It’s a special St Patrick’s Day weekend with Derbies and top of the table clashes the focus as several games are heading for sell outs.
It’s a special St Patrick’s Day weekend with Derbies and top of the table clashes the focus as several games are heading for sell outs.
First on the agenda is the Louth Derby tonight with a South Dublin Derby with a lot on the line tomorrow in Tallaght. See the weekend’s highlights below.
Friday, 17 March, 2023
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Drogheda United v Dundalk
Weavers Park, 19:45
Two of the form sides in the Division and two local neighbours come head to head in the first Louth Derby of the season tonight.
Kevin Doherty has impressed many so far this season as Drogheda have picked up impressive results and won last time out against UCD on Friday.
Dundalk also come into the game on the back of two wins and a draw away to title chasers Derry City providing further hope of a title challenge themselves.
Drogheda will look to the likes of Freddie Draper and Darragh Markey while Dundalk are hoping the absence of Louie Annesley won’t prove too costly.
Stephen O’Donnell had the following to say ahead of tonight’s fixture:
“Drogheda is always a tough place to go, as it proved last year when we got turned over twice. They’ve had a great start to the season and both teams are going into the game in good form so it has all the makings of a really good Louth Derby and we’re looking forward to it.
“We’ve been giving the newer lads a little bit of information in the sense that this game is a little bit different. It’s a derby and one we’re all eagerly anticipating. We’re going to bring really good support and, as I said, it has all the makings of a really good, high-tempo game.
“We drew in Derry last Friday and the only good way to back up a draw is to go and win your next game. If we do that, four points from the last two games is a decent return whereas if we don’t, it’ll be a disappointing return.
“Thursday’s game will be totally different from the one in Derry in terms of the structure of the teams, the style of game, the size of the pitch…all those things into account but that’s what makes the league so good. There are different challenges that you have to try and overcome.”
Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick’s Athletic
Tallaght Stadium, 17:00
It’s a South Dublin Derby with a lot riding on it on Friday as Shamrock Rovers go in search of their first win of the season against local rivals St Patrick’s Athletic.
St Pat’s have problems of their own as three losses in a row has stepped up pressure on Tim Clancy who knows a win tomorrow will go a long way to getting the show back on the road.
Despite a tough draw away to Shelbourne last time out, Stephen Bradley remained positive and was pleased with his side’s performance.
“I know we are doing well. If the players aren’t running, fighting or competing and we’re not playing at our levels — then it’s a worry for everyone.
“But it is plain to see that is not the case. If you watch the performances and not the results we are very close to hitting top gear.
“We could walk away with a 2-0 win against Shelbourne and everyone talks about it in a different light,” he said.
With a sold out away section, Clancy will be hoping to provide some St Patrick’s Day delight for the travelling support and provide a boost to their hopes of rising up the table.
Cobh Ramblers v Galway United
St Colman’s Park, 17:00
The top two meet in Cobh on Friday after Shane Keegan’s Cobh Ramblers side have surprised all by their stunning form so far this season.
Galway United will clearly be filled with confidence after their 9-1 win over Kerry last Friday but know that this week’s clash with provide a much sterner test.
A win for the Rams will prove to be a statement as they look to lay down their promotion credentials and both sides know that Waterford remain heavyweights in the title race.
John Caulfield will continue to be suspended but Ollie Horgan did just fine on the sidelines last week and will be hoping for another win to continue their strong start to the season.
Saturday, 18 March, 2023
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers
Tolka Park, 14:00
Perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division games ever this weekend!
A lot has been said and done in the off-season with several players moving from North Dublin to South Dublin but it’s time for the talking to be done on the pitch.
With the likes of Abbie Larkin, Aoife Kelly and Shauna Fox having made the controversial switch it promises to be a fascinating first clash of the new season between the pair.
Both sides have started strong with Shels having won against Cork City and Bohs while Collie O’Neill’s team have beaten Sligo Rovers and Treaty United.
The first meeting between the two will provide a chance to see where they both are in relation to eachother and a big crowd is expected at Tolka Park.
Shelbourne have a special offer on for Season Ticket holders who can bring a friend for free and the game is live on TG4!
Full fixtures
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Drogheda United v Dundalk, 19:45
SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division
Cork City v Shelbourne, 17:00
Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick’s Athletic, 17:00
Bohemians v UCD, 19:45
Derry City v Sligo Rovers, 19:45
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division
Cobh Ramblers v Galway United, 17:00
Wexford v Kerry, 18:00
Athlone Town v Treaty United, 19:45
Saturday, 18 March, 2023
SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division
Waterford v Bray Wanderers, 15:00
Longford Town v Finn Harps, 19:30
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Galway United v Bohemians, 14:00
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers, 14:00
DLR Waves v Cork City, 16:00
Sligo Rovers v Peamount United, 17:00
Treaty United v Athlone Town, 17:00
