Soccer

Connor to meet Bohs first

Former Bohemians boss Sean Connor will be hoping to catch the champions on the hop when hosting the Gypsies at Oriel Park as …

Mon Feb 16 2009 - 00:00

Former Bohemians boss Sean Connor will be hoping to catch the champions on the hop when hosting the Gypsies at Oriel Park as part of the opening series of games in the 2009 League of Ireland season, scheduled to begin on March 6th.

The fixture list announced this afternoon also pits St Patrick’s Athletic manager Jeff Kenna against his old side Galway United at Richmond Park, while Michael O’Neill will bring his Shamrock Rovers side to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers and Derry City host Drogheda United at the Brandywell.

The Friday night slot will also see three games in the first division.

Newcomers Mervue United host Athlone Town at Terryland Park and UCD begin life in the second tier with a game against Limerick FC at the Belfield Bowl.Shelbourne face Wexford Youths at Tolka Park.

READ MORE

Revealing the fixtures today, league director Fran Gavin said: "Getting the fixture list out means that the build-up to the 2009 season really starts now.

“There is plenty to look forward to in 2009 – we have some new players, some new managers, a new club and even a new stadium with the opening of the Tallaght Stadium.

“It’s going to be a very competitive season and I am confident that we can continue to attract more and more football fans to the live match day experience. Nothing beats live football and I would encourage all fans to experience the excitement of League of Ireland football.”

Opening weekend’s fixtures

PREMIER DIVISION

Fri. 6 March Bray Wanderers v Shamrock Rovers, Carlisle Grounds 7.45 pm

Fri. 6 March Derry City v Drogheda United, Brandywell Stadium 7.45 pm

Fri. 6 March Dundalk v Bohemians, Oriel Park 7.45 pm

Fri. 6 March St. Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United, Richmond Park 7.45 pm

Sat. 7 March Sligo Rovers v Cork City, The Showgrounds 8.00 pm

FIRST DIVISION

Fri. 6 March Mervue United v Athlone Town, Terryland Park 7.45 pm

Fri. 6 March U.C.D. v Limerick, The UCD Bowl 7.45 pm

Fri. 6 March Shelbourne v Wexford Youths, Tolka Park 8.00 pm

Sat. 7 March Waterford United v Sporting Fingal, R.S.C. 7.00 pm

Sat. 7 March Kildare County v Finn Harps, Station Road 7.30 pm

Sat. 7 March Longford Town v Monaghan United, Flancare Park 7.30 pm