What a Kerry On! League of Ireland 2023

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Matchday 6 ( premier division)

Drogheda United 0.1 Dundalk ( Thursday)

Drogheda must be wondering how they let this one slip, they dominated possession and chances, particularly in the first half, but Dundalk took one of their rare chances on 65 minutes to snatch it. Alate penalty miss by Drogheda won't help manager Kevin Doherty's humour.

Cork City v Shelbourne (5pm)

Two sides who are looking upwards , while keeping an eye on things below meet at Turners Cross. Cork have found their scoring boots recently, and manager Colin Healy won't be too perturbed about last week's 2.0 defeat to Derry City. Damien Duff will be worried about where goals are coming from, with main striker Sean Boyd missing since the start of the season, and only three league goals so far. This, and home advantage should be enough for a Home Win

Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic ( 5pm)

Or the Battle of the Angry Men. Five games in, nobody would have these two at 8th and 9th place respectively, and their fans haven't been slow about letting them know their feelings about it. For Rovers, early season red cards weakened their defence, so with everyone available again, they must have felt confident going into last weeks game against Shelbourne. Another draw (4 from 5 games ) must have told boss Stephen Bradley that problems run deeper. For Pats, things started brightly with an unlucky draw against Derry City and a win against Shelbourne, but three defeats in a row has put pressure on manager Tim Clancy. With Bohs, Derry City and Dundalk in danger of disappearing over the horizon, a draw is no use today for either side. Again home advantage to be the difference Home Win

Bohemians v UCD ( 7.45 pm)

Bohemians form has surprised and delighted everyone in Dalymount, and for once injuries haven't been a problem. The Students have struggled so far, and would be happy with a point now Home Win

Derry City v Sligo Rovers ( 7.45 pm)

Sligo have been quietly impressive so far, and won't fear the trip to the Brandywell. Derry hope to have Adam O'Reilly back, but have other injury worries to cope with. I think that they might struggle tonight Draw

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In the early kick-offs, Shelbourne won 2-0 away at Turners Cross, and while Cork won't have relegation concerns yet, they're certainly looking down, rather than up. Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers and St Pats played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in Tallaght, which leaves the home side still winless going into the international break. In the First Division, Galway continue their 100% record, with a 2-0 victory away to Cobh, while Wexford defeat Kerry 2-1.

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Bohs go three points clear after a hard fought 2.1 victory over UCD, while Derry City could only draw 1.1 at home to Sligo Rovers. In the 1st division, favourites Waterford's stuttering start continues after a 2.2 draw at home to Bray Wanderers.

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Even with St Patrick's day and Cheltenham Gold Cup day, crowds in the league have continued to hold up. Shamrock Rovers v St Pats attracted over 7,000, Cork v Shelbourne was over 5,000, and Derry v Sligo and Bohs v UCD were both over 4,000.

These figures don't seem like much I know , but an article in the Bohs programme on Friday put it into context. Bohs first home league game of this season against Dundalk brought in 4,572 people, nearly full capacity. In 2016, we started the season at home, also against Dundalk, and the crowd was 1,400. This was the second highest crowd of that year. Whatever the reason, domestic football is suddenly popular, long may it continue.

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I guess the question will then turn to what level of crowds are sustainable to maintain First Division clubs in profitability - after an excellent initial start, a number of teams such as Bray, Athlone, Longford and Wexford are already at half their opening figures (down to 600-700), and Kerry could easily join them in similar territory in the coming weeks and months.

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No games in the Premier division last night, but there were four in the First

Galway United 1.0 Longford Town

Finn Harps 2.2 Cobh Ramblers

Kerry fc 0.1 Athlone Town

Bray Wanderers 3.2 Wexford FC

Galway continue with their 100% record following a hard fought win over Longford. Bray Wanderers move into second place with a seesaw 1.0 up,1.2 down, 3.2 win. Cobh Ramblers will be happy taking a point from their long trip north, coming back from 2.0 down to continue Harps frustrating start to the season, and Kerry's improvement following their Galway hammering ends in frustration, an 88th minute winner gives Athlone Town the points.

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Good to see Kerry react promptly to racist abuse occurring on social media - not only are a significant number of their squad players of colour, along with other minority backgrounds, but so would a decent proportion of supporters attending matches. Thankfully, all three home games thus far have seen full attendances.

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48 hours after sacking Danny Searle, Waterford appoint former Bohemians boss Keith Long. A good appointment, if he's allowed to get on with it, he should get promotion.

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Virgin Media announce they will show Bohs v Shamrock Rovers - a healthy TV rights war between the FTA stations would do wonders for the broader visibility of the League.

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Yeah, they might even pay us for the privilege.

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Matchday 7 ( premier division)

Cork City v Drogheda United

Two teams with up and down seasons so far. After a strong start Drogheda have got into a losing habit. While they'll want to pull out of it quickly, I think Cork have too much for them Home win

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers

Another team who needs a win is Rovers, 5 draws and one defeat does not a champion make. The fixtures aren't getting kinder,with tonight's game against a tough Dundalk side, followed by Bohs away. Hard to call, I'll say Draw

Shelbourne v Derry City

I have been sarcastic at times about Damien Duff's Shelbourne, but credit where it's due, he's made them hard to beat. Scoring has been the main problem, and with Derry City on fine form, they could struggle. Away Win

St Patrick's Athletic v UCD

Should be a straightforward win for Pats to take some of the pressure off manager Tim Clancy Home Win

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It would appear that Acun Illicali, having been unsuccessful with his takeover of Dundalk, has now almost sealed a deal for Shelbourne.

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Derry City go top after a 1.0 victory over Shelbourne. The Duffer is as usual incandescent over the refereeing, this time it's Paddy Barrett's red card that's incurred his ire,although it did look soft.

ShamRock Rovers are back baby! A 4.0 victory against Dundalk has Stephen Bradley purring, Bohs up next.

Drogheda have arrested their recent slump with a vital draw against Cork City,while St Patrick's Athletic move out of the bottom two with an expected 3.0 win over UCD ,who already look doomed

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Sligo Rovers v Bohemians ( tonight 7.45)

Two sides who made wholesale changes in the close season, and are reaping the benefits. Sligo have always had a problem getting Dublin based players to relocate, so have shopped abroad since the 1970s. There current squad includes players from the UK, Germany, Estonia and the Faroe Islands.

Bohs have also gone the international route, with Polish centre backs Nowak and Radjkowski already becoming heroes, named " The Iron Curtain " by Bohs fans. It's very hard to call this one, so I'll say Draw

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Bohemians go back to the top of the league, the aforementioned Kristian Nowak with a late headed goal for a 1.0 win. Two tough games to come for Bohs over the Easter weekend, at home to Shamrock Rovers and away to Derry City.

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In the first division, Galway United are going even stronger than Bohs, Fridays 3.1 victory away to Athlone Town sees them with a 100% record after 7 games. Cobh Ramblers stay second following a 2.1 win over Bray Wanderers. Keith Long's reign as Waterford boss couldn't have gotten off to a better start, the Suirsiders hammering a surprisingly poor Finn Harps 7.1. Wexford and Treaty United drew 1.1, while Kerry fc still wait for a first win, going down 2.0 to Longford Town on Saturday.

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Matchday 8

As we near a quarter of the season, some intriguing games tonight, with one possible cracker

Bohemian fc v Shamrock Rovers

The first big Dublin derby of the season takes place in Dalymount Park, as Bohs host Rovers. Both teams come into this in form, Bohs with a hard fought win away to Sligo, while Rovers hammered Dundalk 4.0 away last week. Despite winning their last four games, and being 10 points ahead of their rivals, the bookies have Bohs at an insulting 5/2, while Rovers are virtually even money favourites. I'm sure they know their business , but I'm going with the plucky little league leaders Home Win


Derry City v Drogheda United

Derry are still the only unbeaten side in the league, but have drawn too many games for manager Ruairi Higgins liking. His preparations can't have been helped by assistant manager Alan Reynolds decision to return to his native Waterford as Keith Long's number two. However, Derry will be bouyed by the return of several injured players in the near future. Drogheda United have been fierce opposition this season for everyone, and come into this game having gained a valuable point down in Cork. They'll give the Candystripes a good test, but I'm going for a Home Win

Dundalk v Sligo Rovers

Oriel Park sees the clash of two sides with European ambition, who'll be looking to bounce back from disappointing results last time out. By all accounts, Dundalk's 0.4 defeat at home to Shamrock Rovers was a lot closer than it sounded, Robbie Benson getting a red card at 0.0 was a game changer. They face a Sligo side wracked with injuries, three players alone are out for the season with ACL problems. A tight one this ,I'll go for a Draw

St Patrick's Athletic v Cork City

After a slow start, Pat's seem to be finding some form, a battling draw away to Shamrock Rovers on St Patrick's Day was followed last week by a 3.0 victory over UCD. Cork have mixed poor home form with some decent performances on their travels, but it's two wins in a row for Pats I think Home Win

UCD v Shelbourne

Shelbourne go into this one annoyed at a narrow defeat to Derry City last time out, but encouraged by their performance. The Students sit bottom with one point, and there I think they will stay Away Win

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Probably the longest-distance fixture in Irish football (although Wexford could be further), as Finn Harps make the arduous journey to Tralee for tonight's match against Kerry FC. Despite only accruing one point from their first seven games, all four Kerry home ties so far this season have sold out, so any "glory-hunters" would have long jumped ship!

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https://twitter.com/KerryFC/status/1644418668497969167

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Everything tightens up in the Premier division, as the top three all lose at home. Shamrock Rovers continue their revival ,beating Bohs 2.0 with goals from Neil Ferrugia and Rory Gaffney. Bohs stay top however, as Derry City surprisingly lose at home, 1.0 to 10 man Drogheda United. Sligo Rovers beat Dundalk 2.1, and St Patrick's Athletic have a comfortable 4.0 win over Cork City. UCD pick up their second point of the season following a 0.0 draw with Shelbourne.

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And congratulations to Kerry FC, who also picked up their second point of the season in a home draw against Finn Harps.

At the business end of the table, Galway United make it eight wins from eight after a 4.0 victory away to Wexford FC. Bray Wanderers stay second, beating Athlone Town 1.0. Waterford continue to improve, beating Cobh Ramblers 3.1, while Treaty United take the three points with a 3.2 win over Longford Town.

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Second games of the weekend, as we reach the end of the first round of games.

Cork City v Dundalk

Two teams who have seen their early season optimism fade somewhat recently, and both in need of a win to kick-start their season. I think that they will both have to be content with a Draw

Derry City v Bohemians

The top two meet at the Brandywell, having both lost on Friday. Bohs got taught a few things in a disappointing performance in the Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers, while Derry surprisingly lost against Drogheda. Bohs manager Declan Devine will be desperate for a win against the side that he played for and managed with some distinction. He'll probably have to be happy with a Draw

Drogheda United v St Patrick's Athletic

Two of Friday's winners meet at United Park. Drogheda showed their battling qualities, while St Pats were comfortable against Cork City. Pats are the form team in the league, and should be good enough to triumph here. Away Win

Shelbourne v Sligo Rovers

To Tolka Park, the home of the 0.0 draw. Every day there's another story about Shels, be it takeover rumours or the purchase of the ground. On the pitch, Shels have struggled recently, while Sligo had an excellent win against Dundalk on Friday Away Win

Shamrock Rovers v UCD

Rovers resident loudmouth Stephen Bradley has been busy telling everyone how amazing his team is after their second win in eight games. Unfortunately, he's likely to be crowing again after his third victory. Home Win

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Cork City beat Dundalk 1.0 in the early game. Derry City and Bohemians are scoreless at half time. The other three games have just kicked off.

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Bohemians go six points clear at the top,following a 1.0 win over Derry City, Dean Williams the scorer from the penalty spot.

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Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers appear to be ominously cranking into gear now, but hopefully you'll be able to hold them off in the long run.