Champions Shamrock Rovers face newly promoted Dundalk to begin League of Ireland campaign at Tallaght Stadium
The double winners began their 2026 season against title rivals Derry City in the Presidents Cup last Saturday. A lone goal from Darragh Markey was enough to down the Hoops in front of 4,711 spectators in Tallaght.
Rovers defender, Lee Grace, spoke to Virgin Media Sport stating the importance of getting off to a good start. “We want to get off to a good start, get out in front and, compete on all fronts again”.
Dundalk return to the top flight after a chaotic relegation on and off the pitch in 2024. The Lilywhites’ haven’t recorded a victory against Rovers in Tallaght Stadium since 2019 when Ringsend native and former Shamrock Rovers player Sean Gannon found the net to seal a 1-0 victory.
Dundalk enter the Premier Division with seven new additions and have retained the backbone of the squad who won the First Division last season. The Louth side were in action last Friday when they defeated rivals Drogheda United to claim the annual Jim Malone Cup.
Key Information
Kick Off: 8pm, Friday February 6th
Where to Watch: Virgin Media Two (In Ireland), LOITV (Outside of Ireland)
Betting Odds: Shamrock Rovers @1/2, Draw @10/3, Dundalk @4/1
Referee: Rob Harvey
Team News
Shamrock Rovers will be without star midfielder Danny Mandroiu who picked up an ACL injury in the 2-0 victory over Cork City in the 2025 FAI Cup final. The Hoops rested Rory Gaffney, Graham Burke, Gary O’Neill, Aaron Greene and Enda Stevens in the Presidents Cup Final, their status is questionable.
For the Lilywhites’ new signing Conor Kearns is still recovering from a hamstring strain inflicted at the end of last season. Apart from Kearns, Dundalk have maintained a clean bill of health ahead of their season opener in Tallaght.
Jake Mulraney photographed by George Kelly
Key Statistics
Since 2018 these two great rivals have shared seven out of the last eight League of Ireland Premier Division titles. Dundalk have claimed two while Rovers have maintained recent domestic dominance with five.
Dundalk boasted the best away form in the First Division last year securing 37 points from 18 away games whilst Shamrock Rovers had the strongest home form in the Premier Division, winning 12 out of the 18 league games in Tallaght Stadium.
Key Players
Shamrock Rovers: The reigning champions have quality in abundance across the pitch however fending off interest for 17 year old Michael Noonan from Hoffenheim in Germany will be seen as a massive boost ahead of the 2026 season.
The Kildare native will look to kick his season off in fine form ahead of a tumultuous summer transfer window which could see him sign a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea or Celtic, who are both reported to be interested.
Dundalk: Former Ireland international and captain of Dundalk Daryl Horgan is the man the Lilywhites’.
He will be hoping for a big 2026 campaign after contributing 22 G/A in the First Division last term. The Galwegian is entering his 6th season as a Dundalk player across two spells.
Previous Meetings
27/10/2024 – Dundalk 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
04/07/2024 – Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Dundalk
17/05/2024 – Dundalk 1-0 Shamrock Rovers
16/02/2024 – Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Dundalk