Season returns tonight with huge Ringsend Derby
Virgin Media Television is set for a bumper summer schedule of live football, as it continues to bring fans all the action from the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division.
The season continues this Friday, following the international break, with a blockbuster Dublin derby as Shelbourne host Shamrock Rovers, live from Tolka Park on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play from 19:30.
As part of its landmark four-year broadcast deal announced earlier this year, Virgin Media Television is committed to showing 36 live games per season, with Friday night football now a permanent fixture throughout the summer months.
To date, the 2025 season has delivered significant viewership, with the top five most-watched games so far being:
- Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers
- St Patrick’s Athletic vs Bohemians
- Galway United vs St Patrick’s Athletic
- Bohemians vs Shamrock Rovers
- Shelbourne vs Derry City
With the title race heating up and European places on the line, Virgin Media Television has also confirmed four new live fixtures, continuing the momentum right through the summer:
- Shelbourne vs Shamrock Rovers* – Friday, 13 June - 19:45 KO
- Shamrock Rovers vs Cork City – Friday, 20 June - 19:45 KO (previously 20:00)
- Bohemians vs Shamrock Rovers – Monday, 23 June - 19:45 KO
- Cork City vs St Patrick’s Athletic – Friday, 27 June - 19:45 KO
- St Patrick’s Athletic vs Bohemians – Friday, 4 July - 19:45 KO
*Previously confirmed
All matches will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Play, with coverage beginning at 19:30pm each evening.
Brian Gleeson, Head of Sport at Virgin Media Television, said: “Irish football is thriving, and we’re proud to be at the heart of it. With packed grounds, passionate fans, and thrilling matches every week, we look forward to bringing even more memorable moments to the nation. Since announcing a landmark four-year broadcast agreement at the start of 2025, we have seen there is a consistent appetite for Irish football amongst viewers.
“Now that other international leagues have wrapped up, it's the perfect time to embrace the excitement of Irish football, supporting our local clubs, celebrating the passion of homegrown talent, and being part of a thriving league that constantly delivers unforgettable moments.
“Football doesn’t stop for the summer, and fans will get consistent coverage of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division on Virgin Media Television, ensuring they don’t miss a moment as the title race gathers pace.”
Meanwhile, Virgin Media Television has also announced that audio descriptive commentary will be available for live League of Ireland games for the first time ever. Thanks to a partnership with Rockshore 0.0. Virgin Media Television and Virgin Media Play will offer audio descriptive commentary to fans for all live games for the remainder of the 2025 season, as well as the entire 2026 season, totalling 52 matches.
