PREMIER DIVISION 2023

BOHEMIANS Manager: Declan Devine

The only ever-present members of the top flight, taking part in the inaugural1921 season. Waiting for Dublin City Council to complete the upgrade of their home ground, Dalymount Park. Their11th (and last) league title win came in 2009.

CORK CITY Manager: Colin Healy

Back in the Premier Division after a two-year absence. Between 2010 and 2022 the club was run by its supporters’ trust, until Dublin businessman Dermot Usher took over in December.

DERRY CITY Manager: Ruaidhri Higgins

Played in Northern Ireland until1971 and joined the new League of Ireland First Division in1985-86, before being promoted to the Premier Divison the following year. The Candystripes took their colours from Sheffield United, who were captained in1925 by Donegal-born Billy Gillespie.

DROGHEDA UNITED Manager: Kevin Doherty

Used to be known as “the Boynesiders” after the River Boyne that flows through the town, now more commonly nicknamed “the Drogs”. Won just one Premier Division title in their104-year history, in 2007.

DUNDALK Manager: Stephen O’Donnell

First club from outside Dublin to win the league (1932-33), and now the second-most successful side in the league’s history with14 Premier Division titles. Enjoyed domestic and European success under current Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC Manager: Tim Clancy

The Saints play at the compact Richmond Park on the banks of the Camac River in Inchicore, Dublin. Nine-time champions, it is the club where former Manchester United, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland defender Paul McGrath started his career.

SHAMROCK ROVERS Manager: Stephen Bradley

Rovers were founded in Ringsend in1899 and made their home in Milltown. They have won a record 20 league titles – including each of the last three – and the FAI Cup a record 25 times. Sold Gavin Bazunu to Manchester City in 2019.

SHELBOURNE Manager: Damien Duff

A proposed move to Dalymount to ground-share with neighbours Bohemians is off, so the Reds are now planning to develop Tolka Park. Founded in Ringsend in1895, they won their13th title in 2006, but 2023 will be only their fifth season in the top flight since.

SLIGO ROVERS Manager: John Russell

Rovers have a history of recruiting English players and managers. Dixie Dean played for the club in the1939 FAI Cup final, while former managers include ex-Northern Ireland bosses Lawrie Sanchez and Ian Baraclough.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN Manager: Andy Myler

Something of a yo-yo club, the Students joined the league in1979 and have been relegated to the first division six times. Returned to the top flight for the 2022 campaign and stayed up after beating Waterford1-0 in a play-off.