The new LOI season just five weeks away
We’re into 2026 and while Season Tickets are bought, new jerseys delivered and signings being announced around the country - there’s excitement building for what is set to be a riveting season in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.
Here’s five things to look forward to:
Bohs and Saints opener in the Aviva
History was made last year when Bohemians won the Derby with Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in front of a record crowd of over 33,000 in the Aviva Stadium and the Dublin 7 outfit begin 2026 in the Aviva again this year when they welcome St. Patrick’s Athletic to Dublin 4 this time.
It’ll be the Saints’ first league game at the venue and the site of two famous Men’s FAI Cup Finals in 2021 and 2023 between the pair with St. Pat’s winning both games in front of huge crowds including a sold-out Aviva in 2023.
Stephen Kenny makes the return to his old stomping ground as Ireland Boss for the first time while Alan Reynolds will be looking to pick up a big three points to start their season off in style.
St. Pat’s will be disappointed with their 2025 campaign but with Max Mata and Ronan Boyce already in the door, a win in front of a large Aviva crowd would provide the perfect platform for them in 2026.
Challengers loading the artillery
With Shamrock Rovers winning a famous Double in 2025, both Derry City and Shelbourne have been busy preparing their squads after finishing 2nd and 3rd with a view to pushing the Hoops again in 2026.
Bohs and St. Pat’s will also have visions of a title charge too but with just five weeks to go until the season kicks off, the Candystripes and Joey O’Brien’s Shels have been busy in bringing in quality ahead of the new season.
Many eyes will be on Tolka Park as they make some signings from further afield like Swedish midfielder Maill Lundgren as well as signing Liverpool’s James Norris on a permanent deal and Tiernan Lynch has been busy building again in the Brandywell.
Perhaps the signing of the winter so far has been James Clarke for Derry City from Bohemians while Lynch has also brought in Darragh Markey and James Olayinka in statements of intent for the big prize.
The prospect of Clarke linking up with star winger Michael Duffy will have the Derry City faithful dreaming of a trophy lift in the new season.
The return of Dundalk and The Louth Derby
After their relegation in 2024, Dundalk have come straight back up while Ciaran Kilduff has been busy rebuilding the famous Louth Club with a blend of local talent and experience and he has already brought in more quality to prepare for life in the top flight.
Dundalk have secured the services of 2024 League winning goalkeeper Conor Kearns on loan from Shelbourne while Bobby Burns has made the switch to Oriel and Keith Buckley has arrived in from Bohs to help keep the Lilywhites from avoiding the same fate as Cork City last year.
While Dundalk supporters will be relishing the return of big fixtures like the clashes with Shamrock Rovers and Stephen Kenny’s St. Pat’s, they will also be looking straight out for The Louth Derby as a rejuvenated Drogheda United have been laying claim to Louth’s bragging rights for the past two seasons.
Always a special fixture, the game will carry extra meaning this year after a year away and the contrasting fortunes of both sides in 2024 and 2025.
A building Connacht Derby
Ever since Galway United’s promotion to the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, a renewed rivalry with Sligo Rovers has been building out west and the game looks set to keep building interest nationally and locally.
After Galway United won the opening clash in 2025, Sligo Rovers went on to win the remaining three in dramatic games that saw them clinch survival on the Final Day after a poor start to 2025.
This season, Jeannot Esua has made the move across the Divide from Galway United to Sligo Rovers which hasn’t been too pleasing for Galway United fans and this year’s clashes will likely continue to bring tension and drama galore.
Sligo Rovers have made a number of signings in the off season while Galway United fans will be hoping to see the arrival of new faces too after some notable departures as both teams look to stay out of any survival battles like last year.
The last year in Dalymount as Bohs return to Europe
Though the season starts off in the Aviva for Bohemians, 2026 will be a landmark year for the Club as plans are in place for a redeveloped Dalymount Park to begin and Bohemians to finish their long spell in the current ground at the end of this season.
A huge part of Bohemians’ identity, it will certainly be an emotional year for the Club with the last men’s fixture to take place being the same as the first when Shelbourne make the short trip up the Royal Canal at the end of October.
With Dublin Derbies and 17 match nights to come at the ground this season in the League, it’ll be a year to remember for Bohs as they also return to UEFA Club Competition.
Alan Reynolds’ side secure fourth on a dramatic Final Day last year and will be excited to see who they get in June’s draw for the UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round.
