Drogheda and Dundalk Begin League Campaigns on Valentine’s Night – Tough Tests Await Both Louth Clubs
Ardee News and Sport – Drogheda and Dundalk Begin League Campaigns on Valentine’s Night
The new League of Ireland season kicks off tonight (Friday, February 14th), with both Drogheda United and Dundalk FC starting their campaigns in different divisions. Louth fans will be eager to see if Drogheda can build on last season’s Cup success and whether Dundalk can bounce back from relegation for a quick return to the top flight.
Premier Division: Drogheda Face Stern Test Against Title Favourites St Pat’s
In the Premier Division, FAI Cup holders Drogheda United have a challenging opening fixture as they travel to face joint title favourites St Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park (7.45pm).
The Saints finished last season strongly under Stephen Kenny, and many expect them to carry that momentum into the new campaign.
For Drogheda, pre-season has been mixed, with last week’s 2-0 defeat to Shelbourne in the President’s Cup highlighting areas for improvement. Manager Kevin Doherty is hoping his side can rediscover the form that saw them lift the Cup last year.
Team News:
• Striker Douglas James-Taylor and defender Elicha Ahui are both ruled out through injury.
• Key players such as Adam Foley and Dayle Rooney will be expected to lead the attack.
Other Premier Division Fixtures Tonight:
• Cork City vs Galway United: Tim Clancy’s promoted Cork City face Galway, managed by their former boss John Caulfield, at Turner’s Cross.
• Shelbourne vs Derry City: Champions Shelbourne begin their title defence at Tolka Park, hosting a strong Derry City side.
First Division: Dundalk Look to Start Promotion Push Against Athlone
In the First Division, Dundalk FC begin life in the second tier at Oriel Park, where they host Athlone Town.
After a busy off-season that saw many arrivals and departures, new manager Ciarán Kilduff takes charge of the Lilywhites for the first time. Dundalk fans will be hoping for a strong start as the club aims to make their stay in the First Division a short one.
Team News:
• Defender Seán McHale and winger Norman Garbett are fit and available after returning to full training.
• Defender Ethen Vaughan is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Other First Division Fixtures Tonight:
• Treaty United vs Cobh Ramblers
• Kerry FC vs Finn Harps
• UCD vs Wexford
Follow the Action Live for Drogheda and Dundalk Matches:
Fans can catch live commentary of both the Drogheda and Dundalk matches.
Drogheda United (https://www.lmfm.ie/on-air/special-broadcasts/droghedalive1/) and Dundalk (https://www.lmfm.ie/on-air/special-broadcasts/) matches on the LMFM Radio App and lmfm.ie, with coverage starting from 7.40pm.
Will Drogheda show their Cup-winning spirit against title contenders? Can Dundalk begin their promotion push with a victory? All will be revealed on this exciting opening night of League of Ireland action.