He is surrounded by Irish league mainstay’s Gary O’Neill and Patrick McEleney whose stats do not properly reflect the effect they have had on the league.

Front Three: Duffy (68), Hoban (65), Byrne (66)

The strike force has two of the Airticity league’s best shooters in Graham Burke and Patrick Hoban. They will join the 68 rated rare card in Michael Duffy who has had a lackluster season with Dundalk so far this season.

Bench: Mannus (65), Hoare (64), Bolger (64), Forrester (64), Mandroiu (64)

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Sligo Rovers Pile More Pressure On Dundalk With 2-1 Win https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/sligo-rovers-pile-more-pressure-on-dundalk-with-2-1-win https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/sligo-rovers-pile-more-pressure-on-dundalk-with-2-1-win#respond Wed, 15 Sep 2021 06:00:04 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=20659 Sligo Rovers have piled more pressure on Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division after a 2-1 defeat to the title contenders gave Dundalk their fifth loss in their last six games. The Lilywhites took the lead in the 18th minute when the side’s top scorer Patrick Hoban found the net. However, the lead […]

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Sligo Rovers have piled more pressure on Dundalk in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division after a 2-1 defeat to the title contenders gave Dundalk their fifth loss in their last six games.

The Lilywhites took the lead in the 18th minute when the side’s top scorer Patrick Hoban found the net.

However, the lead only lasted two minutes before Sligo were level with their opponents once more through Andre Wright.

The hosts added a second courtesy of Lewis Banks at the start of the second half and kept Dundalk at bay to continue the revival of their title chase.

The Bit O’Red had snapped an eight-game winless streak when they beat second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 on Friday night.

Dundalk started the brightest of the two sides and Hoban came close before he notched the Louth side’s opener after shot by former Derry City loanee Will Patching came his way.

Poor defending by Sligo led to Hoban’s chance but the hosts came alive after conceding and responded instantly through Wright, who latched on to midfielder David Cawley’s cross to bring his side level – it was Wright’s first goal for the club.

Sligo settled after their equaliser and the sides went in level at half time.

It only took seven minutes for the fans at The Showgrounds to celebrate again after Greg Bolger’s delivery from a set-piece found Lewis Banks, who headed past Dundalk goalkeeper Alessio Abibi.

Sligo maintained control of their lead until the final whistle and now sit five points off second with a game-in-hand.

Dundalk, who also have a game-in-hand, failed to move off the relegation play-off spot and sit one point behind Waterford with a better goal difference.

Sligo Rovers travel to Tallaght Stadium to face league leaders Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, while Dundalk will play Finn Harps in the FAI Cup quarter-final before facing Sligo Rovers once again in their next league fixture.

Sligo Rovers (4-3-1-2): McGinty; Banks, Mahon, Buckley, McCourt; Cawley (Horgan 80), Bolger, McDonnell (Morahan 71); De Vries (Figueira 65); Wright, Kenny (Lorenzen 65).

Dundalk (4-4-1-1): Abibi; Jurkovskis, Boyle, Nattestad, Dumigan; Ben Amar (Animasahun 58), Stanton (Murray 78), Sloggett, Duffy; Patching; Hoban.

Referee: Ben Connolly.

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Limerick FC Documentary To Feature At Galway Film Fleadh https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/limerick-fc-documentary-to-feature-at-galway-film-fleadh https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/limerick-fc-documentary-to-feature-at-galway-film-fleadh#respond Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:25:47 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=18358 A Limerick FC short documentary called ‘Sit Down And Shut Up’ about the time they played European giants Real Madrid in the 1980 European Cup will be shown at the Galway Film Fleadh. It’s a David vs Goliath tale about the opera of football, the city of Limerick and a game that few remember but […]

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A Limerick FC short documentary called ‘Sit Down And Shut Up’ about the time they played European giants Real Madrid in the 1980 European Cup will be shown at the Galway Film Fleadh.

It’s a David vs Goliath tale about the opera of football, the city of Limerick and a game that few remember but three men can never forget.

The documentary is set to have its world premiere online at Galway Film Fleadh 2021 from July 20th – July 25th. 

The short film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Cian O Connor and is funded by Limerick Arts Bursary.

The film features interviews with Limerick legends like Des Kennedy and Kevin Fitzpatrick as well as local fans such as Gary Spain – the historian of Limerick soccer, and publican, JJ O Dea.

The aim of the film according to director Cian O Connor, “was to not only tell the great story of this famous match but also to shine a light on that team and the golden era of Limerick soccer”.

The film according to Cian also aims to capture the spirit of the city of Limerick and its people. 

Limerick FC played Real Madrid on the 17th of September 1980 in what today would be known as the UEFA Champions League.

The match was played in Lansdowne Road much to the disappointment of local Limerick fans.

The game itself was a thriller with a goal by Des Kennedy and an excellent showing by the Limerick team. 

The film will screen online at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh from the dates mentioned above.

Tickets for the online showing can be bought on the Galway Film Fleadh website.

The film will also be going on a national film festival run with showings across the country and a Youtube release set in the near future. 

Click here to get tickets for the Galway Film Fleadh.

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