Drogheda United are the surprise leaders in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division
The 2025 League of Ireland season has been a thrilling ride so far, marked by unexpected title contenders, standout individual performances, and significant strides in the league's growth and popularity. Here's an in-depth look at the key developments up to mid-April.
Title Race: New Contenders Emerge
Defending champions Shelbourne, under Damien Duff, have faced challenges in maintaining their top form, currently sitting fourth in the Premier Division. Their season began with a strong 3-1 victory over Derry City, but consistency has been elusive. Midfielder Evan Caffrey leads their scoring with three goals, highlighting a need for more offensive contributions .
In contrast, Drogheda United has defied expectations after their Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup triumph, leading the table after nine games. Captain Ryan Brennan attributes their success to team unity and determination, emphasizing that their strong start is just the beginning. Darragh Markey, Warren Davis and Goalkeeper Luke Dennison have been instrumental.
St Patrick's Athletic is also in contention, with striker Aidan Keena topping the scoring charts with five goals but has been injured leaving Mason Melia as the starring man. Their solid performances suggest they could be serious title challengers as the season progresses along with Shamrock Rovers and Galway United who have also both had impressive starts.
European Ventures: Progress and Challenges
Shamrock Rovers made history by reaching the play-off round of the UEFA Conference League, narrowly missing out on the last 16 after a penalty shootout loss to Molde. Manager Stephen Bradley highlighted the importance of this achievement for Irish football's reputation in Europe but his side have enjoyed a nice run of form in recent weeks showing they're getting going again as they look to regain their title from Shels.
Rising Stars and Key Performers
Drogheda United's Warren Davis has contributed four goals, playing a crucial role in their unexpected rise to the top. Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers' William Fitzgerald leads the league in assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities in a side in desperate need of points to avoid the drop but have also seen Owen Elding rise the scoring charts giving them hope.
Galway United's Moses Dyer, Shelbourne's Kerr McInroy and Shamrock Rovers' Matt Healy have also been new arrivals that have impressed in the first series of games.
Off the Pitch: Growth and Engagement
The league has seen unprecedented growth in attendance and viewership. A record crowd of over 33,000 attended the Bohemians vs. Shamrock Rovers match, reflecting the league's increasing popularity as does continuous sold out signs being hoisted around the grounds each Friday night.
New broadcast deals with Virgin Media and TG4, along with a new LOITV platform, have expanded the league's reach. The introduction of the official Fantasy LOI game has further engaged fans with big numbers picking their teams each week before Friday's 18:30 deadline.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, the competition remains fierce. With unexpected teams leading the charge and traditional powerhouses striving to regain dominance, the 2025 League of Ireland season promises more excitement and surprises.
