The 11th addition of the men’s presidents cup will see 2024 Premier Division champions Shelbourne take on 2024 FAI Cup winners Drogheda United at Tolka Park on Friday to kick off the LOI season.
The 2025 Presidents Cup will be the first time both Drogheda and Shelbourne have competed for the trophy and will also be the last time president Micheal D. Higgins presents the trophy with his term in office coming to an end later this year.
Transfer Activity
The champions of Ireland have been active in the winter transfer window bringing in Ellis Chapman, Daniel Kelly, Mipo Odubeko, Ryan O’Kane and Kerr Mclnroy.
Damien Duff’s side have lost Shane Griffin, Aiden O’Brien, Matty Smith, Dean Williams and Gavin Hodgins.
Over the winter break Drogheda United made the decision to become a full time club, players such as Adam Foley were unable to make the switch and this has led to his departure. Other significant departures include Drogheda’s top scorer last season Frantz Pierrot and the retirement of both Gary Deegan and David Webster.
In regard to incomings, Owen Lambe, Conor Keeley, Paul Doyle, Jack Brady, Thomas Oluwa, Kieran Cruise, Josh Thomas and George Cooper. Elicha Ahui has also returned for a second loan spell.
When looking at head to head records since the beginning of 2023, there has been nine competitive meetings with Shelbourne winning three, five ending in a draw and Drogheda winning just once, the most recent fixture, a 3-0 win in the Leinster Senior Cup.
The game will be broadcasted for free on the new look LOITV and it feels as if it will be an incredible way to kick off the 2025 League of Ireland season.