A complete guide to the League of Ireland Premier Division 2026, including full squad lists, key players, opening weekend fixtures and season storylines.
The 2025 League of Ireland Premier Division season underlined the continued growth and competitiveness of the domestic game, with strong attendances, tight margins at both ends of the table and fascinating storylines that started right from the opening weekend of the season and lasted all the way to the very last kick of a ball at the Aviva Stadium.
For the second year in a row, the Aviva Stadium will host a game on the opening weekend of the season, continuing the League of Ireland’s push towards higher-profile occasions and greater mainstream visibility. This guide will break down every club competing this season, outlining full squad lists, key players, ones to watch, opening weekend fixtures and some of the storylines you can expect to unfold as the season goes on.
Bohemians
2025: 4th place | Manager: Alan Reynolds
Goalkeepers: Kacper Chorążka, Paul Walters
Defenders: Leigh Kavanagh, Cian Byrne, Jubril Okedina, Jordan Flores, Niall Morahan, Sam Todd, Ryan Burke
Midfielders: James McManus, Dawson Devoy, Adam McDonnell, Patrick Hickey, Harry Vaughan
Attackers: Dayle Rooney, Ross Tierney, Colm Whelan, Douglas James-Taylor, Connor Parsons, Rhys Brennan
Key Player: Dawson Devoy
One To Watch: Harry Vaughan
24 days to go!
We’re back at the Aviva Stadium for another big Dublin derby: Our 2026 season opener against St Pat’s on Sunday February 8.
️ Secure your tickets: https://t.co/n36i0Jpqfs
— Bohemian Football Club (@bfcdublin) January 15, 2026
Derry City
2025: 2nd place | Manager: Tiernan Lynch
Goalkeepers: Brian Maher
Defenders: Jamie Stott, Alex Bannon, Cameron Dummigan, Brandon Fleming, Ben Doherty, Rob Slevin, Conor Barr, Patrick McClean
Midfielders: Adam O’Reilly. Carl Winchester, Adam Frizell, Darragh Markey, James Olayinka, James McClean
Attackers: James Clarke, Michael Duffy, Dipo Akinyemi, Liam Boyce, Gavin Whyte,
Key Player: Michael Duffy
One To Watch: James McClean
Picture Taken By: Kevin Morrison
Drogheda United
2025: 6th place | Manager: Kevin Doherty
Goalkeepers: Luke Dennison
Defenders: Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn, James Bolger, Leo Burney, Kieran Cruise, Connor Kane, James Bolger, Edwin Agbaje, Jason Bucknor
Midfielders: Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell, Brandon Kavanagh, Scott Brady, Ethan O’Brien
Attackers: Warren Davis, Thomas Oluwa, Dare Kareem, Mark Doyle, Bridel Bosakani
Key Player: Connor Keeley
One To Watch: Brandon Kavanagh
Dundalk
2025: 1st Division Champions | Manager: Ciaran Kilduff
Goalkeepers: Enda Minogue, Conor Kearns
Defenders: Rob Cornwall, Vinnie Leonard, Mayowa Animasahun, Harvey Warren, Bobby Burns, Conor O’Keeffe, John Ross Wilson, Luke Mulligan
Midfielders: Aodh Dervin, Harry Groome, Keith Buckley, Shane Tracey, Ronan Teahan, Leo Gaxha
Attackers: Daryl Horgan, Eoin Kenny, Gbemi Arubi, Declan McDaid, Danny Mullen, Norman Garbett
Key Player: Daryl Horgan
One To Watch: Ronan Teahan
Galway United
2025: 8th place | Manager: John Caulfield
Goalkeepers: N/A
Defenders: Killian Brouder, Wasiri Williams, Al-Amin Kazeem, Gianfranco Facchineri, Kris Twardek
Midfielders: David Hurley, Jimmy Keohane, Aaron Bolger, Axel Piesod, Junior Thiam, Conor McCormack, Lee Devitt, Matty Wolfe
Attackers: Stephen Walsh, Ed McCarthy, Francely Lomboto, Dara McGuinness
Key Player: Killian Brouder
One To Watch: Lee Devitt
Shamrock Rovers
2025: 1st place | Manager: Stephen Bradley
Goalkeepers: Ed McGinty
Defenders: Dan Cleary, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Trevor Clarke, Danny Grant, Enda Stevens, Cory O’Sullivan
Midfielders: Matt Healy, Dylan Watts, Connor Malley, Aaron McEneff, Jack Byrne, Danny Mandroiu, John O’Sullivan
Attackers: Graham Burke, Michael Noonan, John McGovern, Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene, Victor Ozhianvuna, Jake Mulraney
Key Player: Matt Healy
One To Watch: Victor Ozhianvuna
Picture Taken By Ryan Byrne
Shelbourne
2025: 3rd place | Manager: Joey O’Brien
Goalkeepers: Wessel Speel, Conor Walsh
Defenders: Paddy Barrett, Kameron Ledwidge, Sean Gannon, Milan Mbeng, James Norris, Odhran Casey, Sean Moore, Tyreke Wilson
Midfielders: Jack Henry-Francis, Evan Caffrey, JJ Lunney, Ellis Chapman, Kerr McInroy
Attackers: Harry Wood, Mipo Odubeko, Sean Boyd, John Martin, Ali Coote, Daniel Kelly, Maill Lundgren
Key Player: Harry Wood
One To Watch: Odhran Casey
Sligo Rovers
2025: 7th place | Manager: John Russell
Goalkeepers: Sam Sargeant, Liam Hughes
Defenders: Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Conor Reynolds, Seb Quirk, Sean Stewart, Jeannot Esua
Midfielders: Archie Meekison, Daire Patton, Kyle McDonagh, Ciaron Harkin, Carl McHugh
Attackers: Jad Hakiki, Will Fitzgerald, Owen Elding, Cian Kavanagh, Alex Nolan, Ryan O’Kane
Key Player: Owen Elding
One To Watch: Alex Nolan
St. Patricks Athletic
2025: 5th place | Manager: Stephen Kenny
Goalkeepers: Joseph Anang, Danny Rodgers
Defenders: Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin, Tom Grivotsi, Luke Turner, Sean Hoare, Ronan Boyce, Jason McCelland
Midfielders: Jamie Lennon, Chris Forrestor, Romal Palmer, Barry Baggley, Darragh Nugent
Attackers: Max Mata, Aidan Keena, Zach Elbouzedi, Kian Leavy, Simon Power
Key Player: Chris Forrestor
One To Watch: Darragh Nugent
Waterford
2025: 9th place | Manager: Jon Daly
Goalkeepers: Arlo Doherty, Stephen McMullan
Defenders: Ronan Mansfield, Jesse Dempsey, Finlay Armstrong, Sea Keane, Benny Cuoto, John Mahon, Hayden Cann
Midfielders: Sam Glenfield, Dean McMenamy, Conan Noonan, Evan McLaughlin, Jordan Faria
Attackers: Padraig Amond, Trae Coyle, Tommy Lonergan, Conor Carty
Key Player: Padraig Amond
One To Watch: Evan McLaughlin
League Of Ireland Opening Weekend
The League Of Ireland Premier Division starts on Friday February 6th with 4 games taking place: Waterford V Shelbourne, Derry City V Sligo Rovers, Galway United V Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers V Dundalk. On Sunday February 8th the Aviva Stadium will host the Dublin derby clash between Bohemians and St. Patricks Athletic.
Storylines To Look Out For
The Return Of The Macs
Derry City have brought home the McClean brothers in James and Patrick in a massive addition to Tiernan Lynch’s squad for 2026. James McClean’s return to Derry City ahead of the 2026 season represents one of the most eye-catching moves in recent League of Ireland history. Back at his boyhood club after 15 years across the water, McClean brings leadership, experience and profile, while also lining up alongside his brother Patrick, who has also returned to the Brandywell from Sligo Rovers. Could these be the signings that get Derry City the League Of Ireland title?
Dundalk’s Return to the Premier Division: Can They Re-Establish Themselves?
Dundalk bounced straight back to the top flight at the first attempt after relegation, securing promotion from the First Division and reigniting questions about their ability to re-establish themselves among Ireland’s elite. With the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation and the club ownership looking to be in the rear view mirror, all eyes will be on the pitch at Oriel Park as they look to keep themselves away from a relegation dog fight.
Dalymount Park’s Final Season in Its Current Form
The 2026 season will mark the final campaign at Dalymount Park before redevelopment commences. One of the most historic venues in Irish football, Dalymount’s farewell season is likely to draw increased attention, stronger attendances and heightened atmosphere, as supporters and opponents alike experience the stadium in its current form for the last time. The final game at Dalymount Park in 2026 will be October 23rd when they host Shelbourne.
The 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division season is set to deliver another highly competitive campaign. Who will be crowned champions of Ireland come October 30th? Let the battle commence!