PREVIEW | Shamrock Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic - 2022 President's Cup Final

23rd November 2023

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers and Extra.ie FAI Cup holders St. Patrick's Athletic are all set to kick-off the 2022 season in the President's Cup Final tomorrow night.  The President's Cup Final, which will kick-off at 8pm

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers and Extra.ie FAI Cup holders St. Patrick's Athletic are all set to kick-off the 2022 season in the President's Cup Final tomorrow night. 

The President's Cup Final, which will kick-off at 8pm at Tallaght Stadium, will open the domestic season ahead of the start of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on Friday, February 18. 

Shamrock Rovers head into the 2022 campaign looking to defend their Premier Division title and go one better in the President's Cup last year, as they lost on penalties to Dundalk in the 2021 addition. 

The match will be live and FREE on LOITV here.

Rovers have brought in Andy Lyons from Bohemians and Jack Byrne returns to the club, and manager Stephen Bradley is determined to start the season right as they look to defend their title. 

"This season, the aim has to be to the defend our title first and foremost," said Bradley. 

"It is going to be difficult but we're happy with the group, we haven't had many changes and that continuity is very important to us.

"We've always wanted a strong group to be able to compete in all competitions and we look like we've got really healthy competition right throughout the squad. 

"A lot of other teams have improved as well. (St. Patrick's Athletic) They're very strong attacking wise, obviously bringing back Eoin Doyle is a massive one for them. He scores goal, he always has and I'm sure he will this year."

Eoin Doyle is one of a number of signings Tim Clancy has made since he moved to Inchicore to replace Stephen O'Donnell. Mark Doyle followed Clancy to Richmond Park and other notable signings include Tunde Owolabi, Adam O’Reilly (loan), Anto Breslin and Joe Redmond.

With the additions in the off-season and their FAI Cup triumph in 2021, Pats manager Clancy believes it is up to them and a few others to put pressure on Shamrock Rovers in the title race. 

"Shamrock Rovers finished last season 11 points ahead last season so it is up to us and a few others to get up there, cut that gap and make it competitive this season," commented Pats boss Tim Clancy. 

"The expectations are a little bit different from when we were underdogs at Drogheda. It is a little bit different now but we need to find a winning formula and see how we can progress from the success the club had last year.

"We've strengthened the squad and now feel like we've got good strength in almost every area. We're really looking forward to it, I've been given this opportunity with Pats and we're determined to be a success.

"Friday night is the first night where it is a competitive game and we'll be able to see where we're at and it'll be great to get underway."

Tickets for the match are still available from shamrockrovers.ie with the match live and FREE on LOITV here.