League of Ireland fixture list published

League of Ireland champions Bohemians will kick off the 2009 season with a mouth-watering trip to Oriel Park to face newly promoted Dundalk.

The Lilywhites, under the management of ex-Bohemians boss Sean Connor, will begin life in the top flight by hosting the Gypsies on March 6, the opening night of the 2009 season.

An exciting opening night also sees new St Patrick’s Athletic manager Jeff Kenna take on his old club, Galway United, at Richmond Park, while Shamrock Rovers begin life under new boss Michael O’Neill with a visit to the Carlisle Grounds to face Bray Wanderers.

Derry City host Drogheda United and Sligo Rovers take on Cork City to complete a fantastic opening series of Premier Division matches.

Three First Division matches will take place on March 6, with newly-promoted Mervue United beginning life in the division by hosting Athlone Town at Terryland Park.

UCD will begin their attempt to bounce straight back into the Premier Division when they host Limerick at the UCD Bowl, while Shelbourne face Wexford Youths at Tolka Park.

Saturday, March 7, will see Waterford United host Sporting Fingal in a massive match at the RSC, while Kildare County take on Finn Harps and Longford Town take on Monaghan United at Flancare Park.

The 2009 League of Ireland season will conclude on November 16 with a play-off match to decide the promotion/relegation places.

The First Division winners will win automatic promotion to the Premier Division for the 2010 season and will be replaced in the First Division by the team that finishes 10th in the Premier Division.

The play-off series will involve four clubs, with the 8th and 9th placed Premier Division teams facing each other, with the losing side facing the winner of a play-off between the second and third-placed First Division teams.

The 2009 FAI Ford Cup final has been scheduled for Sunday, November 22.

Fran Gavin, Director of the League of Ireland, said: “Getting the fixture list out means that the build-up to the 2009 season really starts now.

“There is plenty to look forward to in 2009 – we have some new players, some new managers, a new club and even a new stadium with the opening of the Tallaght Stadium. It’s going to be a very competitive season and I am confident that we can continue to attract more and more football fans to the live match day experience.

Nothing beats live football and I would encourage all fans to experience the excitement of League of Ireland football.”