Champions Drogheda United will begin the defence of their League of Ireland Premier Division title with a home game against Shamrock Rovers on March 7th.

Fixtures for the upcoming season were finalised and released by the FAI today and the United Park clash stands out as the tie of the opening round.

Rovers briefly challenged Drogheda towards the end of last season but the Dublin club's push waned in the closing weeks.  Pat Scully's men eventually fell from second to finish in fifth spot.

New boss Alan Mathews opens his Cork City account with a home tie against Bray Wanderers while Pat Fenlon, installed as Bohemians manager at Christmas, takes his side to Galway United.

Stephen Kenny, back at Derry City, travels to Belfield on the opening night where UCD lie in wait.  Derry have found the students to be something of a bogey team of late.

Premier Division newcomers Finn Harps and Cobh Ramblers go head-to-head at Finn Park, while St Patrick's Athletic host Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park.

In the First Division, Monaghan United, Shelbourne, Wexford Youths, Longford Town and Athlone Town all have home advantage on the opening night.

Drogheda's second game of the campaign is away to Sligo Rovers, while Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Cobh Ramblers all enjoy home advantage during week two.

Should Drogheda be challenging to retain their title on the final day they will have to overcome St Patrick's Athletic at United Park. Also that closing night, Cork City travel to Bohemians, Derry City host Cobh, Shamrock Rovers travel to Finn Harps, Sligo entertain Bray and UCD face Galway.

There will be a 10-day break in league action from June 9th-18th inclusive.

The league season is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, November 15th while the FAI Cup final has been provisionally pencilled in for November 30th.

(See www.ireland.com/sports/soccerfor full fixture lists)