Reckoning Day arrives at Premier Division summit and basement

Were Cork City to lose at Galway United, they would be effectively facing a third relegation in six years.

Thu, 25 Sep, 2025 - 23:00

John Fallon

Reckoning Day has arrived early in the Premier Division with conclusions at the top and bottom of the table possible by 10pm on Friday.

Should Shamrock Rovers beat Bohemians and Derry City fail to beat Drogheda, the Hoops will regain their title with four games to spare.

Were Cork City to lose at Galway United, they would be effectively facing a third relegation in six years with four dead rubbers to follow.

Both outcomes have been inevitable for weeks, even months.

The anguish felt at Rovers relinquishing their title to Shelbourne after four years last November was eased by their unprecedented progression in Europe.

That they’ve broken the mould by reaching the same Conference League phase from the more difficult route without the champions’ tag highlights the depth of Stephen Bradley’s squad.

They’ve lost just four times in their 30 league games this term, three fewer than any opponent. Three of those came against Friday’s opponents, Bohemians.

They, along with Derry City, are the only teams technically capable of bridging the 10-point buffer enjoyed by the Hoops, but completing the quartet would merely delay, rather than disrupt, the procession.

Alan Reynolds, well placed to return Bohs to Europe for the first time in five years, is at peace with the stakes.

“We have shown we can beat the best in the league this season but to do that we have had to be at our very best too,” said the Bohs boss from Waterford.

“It will be a massive occasion, the guts of 10,000 people in the stadium.

“The atmosphere should be electric and I always say that these are exactly the kind of games any footballer should want to be involved in.

“We all need to embrace the occasion, not get caught up in it. Just embrace the energy of the crowd and focus on the job we have to do on the pitch.”

City are in last-chance saloon.

Galway United are their latest target to chase for a playoff spot but that hinges on recording their first away win of the season when they square off against former boss John Caulfield.

A virtual six-pointer presents an opportunity for City to move within five points with four games left.

Conversely, if Galway were to win for the first time since June 20, the 11-point chasm is all but irretrievable.

“The pressure’s on us and we know that,” admitted Caulfield.

”It is a big game for Cork as well because they have to win.

“We need to throw off the shackles and take the game to Cork by starting well.

“Our problem has been a lack of goals. “Performances over the last month haven’t been bad but putting the ball in the back of the net is what it is about.”

FRIDAY’S LOI FIXTURES (All 7.45pm):

PREMIER DIVISION: Drogheda United v Derry City, Sullivan and Lambe Park; Galway United v Cork City, Eamonn Deacy Park; Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians, Tallaght Stadium; Shelbourne v Waterford, Tolka Park.

FIRST DIVISION: Athlone Town v Wexford, Athlone Town Stadium; Bray Wanderers v Longford Town, Carlisle Grounds; Cobh Ramblers v Finn Harps, St Colman’s Park; Dundalk v UCD, Oriel Park; Kerry v Treaty United, Mounthawk Park.