Dundalk season opener postponed as weather halts return
Bad weather disrupts Dundalk’s Premier Division comeback
Dundalk FC’s long-awaited return to League of Ireland Premier Division action has been delayed after heavy rainfall forced the postponement of their opening-night clash with champions Shamrock Rovers.
The match, scheduled for Friday night in Tallaght, was called off after the pitch at Tallaght Stadium was deemed unplayable due to severe waterlogging, the result of persistent rain throughout the week.
Postponement of champions’ clash
The fixture had been billed as a high-profile meeting between last season’s Premier Division champions and the First Division title holders, making the postponement a disappointing blow for Dundalk supporters eager to see their side back at the top level.
League officials confirmed that a new date will be announced in due course, once conditions allow the match to be safely rescheduled.
Dundalk’s season now begins in Derry
With the Tallaght fixture postponed, Dundalk’s opening match of the 2026 season will now be next week’s away trip to the Brandywell, where they face Derry City in what promises to be a stern early test.
The Lilywhites will be hoping for improved weather and a clean start when they finally take to the pitch.
Three fixtures still go ahead
Despite the postponement in Tallaght, three Premier Division fixtures are currently going ahead on Friday night.
In the west, Drogheda United begin their campaign away to Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park, with kick-off at 7.45pm.
Meanwhile, Waterford host Shelbourne at the RSC, while Derry City take on Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell, where former Republic of Ireland captain James McClean is expected to feature. That fixture has been pushed back to a later 8pm start.
Title race takes shape
As the new Premier Division season gets underway, Shamrock Rovers are widely tipped to retain their league crown, despite having to wait to begin their own campaign due to Friday’s postponement.
For Dundalk, attention now turns to Derry City, with fans hoping their delayed return will still lead to a strong start back among the elite of Irish football.
