Longford Town FC all set for the new Airtricity League season

The 2023 Season is the first League of Ireland season yet with all three men’s and women’s divisions under the one identity and is set to be the biggest campaign to date. 

Longford Town play Athlone in their opening First Division fixture at Bishopsgate on Saturday February 18.  

 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers begin the defence of their crown on Saturday, February 18 at The Showgrounds against Sligo Rovers while newly promoted Cork City will host Declan Devine’s Bohemians at Turner’s Cross live on RTÉ2 on the opening night on February 17.

 There will be two newly entered teams, Kerry FC and Shamrock Rovers, in the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division and SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division respectively with Kerry FC hosting Cobh Ramblers at Mounthawk Park on February 17 and Collie O’Neill’s Shamrock Rovers travelling to Sligo Rovers on March 4 in their opening ties. 

With Clubs reporting record Season Ticket sales across the board in all three Divisions, attendances at the League of Ireland look set to continue to rise with the audience growing even further through LOITV and our broadcasters expanded coverage on RTÉ and TG4. 

 The LOITV Season Pass has also returned for 2023 offering incredible value for all League of Ireland fans who can now access over 440 games for just €120 for the new season as well being able to avail of pay-per-view options with on-demand playback available of all broadcasted games on the platform. 

 League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “We have a new mix of exciting young talent across playing and coaching staff in all our Clubs and I would like to wish them all the best of luck throughout the 2023 season. With the addition of Kerry FC and Shamrock Rovers FC to the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division and SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, we are set to reach even more people across the country this year.

"With a new identity for the League of Ireland comes a new era and an opportunity to grow our audience even more. Whether it be challengers to Shamrock Rovers’ SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title, or those wishing for promotion from the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as well as the Clubs looking to challenge Shelbourne’s reign as SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Champions there’s no doubt this will be the best League of Ireland season yet.

"I would also like to extend my thanks to SSE Airtricity for their continued and growing support of the League of Ireland. I would also like to thank the Bank of Ireland and EA SPORTS for their continued sponsorship of the League and look forward to working with all our partners even closer in 2023.”

 SSE Airtricity Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, Ashley Morrow, said: "We're delighted to be supporting the League of Ireland once more in 2023 and to be an integral part of bringing the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division alongside the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier and First Divisions.

"The extension of our partnership with the League of Ireland has allowed us to support the continued growth of Women's football with increased funding available to help improve the environment for players and coaches. We are privileged to be the principal sponsor of all three Divisions, which shows SSE Airtricity's commitment to the domestic game. We wish all players, staff and supporters the best of luck for the season ahead."

SSE Airtricity Men's First Division players, from left, Aaron Connolly of Athlone Town, Lee Steacy of Cobh Ramblers, Matt Keane of Kerry FC, Sam Verdon of Longford Town, Ryan Flood of Finn Harps, Enda Curran of Treaty United, Ethan Boyle of Wexford FC, Dave Webster of Bray Wanderers, Giles Phillips of Waterford FC and Conor McCormack of Galway United pictured at the launch of the SSE Airtricity League 2023 season at City Hall in Dublin Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile