Rovers open title defence at home to Dundalk

SHAMROCK ROVERS will begin the defence of their title with a home game against Dundalk on Friday, March 4.

The FAI yesterday released the Airtricity Premier Division and First Division fixture list for the 2011 season, and the opening day pits the Hoops against the side which almost derailed their title ambitions last season when putting five past them at Oriel Park, a result which gave Rovers some serious run-in wobbles before they finally sealed the title on a memorable final night in the Carlisle Grounds.

Bohemians, who were pipped at the post last term, have suffered much off-the-field turbulence since then and, indeed, will have to make their own trip to the Carlisle Grounds on opening night to lock horns with last season’s miracle escapees, Bray.