2025 Pre-Season Competitions and Friendlies

[legendz]

Kerry FC's first competitive outing of the 2025 season has been set!

Kerry will be facing Cobh Ramblers at home in the Munster Senior Cup Round of 16. ???

Exact fixture date to be announced and will take place on the weekend of 17th/18th/19th of January.

[culloty82]

Last 16 draw for the Munster Senior Cup:

1. Waterford vs Bandon
2. Mayfield United vs Wilton United
3. Rockmount vs Everton
4. Passage vs Leeside United
5. Carrigaline United vs Cork City
6. Treaty United vs Temple United
7. Douglas Hall vs Leeds
8. Kerry vs Cobh Ramblers

[legendz]

Last 16 draw for the Munster Senior Cup:

1. Waterford vs Bandon
2. Mayfield United vs Wilton United
3. Rockmount vs Everton
4. Passage vs Leeside United
5. Carrigaline United vs Cork City
6. Treaty United vs Temple United
7. Douglas Hall vs Leeds
8. Kerry vs Cobh Ramblers

Kerry v Cobh being the only League of Ireland clash. They met at the quarter-final stage last year. Kerry lost out to Waterford in the final.

[2 Year Contract]

Not a pre-season fixture, but Bohs will play Rovers in the Aviva in the first game of the season. Bohs gave up home advantage

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/bohemians-meet-shamrock-rovers-aviva-stadium-opening-weekend-2025-loi-season/

[Glen Of Aherlow]

[QUOTE=2 Year Contract;2209378]Not a pre-season fixture, but Bohs will play Rovers in the Aviva in the first game of the season. Bohs gave up home advantage

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/bohemians-meet-shamrock-rovers-aviva-stadium-opening-weekend-2025-loi-season/[/QU

Big money for Bohs and a big event and publicity for the league but not sure how i feel about this

[2 Year Contract]

It would be some of the best ‘greatest league in the world’ stuff of all time if Bohs kept rovers ‘away’ allocation at 450 for it :)

[Calcio Jack]

[QUOTE=2 Year Contract;2209378]Not a pre-season fixture, but Bohs will play Rovers in the Aviva in the first game of the season. Bohs gave up home advantage

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/bohemians-meet-shamrock-rovers-aviva-stadium-opening-weekend-2025-loi-season/[/QU

Big money for Bohs and a big event and publicity for the league but not sure how i feel about this

After costs ( renting the Aviva etc) ‘gate’ will be split between the teams

[sbgawa]

It would be some of the best ‘greatest league in the world’ stuff of all time if Bohs kept rovers ‘away’ allocation at 450 for it :)

I know it can't happen but that would be an all time GLITW moment :)

[sbgawa]

OK so first guess at ticket sales???
30000??

[brendy_éire]

[QUOTE=Glen Of Aherlow;2209382]

After costs ( renting the Aviva etc) ‘gate’ will be split between the teams

Bizarre. And the costs will be fairly large, you'd imagine.

How many would they get at it? 15k be realistic?

[Calcio Jack]

[QUOTE=Calcio Jack;2209385]

Bizarre. And the costs will be fairly large, you'd imagine.

How many would they get at it? 15k be realistic?

What’s bizarre?

Why would Bohs give up their normal match day income and gate receipts and why would Rovers waive payment if the match generates a substantial ‘profit’ after rental expenses etc and Bohs being compensated for their ‘loss’ ?

All the above will be dependent on achieving decent turnout.

[nr637]

[QUOTE=Glen Of Aherlow;2209382]

After costs ( renting the Aviva etc) ‘gate’ will be split between the teams

Great way to promote the league, especially at the start of the season. Many other leagues around the world have done this. Imagine a 25,000 attendance with TV coverage!
Great exposure for the league to promote the game! It will also help the FAI in reminding the Government about funding for the league with infrastructure and facilities!

It is always an opinion held by fans and advertisers that putting live sports such as LOI football in venues with better means that offer paying fans decent facilities will always help promote the game and encourage people to return. With an entertainment product like the LOI and following on from a great ending to the 2024 season, it only seems correct to try this type of option.


Any way we can highlight or promote the league has to be taken and used for maximum exposure!

Well done to Bohs and Rovers for going for it.

:)

[joey B]

I suppose anything that gets more people to the game has to be a good thing,there will be a lot of Bohs and Rovers fans that would have had no chance of attending and now they all can,that’s a positive in my eyes……

[jbyrne]

OK so first guess at ticket sales???
30000??

market it properly, tap into an FAI cup final type atmosphere and it could get 30,000 or more

[legendz]

Not a pre-season fixture, but Bohs will play Rovers in the Aviva in the first game of the season. Bohs gave up home advantage

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/bohemians-meet-shamrock-rovers-aviva-stadium-opening-weekend-2025-loi-season/
It'll be bigger than the Presidents Cup!

Great news though. Hopefully a full house. Standalone kick off time as well, which is great!

[Shinkicker]

It'll be bigger than the Presidents Cup!

Great news though. Hopefully a full house. Standalone kick off time as well, which is great!
This will be a great season opener with the potential to really promote the league, it will allow people who cant attend matches due to the restrictions on Dalymounts capacity the opportunity to see the game and experience the atmosphere of a derby game. Hopefully with a 20k plus crowed. Personally I think there will be far more at it as it will allow neutrals to attend and enjoy the experience. Its a great idea by Bohs and I hope they pull it off without any issues. Well done to all involved.
Where do you think the 450 rovers supporters will sit.

[total hoofball]

This Bohs/Rovers Aviva game is a leaf out of English Premiership Rugby teams like Harlequins and Saracens giving up home advantage for some league fixtures to play at Twickenham for bigger attendances/payday. I know Leinster started to this aswell moving some games to the Aviva for demand which has effectively become their 2nd home ground for bigger fixtures

Has this been done in any other European football league?

[EatYerGreens]

Not a pre-season fixture, but Bohs will play Rovers in the Aviva in the first game of the season. Bohs gave up home advantage

https://www.leagueofireland.ie/news/bohemians-meet-shamrock-rovers-aviva-stadium-opening-weekend-2025-loi-season/

Boom! I suggested this very thing on here earlier in the year :cool:

If anyone knows Daniel Lambert, tell him I'm happy to drop the legal action in return for a modest share of the gate receipts :good:

St Pats need to do it next year on St Patrick's Day now.

[brendy_éire]

[QUOTE=brendy_éire;2209388]

What’s bizarre?

Why would Bohs give up their normal match day income and gate receipts and why would Rovers waive payment if the match generates a substantial ‘profit’ after rental expenses etc and Bohs being compensated for their ‘loss’ ?

All the above will be dependent on achieving decent turnout.

Not sure what payment Rovers would be waiving, but anyway, a few thoughts on why it's bizarre.

This appears to be a case of two clubs manipulating the fixture schedule for their own financial advantage. Can the other 18 clubs do the same? I don't want us playing at home on Mondays, and during the summer, I only want to play home matches against clubs with large away support.

Footballing-wise. This has astounded me the most of the whole thing. Bohs are giving up home advantage in a hostile Dalymount, with limited away support, run down changing rooms, and a dodgy pitch. Will the same thing be done later in the season and a match moved from Tallaght? Next time Drogheda are hosting us, they should rent out the Brandy instead. They'll make more money. What does a club have to be paid to give up home advantage?
I know people like to slag off Bohs as being a club that forgets they have a football team that's supposed to try and win things, but this backs up their case. I think it's a joke of a decision. But maybe they can release a special jersey for it?

Shamrock Rovers have got an unreal deal out of this, it has to be said.

[yurt]

Hopefully tickets sales fly out the gap early doors for this and the media give it a proper build up.

I don't think it's out of the question for this to get to 45k or whatever the max is in the Aviva for LOI teams.

This is going to be an unbelievable advert for the league because the atmosphere in the stadium will be deadly and it will look great on TV.

Its great to see some innovation happening no matter how it turns out but think this will end up being a great advertisement to kick off the season.

[Mr A]

Looks a good idea and like that it's moved from a Friday so does not clash with other games.

I do get the points from brendy though but this is very good overall.

[EatYerGreens]

[QUOTE=Calcio Jack;2209389]

Not sure what payment Rovers would be waiving, but anyway, a few thoughts on why it's bizarre.

This appears to be a case of two clubs manipulating the fixture schedule for their own financial advantage. Can the other 18 clubs do the same? I don't want us playing at home on Mondays, and during the summer, I only want to play home matches against clubs with large away support.

Footballing-wise. This has astounded me the most of the whole thing. Bohs are giving up home advantage in a hostile Dalymount, with limited away support, run down changing rooms, and a dodgy pitch. Will the same thing be done later in the season and a match moved from Tallaght? Next time Drogheda are hosting us, they should rent out the Brandy instead. They'll make more money. What does a club have to be paid to give up home advantage?
I know people like to slag off Bohs as being a club that forgets they have a football team that's supposed to try and win things, but this backs up their case. I think it's a joke of a decision. But maybe they can release a special jersey for it?

Shamrock Rovers have got an unreal deal out of this, it has to be said.

The reality is that Rovers are likely to win 8+ out of 10 derbies with Bohs as things currently stand. As a members club Bohs don't have wealthy owners/benefactors to help keep the show on the road financially. They need to constantly find of ways of staying in touch with the main pack in the league financially. This easily has the potential to be a half a million quid day out for the club - the equivalent of winning the league 2 or 3 times in a row, but all on one day.

The point about 'manipulation' of the fixtures list is a fair one, but only to a limited extent. Bohs and Rovers will have to play each other at some point, so its hardly manipulation in any real sense. If clubs progress in Europe, the fixtures list gets 'manipulated' to shift games and adjust for that. If clubs change their playing surface, fixtures can get 'manipulated' to provide a run of away games to let the new surface bed in etc etc. The Irish League has institutionalised 'manipulation' of its fixture list for decades to ensure derby games on Boxing Day. I don't see anything to lose sleep over in all of this personally.

It's absolutely worth trying something like this. God knows how in reality it's an unreal deal for Rovers. They'll be filing the coffers of their main rival in a game they'll be the bookies strong favourites to win anyway. What do Bohs realisticlaly have to lose here?



Next time Drogheda are hosting us, they should rent out the Brandy instead. They'll make more money. What does a club have to be paid to give up home advantage?

The obvious difference being that Drogheda would probably win, regardless of where the game was played :p

[Shinkicker]

[QUOTE=brendy_éire;2209399]

The reality is that Rovers are likely to win 8+ out of 10 derbies with Bohs as things currently stand. As a members club Bohs don't have wealthy owners/benefactors to help keep the show on the road financially. They need to constantly find of ways of staying in touch with the main pack in the league financially. This easily has the potential to be a half a million quid day out for the club - the equivalent of winning the league 2 or 3 times in a row, but all on one day.

The point about 'manipulation' of the fixtures list is a fair one, but only to a limited extent. Bohs and Rovers will have to play each other at some point, so its hardly manipulation in any real sense. If clubs progress in Europe, the fixtures list gets 'manipulated' to shift games and adjust for that. If clubs change their playing surface, fixtures can get 'manipulated' to provide a run of away games to let the new surface bed in etc etc. The Irish League has institutionalised 'manipulation' of its fixture list for decades to ensure derby games on Boxing Day. I don't see anything to lose sleep over in all of this personally.

It's absolutely worth trying something like this. God knows how in reality it's an unreal deal for Rovers. They'll be filing the coffers of their main rival in a game they'll be the bookies strong favourites to win anyway. What do Bohs realisticlaly have to lose here?




The obvious difference being that Drogheda would probably win, regardless of where the game was played :p
Several years ago Bohs played rovers in a season opener and it was very much an anticipated fixture. Regarding manipulation of fixtures and as stated by EYG they have to play each other at some point. I think Bohs would have moved it to the Aviva anyway regardless as to when it was to be played but being the season opener adds to it. It will be interesting to see if Bohs are doing well and in a European spot will they give up the home advantage for the second home fixture or try it for the Pats derby game. No mater what happens it will be a great advert for the LOI. It could be a catalyst for the incoming government to get their finger out and fund the game, fund ground improvements and so on. I think it's a great idea and can't wait for the season to start.

[nigel-harps1954]

Bohs with one eye on Aviva as their temporary ground during construction of the new Dalymount perhaps? A tester event?

[brendy_éire]

Looks a good idea and like that it's moved from a Friday so does not clash with other games.

I do get the points from brendy though but this is very good overall.

Certainly in favour of having a match on a standalone day every week/two weeks.


Bohs with one eye on Aviva as their temporary ground during construction of the new Dalymount perhaps? A tester event?

Going from 2018 figures, but Leinster were charged €300k per game to rent the stadium. Bohs would need a significant reduction to make it work.

[Jack B]

Certainly an interesting one. My gut reaction initially was that if this were Pats that I wouldn't like it, but all points in favour of it are absolutely fair.

[LTFC]

On a really bumper weekend of attendances the 5 home games in round 1 could hit 30,000. With this fixture that first round could be closer to 50,000. Bit of clever fixture setting for week 2 with Rovers at home and Cork at home could hit the 30000 in second week.
I think this is a good idea, and you could see this repeated.

[total hoofball]

Unlike the FAI Cup final are neutral fans other LOI teams outside of Rovers really going to be rushing out in droves to buy tickets for an additional game that weekend for what is effectively a fundraiser for Bohs 2025 budget?

[Another Bohemia]

Unlike the FAI Cup final are neutral fans other LOI teams outside of Rovers really going to be rushing out in droves to buy tickets for an additional game that weekend for what is effectively a fundraiser for Bohs 2025 budget?

Considering the amount of tourists I've seen at Bohs games in recent memory (I'm sure other LOI teams are the same), yes there is an appetite for this. Add to that the "event junkie" nature of the Irish public I believe that with the right promotion this could be a very well attended event. Especially the first time around. If it becomes an annual thing I could see the novelty wearing off.

[nigel-harps1954]

On a really bumper weekend of attendances the 5 home games in round 1 could hit 30,000. With this fixture that first round could be closer to 50,000. Bit of clever fixture setting for week 2 with Rovers at home and Cork at home could hit the 30000 in second week.
I think this is a good idea, and you could see this repeated.

Bohs are definitely going to have a big fat asterisk on my attendance table anyway.

[placid casual]

Whatever about the financial aspect of the deal, it's an absolute dead cert to be a nil all draw.

[pineapple stu]

Still not recovered from that game v Pat's in the RDS, eh?

[Nesta99]

Its understandable why its being done and its good to see some creativty and willingness. I do think this should be held on a bank holiday or St Patricks weekend. Let the Presidents Cup be the 'big' curtainraiser. If you want to showcase some quality a 1st game is more unlikely. Assuming the fixture list is random computer generated and it has presented an opportunity this season so be it, otherwise play an ace when its most effective - may be opening day but I dont think so?

[2 Year Contract]

Worth pointing out that rovers will likely (as in it looks like they’ll qualify) be playing their European knockout games on the Thursday before and after this game vs bohs. A good result in the first leg and you could see a weakened and side put out for this game in the Aviva which won’t do any favours for the standard of the match

[Another Bohemia]

Worth pointing out that rovers will likely (as in it looks like they’ll qualify) be playing their European knockout games on the Thursday before and after this game vs bohs. A good result in the first leg and you could see a weakened and side put out for this game in the Aviva which won’t do any favours for the standard of the match

Sometimes I feel the standard of the match is secondary to a lot of average footballing fans. They'll tune in for the spectacle. Look at any league in the world and there will be terrible games especially in derbies. As long as both teams play with intensity and fans get behind every challenge and goal scoring chance it will look and feel like a good match and the stadium should add to that feeling

[2 Year Contract]

Sometimes I feel the standard of the match is secondary to a lot of average footballing fans. They'll tune in for the spectacle. Look at any league in the world and there will be terrible games especially in derbies. As long as both teams play with intensity and fans get behind every challenge and goal scoring chance it will look and feel like a good match and the stadium should add to that feeling

That’s a fair point and I agree with it to an extent, but seeing both teams strongest sides up against each other after a few weeks of getting used to playing with each other would’ve produced a better match which would produce an even better atmosphere and spectacle for any viewers at home, given the atmosphere in the stands doesn’t translate as well on tv as it does actually being at the match (I’m assuming it’ll be on tv)

[Another Bohemia]

That’s a fair point and I agree with it to an extent, but seeing both teams strongest sides up against each other after a few weeks of getting used to playing with each other would’ve produced a better match which would produce an even better atmosphere and spectacle for any viewers at home, given the atmosphere in the stands doesn’t translate as well on tv as it does actually being at the match (I’m assuming it’ll be on tv)

Yeah there is a bit of give and take on that for sure. For what it's worth I can't see rovers playing a weak team. Bradley seems to take the Bohs matches seriously (as any Bohs or rovers manager should). And with the European finances available you would expect some significant signings for rovers in the depth department.

[Calcio Jack]

Yeah there is a bit of give and take on that for sure. For what it's worth I can't see rovers playing a weak team. Bradley seems to take the Bohs matches seriously (as any Bohs or rovers manager should). And with the European finances available you would expect some significant signings for rovers in the depth department.

Bradley may take Boh’s matches seriously but this season our Sunday performances after a Thursday match in Europe have been dreadful ( eg cup match against yourselves) …. Anyway still haven’t qualified for latter stage so unlike some of our smug politicians this week who think they’ve ‘momentum’ we’ll worry about Feb when it/if comes around

[Dermobohs]

Bohs are definitely going to have a big fat asterisk on my attendance table anyway.
I’ll be handing back my harps membership in protest

[nigel-harps1954]

I’ll be handing back my harps membership in protest

I'm sorry to hear this.


You'll still have your asterisk. :D

[EatYerGreens]

Bohs with one eye on Aviva as their temporary ground during construction of the new Dalymount perhaps? A tester event?

This does indeed seem to be the strategy.

Best to test the idea/demand now than wait and sign up to a rental for a year+ when they have to in the near future, and find that it just doesn't work.

[EatYerGreens]

Unlike the FAI Cup final are neutral fans other LOI teams outside of Rovers really going to be rushing out in droves to buy tickets for an additional game that weekend for what is effectively a fundraiser for Bohs 2025 budget?

I'm going to try to head over to this game out of curiousity, and I'm sure there'll be others too. The price they put on the tickets will be key I suspect.

Would I go to Bohs games regularly at the Aviva? No. But the novelty of this will draw my interest. If nothing else it will be a rather surreal experience to be at a 'regular' LOI league match in a big stadium with tens of thousands of other people. I'm keen to see what that feels like :D

[EatYerGreens]

Get Bob Marley and the Wailers* to do the pre-match/half-time entertainment. Fill the North Stand with refugees. Free public transport from club sponsor Dublin Bus included with your matchday ticket to get fans over from dee Naarthsoide. Make it the most perfect Bohs 'Carlsberg ad' day out :D

On a slightly more serious note - this would be a good game to try to tap into the not-inconsiderable amount of ground-hoppers and random football watchers there are kicking around in Britain. The fact it's on a Sunday means that people could watch 2 or 3 LOI/IL games in just the one weekend.

*(without the Bob Marley bit, obvs)

[EatYerGreens]

Worth pointing out that rovers will likely (as in it looks like they’ll qualify) be playing their European knockout games on the Thursday before and after this game vs bohs. A good result in the first leg and you could see a weakened and side put out for this game in the Aviva which won’t do any favours for the standard of the match

If that was the case, the game would have got moved to the Sunday anyway.

Surely this match will be guaranteed to go live on RTE now as well? Or god forbid, could there even be more than one broadcaster interested in it?

[legendz]

Do any LoI clubs take on local district league XIs in preseason? Limerick have 4 district leagues on their doorstep. It would seem one way of maintaining good links with local leagues.

[outspoken]

Do any LoI clubs take on local district league XIs in preseason? Limerick have 4 district leagues on their doorstep. It would seem one way of maintaining good links with local leagues.

I know Sligo used to regularly play local clubs

[dundalkfc10]

Do any LoI clubs take on local district league XIs in preseason? Limerick have 4 district leagues on their doorstep. It would seem one way of maintaining good links with local leagues.

Not exactly local leagues but Dundalk regularly play Warrenpoint during the season in friendlies. They did let fans into watch them years ago but last few years they have never been advertised but if you know when they due to be on, you can walk into Oriel to watch them

[sbgawa]

Bohs with one eye on Aviva as their temporary ground during construction of the new Dalymount perhaps? A tester event?


Cant see this being a runner at all.
Bohs Rovers as a one off might get a good crowd 20-25K+ but if it was an every week occurance against random teams i just cant see the crowds paying for the Stadium costs.
Also the FAI dont own the stadium so they cant do a cut price deal to make it a Bohs home venue, at the least theyed have to pay what Leinster are paying to use it and given Leinster crowds are a multiple fo any LOIm team i just cant see it as a realistic option.
Tolka is where Bohs will end up i reckon and maybe witha bit of rent coming it might help Shels open up the currently closed stand behind the goal

[Louth4sam]

Do any LoI clubs take on local district league XIs in preseason? Limerick have 4 district leagues on their doorstep. It would seem one way of maintaining good links with local leagues.

Dundalk have played a Dundalk summer league select a couple of times. I think it's a good thing as it's a bit of recognition for local league players and brings a bit of the community aspect of the club.

[Martinho II]

Cant see this being a runner at all.
Bohs Rovers as a one off might get a good crowd 20-25K+ but if it was an every week occurance against random teams i just cant see the crowds paying for the Stadium costs.
Also the FAI dont own the stadium so they cant do a cut price deal to make it a Bohs home venue, at the least theyed have to pay what Leinster are paying to use it and given Leinster crowds are a multiple fo any LOIm team i just cant see it as a realistic option.
Tolka is where Bohs will end up i reckon and maybe witha bit of rent coming it might help Shels open up the currently closed stand behind the goal

If that happens SGBWA would Bohs be in Tolka for long?