Shelbourne to play Shamrock Rovers

2003 Premier Division champions Shelbourne will begin the defence of their title at home to former tenants Shamrock Rovers, after this season's eircom League fixtures were announced.

As with last season, the Premier Division will be played in a four round format with the first series of fixtures taking place on Friday March 19th.

Dublin City's first season in the top flight begins with a difficult trip down to Cork City, with the Leesiders' new signing Neale Fenn expected to make his debut.

"It's good to finally get our hands on the fixtures", said Vikings chief Ronan Seery, echoing the thoughts of many within the game."

"Cork away is a tough start but then again it’s going to be tough every week of the season for us. John (Gill) and the squad however have been putting a big effort in pre-season and I’m quietly confident that we can cause a few surprises."

Bohemians travel to face Carlsberg Cup champions Longford Town on the following night, with new signings James Keddy and Tony Grant, named numbers 17 and 18 on the Gypsies' squad list, expected to feature.

The First Division will begin with the meeting of Dundalk and Sligo at Oriel Park on Thursday March 18. The tie of the weekend is the following night at the Carlisle Grounds where losing promotion play-off semi-finalists Bray Wanderers entertain recently relegated UCD.

The First Division format consists of a three round programme, with clubs who were away to a particular club twice in 2003 will face that club at home twice this year.