It’s the opening night of the new League of Ireland Premier Division season.
There is a sold-out Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park.
Cork City begin the defence of their title away to St Pat’s, Dundalk host Bray Wanderers and last year’s Division One winners Waterford begin life back in the top flight at home to Derry City.
Sligo Rovers get their campaign underway tomorrow when they host Limerick.
Rovers are aiming to get a crowd of over 3,000 into the Showgrounds for the game, for what will be the game number 3,000 for them in the league.
Boss Gerard Lyttle says the home support can make a huge difference…
Long-serving Rovers attacker Raff Cretaro says that the squad have set some short-term targets…
Former Rovers midfielder Eoin Wearen has signed for the Munster side ahead of the new season, following an injury-plagued spell back with Bohemians last season.
He has been outlining their ambitions for the new season…
Killybegs native Shaun Kelly is back with Limerick after being surprisingly let go by former boss Neil McDonald midway through last season.
The Donegal man admits that decision came as a surprise to him too…
Tomorrow’s game kicks-off at 7.45pm in the Showgrounds.
Eduardo Pincelli, Adam Morgan, Caolan McAleer, Adam Wixted, David Cawley, Ally Roy and Lewis Morrison are the new signings for Rovers with anticipation growing ahead of the big-kick-off.
Rovers have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Manager Gerard Lyttle said: “We’re looking forward to it. All the hard work we have put in during pre-season – that’s over with – and the hard work of the season starts now.
“The boys have been great in terms of their attitude and work ethic. Hopefully now we will be rewarded with a good campaign in league.”
Lyttle said of opponents Limerick: “It was a hard one for me to do preparation on. The manager left and a new manager came in and he signed a bit later than other clubs.
“People think Limerick are going to be an easy one and they are being tipped to be one of the teams to get relegated this year. I don’t believe that. I believe they have a really good XI.
“They have a bit of experience in their team. We are expecting a tough game. We played them last year away and got a 5-1 drilling. We are wary of that.
“We know some of the players like Daniel Kearns. They have a lot of experience in defence and midfield and one or two up front so it’s going to be tough. We’ll approach it that way. But at the end of the day it’s up to us.
“This is our first game here and we will be fully committed, at it, getting the crowd on their side and once that crowd get behind you it send great posstive vibes throughout the team. We’re excited to start the season.”
Kick-off is 7:45pm Saturday.
