League of Ireland lift as early season crowds up

THE overall attendance for the eircom League of Ireland is set to exceed 100,000 this weekend, representing a 37% increase on the corresponding number last season.

Figures released by the FAI yesterday show the total attendance at the end of week six of the new season standing at 97,656, which is more than 30,000 up on the figure of 65,828 at the same stage in 2006.

League of Ireland director Fran Gavin attributed the increase to a combination of an intensive marketing campaign and the work being done by the 15 Club Promotions Officers now in place around the country.