The wait for genuine action to base expectations around is nearly over. Yet, there has been much manoeuvring in the league during the off-season which can be instructive. Most of the sides will genuinely believe that they have strengthened, with legitimate reason in most cases.
In a ten-team league, a familiarity develops with the opponents. Playing each team at least four times, it is useful to cast an eye around the league. There has been plenty happening.
It is fitting to start with Shamrock Rovers. In an open league, the advantage of their European run and the experience of this group, Rovers should start as slight favourites. There has been some interesting turnover in their ranks.
Ed McGinty’s signing from Sligo should be an upgrade in goals. Former Cetlic full-back Adam Matthews adds pedigree in defence. Matt Healy will be familiar to United fans after his star turns for Cork, he adds youth and creativity in midfield. Danny Grant is an exciting addition to their options out wide. The loss of Johnny Kenny, who has returned to parent club Celtic, is an undoubted blow. They will hope this loss is offset in the short-term by an increased availability for Rory Gaffney and in the longer-term by the capture of Michael Noonan from St.Pat’s
Despite the success of Rovers in the offseason, the sale of the other St.Pat’s starlet, Mason Melia, for a purported £1.6m has been the story that has grabbed the most attention. Stephen Kenny will have one last season with the teenager this year and his presence will boost the title credentials that they already established in last season’s run-in.
They will enjoy a full season of summer arivals Zach Elbouzedi, Aidan Keena, Joseph Anang and Al-Amin Kazeem. They have since added again. Sean Hoare brings vast experience to the defence and reunites with his old gaffer. Simon Power impressed for Sligo last season and will add dynamism on the wing. Barry Baggley regularly caught the eye in midfield while with Waterford. Conor Carty returns to Inchicore having been a regular in 2023. There is no apparent area of weakness in a big squad brimming with talent that is well-equipped to go all the way.
Damien Duff will always be happy when Shelbourne are the third team mentioned. Supporters and staff alike will understand that their side will have to reach another level again to retain their title. It is difficult to foresee Rovers and Pats allowing them the head start they enjoyed in 2024.
Irish underage international Mipo Odubeko might be their most important addition, after Aiden O’ Brien’s departure. Last Friday, he partnered Sean Boyd, something that will give plenty of pause to defences in the league. Kerr McInroy also started and is well regarded by his boss who worked with him at Celtic. Another midfielder, Ellis Chapman comes on the heels of a strong showing for Sligo last season. Daniel Kelly and Ryan O’Kane are both tested at the level and can give more attacking impetus to a side that sometimes struggled for goals.
All of this is to say that Shels should be stronger this season. They will however have to negotiate Europe where the champions route should ensure they have a number of additional matches to contend with. No one will get anything easy in Tolka Park but retaining their title is a huge ask.
Realism would suggest that the only other possible contender for the top honours would be Derry. Tiernan Lynch’s arrival after his stunning success at Larne, in qualifying them for the group stages of the Europa Conference League, offers a well-needed reset after the Candystripes underachieved in league, cup and Europe last season.
They have had a busy winter, signing experiences professionals in Shane Ferguson, Liam Boyce Dom Thomas, Carl Winchester, Robbie Benson and Gavin Whyte. Notable departures include Will Patching and Patrick and Shane McEleney. There was inconsistency last season, with Derry sometimes struggling with their home form and putting wins back-to-back. The rest of the league can expect a tougher nut up north.
Unfortunately, for the romantics that this league attracts, money spent remains the most reliable predictor for where a team will finish up. The speculation would therefore suggest on this basis that Bohemians should round out the top half and no one else should break in. Alan Reynolds is a manager that is starting the season under pressure after a sluggish second half to last season. More than anyone, he will need a fast start. It won’t be a quiet one as his side can expect a crowd of 30,000+ for the Dublin Derby on Sunday against Rovers in the Aviva Stadium.
Lys Mousset’s arrival in Phibsboro is undoubtedly the biggest story in the league in terms of inward moves. Having once moved for £12m to Sheffield United and had a strong season in the Premier League for the Blades, the ceiling would appear to be high for Mousset in the league.
The addition of Colm Whelan should not be entirely overshadowed by this move. Whelan struggled with his fitness in Derry but retains youth and enormous potential. Reynolds would have encountered this ability first-hand at Derry and Waterford. Similarly, Connor Parsons has proven his quality to the detriment of Galway United enough times and also spent time with the manager at Waterford. Niall Morahan is another of the Sligo exodus who is vastly experienced but still only 24. These four are each a declaration of intent by Bohs and are further supplemented by the arrivals of the experienced duo Alex Lacey and John Mountney as well as Kian Best who has championship experience with Preston.
The names, the sums and the CV’s referenced above suggest that the league divides into 2, with four strong Dublin clubs and Derry. Best of the rest should be the prize on offer for the regional clubs. Galway United will feel as equipped as any to take that mantle. It should be accepted that a 6th placed finish would represent a very good season.
Cork City have a natural advantage of a strong support and will expect to challenge when they come up. Ruairí Keating and Seanie Maguire will be as fearsome a frontline as any. If they stay fit, they should score the goals to keep them safe. Less is certain about the additions to their squad Kitt Nelson, Milan Mbeng, Freddie Anderson and goalkeeper Tein Troost. Alex Nolan proved he is premier standard for St. Pat’s and caused United problems in their fateful meeting in Inchicore last October. The expectation around Cork is that they have a settled squad that should have enough to avoid trouble.
Waterford will hope that label applies to them too. Navajo Bakboord played in the top-flight in Holland. Brad Wade is an interesting addition, having played between the post for Cork last season. This is particularly as they have signed a ‘keeper from Fleetwood, Stephen McMullan. Trae Coyle is an Arsenal academy graduate who has operated at a good level also in Switzerland. Matty Smith from Shelbourne and the 6’ 7” Maarten Pouwels are other important additions to Keith Long’s squad.
The mood at Drogheda United should still be buoyant. FAI Cup champions, winners of a playoff to stay in the Premier Division. There has been investment from Walsall. They have made the move to full-time football. They will be well used to being tipped to struggle. There are some plusses. Conor Keeley is a great addition at the back. Josh Thomas has played all the way up for the Welsh underage international teams. Thomas Oluwa has been in form in pre-season. Yet, they missed Douglas Taylor and Frantz Pierrot in The President’s Cup and should the fail to fire for any reason, they will be in trouble.
Sligo have had done well in previous off-seasons, replenishing their stock after players are poached. A victim of their own success. But the task facing John Russell is far from easy. They were raided in the winter and lost arguably all of their best players in McGinty, Morahan, Chapman and Power. It remains to be seen if replacements such as Matty Wolfe and Harvey Linnott can fill their void.
A little more is known about Sam Sargeant who comes from Waterford, Jad Hakiki who showed some promise at Dundalk and Cian Kavanagh who is a proven and experienced, arriving from St. Pat’s. More familiar names to a Galway audience will be Ronan Manning and Francely Lomboto who will both be wished well in 32 of their 36 league games.
Last season was defined by the tightness of the games and the table. This made for a thrilling finale with all clubs having something on the line into October. There is little to suggest it will be any different in 2025. Bring it on!
