The 2025 Premier Division season kicks off with a rematch of last season's final day clash between champions Shelbourne and Derry City.
New champions Shelbourne will renew acquaintances with Derry City on the opening night of the 2025 Premier Division season. Damien Duff’s title winners secured the trophy against the Candystripes on the final day of last season, winning 1-0 at the Brandywell with a precious, late Harry Wood goal. The two sides had been the clear front runners in the 2024 championship race, only for Derry to fall off the pace with two weeks to go, and before losing the FAI Cup final.
But they get an opportunity to land an early blow on Duff’s kingpins, this time under the management of Tiernan Lynch who recently succeeded Ruaidhri Higgins as boss. Elsewhere on the opening night, Stephen Kenny’s St Pat’s - who are expected to be title contenders after their strong finish this year - host FAI Cup winners Drogheda United. John Caulfield returns to Turner’s Cross on Valentines Day when Galway United go to runaway First Division winners Cork City. Sligo Rovers host Waterford on the Saturday night before Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers clash at Aviva Stadium the following day. Over 12,000 tickets were sold in 24-hours for that February 16 Dublin derby date, when they went on public sale during the week. Shelbourne midfielder JJ Lunney insists the Reds will be hell bent on defending their title, but does expect another wide open race like the season just gone. Shels are only rated third favourites by the bookies at 4/1, behind 7/4 shots Shamrock Rovers 7/4 and St Pat’s at 2/1. Lunney said: “It’s not a runaway league. You would rather that than one or two teams going 15 points on top for the whole season. That’s not as enjoyable for people watching. Even this year, it was so competitive and everyone was beating everyone. Teams have already strengthened this year and I think it will only get more competitive and should be a really interesting leagu
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