Dundalk away to Bray Wanderers in League opener as three-in-row quest begins

SSE Airtricity League champions Dundalk will begin their search for three-in-row on Saturday, March 5, when they travel to the Carlisle Grounds to take on Bray Wanderers, while Cork City, runners up in both league and FAI Cup to the Lilywhites in 2015, will kick off their 2016 campaign by hosting Bohemians at Turner’s Cross on the previous night, Friday March 4.

The release of the next season’s fixture list also confirms a north-west derby on March 4 when promoted Finn Harps welcome neighbours Derry City to Finn Park, while the first ever top-flight match at Ferrycarrig Park will see First Division champions, Wexford Youths, at home to Longford Town.

St Patrick’s Athletic, who won the EA SPORTS Cup last season, have a home game against the team they beat in that final, Galway United, also on March 4, while the following day there is a battle of the Rovers at The Showgrounds as Sligo Rover meet Shamrock Rovers.