The big things to look out for in the League of Ireland in 2024
Squads are only being assembled for 2024 but with longer player contracts meaning movement of players is less prevalent than in recent years, there are some key talking points already in the frame for 2024.
Who will challenge Shamrock Rovers to try to stop the drive for five?
No team has ever won five titles in a row. Shamrock Rovers will move into 2024 looking to create history with the chasing pack stronger than ever and likely more hungry. There’s ample time left in the transfer window and a lot may depend on whether Derry City can get that goalscorer that they might need to help close the gap but there’s no doubt that St. Patrick’s Athletic are looking to build on their Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup success with their new arrivals.
With Ruairi Keating the headline name in the door, Jon Daly has been bolstered quickly by the likes of Brandon & Cian Kavanagh, Conor Keeley and Aaron Bolger. Transfers can always shift the narrative but Derry City’s defensive stability and strong midfield must not be overlooked as they are not that far away. Securing the future of Sadou Diallo was important and Ruaidhrí Higgins will be hoping for a lot better luck on the injury front this year after his side was decimated in 2023.
Stephen Bradley did, however, get his most important pieces of business done early when he secured the futures of Jack Byrne and Rory Gaffney. With the departure of Liam Burt to Shelbourne, they may look to bring in another body before the window closes but no one can doubt the strength of the squad that is already there after the fourth title in a row.
Will there be other challengers to the crown?
Damien Duff’s Shelbourne will be buoyed after the significant achievement of securing the flights to Europe next year and have strengthened with bodies that will likely see them avoid the same worries last year when they were hit with several injuries. However, a challenge would still be remarkable considering it’s only their third year back in the top-flight.
It still remains too early to say on Bohemians and Dundalk as the majority of their transfer business is still to be done. But both fanbases will always have high expectations and will be looking for both Clubs to push on after a mixed 2023.
The only thing that is certain is that the title race in 2024 is going to be fascinating.
Will Galway United or Waterford be able to stabilise in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division?
With the arrival of Galway United and Waterford to the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, two more full-time teams have come into the Division meaning it will be the most competitive League in years. Drogheda United are also under the eyes on new ownership and are moving towards the same model.
With such high expectations at all Clubs, it’ll be difficult to see who falters but there will be a casualty. Both John Caulfield and Keith Long know this League inside out and have already been busy in securing the tools to help see them both survive the cull - as have Drogheda United.
With these three looking to build their foundations further, it may mean that those Clubs above might be in even bigger trouble but the priorities here will no doubt be to stay up.
Long has added Darragh Leahy to his team - a player who is very experienced in finding famous results in the top flight and Galway United have brought in Garry Buckley for similar reasons.
John Caulfield’s side will look to turn Eamonn Deacy Park into a fortress this season - much like the Dundalk Cup game where the Lilywhites where overawed by the Tribesmen and set-pieces will be the hallmark of the Galway side again this year.
Keith Long’s experience with Bohemians in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division will also come in handy in the RSC too as he built a succsseful side in Phibsborough over years and his aim with Waterford will no doubt be to build on last year’s success.
Both teams face tough opposition on the opening night but crucially are both at home. Galway United welcome St. Patrick’s Athletic while the Blues host Shelbourne and we may begin to see what life will look like in the promised land for both sides on February 16.
Will Cork City be able to bounce straight back into the top flight?
Relegation is probably still stinging at Turner’s Cross. But new Manager Tim Clancy is already deep into his rebuilding excerise and has signed well with Jack Doherty and Greg Bolfer the headline names in a squad where the expectation will be to win the Division without much resistance. A fast start will be important for the Rebel Army to ease any concerns but there will be sides who will look to pounce if any inch is given.
A new stream of momentum is humming through Wexford after an especially impressive last half of 2023 and James Keddy’s side already looks stronger again.
Securing the future of Aaron Dobbs was also important as there was interest from outside but with goals there in abundance and the core of the squad retained, it’ll be interesting to see if they can push on.
With Ronan Finn arriving into UCD, the serial winner is only used to one thing - and that’s winning. There’s always an element of the unknown about the Students and talent remains in the UCD Bowl as ever. The addition of the League of Ireland legend’s experience could prove to be a catalyst for something special in Belfield this year.
The hastening experience of last year’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division will likely stand them in good stead so lets see how they can start off life in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division.
Cobh Ramblers will look to build again onto last year’s extraordinary season while Finn Harps and Bray Wanderers have also already strenghtened but it’ll take something remarkable for sides to overcome Cork City this year.
Which new manager will make the biggest impact in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division?
Peamount United were sensational last year and barely gave anyone else a hope of stopping them winning their crown back but this year’s SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division will be marked by a host of new Managers coming to try chase down that title.
With Collie O’Neill and Ciaran Kilduff already in stead - Eoin Wearen, Hugh Strong and Ken Kiernan are in at Shelbourne, Wexford and Bohemians meaning there will be a serious level of expectations at all Clubs.
James O’Callaghan will be steadfast in his confidence in repeating the trick but success is expected at Clubs like Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne. Ciaran Kilduff’s Athlone Town were extremely impressive in their League form as well as their Cup success and Kilduff will have his sights on the big prize in 2024.
Signings have mostly been limited to re-signings at the moment although eyes are being raised in Limerick as a host of new names from North America have arrived for Treaty United who have a new Manager themselves in Dominic Keogh at Markets Field. Will be there be room for a surprise package?
With both sides just playing eachother twice, there will be a serious intensity in every game and the start will be crucial.
Galway United will look to build on their Avenir Sports Women’s All-Island Cup triumph thesmelves and their clash with Athlone Town is the standout tie in the opening round.
As soon as the second week we have our first heavyweight clash as Shelbourne travel to Peamount United looking to exact revenge for finishing second in last year’s race.
Every week we’ll have superb clashes and no one knows how it will go!
