Football League of Ireland 2005
Encyclopedia
The 2005 League of Ireland season began on Friday 18 March 2005 and ended with the FAI Cup
Final on Sunday December 4th. This season saw the Premier Divsision expanded to include twelve teams with the First Division now reduced to ten. This was the opposite to what it had been before. The league's management committee also announced changes regarding the prize money for the season. The total fund was increased from €100,000 to around €450,000. At the end of the season Cork City became league champions but were beaten in the cup final by Drogheda United.
ended in a 1-1 draw. Bray Wanderers
and Derry City
both recorded victories but the surprise on the opening day was holders and favourites Shelbourne
drew 1-1 at home to U.C.D.
. Shelbourne did improve, however, and, at the end of the month, along with Cork City and Bray Wanderers were the early leaders, all on seven points with three games played.
April saw Shelbourne
march to the top of the table with victories in all their matches bar one - a 0-0 draw against Derry City
. They definitely looked like the team to beat. Meanwhile, at the bottom it looked like that it might be a season of struggle for Finn Harps
who had yet to register a victory. It was also a disappointing start for both Bohemians
and Shamrock Rovers
who were the other two clubs in the bottom three. Shamrock Rovers also entered examinership
due to their financial troubles. It was reported that they were in debt but did have a reasonable chance of surviving so the High Court ruled that an examiner should be appointed.
In May there was big developments at both the top and bottom of the table with the bottom the more significant. Shamrock Rovers
were deducted eight points for a 'serious breach of the licensing process'. When the club went into examinership it was discovered that they were €2,360,000 in debt and this financial and accounting information was not given when applying for a UEFA
License. Many people were of the opinion that they got off lightly, however, as it was expected that they might be automatically relegated to the First Division
or suffer expulsion from the league altogether. At the end of the month this left them on three points and last in the table. On the field there was some surprises at the top of the table. Shelbourne
, who at the start of the campaign looked like they might stroll to the league title, were beaten in successive matches. The second of these defeats was to Cork City who led the table after this victory by three points.
Shelbourne
's poor form continued into the month of June. A 1-1 draw with U.C.D.
was followed by a disappointing home defeat to Shamrock Rovers
. They eventually ended their five game winless streak with a 4-2 victory at Waterford but at this stage had certainly handed the initiative over to Cork City who still led the way by three points but had now played a game less. Derry
, also, had cut the gap to second place Shelbourne to four points and had two games in hand over them. At the bottom of the table Shamrock Rovers were still bottom and were now five points behind 11th place Finn Harps
after the big relegation clash between the two sides finished 4-1 in the Donegal
side's favour. Without doubt Shamrock Rovers were in danger of being relegated for the first time in their history.
At the end of July it looked as there was only one place that the league title was going and that was to Cork. With over half of the campaign gone they were now an incredible fourteen points clear of Shelbourne
who had dropped to third place. The only team with any chance of catching Cork appeared to be Derry
. They were seven points adrift of the league leaders but did have a game in hand. At the other end Finn Harps
were now last. Shamrock Rovers
had overtaken them and looked like that they could escape from trouble. At this stage they were just three points behind Waterford United in 10th place.
It seemed like the title might go to the wire now. With exactly two thirds of the season gone Cork were now just three points ahead of Derry
. Shelbourne
were definitely out of the title race. They were still fourteen points behind the league leaders. They just seemed to be in a battle for a European spot with Longford
, Drogheda and Bohemians
who were separated by four points. Shamrock Rovers
were out of the bottom two after gaining seven points from their three matches in August. Probably the most important result was the 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Waterford United. Going on Rovers current form, it seemed like they may pull clear from danger leaving Finn Harps
and Waterford United to battle to avoid automatic relegation.
With just goal difference separating the top two now it was certainly going to be nail-biting climax to the season but crucially Cork City had played a game less. Shelbourne
had now cemented a European spot. They were ten points clear of their nearest rivals. At the foot of the table it looked like a gap was opening up between the bottom two and the rest. It seemed a straight dogfight between Finn Harps
and Waterford United to see who would go down automatically and who would enter the relegation/promotion playoff. There was still time for that to change, however, as U.C.D., Bray Wanderers
, Shamrock Rovers
and St Patrick's Athletic
were still not entirely safe.
Going into the final month of the league season only three goals on goal difference could separate leaders Cork from Derry
but the end of October provided a few shocks as both the top two suffered home defeats to relegation battlers. These results coupled with Shamrock Rovers
defeat to Bray Wanderers
proved disastrous for Rovers as they dropped back down to eleventh place although they had played a game less and were just a point behind Waterford United and three adrift of U.C.D.
and St Patrick's Athletic
. Finn Harps
were all but down at this stage. They were five points behind Rovers with just three games remaining.
The final of the day league would prove to be an exciting affair. With Derry
taking full advantage of Cork City's draw against Shelbourne
the previous weekend, they were now top. All they needed was a point to seal their first league title since 1997. The only trouble was that their final match was away to their title rivals Cork. What a game there was in prospect. One thing was certain was that the trophy would be leaving Dublin for the first time since Derry's last title. Unfortunately for Shamrock Rovers
there would be no last day drama for them. They were consigned to a relegation /promotion playoff after a 2-1 defeat to Waterford United. Finn Harps
were also officially relegated on the penultimate day.
The 18th of November arrived and all eyes were on Turner's Cross for the league title decider. Cork City started the better and nearly scored inside thirty seconds when John O'Flynn
headed just over the crossbar. They were not to be denied however, and struck the deserved lead goal when O'Flynn headed home from a Roy O'Donovan
cross. Cork dominated the rest of the opening half but it seemed that the second killer goal woul just not come. It didn't until the 16th minute of the second half when Denis Behan
set up Liam Kearney
to score. Derry
never gave up, however, and were close to pulling a goal back but Michael Devine
managed to pull off a fine save from a Pat McCourt header. It was to be Cork City's day, though, as they went on to see the match out and clinch their second league title. The final table looked like this:
Shamrock Rovers
deducted 8 points for UEFA License Application irregularities.
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
won promotion back to the Premier Division
after they finished top of the First Division
by two points. Dublin City
were runners-up and as a result entered the promotion/relegation playoff against Shamrock Rovers
. Athlone Town
endured the embarrassment of finishing last. They were eight points adrift of closest rivals Monaghan United. The final league table looked like this:
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD
played Dublin City
in probably the most important match of the season for both clubs. The winner would be in the Premier Division
next season while the loser would participate in the First Division
. Shamrock Rovers were at home for the first leg which was played at Dalymount Park
. Dublin City struck a blow for Rovers when Aidan Lynch gave them the lead in the 43rd minute. A Trevor Molloy
penalty in the second half made it 1-1 but five minutes from time disaster struck for Rovers as David McGill
scored for Dublin and that was enough to inflict a home defeat for Rovers in the first leg. It seemed that they had a mountain to climb now. The second leg at Tolka Park
proved a tense affair. The pressure was certainly on Shamrock Rovers who knew they had to win or else face a season in the First Division for the first time in their history. Neither team could find a goal in the first half but when Robbie Collins gave Dublin City the lead it looked very bleak for Rovers. They did equalise on the night just two minutes later through Rovers legend Derek Treacy but that was as much they could do. Dublin City were celebrating promotion but Shamrock Rovers were journeying into the unknown. Rovers faced an uncertain future with their debts and now relegation to the First Division.
were the League of Ireland
's representative in this season's Champions League
. After their exploits the previous season (they were the first League of Ireland club to reach the third qualifying round) all eyes were on them this season hoping that they could at least match their achievements of last season. The first qualifying round threw up an intriguing tie against the Irish League
champions Glentoran
. The first leg was held at The Oval
but it was Shelbourne who took a lead back to Tolka Park
. Two Jason Byrne
strikes gave Shels a 2-1 victory over their Irish League opponents. Shelbourne convincingly killed off the tie in the second leg to record a 4-1 victory and 6-2 win overall. Goals from Owen Heary
, Jason Byrne (2) and Glen Crowe
sealed a meeting with Steaua Bucharest second qualifying round. This proved to be a much tougher affair. Shelbourne were at home in the first leg and had to be satisfied with a 0-0 draw to take to Romania
. They were beaten in Bucharest
, however, by 4-1 to end their European adventure for this season.
's two teams in the UEFA Cup
. Cork City progressed through to the first round proper of the tournament. In the first qualifying round they overcame Lithuania
n side FK Ekranas
2-1 on aggregate. They then beat Djurgårdens IF on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw in the second qualifying round. They missed out on qualification to the group stage, however, by losing to Slavia Prague in the First Round. The Rebels lost both legs 2-0 and 2-1 respectively. Longford Town
were the other Irish team in the tournament but they were beaten 5-3 on aggregate in the First Qualifying round by Carmarthen Town of Wales
. This was a disappointment especially since Longford won the first leg at Flancare Park
by 2-0.
lost 3-1 on aggregate to AA Gent in the first round of the Intertoto Cup. Like Longford
in the UEFA Cup
, Bohs had won the first leg at home but obviously it was not enough to see them through.
clubs' performances in Europe this season meant that the league received a coefficient of 1.833 added to their overall coefficient which now accumulated to 4.331. This gave them a ranking 40th place as shown.
consisted of 20 non-league and junior sides with 10 progressing through to the next round to join the 22 league clubs. The second round did provide a couple of shock results. The main one was non-league Wayside Celtic
defeating First Division
side Cobh Ramblers
by 1-0. The other was Malahide United forcing a replay with Sligo Rovers
, although Sligo did win the replay. The big match in the round was the meeting of Shelbourne
and Derry City
at Tolka Park
and unexpectedly the Candystripes won 2-0 against the then league champions. Another result of note was Dundalk
's 7-1 victory over fellow First Division side Monaghan United.
The third round involved a County Louth
derby between Drogheda and Dundalk
. The Premier Division
side overcame their neighbours 2-0. First Division
side Sligo Rovers
caused a shock by defeating St Patrick's Athletic
. Non-league Wayside Celtic
, also, forced a replay with Bohemians
although Bohs went through in the replay.
By the quarter-final stage, Sligo Rovers
were the only team left in the tournament who were not in the Premier Division
. That was as far as they got, however, as they lost to Cork City. Derry City
, Drogheda United and Bray Wanderers
were the clubs that progressed to the semi-finals.
The first semi-final took place on the 21st October between Cork City and Derry City
. The match was a tight affair and it took a penalty in the final minute to separate the two sides. George O'Callaghan
put the Leesiders through to the final with his by cooly taken spot-kick. The other semi-final was also tight and involved late drama. Declan O'Brien
gave Drogheda a 1-0 lead in the first half. They were no more goals, however, until the last ten minutes when Drogheda scored a second and looked to have sealed a place in the final but Bray
managed to find the net two minutes after Drogheda's strike. Drogheda hung on, though, to book place in December's final against Cork.
The final took place on the 4th December at Lansdowne Road
. Cork were looking for a double after winning the league title a fortnight before. Neither side could force a breakthrough in the first half but it did not take long in the second half for a goal to be scored and it went to the underdogs. Gavin Whelan
gave the Drogs the lead in the 52nd minute which had supporters dreaming of a first FAI Cup
success. Cork tried to get back into the match but it was not to be as Declan O'Brien
sealed the cup for Drogheda seven minutes from time.
----
won a sixth League of Ireland Cup in 2005. They defeated a battling U.C.D.
side in the final. It was somewhat against the run of play when Derry
took the lead through Alan Murphy
on fourteen minutes. Conan Byrne
struck a deserved equaliser for U.C.D. five minutes before the end of the first half but three minutes later an own goal from McWalter
gave Derry a half time lead. There were no more goals in the match so Derry City took the cup.
financial difficulties really came to light. The High Court ruled that an examiner should be appointed at the club. He discovered that they had debts amounting to €2,360,000 . The following month it was made public that this information was not given by the club when they applied for a UEFA
License for the new season. This was a very serious breach of the rules and many people expected a severe punishment for them .Punishments such as immediate relegation or even complete expulsion from the league were talked about. Eventually the authorities decided that the club should be docked eight points. At the time it seemed that Rovers had got off lightly but at the end of the season these points proved crucial in condemning the club to a relegation/promotion playoff which of course they lost. This certainly did not help the financial situation at the club and they were danger of going out of business. Fortunately for the club, a fans trust was able to take over the club and keep them from becoming extinct. Towards the end of the season Roddy Collins
was sacked as manager of the club despite having a year left on his contract. He was replaced by Alan O'Neill for the playoff games. Roddy Collins took this dismissal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. A settlement was eventually reached the following year.
. 8,000 spectators were at the game. The biggest attendance of the season came in the FAI Cup
Final. 24,521 people made the journey to Lansdowne Road
to watch the final.
agreed a new TV Rights deal for this season. This deal will run until 2009. The main terms of the agreement are:
TV viewing figures for the season proved to be in excess of 1 million. In the end 44 matches were televised live with the highest viewing figure of 355,000 for the league title decider. 285,000 people watched the FAI Cup
Final.
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
Final on Sunday December 4th. This season saw the Premier Divsision expanded to include twelve teams with the First Division now reduced to ten. This was the opposite to what it had been before. The league's management committee also announced changes regarding the prize money for the season. The total fund was increased from €100,000 to around €450,000. At the end of the season Cork City became league champions but were beaten in the cup final by Drogheda United.
Premier Division
The season began on 18th March with four matches getting the season underway. The league's biggest derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemian F.C.Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
ended in a 1-1 draw. Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers A.F.C.
Bray Wanderers A.F.C. are an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1942 and elected to the League in 1985, hails from Bray and play their home matches at the Carlisle Grounds. Club colours are Green and White, and it goes by the nickname...
and Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
both recorded victories but the surprise on the opening day was holders and favourites Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
drew 1-1 at home to U.C.D.
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
. Shelbourne did improve, however, and, at the end of the month, along with Cork City and Bray Wanderers were the early leaders, all on seven points with three games played.
April saw Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
march to the top of the table with victories in all their matches bar one - a 0-0 draw against Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. They definitely looked like the team to beat. Meanwhile, at the bottom it looked like that it might be a season of struggle for Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
who had yet to register a victory. It was also a disappointing start for both Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
and Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
who were the other two clubs in the bottom three. Shamrock Rovers also entered examinership
Examinership
Examinership is a process in Irish law whereby the protection of the Court is obtained to assist the survival of a company. It allows a company to restructure with the approval of the High Court....
due to their financial troubles. It was reported that they were in debt but did have a reasonable chance of surviving so the High Court ruled that an examiner should be appointed.
In May there was big developments at both the top and bottom of the table with the bottom the more significant. Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
were deducted eight points for a 'serious breach of the licensing process'. When the club went into examinership it was discovered that they were €2,360,000 in debt and this financial and accounting information was not given when applying for a UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
License. Many people were of the opinion that they got off lightly, however, as it was expected that they might be automatically relegated to the First Division
FAI First Division
The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier...
or suffer expulsion from the league altogether. At the end of the month this left them on three points and last in the table. On the field there was some surprises at the top of the table. Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
, who at the start of the campaign looked like they might stroll to the league title, were beaten in successive matches. The second of these defeats was to Cork City who led the table after this victory by three points.
Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
's poor form continued into the month of June. A 1-1 draw with U.C.D.
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
was followed by a disappointing home defeat to Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
. They eventually ended their five game winless streak with a 4-2 victory at Waterford but at this stage had certainly handed the initiative over to Cork City who still led the way by three points but had now played a game less. Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
, also, had cut the gap to second place Shelbourne to four points and had two games in hand over them. At the bottom of the table Shamrock Rovers were still bottom and were now five points behind 11th place Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
after the big relegation clash between the two sides finished 4-1 in the Donegal
County Donegal
County Donegal is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Donegal. Donegal County Council is the local authority for the county...
side's favour. Without doubt Shamrock Rovers were in danger of being relegated for the first time in their history.
At the end of July it looked as there was only one place that the league title was going and that was to Cork. With over half of the campaign gone they were now an incredible fourteen points clear of Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
who had dropped to third place. The only team with any chance of catching Cork appeared to be Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. They were seven points adrift of the league leaders but did have a game in hand. At the other end Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
were now last. Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
had overtaken them and looked like that they could escape from trouble. At this stage they were just three points behind Waterford United in 10th place.
It seemed like the title might go to the wire now. With exactly two thirds of the season gone Cork were now just three points ahead of Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
were definitely out of the title race. They were still fourteen points behind the league leaders. They just seemed to be in a battle for a European spot with Longford
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
, Drogheda and Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
who were separated by four points. Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
were out of the bottom two after gaining seven points from their three matches in August. Probably the most important result was the 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Waterford United. Going on Rovers current form, it seemed like they may pull clear from danger leaving Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
and Waterford United to battle to avoid automatic relegation.
With just goal difference separating the top two now it was certainly going to be nail-biting climax to the season but crucially Cork City had played a game less. Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
had now cemented a European spot. They were ten points clear of their nearest rivals. At the foot of the table it looked like a gap was opening up between the bottom two and the rest. It seemed a straight dogfight between Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
and Waterford United to see who would go down automatically and who would enter the relegation/promotion playoff. There was still time for that to change, however, as U.C.D., Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers A.F.C.
Bray Wanderers A.F.C. are an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1942 and elected to the League in 1985, hails from Bray and play their home matches at the Carlisle Grounds. Club colours are Green and White, and it goes by the nickname...
, Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
and St Patrick's Athletic
St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Founded in 1929, they are based in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and play their home matches at Richmond Park. They have won the League of Ireland title 7 times and...
were still not entirely safe.
Going into the final month of the league season only three goals on goal difference could separate leaders Cork from Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
but the end of October provided a few shocks as both the top two suffered home defeats to relegation battlers. These results coupled with Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
defeat to Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers A.F.C.
Bray Wanderers A.F.C. are an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1942 and elected to the League in 1985, hails from Bray and play their home matches at the Carlisle Grounds. Club colours are Green and White, and it goes by the nickname...
proved disastrous for Rovers as they dropped back down to eleventh place although they had played a game less and were just a point behind Waterford United and three adrift of U.C.D.
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
and St Patrick's Athletic
St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Founded in 1929, they are based in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and play their home matches at Richmond Park. They have won the League of Ireland title 7 times and...
. Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
were all but down at this stage. They were five points behind Rovers with just three games remaining.
The final of the day league would prove to be an exciting affair. With Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
taking full advantage of Cork City's draw against Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
the previous weekend, they were now top. All they needed was a point to seal their first league title since 1997. The only trouble was that their final match was away to their title rivals Cork. What a game there was in prospect. One thing was certain was that the trophy would be leaving Dublin for the first time since Derry's last title. Unfortunately for Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
there would be no last day drama for them. They were consigned to a relegation /promotion playoff after a 2-1 defeat to Waterford United. Finn Harps
Finn Harps F.C.
Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue...
were also officially relegated on the penultimate day.
The 18th of November arrived and all eyes were on Turner's Cross for the league title decider. Cork City started the better and nearly scored inside thirty seconds when John O'Flynn
John O'Flynn
John O'Flynn is an Irish footballer, who plays for Exeter City as a striker.He spent six years with Cork City, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup. He scored twice on his league debut for Cork on 5 July 2002...
headed just over the crossbar. They were not to be denied however, and struck the deserved lead goal when O'Flynn headed home from a Roy O'Donovan
Roy O'Donovan
Roy Simon O'Donovan is an Irish footballer who plays for Football League Championship side Coventry City. He has been capped for his country at Under-19, Under-21 and B level.-Club career:...
cross. Cork dominated the rest of the opening half but it seemed that the second killer goal woul just not come. It didn't until the 16th minute of the second half when Denis Behan
Denis Behan
Denis Behan is an Irish professional footballer currently playing for Limerick in the League of Ireland First Division.-Youth level:...
set up Liam Kearney
Liam Kearney
Liam Kearney , nicknamed "Conna Maradonna", is an Irish professional footballer who plays for Dandenong Thunder SC.Kearney plies his trade on the left wing and has represented the Republic of Ireland U21 team on 7 occasions, scoring once.-Nottingham Forest:...
to score. Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
never gave up, however, and were close to pulling a goal back but Michael Devine
Michael Devine (footballer)
-Early career:Devine began playing football with Springfield FC in Cobh, County Cork, where he was capped at U15 and U16 levels, and thereafter signed for English team Middlesbrough. Devine spent four years at Ayresome Park learning his trade before he briefly moved on to Newcastle United and...
managed to pull off a fine save from a Pat McCourt header. It was to be Cork City's day, though, as they went on to see the match out and clinch their second league title. The final table looked like this:
| Cork City | UEFA Champions League The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It... and Setanta Cup Setanta Sports Cup The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland... |
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| Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
UEFA Cup The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League... and Setanta Cup Setanta Sports Cup The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland... |
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| Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
UEFA Intertoto Cup The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued... |
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| Drogheda United | ||||||||||
| Longford Town Longford Town F.C. Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park... |
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| Bohemians Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
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| Bray Wanderers | ||||||||||
| Waterford United | ||||||||||
| UCD | ||||||||||
| St Patrick's Athletic St Patrick's Athletic F.C. St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Founded in 1929, they are based in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and play their home matches at Richmond Park. They have won the League of Ireland title 7 times and... |
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| Shamrock Rovers Shamrock Rovers F.C. Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24... |
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| Finn Harps Finn Harps F.C. Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue... |
FAI First Division The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier... |
Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
deducted 8 points for UEFA License Application irregularities.
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
First Division
Sligo RoversSligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
won promotion back to the Premier Division
FAI Premier Division
The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of...
after they finished top of the First Division
FAI First Division
The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier...
by two points. Dublin City
Dublin City F.C.
Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season...
were runners-up and as a result entered the promotion/relegation playoff against Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
. Athlone Town
Athlone Town A.F.C.
Athlone Town F.C. is an Irish football club from Athlone, playing in the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1887. First elected to the League of Ireland in 1922, they play their home matches in Lissywoollen their new stadium which opened in 2007...
endured the embarrassment of finishing last. They were eight points adrift of closest rivals Monaghan United. The final league table looked like this:
| Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
FAI Premier Division The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of... |
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| Dublin City Dublin City F.C. Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season... |
FAI Premier Division The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of... |
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| Cobh Ramblers Cobh Ramblers F.C. Cobh Ramblers Football Club . is an Irish football club playing in the A Championship, the third tier of Irish football. The club, founded in 1922 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Cobh, County Cork and play their home matches at St. Colman's Park... |
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| Kilkenny City Kilkenny City A.F.C. Kilkenny City A.F.C. was an Irish football club. The club played in the First Division of the League of Ireland until 18 January 2008 when they announced that they resigned their position in the league citing “lack of finance, poor results and paltry attendances”.The club hails from Kilkenny and... |
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| Galway United | ||||||||||
| Dundalk Dundalk F.C. Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The... |
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| Limerick Limerick F.C. Limerick Football Club is an association football club based in Limerick, Ireland. The club currently play in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The first Limerick FC was founded in 1937 and has had a number of guises through its history, known at different times as Limerick FC, Limerick... |
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| Kildare County Kildare County F.C. Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :... |
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| Monaghan United | ||||||||||
| Athlone Town Athlone Town A.F.C. Athlone Town F.C. is an Irish football club from Athlone, playing in the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1887. First elected to the League of Ireland in 1922, they play their home matches in Lissywoollen their new stadium which opened in 2007... |
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD
Promotion/Relegation Playoff
Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
played Dublin City
Dublin City F.C.
Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season...
in probably the most important match of the season for both clubs. The winner would be in the Premier Division
FAI Premier Division
The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of...
next season while the loser would participate in the First Division
FAI First Division
The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier...
. Shamrock Rovers were at home for the first leg which was played at Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
. Dublin City struck a blow for Rovers when Aidan Lynch gave them the lead in the 43rd minute. A Trevor Molloy
Trevor Molloy
Trevor Molloy is a semi-professional, Irish football player who is currently playing for Bluebell United in the Leinster Senior League....
penalty in the second half made it 1-1 but five minutes from time disaster struck for Rovers as David McGill
David McGill
David McGill is a Canadian former professional soccer player who played in the North American Soccer League between 1979 and 1981 for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Detroit Express and Washington Diplomats. McGill also earned four caps for the Canadian under-20 side in 1979, and participated at the 1979...
scored for Dublin and that was enough to inflict a home defeat for Rovers in the first leg. It seemed that they had a mountain to climb now. The second leg at Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
proved a tense affair. The pressure was certainly on Shamrock Rovers who knew they had to win or else face a season in the First Division for the first time in their history. Neither team could find a goal in the first half but when Robbie Collins gave Dublin City the lead it looked very bleak for Rovers. They did equalise on the night just two minutes later through Rovers legend Derek Treacy but that was as much they could do. Dublin City were celebrating promotion but Shamrock Rovers were journeying into the unknown. Rovers faced an uncertain future with their debts and now relegation to the First Division.
Champions League
ShelbourneShelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
were the League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
's representative in this season's Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. After their exploits the previous season (they were the first League of Ireland club to reach the third qualifying round) all eyes were on them this season hoping that they could at least match their achievements of last season. The first qualifying round threw up an intriguing tie against the Irish League
IFA Premiership
The IFA Premiership – formerly the Irish Premier League, and before that the Irish Football League–and still known in popular parlance simply as the Irish League, is the national football league in Northern Ireland, and was historically the league for the whole of Ireland. Clubs in the league are...
champions Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
. The first leg was held at The Oval
The Oval
The Kia Oval, still commonly referred to by its original name of The Oval, is an international cricket ground in Kennington, in the London Borough of Lambeth. In the past it was also sometimes called the Kennington Oval...
but it was Shelbourne who took a lead back to Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
. Two Jason Byrne
Jason Byrne (footballer)
Jason Byrne is an Irish football player, currently playing for Dundalk in the League of Ireland.-Bray Wanderers:...
strikes gave Shels a 2-1 victory over their Irish League opponents. Shelbourne convincingly killed off the tie in the second leg to record a 4-1 victory and 6-2 win overall. Goals from Owen Heary
Owen Heary
Owen Heary is an Irish professional football defender and currently captain of Bohemians .-Playing career:He made his League of Ireland debut for Kilkenny City at Bray Wanderers on 21 November 1993...
, Jason Byrne (2) and Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League....
sealed a meeting with Steaua Bucharest second qualifying round. This proved to be a much tougher affair. Shelbourne were at home in the first leg and had to be satisfied with a 0-0 draw to take to Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. They were beaten in Bucharest
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the Dâmbovița River....
, however, by 4-1 to end their European adventure for this season.
UEFA Cup
Cork City did the better of the Republic of IrelandRepublic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
's two teams in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. Cork City progressed through to the first round proper of the tournament. In the first qualifying round they overcame Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
n side FK Ekranas
FK Ekranas
Futbolo Klubas Ekranas is a Lithuanian football club, playing in the town of Panevėžys.The club was founded in 1964.It has won Lithuanian championships in 1985 , 1993, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010, the Lithuanian Cup in 1985 , 1998, 2000, 2010 and 2011 and the Lithuanian Super Cup in 1998, 2006, 2010...
2-1 on aggregate. They then beat Djurgårdens IF on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw in the second qualifying round. They missed out on qualification to the group stage, however, by losing to Slavia Prague in the First Round. The Rebels lost both legs 2-0 and 2-1 respectively. Longford Town
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
were the other Irish team in the tournament but they were beaten 5-3 on aggregate in the First Qualifying round by Carmarthen Town of Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. This was a disappointment especially since Longford won the first leg at Flancare Park
Flancare Park
Flancare Park is a soccer stadium in Longford, Ireland. It is the home stadium of League of Ireland side Longford Town F.C.. Flancare Park has also held numerous international underage matches. The stadium underwent a huge redevelopment at the end of 2000/2001 season...
by 2-0.
Intertoto Cup
BohemiansBohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
lost 3-1 on aggregate to AA Gent in the first round of the Intertoto Cup. Like Longford
Longford Town F.C.
Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park...
in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
, Bohs had won the first leg at home but obviously it was not enough to see them through.
UEFA Coefficient
The League of IrelandLeague of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
clubs' performances in Europe this season meant that the league received a coefficient of 1.833 added to their overall coefficient which now accumulated to 4.331. This gave them a ranking 40th place as shown.
- 38.
BelarusBelarusian Premier League-Soviet era champions:*1934 BVO *1935 BVO *1936 BVO *1937 Dinamo *1938 Dinamo *1939 Dinamo *1940 DKA *1941-44 unknown... - 39.
LiechtensteinLiechtenstein Football AssociationThe Liechtenstein Football Association is the governing body of football in Liechtenstein. It organizes the Liechtenstein national football team and the Liechtenstein football Cup. Due to the fact that Liechtenstein only has a small number of active teams, it is the only UEFA member without its... - 40.
Republic of IrelandFAI League of IrelandThe League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland... - 41.
AlbaniaKategoria superioreThe Albanian Superliga , the highest level of association football in Albania, was founded in 1930 under the name Kategoria e Parë .... - 42.
ArmeniaArmenian Premier LeagueThe Armenian Premier League is the top football competition in Armenia. From 1936 to 1991, the competition was held as a regional tournament within the USSR. After independence, the Football Federation of Armenia has been the unit in charge. The seasons run from spring to fall...
FAI Cup
The First Round of the FAI CupFAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
consisted of 20 non-league and junior sides with 10 progressing through to the next round to join the 22 league clubs. The second round did provide a couple of shock results. The main one was non-league Wayside Celtic
Wayside Celtic F.C.
Wayside Celtic F.C. are a football club who compete in the Leinster Senior League. They play their home games at the Golden Ball in Kilternan, Dublin, Ireland...
defeating First Division
FAI First Division
The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier...
side Cobh Ramblers
Cobh Ramblers F.C.
Cobh Ramblers Football Club . is an Irish football club playing in the A Championship, the third tier of Irish football. The club, founded in 1922 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Cobh, County Cork and play their home matches at St. Colman's Park...
by 1-0. The other was Malahide United forcing a replay with Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
, although Sligo did win the replay. The big match in the round was the meeting of Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
and Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
at Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
and unexpectedly the Candystripes won 2-0 against the then league champions. Another result of note was Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
's 7-1 victory over fellow First Division side Monaghan United.
The third round involved a County Louth
County Louth
County Louth is a county of Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Louth. Louth County Council is the local authority for the county...
derby between Drogheda and Dundalk
Dundalk F.C.
Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The...
. The Premier Division
FAI Premier Division
The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of...
side overcame their neighbours 2-0. First Division
FAI First Division
The League of Ireland First Division is the second tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. The division was formed in 1985 as a result of the decision to split the League of Ireland into two divisions, which also created the League of Ireland Premier...
side Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
caused a shock by defeating St Patrick's Athletic
St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
St Patrick's Athletic Football Club is a football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Founded in 1929, they are based in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore and play their home matches at Richmond Park. They have won the League of Ireland title 7 times and...
. Non-league Wayside Celtic
Wayside Celtic F.C.
Wayside Celtic F.C. are a football club who compete in the Leinster Senior League. They play their home games at the Golden Ball in Kilternan, Dublin, Ireland...
, also, forced a replay with Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
although Bohs went through in the replay.
By the quarter-final stage, Sligo Rovers
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at...
were the only team left in the tournament who were not in the Premier Division
FAI Premier Division
The League of Ireland Premier Division is the top tier of the Republic of Ireland's national football league, the League of Ireland. At the top of the Republic of Ireland football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 10 clubs, it operates a system of...
. That was as far as they got, however, as they lost to Cork City. Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
, Drogheda United and Bray Wanderers
Bray Wanderers A.F.C.
Bray Wanderers A.F.C. are an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1942 and elected to the League in 1985, hails from Bray and play their home matches at the Carlisle Grounds. Club colours are Green and White, and it goes by the nickname...
were the clubs that progressed to the semi-finals.
The first semi-final took place on the 21st October between Cork City and Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. The match was a tight affair and it took a penalty in the final minute to separate the two sides. George O'Callaghan
George O'Callaghan
George Paul O'Callaghan, Jr., is an Irish football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for DPMM FC....
put the Leesiders through to the final with his by cooly taken spot-kick. The other semi-final was also tight and involved late drama. Declan O'Brien
Declan O'Brien (footballer)
Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien, , is a professional footballer who is currently playing for Monaghan United.-Drogheda United:...
gave Drogheda a 1-0 lead in the first half. They were no more goals, however, until the last ten minutes when Drogheda scored a second and looked to have sealed a place in the final but Bray
Bray Wanderers A.F.C.
Bray Wanderers A.F.C. are an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1942 and elected to the League in 1985, hails from Bray and play their home matches at the Carlisle Grounds. Club colours are Green and White, and it goes by the nickname...
managed to find the net two minutes after Drogheda's strike. Drogheda hung on, though, to book place in December's final against Cork.
The final took place on the 4th December at Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road was a stadium in Dublin owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union that has been the location of a number of sports stadiums. It was used primarily for rugby union and for association football matches as well as some music concerts...
. Cork were looking for a double after winning the league title a fortnight before. Neither side could force a breakthrough in the first half but it did not take long in the second half for a goal to be scored and it went to the underdogs. Gavin Whelan
Gavin Whelan
Gavin Whelan is an Irish footballer.-Career:Whelan has played for the Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United F.C., both of the League of Ireland and signed a two-year deal to play for the IFA Premiership club Lisburn Distillery in 2009.In 2004 joined from Dublin UC to Drogheda...
gave the Drogs the lead in the 52nd minute which had supporters dreaming of a first FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
success. Cork tried to get back into the match but it was not to be as Declan O'Brien
Declan O'Brien (footballer)
Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien, , is a professional footballer who is currently playing for Monaghan United.-Drogheda United:...
sealed the cup for Drogheda seven minutes from time.
FAI Cup Final
--------
League of Ireland Cup
Derry CityDerry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
won a sixth League of Ireland Cup in 2005. They defeated a battling U.C.D.
University College Dublin A.F.C.
University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have...
side in the final. It was somewhat against the run of play when Derry
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
took the lead through Alan Murphy
Alan Murphy
Alan Murphy was an English rock session guitarist, best remembered for his collaborations with Kate Bush and Go West. In 1988 he joined the group Level 42 as a full time band member, and played with them until his death in 1989...
on fourteen minutes. Conan Byrne
Conan Byrne
Conan Byrne , is an Irish footballer who plays as a winger for League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne.-UCD:...
struck a deserved equaliser for U.C.D. five minutes before the end of the first half but three minutes later an own goal from McWalter
Patrick McWalter
Patrick "Padge" McWalter, born in Wicklow on 7 August 1983, is a retired footballer who played with League of Ireland side UCD. In his spell at UCD his versatility has been put to use seeing him deployed in a number of positions at left wing, right wing and up front. Though not prolific in his role...
gave Derry a half time lead. There were no more goals in the match so Derry City took the cup.
Premier Division
| Player | Club | League goals | Cup goals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Byrne Jason Byrne (footballer) Jason Byrne is an Irish football player, currently playing for Dundalk in the League of Ireland.-Bray Wanderers:... |
Shelbourne FC | 22 | 8 | 30 |
| Mark Farren Mark Farren Mark Farren is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker with League of Ireland club Derry City.-Career:... |
Derry City FC | 18 | 4 | 22 |
| John O'Flynn John O'Flynn John O'Flynn is an Irish footballer, who plays for Exeter City as a striker.He spent six years with Cork City, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup. He scored twice on his league debut for Cork on 5 July 2002... |
Cork City | 11 | 4 | 15 |
 Kevin McHughKevin McHugh Kevin McHugh ; born 19 January 1980 in Letterkenny, Ireland) is an Irish football player currently with Finn Harps.-Career:McHugh was born in Letterkenny and raised in the border-town of Killea in Co... |
Finn Harps FC | 13 | 1 | 14 |
| Eamon Zayed Éamon Zayed Eamon Zayed is an Irish footballer of Libyan descent who currently plays for Derry City. He also writes a weekly column on League of Ireland website, extratime.ie.-Youth career:... |
Bray Wanderers | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Glen Crowe Glen Crowe Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League.... |
Shelbourne FC | 8 | 4 | 12 |
| Gavin Whelan Gavin Whelan Gavin Whelan is an Irish footballer.-Career:Whelan has played for the Bray Wanderers and Drogheda United F.C., both of the League of Ireland and signed a two-year deal to play for the IFA Premiership club Lisburn Distillery in 2009.In 2004 joined from Dublin UC to Drogheda... |
Drogheda United Drogheda United Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park.... |
8 | 1 | 9 |
| Patrick McWalter Patrick McWalter Patrick "Padge" McWalter, born in Wicklow on 7 August 1983, is a retired footballer who played with League of Ireland side UCD. In his spell at UCD his versatility has been put to use seeing him deployed in a number of positions at left wing, right wing and up front. Though not prolific in his role... |
UCD University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
7 | 2 | 9 |
| Declan O'Brien Declan O'Brien (footballer) Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien, , is a professional footballer who is currently playing for Monaghan United.-Drogheda United:... |
Drogheda United Drogheda United Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park.... |
7 | 2 | 9 |
| Stephen Ward Stephen Ward (footballer) Stephen Robert Ward is an Irish footballer who plays for English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Republic of Ireland national football team... |
Bohemian Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
7 | 2 | 9 |
| Robert Martin (footballer) Robert Martin (footballer) Robbie Martin is a striker currently playing for Leixlip United.He was part of the UCD squad which won promotion to the Premier Division in 2004. Martin had begun his senior career with the Students in 2000 as a 17-year-old after returning from a six-week stint with Ipswich Town... |
UCD University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
6 | 3 | 9 |
| Andrew Myler Andrew Myler Andy Myler is a retired Irish footballer.Andy was signed by Shamrock Rovers from Longford Town in July 2006 making his debut against Galway United on 4 August.... |
Longford Town FC | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| Kevin Doyle Kevin Doyle Kevin Edward Doyle is an Irish international footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.... |
Cork City | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Robbie Doyle Robbie Doyle Robbie Doyle is an Irish soccer player who is currently unattached. He most recently played for League of Ireland Premier Division club Bray Wanderers.-Career:... |
St Patrick's Athletic | 7 | 1 | 8 |
| Richie Baker Richie Baker Richie Baker is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland Premier Division club Bray Wanderers... |
Shelbourne FC | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| Roy O'Donovan Roy O'Donovan Roy Simon O'Donovan is an Irish footballer who plays for Football League Championship side Coventry City. He has been capped for his country at Under-19, Under-21 and B level.-Club career:... |
Cork City | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| Tony Grant Tony Grant (Irish footballer) Tony Grant is an Irish professional footballer.-Early years:Starting as a trainee with Leeds United, Grant signed for Preston North End in November 1995... |
Bohemian Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
5 | 3 | 8 |
Awards
- PFAI eircom League Player of the Year
- Mark FarrenMark FarrenMark Farren is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker with League of Ireland club Derry City.-Career:...
- Derry CityDerry City F.C.Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
- Mark Farren
- PFAI eircom League Young Player of the Year
- Pat McCourt - Derry CityDerry City F.C.Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
- Pat McCourt - Derry City
Shamrock Rovers
In April Shamrock RoversShamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
financial difficulties really came to light. The High Court ruled that an examiner should be appointed at the club. He discovered that they had debts amounting to €2,360,000 . The following month it was made public that this information was not given by the club when they applied for a UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
License for the new season. This was a very serious breach of the rules and many people expected a severe punishment for them .Punishments such as immediate relegation or even complete expulsion from the league were talked about. Eventually the authorities decided that the club should be docked eight points. At the time it seemed that Rovers had got off lightly but at the end of the season these points proved crucial in condemning the club to a relegation/promotion playoff which of course they lost. This certainly did not help the financial situation at the club and they were danger of going out of business. Fortunately for the club, a fans trust was able to take over the club and keep them from becoming extinct. Towards the end of the season Roddy Collins
Roddy Collins
Roderick 'Roddy' Collins , is a Irish former professional football player and current manager of Monaghan United. He has also worked as a television pundit, and is the brother of acclaimed former boxer, Steve Collins....
was sacked as manager of the club despite having a year left on his contract. He was replaced by Alan O'Neill for the playoff games. Roddy Collins took this dismissal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. A settlement was eventually reached the following year.
Prize Money
The prize funds for the season more than quadrupled. The top clubs also got a financial from the Setanta Cup. The following table shows how eircom League prize money was distributed for the season.| Position | Premier Division | First Division | League Cup | Fair Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | €100,000 | €25,000 | €15,000 | €4,500 x 2 |
| 2 | €45,000 | €12,500 | €7,500 | €2,000 x 2 |
| 3 | €25,000 | €7,500 | €2,500 | |
| 4 | €15,000 | €6,000 | €2,500 | |
| 5 | €10,000 | €5,000 | ||
| 6 | €7,500 | €5,000 | ||
| 7 | €6,000 | €5,000 | ||
| 8 | €5,000 | €5,000 | ||
| 9 | €5,000 | €5,000 | ||
| 10 | €5,000 | €5,000 | ||
| 11 | €5,000 | |||
| 12 | €5,000 | |||
| Totals | €233,500 | €81,000 | €27,500 | €13,000 |
Attendances
Attendance figures increased this season in relation to previous seasons. The total attendance over all competitions for the season was 520,000 - a 6% increase on the previous season. The highest league attendance of the season came at Turner's Cross for the title decider at the end of the season between Cork City and Derry CityDerry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
. 8,000 spectators were at the game. The biggest attendance of the season came in the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
Final. 24,521 people made the journey to Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road was a stadium in Dublin owned by the Irish Rugby Football Union that has been the location of a number of sports stadiums. It was used primarily for rugby union and for association football matches as well as some music concerts...
to watch the final.
Media Coverage
The FAIFootball Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
agreed a new TV Rights deal for this season. This deal will run until 2009. The main terms of the agreement are:
- At least 29 games live each season
- RTÉRTERTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
8 matches (5 league and 3 FAI Cup) - TG4TG4TG4 is a public service broadcaster for Irish language speakers. The channel has been on-air since 31 October 1996 in the Republic of Ireland and since April 2005 in Northern Ireland....
11 (7 league and 5 FAI Cup) - SetantaSetantaSetanta can mean:* The given name of the Irish mythological figure Cúchulainn* Setanta Sports, Ireland-based international television sports channel**Setanta Sports USA, defunct version of the above that broadcast in the US and Caribbean from 2005–2010...
10 (all league)
- RTÉ
- This allowed the increase in prize money.
- Home clubs in 17 live games will receive €5,000
- Home clubs in other 12 live matches will get €2,000.
TV viewing figures for the season proved to be in excess of 1 million. In the end 44 matches were televised live with the highest viewing figure of 355,000 for the league title decider. 285,000 people watched the FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
Final.