Newly installed Cork City manager Pat Dolan will host former club St Patrick's Athletic on the first day of the 2003 season, it was confirmed when the fixtures were announced today.
Dolan succeeded Liam Murphy as Cork boss last Friday, ending a 15-year association with St Pat's.
The Inchicore club, who are expected to name Eamonn Collins as successor to Dolan this afternoon, travel to Turners Cross at the beginning of April for what is sure to be a highly charged affair.
Elsewhere, champions Bohemians will begin their defence at home to Dublin rivals UCD; runners-up Shelbourne face a trip to newly promoted Waterford United.