League Cup kicks off with Dublin derby

The 2004 eircom League Cup kicks off on bank holiday Monday with holders St Patrick's Athletic beginning the defence of their title at home in a Dublin derby clash with Premier Division new boys Dublin City (3pm).

This season sees the retention of the existing eight-group structure, with all last year's group fixtures reversed. The Monday and Tuesday evening group matches will take place over the next three weeks, with the last series of matches taking place on Tuesday, May 18.