The SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division returns tonight
We’re coming back off the international break for the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division and as predicted, it’s been a dramatic opening eight rounds in the top flight.
Here’s five things we’ve learned so far:
Bohs and Saints in title hunt
2026 was always going to be a big year for Bohemians coming into the last year of Dalymount Park in it’s current guise and the return to European football, but it’s started off like a train intent on being one to remember for Alan Reynolds’ side.
A return of five wins from eight and no defeats leaves them marginally top of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with some protagonists helping their surge in form.
Dawson Devoy’s midfield excellence topped with new signings Patrick Hickey and Sam Todd at the heart of the Bohs defence has Bohs fans loving life in 2026.
Darragh Power has been impressive too at right-back and a good start to season has been helped by in-form Ross Tierney and Colm Whelan. April will be huge for Bohs as they face Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium and St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park.
Alongside Bohs at the top of the table is Stephen Kenny’s Saints who were looking for a response to a timid 2025 coming into this year, which they have now got.
A memorable Derby win over Shelbourne and consecutive wins have seen them propel up the table. With Aidan Keena and Max Mata coming into form alongside Ryan Edmondson and a starring Kian Leavy, St. Pat’s have been impressive at the top end of the pitch.
This is backed up the signing of James Brown who has bolstered an already strong defence with Joe Redmond and Sean Hoare all on song so far this season.
Derry City still looking to gel
All the pre-season predictions gave heavy weight to a Derry City side that finished second place last year and was boosted by the arrival of several new faces including James McClean, Patrick McClean, Darragh Markey, James Clarke, Josh Thomas and Barry Cotter.
It’s no secret that the Candystripes will have been disappointed with their return so far this campaign as Tiernan Lynch looks to build on positive aspects like having the League’s top scorer in Michael Duffy but it still feels like City are finding their way amongst some change.
They received a blow in an injury to goalkeeper Brian Maher but Lynch knows if he can sort out their defensive worries they will always been a team who can score goals.
More change will be incoming with City set for an extended stay out of the Brandywell and some time at Celtic Park, which will add another unknown to their season but one thing’s for sure - it’ll be an entertaining journey in 2026 for Derry City.
Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne easing into season after Conference League exploits
2025 was a memorable one for the Champions Shamrock Rovers after securing a famous double and qualifying for the UEFA Conference League after defeating Portuguese outfit Santa Clara.
There’s been a little bit of change in the Hoops squad with Tunmise Sobowale, Adam Brennan, Maleace Asamoah and Enda Stevens amongst the new arrivals while Stephen Bradley has been championing youth too. In previous years, Shamrock Rovers have started slowly but the Hoops have only lost once this term and remain in third just three points behind Bohemians coming to the end of the first series of games.
With Stephen Bradley’s side only picking up a head of steam now, it’ll be interesting to see their form coming into a manic April.
Similarly, Shels are on the back of their first UEFA Conference League campaign and have suffered a whole host of injuries at the start of this season but remain in touching distance to the top after big wins away to Derry City and Sligo Rovers.
Joey O’Brien’s side have suffered just one defeat thanks to an injury time Saints winner but still possess quality with the likes of Harry Wood, Jack Henry Francis and Kerr McInroy counted among the best in the League. As we come into April, we’ll see where the Reds are at as they welcome bodies back.
Waterford and Sligo Rovers need points quick
Both Waterford and Sligo Rovers find themselves at the wrong end of the table and as we move into a packed April and May, this is the time where the Blues and Bit O’Red will be eyeing up points to make sure they don’t get cut adrift. Momentum is huge in this League and any run can pull you up the table in no time.
John Russell has been counting the injuries but his main aim will be to find goals with Cian Kavanagh and Traore yet to hit the form that he needs up top. He’ll have been encouraged by the signings of Sean McHale and James McManus adding to the spine of the team but having scored just three goals all season, this will be the main focus coming out of the international break.
Waterford’s main issue has been at the other end of the pitch where they have been shipping far too many goals. The signing of former Ireland international Kevin Long will be Jon Daly’s hope for a more solid backline as they still retain a threat up front where Padraig Amond, Tommy Lonergan and Conan Noonan will always be dangerous.
Dundalk a surprise package
Although having 14 league titles in their illustrious history, Dundalk will have been targeting safety on their return to the top flight this year after gaining promotion last season.
However, Ciaran Kilduff’s side has been impressive all over the pitch in their comeback to the top flight. Star player Daryl Horgan has been a contender for Player of the Season while there has been an exciting mix of experience and youth throughout the team. Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns and Tyreke Wilson have been excellent signings for the Lilywhites while Eoin Kenny, Ronan Teahan and Harry Groom have been enjoying growing into the Dundalk side and becoming fan favourites.
Securing top flight status will still be the aim for this season but as they sit fifth coming into the last series of games the ambitions of a young exciting manager in Ciaran Kilduff will certainly be one thing to keep an eye on this year. Success has followed his managerial career everywhere so far and he won’t be settling for anything with the famous Louth Club.
