2024 Pre-Season Competitions and Friendlies

[culloty82]

Kerry will meet Avondale United in the last 16 of the Munster Senior Cup in January, followed by Cobh/College Corinthians in the QFs should they progress:

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[Shearer]

Treaty United are the only LOI side that will avoid a League of Ireland team in the first two rounds, and there's a chance there'll be at least one intermediate team in the semis that they could draw too.

[legendz]

The President's Cup has become established over the last 10 seasons. It could expand to include the top 3 from the league, FAI Cup winner as is, defending President's Cup winner and League Cup winner. 6 clubs in total. Where FAI Cup winner, President's Cup winner and/or League Cup winner already qualify through the league, the next best league team can be included.
The League Cup could return to be contested by 14 clubs. There has been some discussion around bringing back the League Cup. The UEFA Conference League has branched from the UEFA Europa League. The President's Cup and League Cup could be a tiered cup competition format. Elite 6 in the President's Cup. The remainder entering the League Cup.

[sbgawa]

Rovers v pats in the presidents Cup could be the first opportunity to see if we can fill 10000 seats in tallaght. Although I don't know if its even due to be played there

[brendy_éire]

Rovers v pats in the presidents Cup could be the first opportunity to see if we can fill 10000 seats in tallaght. Although I don't know if its even due to be played there

League winner gets home advantage? I think Tallaght wasn't available this year, hence why it was moved to the Brandywell.

[redobit]

The President's Cup has become established over the last 10 seasons. It could expand to include the top 3 from the league, FAI Cup winner as is, defending President's Cup winner and League Cup winner. 6 clubs in total. Where FAI Cup winner, President's Cup winner and/or League Cup winner already qualify through the league, the next best league team can be included.
The League Cup could return to be contested by 14 clubs. There has been some discussion around bringing back the League Cup. The UEFA Conference League has branched from the UEFA Europa League. The President's Cup and League Cup could be a tiered cup competition format. Elite 6 in the President's Cup. The remainder entering the League Cup.

I don't like the idea of clubs contesting Cups in a pre season. For fairness clubs should really have their squads finalised before entering national competitions. Its also more respectful to the competition, not great having AN Other or Trialist in those games.
Presidents Cup works well as is. Bring back LC during first half of regular season.

[sbgawa]

League winner gets home advantage? I think Tallaght wasn't available this year, hence why it was moved to the Brandywell.

Cheers id forgotten Tallaght wasnt available at the start of the season and thought there was some other criteria i didnt know about.
Id be hoping Rovers get someone over in Jan/Feb to do a proper stadium opening but Rovers Pats for the PResidents cup might pull a decent crowd.

[legendz]

I don't like the idea of clubs contesting Cups in a pre season. For fairness clubs should really have their squads finalised before entering national competitions. Its also more respectful to the competition, not great having AN Other or Trialist in those games.
Presidents Cup works well as is. Bring back LC during first half of regular season.
Will clubs who've qualified for Europe be keen on a return of the League Cup?
While the President's Cup is working well, it could be expanded to include all teams who've qualified for Europe. If the League Cup was then for the remaining clubs, the League Cup winner should at least qualify for the next President's Cup. The President's Cup winner could also be guaranteed a spot in the next President's Cup.
The idea then is 6 clubs playing 2 or 3 rounds in the President's Cup. Not an over exertion on clubs qualified for Europe. 14 clubs in the League Cup would play 3 or 4 rounds.

[yurt]

Does anyone know if there is a particular date we are expecting 2024 fixtures to be released? I'd assume early December?

This time of year is usually spent speculating over licenses and if new (or B) teams are joining the first division.

I'm guessing we'll find out when the fixtures are released if there'll be a return of the league cup. I would have thought it was unlikely to come back until the PFAI stated that they wanted it to return.

There could be an argument to be made to bring forward the start date a week to widen the season and reduce midweek fixtures. Do we still have one of the longer off seasons in europe? ~3 months seems about right to me.

[sbgawa]

From memory it has been just before Christmas lately. Open to correction

[culloty82]

Does anyone know if there is a particular date we are expecting 2024 fixtures to be released? I'd assume early December?

This time of year is usually spent speculating over licenses and if new (or B) teams are joining the first division.

I'm guessing we'll find out when the fixtures are released if there'll be a return of the league cup. I would have thought it was unlikely to come back until the PFAI stated that they wanted it to return.

There could be an argument to be made to bring forward the start date a week to widen the season and reduce midweek fixtures. Do we still have one of the longer off seasons in europe? ~3 months seems about right to me.

Based on the LOI Twitter a/c today, we can safely say that no issues are expected with the licences (last year they were issued the Wednesday after the Cup final):

1724053851538346435

1724129128591319543

Yes, the fixtures were released almost exactly a month after the divisions were confirmed (December 15th last time):

https://www.radiokerry.ie/sport/2023-first-division-schedule-released-309807

[culloty82]

So, all in all, if any new teams do plan on joining, it's more likely going to be the 2025 First Division, rather than any eventual third tier at this stage.

[legendz]

The League of Ireland off season is too long. The new League season should be starting the first weekend of February. Two extra Friday nights and less Monday night league games.
The First Division finished up on October 20th. The First Division could have finished a week later, with one legged playoff semi-finals and final on the following Monday and Friday.

[yurt]

Yeah I think the widening of the season is something they'll be looking at in the off-season and maybe next season as well. Maybe bring it forward a week this year and and other one the following year.

Given that crowds drop off in the summer getting a couple more games out of the way early-doors would surely be a non-controversial suggestion.

[nigel-harps1954]

The problem with starting earlier is pitches. The only benefit to the long off season is that pitches get a proper rest and a chance to recover. There's little to no growth in winter, and a pitch that's struggled at the end of one season is going to struggle at the start of the following season.

[legendz]

The problem with starting earlier is pitches. The only benefit to the long off season is that pitches get a proper rest and a chance to recover. There's little to no growth in winter, and a pitch that's struggled at the end of one season is going to struggle at the start of the following season.
A fair reality. It doesn't leave much scope for fitting in 5 rounds for a return of the League Cup.

Feb 10-12, weekend before start of league.
Feb 20, Monday after start of league.
Mar 13, Monday after first Monday night league round.
Apr 17, Monday after second Monday night league round.
May 08, Monday after third Monday night league round.

Looking at this year's fixture list, for the League Cup to possibly return, it would have to start with eight First Division clubs in Round 1 on the weekend of the President's Cup. Round 2 following on the first Monday after the league starts.
The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final on the Mondays after a Monday night league round. Ideally clubs wouldn't want to be playing two Mondays in a row. Where unavoidable, league fixtures would probably be preferable on the first Monday.

[joey B]

From Donegal Live.

“Derry City will come to Finn Park on January 14 with another friendly between the two clubs scheduled for January 27 at the Brandywell. In between times, Harps will go to Inishowen League side Gleneely Colts on January 21 as part of an open day at Glenview Park.


Before the start of the 2024 season, Sligo Rovers will come to Finn Park in early February.”

[2 Year Contract]

Leinster Senior Cup has changed format and has a group stage at the 4th round stage which is set to be played during LOI pre-season. Group D is Pats, UCD, St Mochta's, Usher Celtic. Each team play each other once and the games are scheduled for 22nd Jan, 29th Jan, 5th Feb.

I haven’t seen a definite list of all groups anywhere but other groups I have seen are:

Group B is Longford, Maynooth, Athlone, Shamrock Rovers.

Group A is Dundalk, Malahide United, Drogheda, Bohs.

EDIT: Also seeing now that Group C is Bray, shels, Evergreen, Wexford. That may be all of the groups

[pineapple stu]

That's just what the LoI needs - more LSC games.

[Mr A]

That's just what the LoI needs - more LSC games.

It's a compromise instead of bringing League Cup back- use regional competitions as sort of semi competitive preseason games instead.

Plan is to get something ramped up in Connacht / Ulster as well

[legendz]

It's a compromise instead of bringing League Cup back- use regional competitions as sort of semi competitive preseason games instead.

Plan is to get something ramped up in Connacht / Ulster as well

Seems to be a reasonable compromise. The 5 Munster clubs will be joining the MSC in Round 3 (final 16). If Munster follow the LSC approach in future, 3 non league clubs could join 5 Munster LoI clubs in 2 groups of 4.

[Martinho II]

It's a compromise instead of bringing League Cup back- use regional competitions as sort of semi competitive preseason games instead.

Plan is to get something ramped up in Connacht / Ulster as well

That explains it so. Pity that League Cup is gone for good!

[culloty82]

The Mayo District League's Oscar Traynor side will host Kerry on January 20th.

[legendz]

The Mayo District League's Oscar Traynor side will host Kerry on January 20th.
Hopefully a fixture against the Kerry District League will be arranged also, in MH Park.

[culloty82]

Kerry's MSC first-round clash fixed for Friday January 12th at 7:45.

[culloty82]

And also noticed on the FAI Connect app that a friendly with Galway has been arranged for January 18th at Killarney Celtic's ground, presumably as a tie-in with today's transfer.

[2 Year Contract]

And also noticed on the FAI Connect app that a friendly with Galway has been arranged for January 18th at Killarney Celtic's ground, presumably as a tie-in with today's transfer.

Great shout checking the LOI Connect App! It has Pats down to play Bohs at 11am on 27 Jan, and Drogheda at 3pm the same day. It also has the President’s Cup down as an 8pm kickoff on 9 Feb

[legendz]

And also noticed on the FAI Connect app that a friendly with Galway has been arranged for January 18th at Killarney Celtic's ground, presumably as a tie-in with today's transfer.
Waterford would be a good friendly to arrange as well.

[Martinho II]

Never knew that friendlies do be on FAI App. When I get a chance I will have to investigate what friendlies Longford have besides LSC ties?

[2 Year Contract]

Never knew that friendlies do be on FAI App. When I get a chance I will have to investigate what friendlies Longford have besides LSC ties?

No Longford ones on there just yet. There’s only 10 games on it across all 20 clubs so I’m sure more will be added soon once fixtures are arranged

[trevy]

Waterford announced they will be doing a trip to Fleetwood in mid January for some training and a pre season game. No Dubai trip this year!

[SPXcyan]

Budget cuts already ;)

[culloty82]

General admission is a fiver for the Avondale game today week, with under-12s admitted free, so no reason for there not to be a decent crowd:

https://kerryfc.com/important-ticket-information-ahead-of-our-game-v-avondale-united/?fbclid=IwAR0ozZ7rc89L4kSo2BQdD4TNGVDYk1LYllw3bzrL ApV3P5bAYw7RepjXOiU

[yurt]

Do ye reckon the presidents cup game will end up being anywhere near a sell out?

With the way season tickets sales have ballooned for both clubs and the fact its a Dublin derby and the first football game in ages that I wouldn't be too surprised at all to see 10K+ there.

The game itself has actually become a success. I remember being sceptical about it for the first couple of years thinking it's just an unnecessary additional game copying the template from England but it's actually helping to build rivalries and raise the profile of the league a week before starts.

[sbgawa]

Cant see it tbh at the end of the day its a friendly and both managers might shuffle the deck for the match.
I think Rovers have 4k season tickets sold and 3k for Pats maybe?? i cant see all of them plus 3000 "others" paying in.
Anything over 6k would be a big crowd IMO
Hopefully i will be surprised

[D24Saint]

Cant see it tbh at the end of the day its a friendly and both managers might shuffle the deck for the match.
I think Rovers have 4k season tickets sold and 3k for Pats maybe?? i cant see all of them plus 3000 "others" paying in.
Anything over 6k would be a big crowd IMO
Hopefully i will be surprised

I agree with that. I reckon 6k would be a very healthy crowd.

[2 Year Contract]

The attendance for the 2022 President's cup was 5,426 with Pats selling out their allocation and 2 or 3 different extensions to the allocation which ended up being a total pf 1,800. With the rise in crowds of both clubs in the 2 seasons since then, if rovers offer a bigger away allocation from the get go and put a good bit of effort into promoting the game as the first with the new stand open etc, you could potentially be looking at 8k+ for this IMO

[D24Saint]

The attendance for the 2022 President's cup was 5,426 with Pats selling out their allocation and 2 or 3 different extensions to the allocation which ended up being a total pf 1,800. With the rise in crowds of both clubs in the 2 seasons since then, if rovers offer a bigger away allocation from the get go and put a good bit of effort into promoting the game as the first with the new stand open etc, you could potentially be looking at 8k+ for this IMO

Hopefully you’re right. It would be a good story for the media before the start of the season.

[dundalkfc10]

Dundalk playing Longford at home next Thursday 18th in Oriel

Word is we are playing Shels this Friday in the AUL but clubs must not want fans attending as can't see it announced anywhere

[dundalkfc10]

The attendance for the 2022 President's cup was 5,426 with Pats selling out their allocation and 2 or 3 different extensions to the allocation which ended up being a total pf 1,800. With the rise in crowds of both clubs in the 2 seasons since then, if rovers offer a bigger away allocation from the get go and put a good bit of effort into promoting the game as the first with the new stand open etc, you could potentially be looking at 8k+ for this IMO

No reason they don't give Pat's a full stand either at the side or the new stand

[outspoken]

Dundalk playing Longford at home next Thursday 18th in Oriel

Word is we are playing Shels this Friday in the AUL but clubs must not want fans attending as can't see it announced anywhere

Strangely enough, Longford haven't confirmed the Dundalk fixture, hope it goes ahead. Handy one for me.

[D24Saint]

Pats playing Athlone away on Saturday.

[Another Bohemia]

Dundalk playing Longford at home next Thursday 18th in Oriel

Word is we are playing Shels this Friday in the AUL but clubs must not want fans attending as can't see it announced anywhere

It's in the FAI connect app as 12 kick off

[JC_GUFC]

It's a compromise instead of bringing League Cup back- use regional competitions as sort of semi competitive preseason games instead.

Plan is to get something ramped up in Connacht / Ulster as well

Is this actually true or just speculation?

The only issue I see with it is that I presume trialists can't play.

If the Leinster clubs have agreed to this I don't see why others didn't and just resurrect the League Cup with the group stage format it had in the 90s. I don't really see much benefit for the Non-League clubs though to be honest - if they're mid-season do they really want three matches against LoI opposition?

[Mr A]

That was direct from the League Forum yeah

[joey B]

St Pats playing Minnesota United on 20th of March in Minnesota…..

[D24Saint]

St Pats playing Minnesota United on 20th of March in Minnesota…..

Interesting one. I’ll have to crack open the piggy bank to try and make that one.

[2 Year Contract]

Interesting one. I’ll have to crack open the piggy bank to try and make that one.

Not quite as random as the friendly away to Libya under Brian Kerr but it’s not far off. It would be an unbelievable trip for anyone that can make it over. I’ll be doing my best cost dependant

[total hoofball]

I wonder how that friendly came about, I'm assuming some connections somewhere on Kelleher's end in the States?

Decent day out if you can afford it, I was at couple of Orlando City games while over there on holidays MLS games are a good experience apart from the beer prices

[Neish]

Looking forward to watching Harps for the first time in 2024 on Sunday vs Derry. Not expecting much considering its a friendly and the fact that is both Derry we are playing and the massive difference in resources they have compared to Harps. But it will be good to get to watch live football again after about 3 months