Irish News, Features & Sport

The League of Ireland returns this week as Shamrock Rovers seek to make it three successive titles in a row under the guidance of new manager Stephen Kenny.

The Hoops have enjoyed a good off-season and a smooth transition to the Kenny era after the departure of Michael O`Neill to take over as manager of Northern Ireland. Kenny has added well to the squad he inherited enlisting the services of Killian Brennan (Bohemians) and Daryl Kavanagh (St Patricks Athletic) amongst others. Anything other than title success will be deemed as a failure by Hoops fans who have high aspirations of cracking the Champions League this term after their Europa League adventure last year.

Many would have predicted Sligo Rovers to push the Hoops all the way this year yet their pre season plans have hit a wall with the departure of manager Paul Cook to Accrington Stanley. Prior to his departure Cook did well in the transfer market adding some talented stars such as Mark Quigley (Dundalk) and Danny North (St Patricks Athletic). The Bit O`Red have yet to find a replacement for Cook and it looks like they will begin their league campaign managerless. The club will be without the mercurial Richie Ryan who left the North West in the off season for SPL side Dundee United, John Russell who has joined St Patricks Athletic and Aaron Greene who has joined Shamrock Rovers.

Outside of last season’s top two St Patricks Athletic are expected to mount a title challenge although their squad may just fall short. Liam Buckley has taken over the reins at Richmond Park and culled much of last season’s squad. In their place he has brought in some of the finest rising stars in the league who will be looking to step up to the plate. Among the stars set to pull on the famous red shirt this year include the returning Brendan Clarke (Sligo Rovers), Ger O`Brien (Bohemians), Christy Fagan (Bohemians) and Jake Kelly (Bray Wanderers). Much focus will also shine on James Chambers who returns to the league after a spell in Scotland with Hamilton Academical. The Saints haven’t endured the best pre season to date having been dumped out of the Setanta Cup at the first hurdle by Cliftonville. Should the squad gel together quickly then a title tilt is likely however it will probably be next season when this team begin to flourish, if Buckley can maintain the solid core of the team.

Few would bet against Derry City vying against a title challenge and they will definitely be in contention for a European spot despite losing stars such as James McClean (Sunderland), Eamon Zayed (Persepolis) and Daniel Lafferty (Burnley). Declan Devine has taken over the managerial reins following Kenny`s departure and his stability will no doubt benefit the Foylesiders. Kenny`s former right hand man has acted swiftly in the transfer market securing the services of highly rated hitman Rory Patterson, who already has a Setanta Cup hat trick to his name. The golden boot may well be heading to the Brandywell for a second season in a row if Patterson can continue his blistering start.

The Candystripes may face a tough battle for Europe from newly promoted Cork City, who look set to be this years surprise package. Tommy Dunne has steadied the ship on Leeside and despite the loss of key striker Graham Cummins to Preston, Cork look like they will pose a threat to any team. Dunne has managed to convince Northampton Town striker Tadhg Purcell to return home and this signing could prove to be a shrew acquisition. The club will also be boosted by the return of former captain Dan Murray who arrives back at Turners Cross following a spell with Shamrock Rovers. Former Ireland international Colin Healy (Ipswich Town) has also returned to Turners Cross providing further evidence that this Cork side can push for a European spot.

The rest of the league is somewhat of a mixed bag. Bohemians and Shelbourne should have enough to avoid the drop. Mid table obscurity looks like the order of the day for the fallen Dublin giants. Bohs have blended some experience with a vastly young side while Shels have added considerably to their ranks following promotion. The First Division runners up will be glad to be back in the big time but a good cup run is probably the best both sides can hope for. Bohs however have been handed a huge boost with the news that they are to take Derry City`s place in the Europa League as the latter doesn’t meet the appropriate requirements. Sean McCaffrey and his new Dundalk side will be looking to challenge the Dublin duo. McCaffrey`s first foray into the League of Ireland has seen him assemble a young squad although in Shane O`Neill and Chris Shields he has secured two stars with real potential.

The battle to avoid the drop looks like a clash between four sides- Bray Wanderers, Drogheda United, Monaghan United and UCD. Bray and Drogheda have both been handed a boost with the return of key stars such as Jason Byrne (Bray) and Declan O`Brien (Drogheda). Both strikers will play a key role in helping their teams stay afloat. Drogheda seem like the best side among this quartet to retain their premier division status. Mick Cooke has built upon the foundations he inherited last term and if Paul Crowley can return to fitness it will further boost the Boynesiders cause. Bray have been rocked by some big departures such as Shields, O`Neill (Both Dundalk), Kelly (Pats), Gary Dempsey (Waterford United) and Conor Murphy (Monaghan United). Pat Devlin will do well to keep the Seagulls in the top flight this term.

UCD will benefit from Paul Corry`s decision to remain at Belfield. The midfield star looked set to join Pats but the two clubs failed to agree compensation. The club noted for their silky passing will no doubt have some talented youngsters to unleash on the league this year yet their time at the top table may just have run out.

Monaghan United are something of an unknown entity. Consistent performances in the first division combined with some impressive FAI Cup results will give their fans hope yet it remains to be seen how Roddy Collins charges will adopt to life in the premier division. The loss of Declan O`Brien to Drogheda will hit them hard. Shaun Maher (Limerick) and Robert Bayly (Bohemians) are the calibre of player the Gortakeegan outfit will rely on to stay in the premier division while a huge emphasis will be placed on the goalscoring ability of new recruit Conor Murphy (Bray Wanderers).

Predictions

1.Shamrock Rovers

2.Sligo Rovers

3.St Patricks Athletic

4.Derry City

5.Cork City

6.Bohemians

7.Shelbourne

8.Dundalk

9.Drogheda United

10.Bray Wanderers

11.UCD.

12.Monaghan United