Setanta Cup to kick-off in August

It has been announced that the All-Ireland Setanta Cup will start in August and will go through to May 2010. 9 clubs this year from both South and North of the border will compete for the final in May next year. 3 groups of 3 will make the 1st round with the group winners and best runners-up going into the semi-finals. 

August 29th is the kick-off date for the competition with the final being played on May 15th 2010. 

League of Ireland: Bohemians, Cork City, Derry City, St Patricks, Sligo Rovers

JJB Premiership: Cliftonville, Coleraine, Glentoran, Linfield

1st Division preview

Thursday night sees UCD hosting Sporting Fingal in a promotion clash. 

Friday has only 1 game with Shelbourne hosting Monaghan United

4 games on Saturday with Mervue United hosting Limerick FC, Waterford United hosting Wexford Youths in the derby, Longford Town hosting Finn Harps and Kildare County hosting Athlone Town. 

Premier Divsion Preview

No question about the match of the weekend! Cork City host Bohemians at Turner's Cross in a top of the table clash. Pat Fenlon's side a 3 points behind Cork in the table and need the points to go level. Cork go into the game looking to strech their unbeaten run to 11 games under Paul Doolin. 

Elsewhere Derry City travel to Galway United in search of 3 points that would keep them within distance at the top. 

St Patrick's look to turn around their awful home form this season by getting the three points against Bray Wanderers at Richmond Park. 

Dundalk host Sligo Rovers without Dave Rogers of course who has been sacked by the Louth club during the week. 

Saturday night sees Shamrock Rovers host Drogheda who nw have a spring in their step following their 1st win a few weeks ago. 

1st Division round-up

Limerick were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Finn Harps at Jackman Park. 

Mervue United got a fantastic result at home to Sporting Fingal drawing 1-1. 

Monaghan United were held at home to Wexford Youths. 

Shelbourne dropped another 2 points when held to a 2-2 draw by Longford Town at Tolka Park. 

Saturday saw 2 games take place with Waterford United reduced to just the 2-0 win over bottom side Kildare County. 

Athlone Town couldn't prevent UCD winning 1-0 as they top the table by 2 points from Waterford United. 

Round 11 Round-up

The match of round pitted Derry City at home to league leaders Bohemians on Friday. Bohs took the lead on 17 minutes thanks to Paul Keegan but Derry levelled on 50 minutes with Thomas Stewart getting the goal. Mark Farren hit his 4th goal in 2 games on 53 minutes before Barry Molloy made it 3-1 on 75 minutes. Just 3 minutes later though Brian Murphy made it 3-2. Derry hold on for the win. 

Bray Wanderers hosted bottom club Drogheda but the outcome was a shock. Brian King with the only goal on 31 minutes to secure Drogheda's 1st win over the season. 

Dundalk also got a vital win at home to Galway United. Declan O'Brien with the only goal on 31 minutes to condemn Galway to defeat. 

Saturday saw Sligo Rovers host Shamroc Rovers but it was the Dublin visitors who came away with the points. Pádraig Amond opened the scoring on 24 minutes and made it 2-0 just 4 minutes later. Shane Robinson made it 3-0 from the penalty spot on 69 minutes to secure a 3-0 win. 

St Patrick's hosted in form Cork City looking the change their awful home record this season. But Dennis Behan put the visitors ahead on 13 minutes. Defender Greg O'Halloran then made it 2-0 just 5 minutes later. St Patrick's were heading for another defeat and following his 1st goal for Cork last week Fahrudin Kuduzovic made it 3-0 on 33 minutes. Another win for Cork and another 3-0 home defeat for St Patrick's. 

League Cup 2nd Round Review

Monday night saw the 2nd round of the League cup take place with 7 ties taking place. 

FC Carlow are out having been beaten by Waterford United 1-2 after extra-time. 

Galway United dumped Derry City out with a 1-0 win at Terryland Park. 

St Patrick's exited the cup at the hands of Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers to increase the pressure on Jeff Kenna. 

The Shock of the round was at Turner's Cross were Cork City exited the competition after losing 5-4 on penalties to Wexford Youths. 

Drogheda United are also out after losing 0-2 to Sporting Fingal. 

Bohemians won an entertaining tie 4-3 after extra-time against rivals Shelbourne. 

1st Division round-up

Just the 5 games took place in round 9 with Finn Harps v Shelbourne postponed due to unplayable conditions. 

Sporting Fingal were held to a 1-1 draw by Limerick FC despite having taken the lead on 79 minutes thanks to Gareth Whealan. Martin Deady levelled for Limerick on 81 minutes. 

UCD made it a 2nd win in a row and their 8th in total with a 3-1 win over Longford. Ciarán Kilduff scored twice with Greg Bolger getting the other for UCD. Derek Glynn pulled one back for Longford. 

Saturday saw Waterford United record a 2-0 win over Mervue United with Joe Mulcahy and William Kiely both scoring the goals. 

Poor old Kildare County conceded another three goals as Wexford Youths recorded a 0-3 win with David Breen, Gavin Doyle and Richard Fitzgerald getting the goals. 

Athlone Town lost to Monaghan United 2-3 at home despite goals from Robbie Benson and Noel McGee. 

Round 10 Review

Bohemians made fun of Dundalk on Friday night at Dalymount Park with a thumping 5-0 win over the Lillywhites. Glen Crowe gave Bohs a 30th minute lead before Jason Bryne made it 2-0 from the spot on 73 minutes. Bryne who is in form made it 3-0 on 83 minutes before getting another two in added on time. 

Cork City maintained their unbeaten run which is now at 7 games after a 1-0 sucess against Sligo Rovers. A familiar name to Sligo headed in the winner on 68 minutes. Fahrudin Kuduzovic with his first goal for Cork. 

Derry City brushed bottom side Drogheda United away with a 0-3 sucess at United Park to keep within touhing distance of Cork in 2nd. Mark Farren hit a hat-trick with strikes on 48,52 and 90 minutes. 

Shamrock Rovers were surprisingly beaten at home to Bray Wanderers. Bray left Tallaght with a 1-0 win thanks to Dane Massey's goal on 55 minutes. 

Galway United bounced back from last week's defeat to Cork by beating St Patrick's for the 2nd time this season. Jeff Kenna returned to his former club with a hostile reception from both sets of fans. Gary Breen gave Galway the lead on 5 minutes before Mark Quigley's 32nd minute penalty levelled the scores. But Galway captain Jay O'Shea popped up to score the winner on 47 minutes. Dundalk away next up for Galway. 

1st Division Round-Up

Sporting Fingal made the journey from Dublin to Longford and came back with a 3-1 win and the three points. Former Leeds trainee Robert Bayly opened the scoring on 23 minutes before Éamon Zayed made it 2-0 on 75 minutes. Liam Lynch pulled a goal back for the hosts 3 minutes later before Ross Gaynor made it 3-1 on 80 minutes. 

Wexford Youths got a vital 2-1 win over Finn Harps on Saturday. Gavin Doyle opwed the scoring on 10 minutes before Wexford got their 2nd on 59 minutes. Conor Gethins pulled a goal back for the visitors but Finn Harps will make the long journey back with no points. 

Shamrock Rovers 2-0 St Patrick's

Gary Twigg continued his scoring run on Saturday night as Shamrock Rovers put more misery on St Patrick's. Twigg opened the scoring on 50 minutes before he added his 2nd 23 minutes later. 

St Patrick's poor form continues with just 1 win in their last 5 games. Shamrock Rovers meanwhile are now 4th with 15 points from their 9 games played. 

1st Division round-up

Limerick were defeated at Jackman Park on Friday after Waterford United left with a 2-0 win and the three points. Goals from Paul McCarthy and Graham Cummins securing the points and 2nd place. 

Mervue United couldn't stop UCD as they suffered a last gasp defeat. David O'Brien scored an own goal on 32 minutes before Mervue levelled on 39 minutes thanks to Nicky Curran. John Reilly hit the winner for the leaders to secure top spot. 

Shelbourne kept pace with UCD by beating Athlone Town 2-0 at Tolka Park. Goals from Anthony Flood and Derek Doyle enough to secure three points. 

Monaghan United were also victorious as they put 5 past Kildare County. Goals from Sean Brennan,  Barry Clancy and Daragh Hanaphy plus a double from Paul Whelan gave Monaghan a 5-1 win with David O'Riordan getting one back for the visitors.

Saturday sees two games on with Longford Town hosting Sporting Fingal and Finn Harps going to Wexford Youths.  

Round 9 round-up

Bohemians remain top after beating Bray Wanderers 2-0 at Dalymount Park on Friday. Goals from Killian Brennan (42) and Jason Bryne (44) were enough to seal the victory. 

Derry City surrendered 2nd spot after the were surprisingly defeated 1-0 at home to Dundalk. Darren Mansaram scored the only goal on 54 minutes. 

Drogheda United got a point after holding Sligo Rovers to a 0-0 draw at united park. Sligo who have been in good form lately will be disappointed about this result. 

Cork City have jumped into 2nd place after beating Galway United 1-0 at Turner's Cross. The only goal came on 17 minutes when Fahrudin Kuduzovic crossed for Billy Dennehy to finish from close-range. 

Shamrock Rovers host St Patrick's in Saturday night's game. 

Round 8 Round Up

Dundalk failed to beat Cork City at Oriel Park on Friday night as the Leesiders continue to power up the table. Dundalk had taken the lead when George O'Callaghan found Chris Turner with a cross and the header was perfect past Dan Connor. Billy Dennehy lobbed Chris Bennion on 74 minutes before Dennis Behan found the winner on 88 minutes. 

Galway United suffered another defeat at Terryland Park as Shamrock Rovers left with the 3 points. Gary Twigg scored a disputed hat-trick. Twigg scored the 1st on 4 minutes before his controversial goal on 17 minutes which he was offside. He wrapped up a perfect night with another on 64 minutes. Vinny Faherty had found the net on 55 minutes. 

Bray Wanderers kept up their unbeaten home run as leaders Derry City visited the Carlisle Grounds on Friday. Ciarán Martyn gave Derry the lead on 18 minutes before Gary McCabe levelled with a sweet strike on the edge of the area on 72 minutes. 

St Patrick's returned to winning ways as they beat bottom side Drogheda United 2-1 at Richmond Park. Andy Haran opened the scoring on 21 minutes before it was 2-0 when former Drogs star Stuart Bryne scored. Drogheda pulled a goal back on 83 minutes thanks to Mark Duggan. 

Saturday's game saw Sligo Rovers host champions Bohemians at the Showgrounds and a few chances fell to either side with Romauld Boco coming close before Jason Bryne tied up Kilian Brennan who could've had a penalty. 0-0 the final score. 

League Cup Round 1 review

Cork City made hard-work of going through to round 2. The Rebel Army needed extra-time to beat Kerry League but eventually  ran out 1-3 winners. Tim Kiely gave Cork the lead but Chris Kerins levelled for the Part-Time Kerry League. Danny Murphy and Denis Behan both scored in extra-time to send them through. 

UCD came away from Tullamore Town 2-0 winners and with a place in round 2. 

Finn Harps brushed Castlebar Celtic aside 4-0. 

Athlone Town sunk their midlands rivals Longford Town again with a 3-0 win. Stpehan Rice and 2 from Emeka Onwubiko with the goals. 

Remaining 1st round ties

Tonight the last four 2nd round places will be decided as 8 clubs look to win their place in the next round. 

Kerry League host in-form Cork City who are likely to make changes for this tie in Mounthawk stadium in Tralee. 

Castlebar Celtic of the 'A' Championship host Finn Harps looking for a place in round 2. Kick-off at 7:30 pm at Celtic Park. 

Tullamore Town host UCD who have won 6 out of 6 in the 1st division so far and Leah Victoria Park will be the setting. 

Longford Town face Athlone town again for the 2nd time in 3 days at Flancare Park. 

League Cup 1st Round Review

The 1st Round of the EA Sports Cup began on Monday night with seven ties being played. 

Galway United were pitted against Galway rivals Salthill Devon. Jay O'Shea scored a free-kik on 8 minutes before Declan Edwards completed a tap-in on 22 minutes to give the Premier division side a 2-0 lead. Enda Dunne pulled a goal back for Salthill on 72 minutes before Marcen Maranck levelled the scores on 78 minutes at 2-2. The game went to penalties and it was Salthill's Ray Winters who missed the crucial spot-kick and Galway won to go through. 

Shelbourne hosted Dundalk in what should've been a close game at Tolka Park. Peter Hynes opened the scoring for Shelbourne before Richie Baker made it 2-0 and to round-up a good night for Shels, Paddy Madden made it 3-0 sending Dundalk out. 

Sporting Fingal are also through after beating Monaghan United 2-1. The 2nd win for Sporting over Monaghan in 3 days. Conan Bryne gave Sporting the lead on 11 minutes before he got his 2nd on 27 minutes. But Monaghan pulled a goal back through Darragh Hanaphy. 

Drogheda United put their league campaign to one side as they recorded a 2-0 win over Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds. Brian King and James Chambers were among the goals for the Drogs. 

Shamrock Rovers breezed past Kildare County at Tallaght stadium with a 3-0 win over the 1st division's bottom side. Tadhg Purcell gave Rovers the lead before Karl Hegarty put through his own net and Stephen Bradley converted a penalty to secure the win. 

Limerick and Wexford Youth had to be decided by a penalty shoot-out after the two sides drew 1-1 at Jackman Park. Gavin Doyle gave Youths the perfect start when putting them 0-1 up but Stephen Goggins levelled for the Shannonsiders to send the game into penalties in which Pa Doyle helped Wexford to the 2nd round with a string of penalty saves. 

FC Carlow hosted Cobh Ramblers in an all 'A' Championship tie. FC Carlow ended up winning 3-2 and secure a place in round 2 against Waterford United. 

1st Division Round-Up

Saturday night saw two fixtures being played. Finn Harps hosted Waterford United and Athlone Town made the short trip to Longford. 

The Midlands derby between Longford and Athlone saw just the one strike from Thomas McGauley on 15 minutes to secure Athlone Town a 1-0 away victory. 

Waterford United made the long trip north to face Finn Harps and it was the hosts who made the breakthrough on 15 minutes thanks to Conor Gethins' penalty. Just a minute later Waterford were level thanks to Graham Cummins. Gary Dunphy made it 1-2 on 72 minutes before Joe Mulcahy wrapped up the 3 points on 86 minutes. 

Bohemians 3-0 St Patrick's

Saturday nights only gaem saw a dublin derby take place and Bohemians ran out easy 3-0 winners at Dalymount Park. 

Glen Crowe gave Bohs the lead on 48 minutes and on 70 minutes Bohs made it 2-0 thanks to Graham Carey's goal. Just 7 miniutes later Sean Bryne made it 3-0 as St Patrick's suffer back-to-back 3-0 defeats in a week. 

1st Division Round-up

Friday night saw a top of the table clash between UCD and Shelbourne with both sides going into the game with 100% win records. David McMillan gave UCD a 17th minute lead before John Reilly put the Students 2-0 up at Tolka Park. Paddy Madden pulled a goal back for Shelbourne on 47 minutes but UCD got a 3rd on 65 minutes with John Reilly getting his 2nd of the night. 

Kildare County's poor start continued with a shocking 0-3 loss to Mervue United. Damien O'Rourke put Mervue ahead on 26 minutes before David Garry put through his own net on 42 minutes. Kildare were woeful and conceded a 3rd on 75 minutes with David O'Dowd happy to give Mervue a much needed win. 

Wexford Youths were beaten by a spirited Limerick side that look to have put their recent form behind them. Colin Scanlan gave the Munster side the lead on 24 minutes but had to wait until Paul Walsh's 86 minute penalty was converted to give Limerick a 2-0 away win. 

Monaghan United stay 11th after losing 0-3 at home to promotion chasing Sporting Fingal. Sporting knew a win would help as UCD played Shelbourne and a win they got with Conan Bryne opening the scoring on 6 minutes before Shaun Williams made it 2-0 on 28 minutes. Williams again scored on 69 minutes to secure 3 points for Sporting. 

Round 7 Round-up

An entertaining round of fixtures on Friday night saw no less than 8 goals scored in 4 games. The biggest game of the night was Derry City against Sligo Rovers which was being shown live on tv and it was a good match as both sides played end-to-end stuff. Sligo Rovers took the lead thanks to Romauld Boco's deflected goal on 39 minutes but a minute later Gareth McGlynn volleyed in from a perfect cross. Derry were pushing for the win and came close from corners with Clive Delaney heading over. But Delaney's clearence on 89 minutes was blocked which sent Rafael Cretaro through one-on-one which he slotted past Gerard Doherty. Sligo's 1st win in Derry since 1999. 

The game's early kick-off of 16:00 was in Bray which saw the hosts draw with Dundalk 1-1 in a game of two halfs. Declan O'Brien found the net for Dundalk on 42 minutes before Bray pulled level thanks to Jake Kelly's penalty on the stoke of half-time. 

Drogheda United suffered a 2nd sucessive defeat in a week when Galway United left United park with 3 undeserved points. Drogheda United created the most chances and should've been miles in front but a sloppy goal from Declan Edwards on 80 minutes proved to be the winner and sunk Drogheda. 

Shamrock Rovers hosted in-form Cork City at Tallaght stadium and it was the Leesiders who took the lead thanks to a brillient free-kick from Colin Healy on 66 minutes. But Shamrock Rovers became the 3rd side this season to take points from Cork late on with Gary Twigg netting on 83 minutes to force a draw. 

Team Focus Cork City:

We focus on Cork City and about the start they have made after 5 league games of the 2009 season. The Rebel Army haven't had a perfect start that they would've liked but after 5 games they are 3rd behind Bohemians and Derry City with 10 points. 

Having sacked Alan Matthews in December and appointing Paul Doolin in January it has been a difficult few months for the club as they aim to bounce back from the financial problems last year. 

The new signings Doolin has made have been so far 50 50. Billy Dennehy and Guntars Silagailis have settled in well and have become fan favourites while Fahrudin Kudozovic and Roberts Mezeckis are yet to shine. Mezeckis has been injured and will be out for a while and Kudozovic has been on the bench. Dan Connor has been good so far this season and kept 3 clean sheets in a row while Davin O'Neil has performed well since arriving from Cobh Ramblers. 

Cork drew their opening game away to Sligo Rovers and then lost 1-0 at home to St Patrick's. But just 3 minutes away from victory in Derry Cork lost 2-1 and things were not looking good. Needing wins the rebel army played Bray Wanderers at home and won 2-1 before beating the champions Bohemians 1-0 in Dalymount and then beating Drogheda United 1-0 at Turner's Cross on Tuesday. 

The next fixtures are difficult for Cork. They travel to Dublin to face Shamrock Rovers tonight and Friday they are away to Dundalk on the astroturf Oriel Park and host Galway United on April 24th. 

Round 6 round-up

There was a full programe of fixtures on Tuesday night. The 1st of 4 midweek rounds in 2009 saw Dundalk take on Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park. Shamrock Rovers who had drawn against Drogheda last Friday were back in Louth as they beat Dundalk 0-1 thanks to Stephan Rice's goal on 11 minutes. 

Champions Bohemians inflicted Galway United's first home defeat of the season with Jason Bryne scoring twice on 32 minutes and 45 minutes. 

Sligo Rovers finally got a win after Rafael Cretaro's double (4,47) secured the points before Paul Bryne struck on 29 minutes. 

St Patrick's suffered a 2nd 0-3 home defeat this time to Derry City as they continue to top the table. Thomas Stewart opened the scoring on 9 minutes before Gareth McGlynn made it 2-0 on 33 minutes. Ciarán Martyn made it 3-0 on 37 minutes to secure the win. 

Cork City made it 3 wins from 3 games as they defeated Drogheda United 1-0 at Turner's Cross. Dennis Behan volleyed in the winner on 38 minutes as Cork move into 3rd place. 

1st Division Round-up

All the promotion favourites played on Friday night. Shelbourne went to Mervue to get 3 points and they did just that thanks to Kevin Doherty's goal. 

Sporting Fingal kept pace with Shels after Éamonn Zayed found the only goal against Finn Harps. 

UCD made it 5 wins from 5 when they secured a comprehensive 4-0 win at home to Kildare County. David McMillan helping himself to 2 goals. 

Saturday night saw Limerick hold Monaghan United to a 0-0 draw at Jackman Park. Waterford United recored a 1-0 win over Longford Town while Athlone Town were beaten at home by Wexford Youths. 

Round 5 Round-up

The game of the round took place at Dalymount Park on Friday night as champions Bohemians fell to a 1-0 defeat to Cork City. Former Cobh Ramblers man Davin O'Neil scored the only goal. 

Derry City could only get a 1-1 draw at home to Galway United and missed the chance extend the lead at the top. Stewart opened the scoring for Derry on 21 minutes before Conneely levelled for Galway on 52 minutes. 

Bray Wanderers had a floodlight failure at half-time and the game was delayed for an extra half an hour but it didn't stop Bray from recording their 1st win of the season over St Patrick's. Jake Kelly's penalty on 74 minutes et Bray on their way but Stuart Bryne levelled on 89 minutes for the Dublin side before Paul Bryne scored the winner. 

Drogheda were just 5 minutes away from their 1st win of the season but instead had to do with a draw against Shamrock Rovers at United Park. Gary Twigg gave the Dubs the lead on 20 minutes. But Drogheda levelled when Paul Shiels scored on 47 minutes. Drogheda took a shock lead on 73 minutes when Robbie Farrell finished. But on 85 minutes Pádraig Armond levelled the scores and it ended 2-2. 

Saturday night's game saw Sligo Rovers fall to a 1-3 defeat to Dundalk at the Showgrounds. Dundalk raced into the lead on 38 minutes when Darren Mansaram scored against his former club. Liam Burns made it 0-2 on 64 minutes and on 76 minutes Chris Turner made it 0-3. Sligo did pull a goal back on 77 minutes through Rafael Cretaro. 

Ireland latest from Bari

The Irish after Saturday's poor display in the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria will be egar for a good positive result against group leaders Italy in Bari tomorrow night. 

Aiden McGeady is a doubt after picking up a knee injury during Saturday's game while Damien Duff is out with a Hamstring tear. 

Italy are without Antonio Di Natle who injured his knee on Saturday against Montenegro. 

1st Division round-up

Sunday evening saw Athlone Town host promotion chasing Waterford United with a 17:00pm start. 

Athlone came into this game ahead of Waterford in the table and unbeaten since the start of the season. 7 points from their opening 4 games. 

Waterford were way off top spot with just 4 points from 3 games. 

But Athlone took the lead on 69 minutes thanks to Noel McGee. But Waterford came back and levelled on 75 minutes with a William Kiely goal. Kiely would secure the win on 89 minutes to ensure Waterford move level with Athlone with 7 points. 

1st Division 4th Round Review

Quiet alot of goals scored on Friday in the 1st Division and no doubt about the team of the Round this week. Sporting Fingal, the Dublin side recored an emphatic 8-0 away romp of Kildare County. Éamonn Zayed opened the scoring on 14 minutes before Conan Bryne (34) and a Robbie Doyle penalty on 43 minutes gave them a 3-0 lead at half-time. Zayed got his 2nd on the night on 49 minutes and Shaun Williams helped himself to 2 goals on 66 and 69 minutes. Conan Bryne got his 2nd on 78 minutes before former Cobh Ramblers' hitman Ross Gaynor wrapped up the scoring on 82 minutes. 

But it is UCD who top the division along with Shelbourne on 12 points after a 4th straight win. Finn Harps were the latest victims. David McMillan's 2nd minute strike set the scoring off before Finn Harps levelled with Michael Funston on 12 minutes. But UCD won a penalty on 13 minutes which was converted by Ciaran Kilduff. 

Shelbourne also kept up their 100% win record with a 1-0 win over Limerick FC. Anto Flood's 20th minute strike was enough for Shels. 

Wexford Youths are off the bottom after a 2-1 win over Longford Town. Gavin Doyle gave Youths the lead on 4 minutes but Longford fought back and levelled 9 minutes into the 2nd half thanks to a goal from Brian McCarthy. But Youths railied and found the winner on 72 minutes with David Miller grabbing the win. 

Monaghan United and Mervue United played a bottom of the table six-pointer with the newly promoted side from Galway getting a vital win. Mike Tierney gave Mervue the lead on 24 minutes before they doubled the lead on 83 minutes. Monaghan pulled a goal back on 84 minutes but couldn't find the winner. 

Round 4 Round-up

Round 4 of the league concluded on Friday night with Galway United held to a 0-0 draw by Sligo Rovers in the Connaght derby. The match was live on tv and was the only game that had no goals. Galway are now 4th after this result. Sligo are in 9th place with 2 points. 

Champions Bohemians top the table after beating Drogheda United 1-0 away at United Park. Brian Murphy scored the only goal on 24 minutes to send Bohs top with 10 along with Derry City who also have 10 points. 

Shamrock Rovers suffered their first defeat at Tallaght Stadium when Derry City came away with a 2-1 win. Dessie Baker had given the Dublin side the lead on 68 minutes before goals from Stewart and Ciaran Martyn gave the candystripes another late win. 

St Patrick's are now 3rd with 9 points after beating Dundalk 2-0 at Richmond Park. Mark Leech opened the scoring on 36 minutes before the win was secured by Kyle Morgan's goal on 78 minutes. Dundalk are now 8th with just 3 points. 

Cork City finally recorded their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers at Turner's Cross. Guntars Silagailis twice scored on 26 minutes and 59 minutes before Bray's David Mulcahy pulled one back on 63 minutes. 

1st Division Round 3 round up

Shelbourne made it 3 wins from 3 when defeating fellow promotion chasers Waterford united 1-0 with a late goal from Paddy Madden. 

Sporting Fingal kept the 5 point gap up with a 2-0 home win over Wexford Youths with goals from Éamonn Zayed and Conan Bryne. 

UCD are also joint top after their 3rd straight win this time over Monaghan United. UCD won 3-0. 

Round 3 Review

The big match on Friday was the Big Dublin derby between champions Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park. But in what was a fantastic game it was the champions who ended up winning 2-0 thanks to Jason Bryne's two goals. Bryne scored from the spot on 17 minutes before he added a 2nd on 63 minutes. 

Dundalk clashed with Drogheda United in the Louth derby but it was the home side who ran away with things. Chris Turner opened the scoring for the Oriel Park side before he added his 2nd on 48 minutes. A Darren Mansaram goal on 44 minutes completed the win. 

Bray Wanderers remain unbeaten after 3 games but all three have been draws. But the home side had to rescue a point here as Galway United extended their good start. Vinny Faherty had given Galway a 8th minute lead before Paddy Kavanagh levelled the scores. Cian McBrien gave Galway the lead again on 21 minutes and with just 2 minutes to go Gary McCabe's penalty levelled the scores at 2-2. McCabe then missed another penalty late on. 

Derry City moved into joint 1st place with a come-from behind win over Cork City at the Brandywell. Cork City had made the trip north to get their 1st win over the season and on 89 minutes they were 90 seconds away from victory. But then Ciaran Martyn levelled the scores in added time before Aaron Nash cancelled out Guntars Silgailis' opener for Cork. Cork are now 9th. 

Round 2 Review

A Couple of surprising results on Round 2 with Cork City failing to beat St Patrick's at home the stand-out score. Former Rebel Darragh Ryan headed in the winner just 10 minutes into the game. But Cork had loads of chances to win the game. 

Drogheda United got their 1st point of the season with a 0-0 draw against Bray Wanderers who claim their 2nd draw of the season. 

Bohemians and Derry City played out a 1-1 draw with Killian Brennan on target for Bohs following Derry's 1st goal. 

Shamrock Rovers returned home with a 2-1 win over Sligo in their new stadium. Goals from Twigg and Baker were enough despite Peers' goal for the visitors late on. Shamrock Rovers now have 4 points. 

But the table after Round 2 is still lead by Galway United. Having brushed St Patrick's asside last week the Tribesmen recored a 1-0 win over Dundalk who are now bottom with nothing from their opening 2 games. 

Round 2 Preview

Round 1 of League of Ireland saw Galway United blow St Patrick's away with a superb 3-0 win. But Galway United will face a stern test in their 1st home game of the season. Dundalk are the visitors to Terryland Park on Friday and the newly promoted side will be eager to make amends after last week's cagy defeat. Seán Connor will be suspended having been sent-off last week and Dundalk could welcome back Darren Mansaram, who missed last week's game due to injury. Galway United will look to star man Jay O'Shea for tricks on the wing. 

Champions Bohemians will host Derry City at Dalymount hoping to build on last week's win over Dundalk. Joseph Ndo could start having scored the winner last week. Derry City missed a host of chances last week but started with a 1-0 win over Drogheda. Liam Kearney could be in for a start. 

Drogheda United will face Bray Wanderers in their 1st home game of the season. But having lost their squad over the winter Drogheda fans would like to start with a win. Bray drew last week and will want all 3 points on Friday. 

Shamrock Rovers face Sligo Rovers and having both drawn last time out both will be looking for wins on Friday. For Shamrock Rovers a 1st ever game at their new Tallaght stadium is the highlight and for Sligo 3 points would suit them nicely as they look to march towards Europe. 

Cork City dropped 2 points last Saturday at Sligo but with home advantage on Friday they could well have 3 more points. St Patrick's had a miserable defeat to Galway at home and will be up for this clash at Turners's Cross. 

1st Division Round-Up

The remaining 6 teams got their seasons underway tonight and what a night it was. Waterford United ended up fustrated as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Sporting Fingal. The Dublin side who are favourites for promotion this year will be disappointed with the scoreline. 

Kildare County began what was supposed to be an 'A' Championship season with a draw. Newly relegated Finn Harps were eager to get a win to set them on the right-foot for their target this November but having fallen behind in this game to an Alan O'Riordan strike it was always goin to be difficult against a spirited Kildare side. 

The final game of the night was a cracker of a game at Flancare park. Longford Town had an sensational dream start to the game. Colm Jinks gave Longford the lead on 10 minutes before Jason McCarthy made it 2-0 seconds later. It got better for Longford and they made it 3-0 a minutes later when Derek Glynn scored. But that start was soon to be cancelled out and Monaghan United pulled a goal back on 23 minutes thanks to Karl Bermingham. Monaghan got a 2nd goal on 36 minutes when Seán Brennan found the net. Longford did threaten for more goals but Monaghan rescued a point on 50 minutes when Tim Clancy cancelled out Longford start. 

Sligo Rovers v Cork City

Sligo Rovers and Cork City started their campaigns with a 1-1 draw. A result not really favoured by either side as both will have European places on their minds this year. 

Sligo Rovers were without their Portugues rock Mauro Almeida for this game but still kept Cork quiet for much of the game. Sligo Rovers had their chances to win the game but failed to put them away. 

Former Bit O'Red favourite Fahrudin Koduzovic started for the Rebel Army but failed to score against his former club. 

Cork City did take the lead late on in the game when Tralee native Billy Dennehy pounced on 86 minutes. Cork thought they had won until Stephan Parkhouse shot past Dan Connor. 

So it finished 1-1 on the night and Paul Doolin's men will travel down to Cork with a point. 

1st Division Round-Up Day 1

Newcomers Mervue United ended the night with a defeat but at 1-0 it wasn't a trashing. Athlone Town can into this game with probloms of their own after concerns for their future during pre-season but got off to a good start. Noel McGee got the vital goal. 

UCD marked their return to the 1st Division with a 2-1 home win over Limerick FC. The win sets UCD on the right-foot as they look to bounce back from last years disappointment. 

Former giants Shelbourne are also off to a 100% start after recording a 2-1 win over Wexford Youths. Shelbourne are one of the favourites to go up this year and have started strongly. 

Opening Night Drama

The Season finally arrived with 4 fixtures taking place on Friday night the pick of which was Dundalk hosting Bohemians in their first Premier League fixture since 2002. 

Dundalk featured a host of new signings including George O'Callaghan formally of Cork City and he played in what ended in disappoitment for the Louth Side. 

Joseph Ndo headed the games only goal when mussled between two defender looped his header over Bennion. 

Bray Wanderers held Shamrock Rovers to a 0-0 draw at the Carlisle Grounds but Shamrock Rovers will see this as 2 points dropped very early on. 

Derry City did just enough to power past Alan Matthew's new-look Drogheda United side. Mark Farren was on target at the Brandywell. 

However it is Galway United who top the table after day 1 after a surprise thumping of St Patrick's. Declan O'Brien helped himself to two goals and Vinny Faherty also found the net as Galway cruised to a surprise away win over former coach Jeff Kenna. 

Tomarrow it is Sligo Rovers hosting Cork City in the last of Day 1 fixtures. That kicks-off at 20:00pm GMT at the Showgrounds.

Cobh ramblers fortune

Cobh Ramblers were looking rosy in November 2007 when a 1-0 win over Athlone Town secured promotion to the League of Ireland. But a season of struggle and bad luck followed and were eventually relegated. The club who went into examinership like Cork rivals Cork City FC lost a chunk of their squad with players joining Waterford United and Dublin clubs. 

But Cobh's misery didn't end there. They were refused a licence for the 1st divison for 2009 meaning they will play 2009 in the 3rd tier. The agony of relegation was bad but double relegation has killed the spirits of the club. The club are looking for new players and have appointed Dave Hill as manager as they look to return to the 1st division for 2010. 

Sligo Rovers sign Xano

Sligo Rovers have added another Portuguese player to their squad with the signing of Idáilo Alexandre Ferreira. 

Simply known as 'Xano' the former Eastbourne Borough striker has played for Académica in the Superliga. 

Xano joins fellow native Mauro Almeida on the squad list at Rovers. 

Drogheda United strenghten

Drogheda United's new boss Alan Matthews has wasted no time in adding to a Drogheda United squad that has been shreaded following the period of examinership. 

The Drogs who have seen their 2008 squad break-up and go here there and everywhere have signed Steve Williams to keep goal for them in 2009. Williams, formally of Shelbourne who suffered something similar in 2006 with the squad break-up. 

Jaime Duffy has signed from fellow Co.Louth side Dundalk as has Robbie Farrell and David O'Connor. Alan Matthews has also added John-Paul Kelly to his squad from champions Bohemians. Connor Kenna has also joined from UCD. 

The Drogs have lost Éamon Zayed to Sporting Fingal in the 1st divsion. 

Cork City sign three more players

Latvian duo Robert Mezeckis and Guntars Silagailis have both signed for Cork City after impressing during a trial period. 

New City boss Paul Doolin choose the pair to go on trial and was impressed enough to make them the latest signings as City gear up for the new season. Robert Mezeckis is a central defender who previously played for Latvian giants Skonto Riga and has previously played for the Latvian national team. Guntars Silagailis has signed from FK Riga and has signed a 1 year-deal with the Rebel army. 

The third signing this week is Shane Duggan who has returned the Munster. The Limerick-born former Plymouth player was with UCD in the latter part of last season although he couldn't save the Dubliners from relegation. Duggan is a midfielder who will be aiming for a 1st team place this season. 

Fixtures released

The FAI has released the fixtures for the upcomming 2009 season. The 1st round of fixtures look very interesting with Dundalk hosting Bohemians the pick of the games on matchday 1. 

Series 1Fri. March 6th Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. March 6th Derry City v Drogheda United Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. March 6th Dundalk v Bohemians Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 6th St. Patrick's Athletic v Galway United Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. March 7th Sligo Rovers v Cork City The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 2Fri. March 13th Bohemians v Derry City Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 13th Cork City v St. Patrick's Athletic Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. March 13th Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers United Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 13th Galway United v Dundalk Terryland Park 7.45pm
Sat. March 14th Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 3Fri. March 20th Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 20th Bray Wanderers v Galway United Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. March 20th Derry City v Cork City Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. March 20th Dundalk v Drogheda United Oriel Park 7.45pm
Sat. March 21st Sligo Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 4Fri. March 27th Cork City v Bray Wanderers Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. March 27th Drogheda United v Bohemians United Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 27th Galway United v Sligo Rovers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. March 27th St. Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. March 28th Shamrock Rovers v Derry City Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 5Fri. April 3rd Bohemians v Cork City Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 3rd Bray Wanderers v St. Patrick's Athletic Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. April 3rd Derry City v Galway United Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. April 3rd Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers United Park 7.45pm
Sat. April 4th Sligo Rovers v Dundalk The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 6 - MidweekTBC Cork City v Drogheda United Turner's Cross TBC
TBC Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers Oriel Park TBC
TBC Galway United v Bohemians Terryland Park TBC
TBC St. Patrick's Athletic v Derry City Richmond Park TBC
TBC Sligo Rovers v Bray Wanderers The Showgrounds TBC
  
   

Series 7Fri. April 10th Bohemians v St. Patrick's Athletic Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 10th Drogheda United v Galway United United Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 10th Bray Wanderers v Dundalk Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. April 10th Derry City v Sligo Rovers Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Sat. April 11th Shamrock Rovers v Cork City Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

MIDWEEK – LEAGUE OF IRELAND CUP FIRST ROUND  
   

Series 8Fri. April 17th Bray Wanderers v Derry City Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. April 17th Dundalk v Cork City Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 17th Galway United v Shamrock Rovers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 17th St. Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda United Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. April 18th Sligo Rovers v Bohemians The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 9Fri. April 24th Bohemians v Bray Wanderers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. April 24th Cork City v Galway United Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. April 24th Derry City v Dundalk Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. April 24th Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers United Park 7.45pm
Sat. April 25th Shamrock Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 10Fri. May 1st Bohemians v Dundalk Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 1st Cork City v Sligo Rovers Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. May 1st Drogheda United v Derry City United Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 1st Galway United v St. Patrick's Athletic Terryland Park 7.45pm
Sat. May 2nd Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

MIDWEEK – LEAGUE OF IRELAND CUP SECOND ROUND
Series 11Fri. May 8th Bray Wanderers v Drogheda United Carlisle United 7.45pm
Fri. May 8th Derry City v Bohemians Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. May 8th Dundalk v Galway United Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 8th St. Patrick's Athletic v Cork City Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. May 9th Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 12Fri. May 15th Cork City v Derry City Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. May 15th Drogheda United v Dundalk United Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 15th Galway United v Bray Wanderers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 15th St. Patrick's Athletic v Sligo Rovers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. May 16th Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

MIDWEEK – LEAGUE OF IRELAND CUP QUARTER-FINALS
Series 13Fri. May 22nd Bohemians v Drogheda United Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 22nd Bray Wanderers v Cork City Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. May 22nd Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. May 22nd Dundalk v St. Patrick's Athletic Oriel Park 7.45pm
Sat. May 22nd Sligo Rovers v Galway United The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 14Fri. May 29th Cork City v Bohemians Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. May 29th Dundalk v Sligo Rovers Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 29th Galway United v Derry City Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. May 29th St. Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. May 30th Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 15 - MidweekTBC Bohemians v Galway United Dalymount Park TBC
TBC Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers Carlisle Grounds TBC
TBC Derry City v St. Patrick's Athletic Brandywell Stadium TBC
TBC Drogheda United v Cork City United Park TBC
TBC Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk Tallaght Stadium TBC
  
   

Series 16Fri. June 5th Cork City v Shamrock Rovers Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. June 5th Dundalk v Bray Wanderers Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. June 5th Galway United v Drogheda United Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. June 5th St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. June 6th Sligo Rovers v Derry City The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY 14th JUNE – FAI FORD CUP THIRD ROUND
Series 17Fri. June 19th Bohemians v Sligo Rovers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. June 19th Cork City v Dundalk Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. June 19th Derry City v Bray Wanderers Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. June 19th Drogheda United v St. Patrick's Athletic United Park 7.45pm
Sat. June 20th Shamrock Rovers v Galway United Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

MONDAY 22nd JUNE – WEDNESDAY 1st JULY (inclusive) – NO FIXTURES
Series 18Fri. July 3rd Bray Wanderers v Bohemians Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. July 3rd Dundalk v Derry City Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 3rd Galway United v Cork City Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 3rd St. Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. July 4th Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United The Showgrounds 7.45pm
  
  


Series 19Fri. July 10th Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. July 10th Derry City v Drogheda United Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. July 10th Dundalk v Bohemians Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 10th St. Patrick's Athletic v Galway United Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. July 11th Sligo Rovers v Cork City The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 20Fri. July 17th Bohemians v Derry City Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 17th Cork City v St. Patrick's Athletic Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. July 17th Drogheda United v Bray Wanderers United Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 17th Galway United v Dundalk Terryland Park 7.45pm
Sat. July 18th Shamrock Rovers v Sligo Rovers Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 21Fri. July 24th Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 24th Bray Wanderers v Galway United Carlisle United 7.45pm
Fri. July 24th Derry City v Cork City Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. July 24th Dundalk v Drogheda United Oriel Park 7.45pm
Sat. July 25th Sligo Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 22Fri. July 31st Cork City v Bray Wanderers Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. July 31st Drogheda United v Bohemians United Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 31st Galway United v Sligo Rovers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. July 31st St. Patrick's Athletic v Dundalk Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. August 1st Shamrock Rovers v Derry City Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

MIDWEEK – LEAGUE OF IRELAND CUP SEMI-FINALS
Series 23Fri. August 7th Bohemians v Cork City Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. August 7th Bray Wanderers v St. Patrick's Athletic Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. August 7th Derry City v Galway United Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. August 7th Drogheda United v Shamrock Rovers United Park 7.45pm
Sat. August 8th Sligo Rovers v Dundalk The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 24TBC Cork City v Shamrock Rovers Turner's Cross TBC
TBC Dundalk v Bray Wanderers Oriel Park TBC
TBC Galway United v Drogheda United Terryland Park TBC
TBC St. Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians Richmond Park TBC
TBC Sligo Rovers v Derry City The Showgrounds TBC
  
   

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY 16th AUGUST – FAI FORD CUP FOURTH ROUND
Series 25Fri. August 21st Bohemians v Galway United Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. August 21st Drogheda United v Cork City United Park 7.45pm
Fri. August 21st Bray Wanderers v Sligo Rovers Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. August 21st Derry City v St. Patrick's Athletic Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Sat. August 22nd Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 26Fri. August 28th Bray Wanderers v Derry City Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. August 28th Dundalk v Cork City Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. August 28th Galway United v Shamrock Rovers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. August 28th St. Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda United Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. August 29th Sligo Rovers v Bohemians The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   
Fri. September 4th Bohemians v Bray Wanderers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. September 4th Cork City v Galway United Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. September 4th Derry City v Dundalk Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. September 4th Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers United Park 7.45pm
Sat. September 5th Shamrock Rovers v St. Patrick's Athletic Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
  

WEEKEND ENDING SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER – FAI FORD CUP QUARTER-FINALS 
Series 28Fri. September 18th Bohemians v Dundalk Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. September 18th Cork City v Sligo Rovers Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. September 18th Drogheda United v Derry City United Park 7.45pm
Fri. September 18th Galway United v St. Patrick's Athletic Terryland Park 7.45pm
Sat. September 19th Shamrock Rovers v Bray Wanderers Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 29Fri. September 25th Bray Wanderers v Drogheda United Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. September 25th Derry City v Bohemians Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. September 25th Dundalk v Galway United Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. September 25th St. Patrick's Athletic v Cork City Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. September 26th Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

SATURDAY, 26th SEPTEMBER – LEAGUE OF IRELAND CUP FINAL
Series 30Fri. October 2nd Cork City v Derry City Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. October 2nd Drogheda United v Dundalk United Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 2nd Galway United v Bray Wanderers Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 2nd St. Patrick's Athletic v Sligo Rovers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. October 3rd Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 31Fri. October 9th Bohemians v Drogheda United Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 9th Bray Wanderers v Cork City Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. October 9th Derry City v Shamrock Rovers Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. October 9th Dundalk v St. Patrick's Athletic Oriel Park 7.45pm
Sat. October 10th Sligo Rovers v Galway United The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   

Series 32Fri. October 16th Cork City v Bohemians Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. October 16th Dundalk v Sligo Rovers Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 16th Galway United v Derry City Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 16th St. Patrick's Athletic v Bray Wanderers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. October 17th Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 33 - MidweekTBC Bohemians v St. Patrick's Athletic Dalymount Park TBC
TBC Bray Wanderers v Dundalk Carlisle Grounds TBC
TBC Derry City v Sligo Rovers Brandywell Stadium TBC
TBC Drogheda United v Galway United United Park TBC
TBC Shamrock Rovers v Cork City Tallaght Stadium TBC
  
   

Series 34 & FAI FORD CUP SEMI FINALSFri. October 23rd Cork City v Drogheda United Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. October 23rd Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 23rd Galway United v Bohemians Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 23rd St. Patrick's Athletic v Derry City Richmond Park 7.45pm
Sat. October 24th Sligo Rovers v Bray Wanderers The Showgrounds 8.00pm
  
   
Fri. October 30th Bohemians v Sligo Rovers Dalymount Park 7.45pm
Fri. October 30th Cork City v Dundalk Turner's Cross 7.45pm
Fri. October 30th Derry City v Bray Wanderers Brandywell Stadium 7.45pm
Fri. October 30th Drogheda United v St. Patrick's Athletic United Park 7.45pm
Sat. October 31st Shamrock Rovers v Galway United Tallaght Stadium 7.00pm
  
   

Series 36Fri. November 6th Bray Wanderers v Bohemians Carlisle Grounds 7.45pm
Fri. November 6th Dundalk v Derry City Oriel Park 7.45pm
Fri. November 6th Galway United v Cork City Terryland Park 7.45pm
Fri. November 6th St. Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers Richmond Park 7.45pm
Fri. November 6th Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United The Showgrounds 7.45pm
  
   

Promotion / Relegation Play-offsTues. November 10th 8th placed Premier v 9th placed Premier Match A
Tues. November 10th 2nd placed First v 3rd placed First Match B
Fri. November 13th Winner Match B v Loser Match A  
Mon. November 16th Loser of Match A v Winner Match B  
  
   

SUNDAY, 22nd NOVEMBER – FAI FORD CUP FINAL

Cork City bring in duo

New Cork City boss Paul Doolin has signed 2 more players this week with Fahrudin Kuduzovic and Billy Dennehy both signing. 

Fahrudin Kuduzovic signs from Doolin's former club Drogheda United and has a proven goal scoring record in the league with Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United. Kuduzovic becomes the 2nd signing from Drogheda United after Dan Connor joined the Rebel army this week. 

Billy Dennehy is the 2nd signing and signs from Derry City. The Tralee-born player has signed a 2-year deal. 

Cork City snap up Connor

Cork City have filled the void left by Michael Devine's departure to Waterford United. Drogheda United no.1 Dan Connor has joined up with his former boss Paul Doolin as City look to challenge for honours this season. 

Cork City have also announced that Colin O'Brien has retired from playing after 13 years with the Rebel Army. 

Dan Connor will boost the city backline and Paul Doolin is rumoured to have more players on the verge of signing. 

Athlone Town in Trouble

First Division side Athlone Town are in trouble in relation to their finances. The club from Athlone held a meeting on December 15th to discuss the terms of the difficulty and the supporters suggested that difficult times lie ahead for the team. 

Athlone Town are not alone as many clubs across the country are in difficulty themselves. The possiblity of Athlone selling there players is looking more likely. 

Jay O'Shea looking for move

Galway United's Jay O'Shea is expected to leave the club in the comming weeks with English championship side Derby County among the clubs interested in the midfielder. 

O'Shea has caught the eye of numerous clubs throughout 2008 and is expected to leave Galway. Galway will want to sell as they need the money from the sale. 

Meanwhle at Galway's manager helm Ian Forster has taken control followeing Jeff Kenna's move to St Patrick's. Forster has signed a 2-year deal. 

Shamrock Rovers sign Drogs pair

Shamrock Rovers have punced on Drogheda United's difficult situation by signing two key players that guided the Drogs to League title sucess in 2007. 

Shane Robinson, who had been on trial with English League 2 side Brentford has signed for Rovers. Robinson left Rovers in 2003 to join Drogheda. 

Former Cork City and Shelbourne mdifielder Ollie Cahill has also signed for the club from Drogheda as Shamrock Rovers boost their midfield options for 2009. 

Robinson and Cahill were also joined by Stephan Bradley who played for Drogheda last year. Bradley arrives from Falkirk. 

Kendrick and Tambouras leave Drogs

Drogheda United have lost two key defenders as the 2009 season closes in fast. 

Irishman Joe Kendrick has left the club just a year after joining from Newcastle Blue Star. Kendrick has left Ireland completly to join up with Azerbaijan side Neftchi Baku. 

Another defender John Tambouras has also left the Drogs to join Kendrick at Neftchi Baku. The Australian was a key man behind Drogheda's first ever League title sucess in 2007 and played in the UEFA Cup qualifiers the same year. 

Drogheda United are also set to lose more players but the good news is that they have signed an agreement with the players of the wages that surrounded their examinership pieriod. 

St Patrick's appoint Kenna

St Patrick's have found a replacement for their vacant managerial role with former Galway United boss Jeff Kenna taking the reins from O'Donnell who resigned earlier in the month. 

St Patrick's are expected to mount a challenge for the title this comming season and Jeff Kenna beleives he can do it. 

Paul Doolin appointed Cork City boss

Former Drogheda United manager Paul Doolin has been appointed as manager of Cork City. Doolin who guided Drogheda to 2 Setenta Cup successes along with the 2007 League of Ireland title will be expected to get Cork into Europe for next year. 

Doolin has been lifted by the news that Colin Healy has signed a new 2-year deal that keeps him at the club until 2011. Doolin will have to buy new players with the transfer window closing on February 2nd. 

Dundalk continue to sign

Former Bohemians boos Sean Connor has not stopped signing players as newly-promoted Dundalk look to survive the coming season. 

Connor has raided former Bohemians players and this week have signed 3 new players. Harpel Singh and Darren Mansaram have both signed for the club with Connor having managed the pair at Bohemians and Sligo Rovers. The other arrival is Shaun Kelly who joins from SPL side Hearts despite other offers. 

Connor also said that 3 more players will be signed next week plus another 5 more trialists. Dwight Barnett, who has MLS experience with Chicago Fire and has played for Montreal Impact is one of the trialists. Kyle Moran is another trialist while Etienne Barbara will arrive from SV Veri of Germany for a trial. 

Sean Connor has also pointed out he wants another goalkeeper to challenge current No.1 Chris Bennion. Darren Quigley of Derry City has been mentioned but won't be joining the Lillywhites. As one Louth club enjoys life another is suffering. 

St Pats looking for new manager

St Patrick's are looking for a new manager after John McDonnell quit earlier this week. St Patrick's have gone part-time due to fianancial probloms that are effedting the league clubs at this moment in time and it is said that McDonnell has quit due to this change from full-time. 

St Patrick's have made good progress in the last few years under McDonnell who lased four seasons at Richmond park and masterminded a 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin of Germany back in September last year. 

Liam Kearney leaves Cork City

Cork City have lost winger Liam Kearney on a free transfer. The Conna-born winger has left Cork City for a 2nd time to join Derry City on a free. 

Kearney who also left the club in 2006 to join Shelbourne but he returned to Cork a year later. But Liam proberly is gone for good. It is roumoured however that Eredivisie side Heerenveen were interested in the winger as were Djurgarden in Sweden. But Kearney has choosen to remain in the League of Ireland for 2009 at least. 

Liam Kearney had been out of contract at Cork and opted to leave for a better salary. It will be interesting to see how he will be treated when Derry visit Turner's cross this coming season.