Holders Shams are the team to beat in the top flight this year Alan Finn
Presents his guide to the upcoming SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division as he predicts yet another silverware season for Shamrock Rovers
BOHEMIANS
There’s an atmosphere around Bohs which suggests that they are a club under pressure to make a good start. They’ll have European ambitions but it’s difficult to see them cracking the top four. They have tapped into the eastern European market with Sten Reinkort being the man entrusted with replacing the goals of Jonathan Afolabi. Closer to home, the signing of Dayle Rooney from Drogheda could be a shrewd pieces of business.
PREDICTED FINISH: 5th.
KEY PLAYER: Jordan Flores.
ONE TO WATCH: Cian Byrne.
MANAGER: Declan Devine.
STADIUM: Dalymount Park.
DERRY CITY
Since their influx of money, Derry have established themselves as a top three side yet still have been underwhelming. They’ve lacked a consistent goalscorer to complete the puzzle and they may have that in ex-Dundalk talisman Pat Hoban who, although in the twilight of his career, should still bang in the goals with the right service. If Derry can sort out their consistency issues they could finally go the extra mile as a title contender.
PREDICTED FINISH: 3rd.
KEY PLAYER: Pat Hoban.
ONE TO WATCH: Paul McMullan.
MANAGER: Ruadhri Higgins.
STADIUM: Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
DROGHEDA UNITED
Drogheda United have been performing above all expectations in recent seasons and must do so again to continue their run in the Premier Division beyond 2024. They have made some astute and interesting signings, most notably Frantz Pierrot from Athlone Town, while also retaining some key players. But their defensive unit does seem more vulnerable than last year. That said, whatever happens, Drogheda will fight to the last whistle in each game.
PREDICTED FINISH: 9th.
KEY PLAYER: Gary Deegan.
ONE TO WATCH: Warren Davis.
MANAGER: Kevin Doherty.
STADIUM: Weavers Park.
DUNDALK
again this season and also have to prepare for life without the goals of Pat Hoban, who is now with Derry City. Dundalk have had better than expected performances in the past two seasons – although they finished fifth last year – but 2024 feels like it could be the dreaded campaign where the former champions find themselves toiling to avoid the top tier’s relegation zone.
PREDICTED FINISH: 7th.
KEY PLAYER: Andy Boyle.
ONE TO WATCH: Eoin Kenny.
MANAGER: Stephen O’Donnell.
STADIUM: Oriel Park.
GALWAY UNITED
The Tribesmen make the step up after blowing away the competition in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division last year. Despite some early murmurings of big money signings, manager John Caulfield’s recruitment drive has been fairly modest and not out of the ordinary for promoted champions. I see a bottom place finish, however, for Sligo Rovers’ Connacht rivals as I feel Waterford are better equipped for the Premier Division out of the two returning sides.
PREDICTED FINISH:
ON STAGE: At the launch of this year’s SSE Airtricity League of Ireland season, an event held at Vicar Street, Dublin, were Men’s Premier Division players. Niall Morahan (Sligo Rovers), Gary Deegan (Drogheda United), Ryan Burke (Waterford FC), Chris Forrester (St Patrick’s Athletic), Lee Grace (Shamrock Rovers), Patrick McEleney (Derry City), Conor McCormack (Galway United), Mark Coyle (Shelbourne), Jordan Flores (Bohemians), John Mountney (Dundalk).