Soccer

Champions League: Shamrock Rovers to face Hibernians FC in first qualifying round

Three League of Ireland clubs in qualifying draw for Champions League and Europa Conference League

Shamrock Rovers face Hibernians FC of Malta in the Champions League first qualifying round, hosting the first leg on July 5th or 6th. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Tue Jun 14 2022 - 13:28

League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers have been drawn against Hibernians FC of Malta in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

Stephen Bradley’s men will be at home for the first leg on July 5th or 6th before travelling to Malta for the return on July 12th or 13th.

In the Europa Conference League first qualifying round, Sligo Rovers will make the short journey to Wales to face Bala Town FC on July 7th. They will then host their opponents for the return leg on July 14th.

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Meanwhile, Derry City have been paired with Riga FC, in a tie that will bring back memories of a victory over Skonto Riga in 2009/10 season.

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The Candystripes beat the now-defunct club 2-1 on aggregate in the Europa League second qualifying round that season. Thirteen years on, they will travel to the Latvian capital again to face Riga FC on July 14th, for the second leg of their two-legged tie. Before that, Derry will host their opponents for the first leg on July 7th.

FAI Cup holders St Patrick’s Athletic will enter the Europa Conference League at the second qualifying round stage, the draw for which will take place on Wednesday.

The FAI said in a statement on Tuesday that “dates and kick-off times for the fixture will be confirmed in due course and supporters are reminded not to book any travel until the fixture is fully confirmed.”