A 7-team league First Division Next Year

[OldNassau]

Galway must be considered seriously for promotion, doing well in pre season. May be worth a few bob. Longford will have it tough again this year. Shelbourne would be hoping for a quick return to premier, interesting season ahead with Shams second team likely to be a thorn for these sides.

[gufcfan]

Galway must be considered seriously for promotion, doing well in pre season.
You can't read anything into those games. Sligo were barely back training, didn't score against Limerick and could have been out of sight within half an hour against Dundalk.

Not saying Galway aren't capable of reaching the playoffs at least, but you can't read anything into these friendlies, especially since they're the first few warmups. Pretty much a different XI used in every half of those matches.

I'm interested to see how Dunne sets the team up. There's quite a few different permutations up top that he could go with.

Loads of FD experience in the team and a some PD experience here and there. There's real quality in places, but that needs to rub off on the rest who get starting spots.

Loads of competition for some places, but with the disgraceful deal done for the u19s and the accompanying UEFA money, it will be difficult to throw anyone in unless you are forced into it.

No under 19s means that there is no opportunity for younger players get real competitive match fitness. I would be very wary of throwing in younger lads. If you're gunning for promotion, needing to blood youngsters isn't ideal.

Dunne might not mention promotion for a long time, but it would be daft to think he's aiming for anything else. You need to finish in the top 3 of 7 teams. This year's league might be better than it was most years in recent times, but the play-offs are wide open imo.

[legendz]

If Galway pick up the baton from Mervue Utd, they will be favourites for top 3. Any word on Waterford and Shels? Waterford were disappointing last season.

[Longfordian]

At the risk of upsetting our Waterford and Harps friends I think the top 3 will be ourselves, Galway and Shels. Shels may be the most vulnerable of the three. It's going to be a very tight league. Harps and Wexford should be better than last year.

[Mr A]

Don't know much about Shelbourne's squad to be honest but Longford and Galway should both be very strong. Harps have been utter pish for several years and haven't added much, but I have a feeling Horgan will at least have us well organised.

[outspoken]

Wexford have gone from looking totally torn apart to a very decent squad with the likes of Higgins and furlong signing. I fancy them to challenge for 3rd. Don't see harps being a threat, Shels will be aiming for third.

[legendz]

Apologies for leaving out Longford. It's kind of a compliment really! Keep forgetting ye were not promoted.

I think this will be the best first division season since the Premier expanded to 12.

[legendz]

7 Mar 2014 7:45pm Galway FC v Longford Town
7 Mar 2014 8pm Finn Harps v Waterford United
7 Mar 2014 8pm Shelbourne v Wexford Youths
8 Mar 2014 7:45pm Cobh Ramblers v Shamrock Rovers B

Good game lined up in Galway for kicking off the season in the first division.