BAR 1 Betting has today become the first bookmaker to release outright betting on the 2026 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Men’s Premier Division.
The bookmakers have named Shamrock Rovers as their early title favourites, with the odds of Stephen Bradley’s side doing 6 titles in the last 7 coming in at 5/4.
Bradley’s side, although a disappointing short exit from their UEFA Conference League Campaign, last season clinched the double, winning the League and Cup, their first time doing so since 1987 following their 4-peat. However, they will have to defend their title without Josh Honohan as he is set to join Lincoln City for a fee in the region of €500k + add-ons as per Dan McDonnell
The odds also reflect the 2025 league table in turns of the runners-up as Derry City have been named as second-favourites at 4/1.
All be it a slow start for Tiernan Lynch’s side, they had a very successful season, securing Europa League Qualification rounds due to Shamrock Rovers’ FAI Cup triumph.
Bar 1 have then placed Shelbourne at 5/1, closely followed by St.Patrick’s Athletic at 6/1.
It was a season of ups and downs for Joey O’Brien’s side including their successful qualification into the UEFA Conference League and Damien Duff’s sudden departure. There was little to get excited in Inchicore across the Liffey as Stephen Kenny’s side finished the season in 5th place, missing out on European football completely.
Bohemians are the last of the Dublin clubs to feature with their odds of title glory being put at 10/1. Also, after a very positive season for Kevin Doherty, his Drogheda United are priced at 33/1 of a second league title in their history.
As we get onto the outsiders, Waterford and Sligo Rovers are both respectively given the odds of 50/1 of 2026 triumph. Waterford look forward to another season of Premier Division football following their Play-Off victory vs Bray Wanderers. Sligo Rovers also go into next season with a positive attitude following their impressive form at the end of last season and manager John Russell putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Lastly, Galway United and Dundalk are placed at the bottom of the list with the least likely chance of lifting the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division trophy, being placed at 66/1.
John Caulfield’s come off the back of a narrow escape from the play-off finishing 8th. However, following some notable departures such as Jeannot Esua, Patrick Hickey and Rob Slevin, many fear for Galway’s future in the division
Despite the talks of Dundalk’s and Ciarán Kilduff’s future, Dundalk will be looking to retain their Premier Division status following their promotion after their short stint in the First Division with additions to their squad such as Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns and Ronan Teahan, bringing a mix of experience and youth to The Town’s squad.
Gambling Disclaimer: LOITalk is in no way affiliated with any gambling organisation. This article is for information purposes only. Gambling involves risk and you may lose money. If you need support, please go to https://gamblingcare.ie/ .