Shamrock Rovers are in Waterford and Shelbourne host Dundalk in some of the other Premier Division matches.
06:00, 03 Apr 2026Updated 16:59, 03 Apr 2026
Bohemians’ players huddle ahead of their game against Dundalk(Image: INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Ireland’s World Cup play-off heartache won’t go away anytime soon, but at least there’s a welcome distraction now in the return of League of Ireland football.
The Premier Division took a break last week, as Heimir Hallgrímsson’s men attempted to clinch a spot at this summer’s finals.
But we are back with a bang, with some huge games taking place as the first series of fixtures comes to a close.
Leaders Bohemians are away to Drogheda United, where the decision to get rid of co-chair Joanna Byrne is likely to fuel protests among the fanbase.
Shamrock Rovers are away to struggling Waterford, who hope the signing of 17-time capped Ireland defender Kevin Long can help turn their fortunes around.
For previews of those games and the rest of the Premier Division action, read on…
SHELBOURNE v DUNDALK
Paddy Barrett is back in training, but Sean Moore, Odhran Casey and Milan Mgeng remain sidelined for Shelbourne.
Visitors Dundalk have a host of issues, with Ronan Teahan, Danny Mullen, Conor O’Keeffe and Mayowa Animasahun all facing fitness tests.
Aodh Dervin is suspended, while Rob Cornwall, Leo Gaxha, Vinny Leonard, Norman Garbett and Luke Mulligan all remain sidelined
“We’re obviously very happy with how we’ve performed in the majority of our games so far this season,” said Dundalk boss Ciaran Kilduff.
“We’re going up against a really tough team in a very difficult fixture and a tough place to go, but we’ll have no fear, as always.”
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT: LOITV
ODDS: Shels 8/11, Dundalk 7/2, Draw 12/5
VERDICT: Draw
ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC v SLIGO ROVERS
Stephen Kenny welcomes Jamie Lennon, Anto Breslin and Chris Forrester back into his squad, but Ronan Boyce, Simon Power and Zack Elbouzedi are out.
Sligo Rovers won’t have Sean McHale, Conor Reynolds, Ryan O’Kane and Ciaron Harkin, while Daire Patton faces a fitness test. Sean Stewart is a doubt.
“Pat’s are in incredibly hot form at the moment,” said Rovers boss John Russell. “Although we’re heading there without a few bodies, this is a game we are looking forward to following what’s been a very valuable few days.”
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT: LOITV
ODDS: St Pat’s 3/10, Sligo Rovers 15/2, Draw 7/2
VERDICT: Home win
DROGHEDA UNITED v BOHEMIANS
Owen Lambe remains a long-term absentee for Kevin Doherty’s side, while Scott Brady is still injured. Bohs are missing Dayle Rooney, but Douglas James-Taylor has a 50/50 chance of making the game against his former club.
Alan Reynolds will watch from the stand as he serves the first of a three-game suspension, and he said: “The players have worked extremely hard all week preparing for this game.
“They know what their jobs are and what they have to do and, in Stephen O’Donnell, have a brilliant coach with plenty of managerial experience in the dugout.”
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT: LOITV
ODDS: Drogheda 16/5, Bohs 17/20, Draw 11/5
VERDICT: Home win
WATERFORD v SHAMROCK ROVERS
17-time capped Ireland defender Kevin Long could make his Waterford debut when the Blues host Shamrock Rovers tonight, while Sam Glenfield and Finlay Armstrong miss out.
Stephen McMullan and Tommy Lonergan are doubts, while on-loan Cian Barrett is unavailable against his parent club.
Shamrock Rovers pair Dan Cleary and Dylan Watts face another few weeks on the sidelines, while Adam Brennan is a doubt and Danny Mandroiu remains a long-term absentee.
“We’re at home, it’s important that we make sure we’re difficult to play against. No doubt it’ll be a tough and tight game, but it’s one that we’ll be well prepared for,” said Waterford boss Jon Daly.
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT: LOITV
ODDS: Waterford 5/1, Rovers 4/9, Draw 3/1
VERDICT: Away win
GALWAY UNITED v DERRY CITY
Galway United’s Conor McCormack will return to his familiar midfield role after working as assistant manager with the Ireland Under-19s during the international break.
Derry City’s Carl Winchester is back in training, and both he and Rob Slevin could be in the mix tonight. However, Michael Duffy, James McClean and Patrick McClean are doubts.
Tribesmen boss John Caulfield said of tonight’s visitors: “They have some brilliant players. They have signed several big stars. Their chairman came out at the start of the year and said they expect to win the league.
“All of our games have been tight this year. Apart from the Rovers game where they scored their second very late, all of our games have gone down to the wire.”
WHERE CAN I WATCH IT: Virgin Media 2 and Virgin Media Player
ODDS: Galway 21/10, Derry 6/5, Draw 11/5
VERDICT: Draw