Football League of Ireland 2006 season
Encyclopedia
The League of Ireland
was once again sponsored by eircom
and was commonly known as the eircom League in the media. Cork City were defending champions and the 2006 season ran from March until November. The eventual league champions were Shelbourne F.C.
of Dublin.
commitments. Drogheda United
raced to an early lead in the Premier Division table, however Derry City FC, Shelbourne FC and Cork City all loomed large.
In the first division, Shamrock Rovers seemed to have no trouble adapting to their new circumstances after being relegated from the Premier Division the previous season as the Dublin club quickly went top of the table. In an extremely tight division Galway United
, Limerick FC, Dundalk FC and Cobh Ramblers all had legitimate chances to top the division. Shamrock Rovers effectively clinched the First Division title with a 4-0 win over an apparently demoralised or otherwise unmotivated Finn Harps team at Tolka Park in the penultimate game of the season. The victory rendered Shamrock's lead unassailable to all but an inconceivable chain of results.
Some fans had complained the league felt very disjointed due to the Mid-Season break for the World Cup
. St. Patrick's Athletic seemed worse hit as their encouraging early season form deserted them on the return. Shelbourne were the form team throughout July and August and by the start of September had assumed the lead in the race for league honours. Drogheda United and Derry City were still in contention but Cork City had faded, and lay 10 points adrift in 4th place. Stranded at the bottom Waterford United picked up its first win of the season by beating St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park
on September 1.
away to Waterford United
on November 13 ensured the title would (for the third successive year) remain at stake on the final day of the season (November 17.) In order to clich the championship, Shelbourne
, tied with Derry City on 59 points, needed only to better the Candystripes'
result against Cork City when they faced Dublin rivals Bohemians
at Tolka Park. Cork, three points shy of Shels and Derry on 56, could not plausibly retain their championship save by overturning an enormous goal difference deficit, but second place remained a realistic aspiration had Cork beaten Derry by a clear two goal margin.
On the night, early developments favoured Derry City, who led Cork after 11 minutes through Mark Farren
. When Bohemians snatched a surprise lead against Shelbourne at Tolka Park (via an egregious error from Shels 'keeper Steve Williams, who fumbled an innocuous cross before nudging the ball over his own goal-line), the league trophy seemed bound for a rare excursion across the border. On 23 minutes, however, John Paul Kelly handled Bobby Ryan's shot, and Stuart Byrne sank the penalty kick to level the scores. Six minutes later, a clearly unfit Jason Byrne
's outswinging cross from the right flank was prodded past Stephen O'Brien by the left boot of Glen Crowe
, the man whose transfer from Bohemians to Shelbourne in 2004 provoked much of the acrimony which has defined the two clubs' relations ever since.
Although sixty eventful minutes remained (the last of which would see a red card bestowed upon Shelbourne substitute Richie Baker
for a high challenge on Conor Powell), Crowe's goal proved decisive, securing both match and championship for Pat Fenlon
's team. An emotional Stuart Byrne, ajudged eircom Man of the Match, castigated outgoing Derry City manager Stephen Kenny in his post-match interview, while Pat Fenlon equivocated when questioned on his future at the club.
Derry City defeated Cork 1-0 to seal second place, a result which looked to have deprived the deposed champions of European football for the 2007 season after it condemned them to a fourth-place finish. However, Derry's win against St. Patrick's Athletic in the 2006 FAI Cup
final ensured that Derry took the UEFA Cup
spot on offer for the competition and proved to be very beneficial for Cork. The fact that Derry had finished second in the league, which also guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup, meant that Drogheda United
's 1-0 victory over Waterford
ensured the Boynesiders third place and a guaranteed passage into the UEFA Cup for 2007 as Derry's league qualification was transferred to the next best-finishing team below them. This meant that Drogheda, who initially thought they would be competing in the UEFA Intertoto Cup
, had their entry into that competition transferred to Cork. While Shelbourne were set to compete in the prelimiary rounds of the UEFA Champions League
, their financial troubles placed doubt on the possible awarding of a UEFA licence to the club. As of the beginning of the 2007 season, the decision of which clubs would be representing the league in the 2007 Champions League and UEFA Cup was not wholly finalised.
(*)Bohemians
were deducted three points for fielding a suspended player
Shelbourne
won the championship, and were to represent the league in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League
. However, financial woes had cast serious doubts over that as of the beginning of the 2007 season.
Derry City
, as FAI Cup
winners, were to enter the qualifying stage of the UEFA Cup
for the next season, but looked set to take Shelbourne's place in the Champions League as league runners-up as of the beginning of the 2007 season. That presented St. Patrick's Athletic with the possible opportunity of taking part in the UEFA Cup
in Derry's place as FAI Cup
runners-up. Drogheda United, who were also to take a spot in the UEFA Cup
due to the league runners-up, Derry City, already qualifying, looked set to keep their place, while Cork City qualified for the 2007 Intertoto Cup.
All four sides were to represent the eircom League in the 2007 Setanta Sports Cup. However, St. Pat's replaced Shelbourne who pulled out of the competition prior to its kick-off.
All Dublin City's
results were expunged from the records after the club folded mid-way through the season.
(*) Shamrock Rovers F.C.
were deducted three points for fielding a suspended player
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
, who finished in 11th position, 3-2 on aggregate in the annual eircom League Play-Off. In any other season, the winning of this game would have entitled the club to take part in the following season's Premier Division. However, the 2006 Play-Off was to have no such effect as the choice of teams playing in the 2007 season's Premier and First Divisions was to be left to the discretion of the FAI's
Independent Assessment Group. The victory later turned out to be a pointless one and Dundalk's worst nightmare came true when the decision was made regarding the teams to play in the 2007 League of Ireland
. Dundalk failed to make the cut, according to the criteria set down before the season began.
champions Apollon Limassol
2-1 on aggregate in the first preliminary round. After a 1-0 victory in Turners Cross, Cork drew 1-1 in Cyprus thanks to a late Dan Murray goal. After the final whistle Joe Gamble
and Danny Murphy were red carded and they would miss both legs of Cork's next tie. The draw pitted them against Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda
. Cork lost the first leg 1-0 in front of a sold out Turners Cross. If they needed anymore motivation for the second leg, the winners of this tie were drawn against AC Milan in the final preliminary round. However, on August 2, Cork were beaten 3-0 in Belgrade and their European campaign was over for 2006.
, won through to the 2nd preliminary round of the UEFA Cup
. Derry City had beaten IFK Göteborg
from Sweden
1-0 both away and in the Brandywell. Drogheda had it slightly harder against HJK Helsinki
of Finland
. After a 1-1 in Helsinki, Drogheda obtained the same score line in the return leg (played in Dalymount Park
due to United Park's lack of seating). In extra time however, two penalties were enough to seen Drogheda advance with a 3-2 score. This was Drogheda's first ever win in European competition.
In the 2nd qualifying round Derry beat Scottish
side Gretna FC 7-3 on aggregate. A 5-1 victory in Scotland was almost enough to guarantee qualification before drawing 2-2 in the second leg. That 5-1 victory is the biggest away win ever by an Irish side. Drogheda were knocked out on penalties by IK Start of Norway
. After losing 1-0 in Norway, Drogheda won the by the same scoreline in Dublin to force extra time and penalties. Start eventually won the shoot out 11-10 after defender Graham Gartland
missed his second penalty.
In the first round proper, Derry City earned a 0-0 draw in the first leg at home to Paris St. Germain before being eliminated from the competition after a 2-0 defeat in the return leg in France.
after finishing 3rd in the 2005 league, beat Lithuania
n side FK Vetra
5-0 on aggregate in the first round. A 1-0 win away was followed with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in Tolka Park
. In the 2nd round, a 1-0 victory at home in the 2nd leg versus Odense BK
of Denmark
was not enough to overturn a 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
move to 'Summer football' at the beginning of the 2003 season, which was seen to be beneficial for team fitness and coherency when the qualifying campaigns came round, and the introduction of full-time professional football by a number of top sides, aided this promising progress. Due to the swift development in the previous few years, combined with the fact that UEFA
accorded its coefficient values based on results over five previous seasons, Irish clubs' coefficients gave a somewhat inaccurate impression of the current standard of play in the eircom League, with many believing that an accurate representation of the standard of play would have seen Irish clubs ranked higher. Signs of the vast improvement were evident in the fact that League of Ireland clubs had consistently overcome sides from the Swedish league
(ranked 28th by UEFA
in 2006 after the position deteriorated due, in a large way, to the steady latter-day success of Irish teams over their Swedish counterparts) in those years. Cork City, for example, went past Djurgårdens IF in 2005 after having earlier beaten Malmo FF
4-1 on aggregate in 2004, while Derry City beat former UEFA Cup
winners, IFK Göteborg
, 2-0 on aggregate in 2006. They then went on to defeat Gretna, a side from the Scottish First Division, the second tier in the Scottish system (the Premier League is ranked 10th by UEFA
), 7-3 on aggregate.
The poor ranking of 35th had led to arrogant under-estimation of the league's standard and before Derry City's win over IFK Göteborg
, Niclas Alexandersson rather misguidedly suggested that his team could take a holiday and still walk over the League of Ireland side.
As a result of Dublin City folding, non-league Killester United received a bye in the third round and went straight through to the quarter finals. In the tie of the third round Derry City beat Shelbourne 1-0 in Tolka Park. First Division side Shamrock Rovers knocked out arch rivals Bohemians after a replay.
In the quarter finals it took Sligo Rovers until extra time in a replay to dispose of Killester United. Elsewhere St Pats easily beat Longford 4-1, Shamrock Rovers scored two late goals to beat Athlone 2-1 away and Derry had a facile 2-0 win at home to UCD.
The semi final draw threw up two local derbies
with Sligo Rovers hosting Derry and Shamrock Rovers hosting St Pats with the games to be played in the October Bank Holiday weekend. In the first of these games St Pats defeated Rovers 2-0 to advance to their first final since 2003. In the other game Sligo Rovers and Derry played out a 0-0 draw before Derry advanced with a 5-0 replay win.
The final was played on December 3, 2006. It was the last ever soccer match to be played at the old Lansdowne Road. The match was played out in severely stormy conditions that on numerous occasions caused the ball to move around the pitch by itself. The sides went in at half-time level at 1-1 after Mark Farren cancelled out Dave Mulcahy's opener. Derry City's Peter Hutton gave away a penalty in the second half which Trevor Molloy converted, leading the St. Pat's fans to believe they were on the verge of winning their first FAI Cup in 45 years. But Clive Delaney equalised in the final five minutes to take the game into extra time at 2-2. The high winds continued to disrupt the game as St. Pat's attempted to clear the ball for a throw-in only for it to be blown for a corner-kick by a gale. Sean O' Connor gave Pat's the lead for a third time in the 103rd minute. But Peter Hutton equallised three minutes later and was on hand again to wreak havoc in the Pat's defence three minutes later as Stephen Brennan scored an own goal to give Derry the lead for the first time in the match as well as the FAI Cup for the fourth time in their 21-year association with the League of Ireland. It was the highest scoring FAI Cup final in seventy-one years. Captain Peter Hutton lifted the trophy and was named Man of the Match.
----
Dublin, home to Shelbourne FC. In the semi finals Drogheda had beaten holders Linfield
in Windsor Park
and Cork had beaten Shelbourne in Turners Cross
. Derry City was the only League of Ireland club not to progress to the semi-finals, after a draw with Shelbourne, and with Linfield beating cross city rivals Glentoran 6-0 on the same night..
in the other (controversial) semi final, which saw Bohemians reduced to nine men. In the final played in Brandywell again a team was reduced to nine men with first goalkeeper David Forde and then Killian Brennan
sent off for hosts Derry. However, after a tense scoreless game, Derry would win their seventh League Cup on penalties, with stand in 'keeper Pat Jennings Jr.
saving three.
PFAI
eircom League Player of the Year award
PFAI
eircom League Young Player of the Year award
TV3
's Goal of the Season award
, with their holding company Accolade Ltd. having tax debts reported at €400,000. On August 23, the club was given until the beginning of October by the High Court to pay more than €104,000 in outstanding taxes, having already paid €600,000 that year, when the Revenue Commissioners took action to shut down the club. In late July Shelbourne failed to pay their players promptly and the players iniated industrial action. Later the club announced that "the players and staff have come to an agreement with the club and this hopefully will see all issues resolved".
The club's troubles did not end there as they played through most of the season in a very poor financial state - a situation brought about in the main by market risk-taking in the drive for success, over-expenditure on player-purchase fees, high player wages, low attendance rates and continuing tax debts. Having received an eventual total of three winding-up orders from the Revenue Commissioners within a time-period of nine months, the club just about managed to muster up the funds owed each time and stay above board. This was at the expense of the club's players, though, who went for several weeks without a wage and it seemed, by the concluding weeks of the season, that the only thing keeping them performing at the club was the chance of winning the title and promises of a remedy. However, a remedy never came and most players decided to leave the club or had their contracts rescinded once the season ended. With the extent of the problems and the dire state of the club becoming public knowledge, accusations of off-the-field cheating were directed at Shelbourne, and some fans of the eircom League even believed that the club's title-success was undeserved in that it was won by the club intentionally playing beyond its own means, in turn, giving it a short-term, but highly unfair, advantage over financially responsible clubs. Some believed that because these factors obviously impacted on the club's on-the-field successes, the 2006 Premier Division title should have been stripped from them. However, all Shelbourne players were eventually paid the money they were due unlike Shamrock Rovers' players the previous season who suffered a mere eight pont penalty for writing off of seven figure debts.
Earlier in the season, Cork City FC had been similarly served with a winding up order due to unpaid tax on 2 July. After the billed was paid, no action was taken.
's proposals for change in the league. The FAI would merge with the League of Ireland. The league make-up for 2007 onward would be decided by an Independent Assessment Group chaired by former FAI President Des Casey and appointed by the FAI. This group was to work from a set of pre-determined criteria for selection. Initially former footballer Niall Quinn
was a member of the group before becoming manager of Sunderland FC.
The decision of the Group was finally announced on 11 December. Despite the fact that Dundalk FC had won the promotion/relegation play-off in November, they were one of the teams omitted from the 2007 League of Ireland
as the Independent Assessment Group did not include them in their list of 12 Premiership teams. Dundalk, instead, were chosen to play in the League of Ireland First Division. Meanwhile, Galway United
, who finished the season in 3rd place behind Dundalk's 2nd were chosen for the League of Ireland Premier Division. This infuriated Dundalk fans and on 13 December 2006 a disgruntled fan protested the Independent Assessment Group's decision by entering the headquarters of the FAI
in Dublin and dousing the reception area in petrol whilst threatening to set it alight. After about an hour the stand-off that developed ended peacefully.
was placed on the transfer list at his own request, as confirmed by his Solicitor, by Cork City F.C. manager Damien Richardson
. The 2005 PFAI Player of the Year was fined two weeks wages for a red card received in a game versus Bohemians as per the Clubs disciplinary rules. O'Callaghan felt he was being victimised despite other players on the team having been fined previously. On the eve of Cork's Champions League tie with Crvena Zvezda
, O'Callaghan released a somewhat contentious statement through his solicitor Cathal Lombard giving his side of the argument. On transfer deadline day (July 31) Cork City formally placed O'Callaghan on the transfer list following pressure from O'Callaghan and his Solicitor. He had not found a club by the end of the season but was eventually taken on trial by Ipswich Town F.C.
H subsequently was offered a contract after a lengthly period.
who had not served a suspension from his Dublin City F.C.
time. Rovers then appealed this decision because of the allegedly extenuating circumstances rearding the suspension. The player nor the club were never informed of the player's suspension. After an unsuccessful appeal it went to arbitration with the original decision upheld. Derry City escaped punishment for fielding the banned Sean Hargan
due to the league not informing Derry City in the correct timeframe. Bohemians were deducted three points for fielding Jason McGuinness
in their victory over Shelbourne on August 18. Bohemians, like the previous two incidents, argued that they were not informed correctly but did not appeal the deduction.
put them at a disadvantage and that they ought to be compensated in some form as well as Bohemians punished. The FAI Appeal Board heard the appeal on 18 October 2006 and took its decision on 31 October 2006 which was notified to Shelbourne by a letter of 1 November 2006. The Appeal Board decided that the deduction of points against Bohemians should stand and that the match between Bohemians and Shelbourne should be replayed in the interest of what it simply described as "Fair Play" with the previous match removed from the records. The ruling, left unexplained, not only seemed to create an absurd and inconsistent set of consequences, but went against the eircom League's rules in that they clearly emphasised the punishment of an offender rather than the rewarding of a victim. On 6 November 2006, the eircom League requested the FAI to refer the matter to arbitration under rule 23.1 of the eircom League rules. The case was heard on 10 November by Michael M. Collins SC. The eircom League’s argument was squarely based on the proposition that the League competition was governed by the rules of the eircom League. Rule 6.1.1 expressly provided that membership of the League constituted an agreement between the league and each member club and its officials, representatives, players, managers and members to be bound by the league rules. Hence, rule 21 of the rules dealt with breaches of the rules and rule 21.4 provided:
On 14 November, Collins delivered his judgment:
, TG4
and RTÉ
televised a number of live games during the 2006 season - the agreed games including League of Ireland
games, as well as Setanta Cup matches and FAI Cup
matches - and TV3
presented a highlights programme, eircom League Weekly
, on a Monday night each week, national coverage of the league was criticised by many fans.
Coverage of the league, including that of the press, regularly came in for criticism as it was seen to be neglecting the league somewhat. It was seen as often being deprived of publicity due to the Irish media's long-term infatuation with the English
FA Premier League
and Scottish Premier League
. Broadcasters such as RTÉ
, renowned for continually holding television programmes such as The Premiership
higher on their sports agenda than their domestic eircom League coverage, were viewed as having continued this trend. Similarly, pages relating to the league on their teletext
service, Aertel, were frequently riddled with minor mistakes displaying a sense of casual carelessness or a lack of full awareness in relation to the league. eircom League fans often referred, in a jocular spirit, to the service as "Errortel".
While supporters were indeed appreciative and thankful to witness at least some coverage of the league they followed, TV3's eircom League weekly had also come in for negative criticism from some who found much of its footballing analysis to be inept and insufficient - unaided by a frustrating lack of television cameras present at games and, as a result, views on offer to help the pundits, as well as poor camera positioning and cameras drifting in and out of focus from time to time. The late Monday night slot of 11:30 PM given to the programme had also been unpopular with some.
from CorkCityFC.ie. (Requires media player) Liechenstein has no properly recognised league championship. Therefore, the country has no UEFA Champions League
entrants, although the cup
winners enter the UEFA Cup
.
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
was once again sponsored by eircom
Eircom
Eircom Group LTD is a telecommunications company in the Republic of Ireland, and a former state-owned incumbent. It is currently the largest telecommunications operator in the Republic of Ireland and operates primarily on the island of Ireland, with a point of presence in Great Britain.As Bord...
and was commonly known as the eircom League in the media. Cork City were defending champions and the 2006 season ran from March until November. The eventual league champions were Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
of Dublin.
Clubs information
| Team | Manager | Main sponsor | Kit supplier | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlone Town |  O'Connor, MichaelMichael O'Connor (footballer born 1960) Michael O'Connor is a former Irish soccer player.He made his League of Ireland debut for Athlone Town on 4 March 1979. During his time at St Mels Park he was twice top scorer in the League of Ireland in 1981/82 and 1984/85... |
Ganly's Hardware | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
St. Mel's Park | 3,000 |
| Bohemians Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
Farrelly, Gareth Gareth Farrelly Gareth Farrelly is an Irish footballer. He currently plays for Warrington Town and Paul Hastings FC .... |
Des Kelly Carpets | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Dalymount Park Dalymount Park Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup... |
8,500 |
| Bray Wanderers | Gormley, Eddie Eddie Gormley Eddie Gormley is a former Irish football player and manager of Bray Wanderers.Gormley was a midfielder and played league football in England, Scotland and Ireland... |
Slevin Group | Adidas Adidas Adidas AG is a German sports apparel manufacturer and parent company of the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-Adidas golf company , and Rockport... |
Carlisle Grounds Carlisle Grounds The Carlisle Grounds is a football stadium in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, situated directly behind the Bray D.A.R.T. station. It is home to Bray Wanderers A.F.C. Its current capacity is roughly 3,000.-History:... |
7,000 |
| Cobh Ramblers | Henderson, Stephen Stephen Henderson Stephen McKinley Henderson is an American actor.-Life and career:Henderson was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Ruby Naomi and Elihue Henderson. He was originally part of Group 1 of the Juilliard Drama School, later finishing his degree at the North Carolina School of the Arts... |
Goodyear | Uhlsport Uhlsport Uhlsport is a manufacturer of football equipment. Based in Germany and founded in 1948, the company's products include goalkeeper gloves, football boots, shin pads, footballs, training clothes, and kits.... |
St. Colman's Park St. Colman's Park St Colman's Park is a football stadium in Cobh, County Cork. It is home to Cobh Ramblers F.C. of the Newstalk A Championship. The stadiums capacity is 5,000... |
5,000 |
| Cork City | Richardson, Damien Damien Richardson Damien John Richardson is an Irish football manager and former player. He currently has no club attachments, having left Cork City at the end of the 2007 season. Richardson formerly managed Gillingham in England and Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.Richardson's father... |
Nissan | O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Turners Cross Turners Cross (stadium) Turners Cross is an all-seater football stadium located in and synonymous with the district of Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland. It is home to the Munster Football Association, and League of Ireland side Cork City FC.... |
8,000 |
| Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
Kenny, Stephen |
MeteorElectrical.com | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
The Brandywell | 7,700 |
| Drogheda United Drogheda United Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park.... |
Doolin, Paul Paul Doolin Paul Doolin is a former Irish footballer and manager.He played for Bohemians, scoring on his debut on 13 September 1981. In June 1985 he signed for Shamrock Rovers and in his three years at the club won the double twice scoring 30 goals in 107 appearances. In his first season at Milltown he was... |
Murphy Environmental | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
United Park United Park Hunky Dorys Park is a football stadium in Drogheda, Ireland. The ground has been home to League of Ireland side Drogheda United since 1979. The ground has a capacity of 2,000 with 400 seats... |
5,400 |
| Dublin City Dublin City F.C. Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season... |
Keely, Dermot Dermot Keely Dermot Keely, is the former manager of Irish football team Shelbourne.-Family:Keely's family have played League of Ireland football at various levels. His late father Peter Keely played for Shelbourne, his brother Joe played on the same Home Farm FAI Cup winning side of 1775 as Dermot Keely himself... |
Carroll's Irish Gift Stores | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Dalymount Park Dalymount Park Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup... |
8,500 |
| Dundalk Dundalk F.C. Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The... |
Gill, John John Gill (football manager) John Gill is an Irish football manager whose last job was in charge of Dundalk FC. He is currently assistant manager of St. Pats.... |
IJM Timber Frame Company | Diadora Diadora Diadora is an Italian football, tennis, running, cycling, rugby, athletic shoe, clothing, and fashion accessory manufacturer with locations in Italy, the United States, and Hong Kong.-History:... |
Oriel Park Oriel Park Oriel Park is a multi-purpose stadium in Dundalk, County Louth, Republic of Ireland. It is used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Dundalk F.C. Its current capacity is about 4,500 with 3,000 seats. The ground was opened in 1919.-History:... |
11,000 |
| Finn Harps | Gorman, Anthony Anthony Gorman Anthony "Tony" Gorman is the former player-manager of Finn Harps F.C. and former assistant manager of Derry City F.C. He is currently playing for his hometown club Letterkenny Rovers in the Ulster Senior League.-Player:... |
Harley's Cheers Bar | PF Sports | Finn Park Finn Park Finn Park is a football stadium in Ballybofey, Ireland, the home of League of Ireland Premier Division team Finn Harps F.C., and has a capacity of 7,500 with 400 seats... |
7,900 |
| Galway United Galway United Galway United F.C. was founded as Galway Rovers in 1937. They are a football club currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier of the Irish football.... |
Cousins, Tony Tony Cousins Tony Cousins is a former Irish footballer and the current coach of League of Ireland club, Longford Town. He is the older brother of Andrew Cousins and first cousin of Tommy Dunne.... |
Harrmack Developments Ltd. | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Terryland Park Terryland Park Terryland Park is a multi-purpose stadium in Galway, Ireland, owned by the Galway & District Football League. It is currently used for association football matches and has been the home ground of Galway United since 1977.- History :... |
3,500 |
| Kildare County Kildare County F.C. Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :... |
Ryan, John John Ryan (footballer) John Ryan is an Irish football manager and former player.-Playing career:He made his League of Ireland debut for St Patrick's Athletic on the 4th of September 1988.... |
Celbridge Football Park | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Station Road Station Road, Newbridge Station Road is a football park located in Newbridge, County Kildare. It is home to Leinster Senior League outfit Newbridge Town F.C.. It was also the home of now defunct Eircom League Division One side Kildare County F.C..... |
2,500 |
| Kilkenny City | Rea, Brendan Brendan Rea Brendan Rea is a former Irish footballer and manager.He managed Kilkenny City and Waterford United. He took up the Kilkenny post in January 2007, replacing Adrian Fitzpatrick... |
The Kilkenny Voice | Erreà Erreà Erreà is a sportswear trademark founded in 1988, in Torrile... |
Buckley Park Buckley Park Buckley Park is a multi-purpose stadium on the Callan road Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland. Kilkenny City purchased of land from a local farmer by the name of Mick Murphy for £16,000. The ground was originally called Tenney Park. It is currently used for football matches and was the home stadium... |
6,500 |
| Limerick Limerick F.C. Limerick Football Club is an association football club based in Limerick, Ireland. The club currently play in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The first Limerick FC was founded in 1937 and has had a number of guises through its history, known at different times as Limerick FC, Limerick... |
Drew, Danny |
Asian Harvest | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
Hogan Park | 9,000 |
| Longford Town Longford Town F.C. Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park... |
Mathews, Alan Alan Mathews Alan Mathews is a former Irish footballer and the current manager of League of Ireland First Division side Shelbourne.-Player:As a player, Mathews played for St... |
Flancare | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Flancare Park Flancare Park Flancare Park is a soccer stadium in Longford, Ireland. It is the home stadium of League of Ireland side Longford Town F.C.. Flancare Park has also held numerous international underage matches. The stadium underwent a huge redevelopment at the end of 2000/2001 season... |
4,500 |
| Monaghan United Monaghan United Monaghan United F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1979 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Monaghan and play their home matches at Gortakeegan, Monaghan... |
Cooke, Mick |
The Steering Wheel | Diadora Diadora Diadora is an Italian football, tennis, running, cycling, rugby, athletic shoe, clothing, and fashion accessory manufacturer with locations in Italy, the United States, and Hong Kong.-History:... |
Century Homes Park | 3,000 |
| Shamrock Rovers | Scully, Pat Pat Scully Patrick Joseph "Pat" Scully is an Irish football manager, currently in charge of Limerick in the League of Ireland... |
Woodie's DIY | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Tolka Park Tolka Park Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne... |
10,100 |
| Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
Fenlon, Pat Pat Fenlon Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian.... |
JW Hire | Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Tolka Park Tolka Park Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne... |
10,100 |
| Sligo Rovers |  Connor, SeánSean Connor Sean Connor is a former footballer and manager currently without a club.-Playing career:Connor began his career at Distillery in the Irish League where he played for one full season before moving to Port Vale... |
Toher's | Jako Jako Jako AG is a German sportswear company based in the Hollenbach district of Mulfingen , Baden-Württemberg. The company was founded by Rudi Sprügel and his brother in 1989 in Stachenhausen... |
The Showgrounds Showgrounds The Showgrounds is stadium in Sligo, which has been home of Sligo Rovers F.C. since the club was formed in 1928.- Biography :... |
5,500 |
| St. Patrick's Athletic | McDonnell, John John McDonnell (footballer) John McDonnell is an Irish football former manager and player and current assistant manager of the Faroe Islands national football team.... |
Smart Telecom Smart Telecom Smart Telecom is an Irish telecom operator that started as a phone card seller. It is also the third largest provider of cost-sensitive telecom services sector in Ireland, behind the incumbent operator Eircom and BT Ireland. It currently has an estimated 50,000 land-line customers and 18,000... |
Umbro Umbro Umbro is an English sportswear and football equipment supplier based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester, England. The company is now part of Nike. Umbro designs, sources, and markets sport-related apparel, footwear, and equipment... |
Richmond Park Richmond Park (football ground) Richmond Park is a football stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It is the home ground for Irish football team St. Patricks Athletic of the League of Ireland. It is situated in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore... |
5,500 |
| UCD University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
Mahon, Pete Pete Mahon Pete Mahon , is an Irish football manager who is currently the manager of St. Patrick's Athletic .His son, Alan Mahon , played all his career for UCD.... |
Budweiser Budweiser (Anheuser-Busch) Budweiser is a 5.0% abv American-style lager introduced in 1876 by Adolphus Busch and one of the highest selling beers in the United States. It is made with up to 30% rice in addition to hops and barley malt. Budweiser is produced in various breweries located around the world... |
O'Neills O'Neills O'Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd. was established in 1918. It is the largest manufacturer of sportswear in Ireland and has manufacturing plants in Dublin and Strabane.... |
Belfield Park Belfield Park Belfield Park was the home ground of University College Dublin A.F.C. from 1930 until 2007. It was previously a walled garden of Belfield House.... |
1,900 |
| Waterford United Waterford United Waterford United is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports... |
Cronin, Gareth Gareth Cronin Gareth Cronin is former Irish player and manager.Cronin had been assistant manager to Dermot Keely at Cork City before the club went out of business in July 2006. The following month, Gareth Cronin became manager at Waterford United where he spent over two full seasons before leaving on the 17... |
ThermoFrame | Diadora Diadora Diadora is an Italian football, tennis, running, cycling, rugby, athletic shoe, clothing, and fashion accessory manufacturer with locations in Italy, the United States, and Hong Kong.-History:... |
Waterford Regional Sports Centre Waterford Regional Sports Centre The Waterford Regional Sports Centre is part of Waterford Corporation's Municipal sporting facilities and home to Waterford United of the League of Ireland .... |
8,000 |
eircom League Season
The eircom League season kicked off on Friday March 10, however holders Cork City did not start their season until March 18 due to Setanta Sports CupSetanta Sports Cup
The Setanta Sports Cup, commonly known as just the Setanta Cup, is a club football competition featuring teams from both football associations on the island of Ireland...
commitments. Drogheda United
Drogheda United
Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park....
raced to an early lead in the Premier Division table, however Derry City FC, Shelbourne FC and Cork City all loomed large.
In the first division, Shamrock Rovers seemed to have no trouble adapting to their new circumstances after being relegated from the Premier Division the previous season as the Dublin club quickly went top of the table. In an extremely tight division Galway United
Galway United
Galway United F.C. was founded as Galway Rovers in 1937. They are a football club currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier of the Irish football....
, Limerick FC, Dundalk FC and Cobh Ramblers all had legitimate chances to top the division. Shamrock Rovers effectively clinched the First Division title with a 4-0 win over an apparently demoralised or otherwise unmotivated Finn Harps team at Tolka Park in the penultimate game of the season. The victory rendered Shamrock's lead unassailable to all but an inconceivable chain of results.
Some fans had complained the league felt very disjointed due to the Mid-Season break for the World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
. St. Patrick's Athletic seemed worse hit as their encouraging early season form deserted them on the return. Shelbourne were the form team throughout July and August and by the start of September had assumed the lead in the race for league honours. Drogheda United and Derry City were still in contention but Cork City had faded, and lay 10 points adrift in 4th place. Stranded at the bottom Waterford United picked up its first win of the season by beating St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park
Richmond Park (football ground)
Richmond Park is a football stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It is the home ground for Irish football team St. Patricks Athletic of the League of Ireland. It is situated in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore...
on September 1.
Premier Division Climax
Mark Farren's stoppage-time winner for Derry CityDerry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
away to Waterford United
Waterford United
Waterford United is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports...
on November 13 ensured the title would (for the third successive year) remain at stake on the final day of the season (November 17.) In order to clich the championship, Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
, tied with Derry City on 59 points, needed only to better the Candystripes'
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
result against Cork City when they faced Dublin rivals Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
at Tolka Park. Cork, three points shy of Shels and Derry on 56, could not plausibly retain their championship save by overturning an enormous goal difference deficit, but second place remained a realistic aspiration had Cork beaten Derry by a clear two goal margin.
On the night, early developments favoured Derry City, who led Cork after 11 minutes through Mark Farren
Mark Farren
Mark Farren is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker with League of Ireland club Derry City.-Career:...
. When Bohemians snatched a surprise lead against Shelbourne at Tolka Park (via an egregious error from Shels 'keeper Steve Williams, who fumbled an innocuous cross before nudging the ball over his own goal-line), the league trophy seemed bound for a rare excursion across the border. On 23 minutes, however, John Paul Kelly handled Bobby Ryan's shot, and Stuart Byrne sank the penalty kick to level the scores. Six minutes later, a clearly unfit Jason Byrne
Jason Byrne (footballer)
Jason Byrne is an Irish football player, currently playing for Dundalk in the League of Ireland.-Bray Wanderers:...
's outswinging cross from the right flank was prodded past Stephen O'Brien by the left boot of Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe
Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League....
, the man whose transfer from Bohemians to Shelbourne in 2004 provoked much of the acrimony which has defined the two clubs' relations ever since.
Although sixty eventful minutes remained (the last of which would see a red card bestowed upon Shelbourne substitute Richie Baker
Richie Baker
Richie Baker is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland Premier Division club Bray Wanderers...
for a high challenge on Conor Powell), Crowe's goal proved decisive, securing both match and championship for Pat Fenlon
Pat Fenlon
Patrick "Pat" "Nutsy" Fenlon is an Irish former footballer and manager. He is currently in charge of Scottish Premier League club Hibernian....
's team. An emotional Stuart Byrne, ajudged eircom Man of the Match, castigated outgoing Derry City manager Stephen Kenny in his post-match interview, while Pat Fenlon equivocated when questioned on his future at the club.
Derry City defeated Cork 1-0 to seal second place, a result which looked to have deprived the deposed champions of European football for the 2007 season after it condemned them to a fourth-place finish. However, Derry's win against St. Patrick's Athletic in the 2006 FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
final ensured that Derry took the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
spot on offer for the competition and proved to be very beneficial for Cork. The fact that Derry had finished second in the league, which also guaranteed a place in the UEFA Cup, meant that Drogheda United
Drogheda United
Drogheda United Football Club is an Irish football club currently playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club hails from Drogheda, Ireland and, since 1979, plays its home matches at Hunky Dorys Park....
's 1-0 victory over Waterford
Waterford United
Waterford United is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports...
ensured the Boynesiders third place and a guaranteed passage into the UEFA Cup for 2007 as Derry's league qualification was transferred to the next best-finishing team below them. This meant that Drogheda, who initially thought they would be competing in the UEFA Intertoto Cup
UEFA Intertoto Cup
The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
, had their entry into that competition transferred to Cork. While Shelbourne were set to compete in the prelimiary rounds of the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, their financial troubles placed doubt on the possible awarding of a UEFA licence to the club. As of the beginning of the 2007 season, the decision of which clubs would be representing the league in the 2007 Champions League and UEFA Cup was not wholly finalised.
Premier Division table
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
30 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 60 | 27 | 33 | 62 |
| 2 | Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
30 | 18 | 8 | 4 | 46 | 20 | 26 | 62 |
| 3 | Drogheda United | 30 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 37 | 23 | 14 | 58 |
| 4 | Cork City | 30 | 15 | 11 | 4 | 37 | 15 | 22 | 56 |
| 5 | Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
30 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 33 | 42 | ||
| 40 | |||||||||
| 6 | UCD | 30 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 26 | 26 | 00 | 38 |
| 7 | St. Patrick's Athletic | 30 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 32 | 29 | 03 | 37 |
| 8 | Longford Town Longford Town F.C. Longford Town F.C. is an Irish football club playing in the League of Ireland First Division. The club, founded in 1924 and elected to the league in 1984, hails from Longford, County Longford and play their home matches at Flancare Park... |
30 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 23 | 27 | ||
| 34 | |||||||||
| 9 | Bohemians Bohemian F.C. Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11... |
30 | 9 | 5 | 16 | 29 | 34 | ||
| 29(*) | |||||||||
| 10 | Bray Wanderers | 30 | 3 | 8 | 19 | 22 | 64 | ||
| 17 | |||||||||
| 11 | Waterford United | 30 | 2 | 6 | 22 | 20 | 58 | ||
| 12 |
(*)Bohemians
Bohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
were deducted three points for fielding a suspended player
Shelbourne
Shelbourne F.C.
Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
won the championship, and were to represent the league in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. However, financial woes had cast serious doubts over that as of the beginning of the 2007 season.
Derry City
Derry City F.C.
Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
, as FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
winners, were to enter the qualifying stage of the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
for the next season, but looked set to take Shelbourne's place in the Champions League as league runners-up as of the beginning of the 2007 season. That presented St. Patrick's Athletic with the possible opportunity of taking part in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
in Derry's place as FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
runners-up. Drogheda United, who were also to take a spot in the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
due to the league runners-up, Derry City, already qualifying, looked set to keep their place, while Cork City qualified for the 2007 Intertoto Cup.
All four sides were to represent the eircom League in the 2007 Setanta Sports Cup. However, St. Pat's replaced Shelbourne who pulled out of the competition prior to its kick-off.
All Dublin City's
Dublin City F.C.
Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season...
results were expunged from the records after the club folded mid-way through the season.
First Division Table
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shamrock Rovers Shamrock Rovers F.C. Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24... |
36 | 21 | 12 | 3 | 53 | 13 | 40 | 72(*) |
| 2 | Dundalk Dundalk F.C. Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The... |
36 | 22 | 5 | 9 | 57 | 33 | 24 | 71 |
| 3 | Galway United | 36 | 19 | 12 | 5 | 57 | 25 | 32 | 69 |
| 4 | Cobh Ramblers Cobh Ramblers F.C. Cobh Ramblers Football Club . is an Irish football club playing in the A Championship, the third tier of Irish football. The club, founded in 1922 and elected to the league in 1985, hails from Cobh, County Cork and play their home matches at St. Colman's Park... |
36 | 16 | 10 | 10 | 50 | 33 | 17 | 58 |
| 5 | Limerick Limerick F.C. Limerick Football Club is an association football club based in Limerick, Ireland. The club currently play in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The first Limerick FC was founded in 1937 and has had a number of guises through its history, known at different times as Limerick FC, Limerick... |
36 | 14 | 5 | 17 | 38 | 48 | ||
| 47 | |||||||||
| 6 | Finn Harps Finn Harps F.C. Finn Harps Football Club are a professional Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1954 and elected to the league in 1969. They hail from Ballybofey, County Donegal and play their home matches at Finn Park. The club's colours are blue... |
36 | 12 | 10 | 14 | 49 | 45 | 04 | 46 |
| 7 | Kildare County Kildare County F.C. Kildare County F.C. was an Irish football club that played in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 2002, hailed from Newbridge, County Kildare and played their home matches at Station Road. Their club colours were white and black.- 2001/2002 :... |
36 | 11 | 10 | 15 | 38 | 55 | ||
| 43 | |||||||||
| 8 | Athlone Town | 36 | 11 | 9 | 16 | 29 | 47 | ||
| 41 | |||||||||
| 9 | Monaghan United | 36 | 6 | 9 | 21 | 32 | 64 | ||
| 27 | |||||||||
| 10 | Kilkenny City | 36 | 3 | 8 | 25 | 25 | 65 | ||
| 17 |
(*) Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Shamrock Rovers Football Club are a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. They compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the most successful club in Irish football history. The club have won the League of Ireland title a record 17 times and the FAI Cup a record 24...
were deducted three points for fielding a suspended player
P = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points
Play-Off
During the month of November, Dundalk FC, who had finished 2nd in the First Division, defeated Premier Division side Waterford UnitedWaterford United
Waterford United is an Irish football club playing in the First Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded and elected to the league in 1930 and hails from Waterford. Originally the club was based at Kilcohan Park greyhound stadium, but have now moved to the Waterford Regional Sports...
, who finished in 11th position, 3-2 on aggregate in the annual eircom League Play-Off. In any other season, the winning of this game would have entitled the club to take part in the following season's Premier Division. However, the 2006 Play-Off was to have no such effect as the choice of teams playing in the 2007 season's Premier and First Divisions was to be left to the discretion of the FAI's
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
Independent Assessment Group. The victory later turned out to be a pointless one and Dundalk's worst nightmare came true when the decision was made regarding the teams to play in the 2007 League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
. Dundalk failed to make the cut, according to the criteria set down before the season began.
UEFA Champions League
Cork City qualified for the Champions League, having won the 2005 league title. They defeated CypriotCyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
champions Apollon Limassol
Apollon Limassol
Apollon Limassol is a Greek Cypriot sports club, based in Limassol. It has football, basketball and volleyball teams. Founded in 1954, Apollon F.C...
2-1 on aggregate in the first preliminary round. After a 1-0 victory in Turners Cross, Cork drew 1-1 in Cyprus thanks to a late Dan Murray goal. After the final whistle Joe Gamble
Joe Gamble
Joe Gamble is an Irish professional footballer currently playing for Limerick.-Cork City:Gamble made his debut for Cork in the Super Cup against Bohemians in July 2000. Soon after he signed for Reading before he returned to Cork City in 2004...
and Danny Murphy were red carded and they would miss both legs of Cork's next tie. The draw pitted them against Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda
Red Star Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade is a football club from Belgrade, Serbia. The club is a part of the Red Star Sports Society.Red Star Belgrade is the most successful Serbian club, with a record of 25 national championships and 23 national cups in both Serbian and ex-Yugoslav competitions...
. Cork lost the first leg 1-0 in front of a sold out Turners Cross. If they needed anymore motivation for the second leg, the winners of this tie were drawn against AC Milan in the final preliminary round. However, on August 2, Cork were beaten 3-0 in Belgrade and their European campaign was over for 2006.
UEFA Cup
On a historic July 27 night both league entrants, Derry City, who qualified after finishing 2nd in the 2005 league table, and Drogheda United, who qualified after winning the 2005 FAI CupFAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
, won through to the 2nd preliminary round of the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
. Derry City had beaten IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg is a Swedish professional football club based in Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, the club has won 18 national championship titles, five national cup titles, and two UEFA Cups....
from Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
1-0 both away and in the Brandywell. Drogheda had it slightly harder against HJK Helsinki
HJK Helsinki
Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi , internationally known as HJK Helsinki, is a Finnish football club, based in the capital Helsinki...
of Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. After a 1-1 in Helsinki, Drogheda obtained the same score line in the return leg (played in Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park
Dalymount Park is an Irish football stadium situated on Dublin's Northside. It is the home of Bohemian F.C., who have played there since the early 20th century. Affectionately known as 'Dalyer' by fans, it was also historically the "home of Irish football" holding Irish internationals and FAI Cup...
due to United Park's lack of seating). In extra time however, two penalties were enough to seen Drogheda advance with a 3-2 score. This was Drogheda's first ever win in European competition.
In the 2nd qualifying round Derry beat Scottish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
side Gretna FC 7-3 on aggregate. A 5-1 victory in Scotland was almost enough to guarantee qualification before drawing 2-2 in the second leg. That 5-1 victory is the biggest away win ever by an Irish side. Drogheda were knocked out on penalties by IK Start of Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
. After losing 1-0 in Norway, Drogheda won the by the same scoreline in Dublin to force extra time and penalties. Start eventually won the shoot out 11-10 after defender Graham Gartland
Graham Gartland
Graham Gartland is an Irish football defender who currently plays for St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premier League....
missed his second penalty.
In the first round proper, Derry City earned a 0-0 draw in the first leg at home to Paris St. Germain before being eliminated from the competition after a 2-0 defeat in the return leg in France.
UEFA Intertoto Cup
Shelbourne, who qualified for the UEFA Intertoto CupUEFA Intertoto Cup
The UEFA Intertoto Cup, also abbreviated as UI Cup and originally called the International Football Cup, was a summer football competition for European clubs that had not qualified for one of the two major UEFA competitions, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup. The competition was discontinued...
after finishing 3rd in the 2005 league, beat Lithuania
Lithuania
Lithuania , officially the Republic of Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe, the biggest of the three Baltic states. It is situated along the southeastern shore of the Baltic Sea, whereby to the west lie Sweden and Denmark...
n side FK Vetra
FK Vetra
FK Vėtra was a Lithuanian football team from the capital city of Vilnius.- History :The club was founded in 1997 and was initially based in Rūdiškės, a settlement in Vilnius district, and moved in 2003 to Vilnius city with the purchase of its own stadium....
5-0 on aggregate in the first round. A 1-0 win away was followed with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in Tolka Park
Tolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
. In the 2nd round, a 1-0 victory at home in the 2nd leg versus Odense BK
Odense BK
Odense Boldklub is a Danish professional football club based in the town of Odense. The club has won three Danish championships and five Danish Cup trophies. OB play in the Danish Superliga and their home field is TRE-FOR Park in Odense on Funen...
of Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
was not enough to overturn a 3-0 defeat in the first leg.
League's 2006 UEFA coefficient
The FAI National League's UEFA coefficient accumulated to a total value of 6.498 for the 2006-07 European season.League's 2006 UEFA ranking
- 33
FinlandVeikkausliigaVeikkausliiga is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country. Veikkausliiga is currently ranked as the 28th best league in Europe. Its main sponsor is the Finnish national betting agency Veikkaus, hence the league's name... - 34
MoldovaDivizia NationalaThe Moldovan National Division is the top division of association football in Moldova. There are 12 teams in the competition. At the end of the season, the bottom club is relegated to the "A" Division and replaced by the lower league's champion.... - 35 Ireland
- 36
GeorgiaUmaglesi LigaThe Georgian Top League is the top division of football in Georgia. Since 1990, it has been organized by the Professional Football League of Georgia and Georgian Football Federation. From 1927 to 1989, the competition was held as a regional tournament within the Soviet Union... - 37
LiechtensteinLiechtenstein Football AssociationThe Liechtenstein Football Association is the governing body of football in Liechtenstein. It organizes the Liechtenstein national football team and the Liechtenstein football Cup. Due to the fact that Liechtenstein only has a small number of active teams, it is the only UEFA member without its...
Background information
Ireland's national league coefficient had been steadily improving in the years prior to the 2006 season. The League of Ireland'sLeague of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
move to 'Summer football' at the beginning of the 2003 season, which was seen to be beneficial for team fitness and coherency when the qualifying campaigns came round, and the introduction of full-time professional football by a number of top sides, aided this promising progress. Due to the swift development in the previous few years, combined with the fact that UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
accorded its coefficient values based on results over five previous seasons, Irish clubs' coefficients gave a somewhat inaccurate impression of the current standard of play in the eircom League, with many believing that an accurate representation of the standard of play would have seen Irish clubs ranked higher. Signs of the vast improvement were evident in the fact that League of Ireland clubs had consistently overcome sides from the Swedish league
Allsvenskan
Allsvenskan is a Swedish professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the Swedish football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with Superettan...
(ranked 28th by UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
in 2006 after the position deteriorated due, in a large way, to the steady latter-day success of Irish teams over their Swedish counterparts) in those years. Cork City, for example, went past Djurgårdens IF in 2005 after having earlier beaten Malmo FF
Malmö FF
Malmö Fotbollförening, also known simply as Malmö FF, are a Swedish professional football club based in Malmö. The club is affiliated with Skånes Fotbollförbund and play their home games at Swedbank Stadion. The club colours, reflected in their crest and kit, are sky blue and white...
4-1 on aggregate in 2004, while Derry City beat former UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
winners, IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg is a Swedish professional football club based in Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, the club has won 18 national championship titles, five national cup titles, and two UEFA Cups....
, 2-0 on aggregate in 2006. They then went on to defeat Gretna, a side from the Scottish First Division, the second tier in the Scottish system (the Premier League is ranked 10th by UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
), 7-3 on aggregate.
The poor ranking of 35th had led to arrogant under-estimation of the league's standard and before Derry City's win over IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg
IFK Göteborg is a Swedish professional football club based in Gothenburg. Founded in 1904, the club has won 18 national championship titles, five national cup titles, and two UEFA Cups....
, Niclas Alexandersson rather misguidedly suggested that his team could take a holiday and still walk over the League of Ireland side.
FAI Cup
The FAI Cup was sponsored by Carlsberg for the 2006 season. In the second round of the competition, and the first involving League of Ireland clubs, holders Drogheda United were sensationally knocked out by First Division side Limerick. There were no other shocks.As a result of Dublin City folding, non-league Killester United received a bye in the third round and went straight through to the quarter finals. In the tie of the third round Derry City beat Shelbourne 1-0 in Tolka Park. First Division side Shamrock Rovers knocked out arch rivals Bohemians after a replay.
In the quarter finals it took Sligo Rovers until extra time in a replay to dispose of Killester United. Elsewhere St Pats easily beat Longford 4-1, Shamrock Rovers scored two late goals to beat Athlone 2-1 away and Derry had a facile 2-0 win at home to UCD.
The semi final draw threw up two local derbies
Local derby
In many countries the term local derby, or simply just derby means a sporting fixture between two, generally local, rivals, particularly in association football...
with Sligo Rovers hosting Derry and Shamrock Rovers hosting St Pats with the games to be played in the October Bank Holiday weekend. In the first of these games St Pats defeated Rovers 2-0 to advance to their first final since 2003. In the other game Sligo Rovers and Derry played out a 0-0 draw before Derry advanced with a 5-0 replay win.
The final was played on December 3, 2006. It was the last ever soccer match to be played at the old Lansdowne Road. The match was played out in severely stormy conditions that on numerous occasions caused the ball to move around the pitch by itself. The sides went in at half-time level at 1-1 after Mark Farren cancelled out Dave Mulcahy's opener. Derry City's Peter Hutton gave away a penalty in the second half which Trevor Molloy converted, leading the St. Pat's fans to believe they were on the verge of winning their first FAI Cup in 45 years. But Clive Delaney equalised in the final five minutes to take the game into extra time at 2-2. The high winds continued to disrupt the game as St. Pat's attempted to clear the ball for a throw-in only for it to be blown for a corner-kick by a gale. Sean O' Connor gave Pat's the lead for a third time in the 103rd minute. But Peter Hutton equallised three minutes later and was on hand again to wreak havoc in the Pat's defence three minutes later as Stephen Brennan scored an own goal to give Derry the lead for the first time in the match as well as the FAI Cup for the fourth time in their 21-year association with the League of Ireland. It was the highest scoring FAI Cup final in seventy-one years. Captain Peter Hutton lifted the trophy and was named Man of the Match.
FAI Cup Final
--------
Setanta Sports Cup
The second Setanta Cup was won for the first time by League of Ireland side Drogheda United, beating Cork City 1-0 after extra time in the final played on April 22 in Tolka ParkTolka Park
Tolka Park is an Irish football ground located in the north Dublin suburb of Drumcondra, on the northern banks of the River Tolka. It is currently the home ground of League of Ireland club Shelbourne...
Dublin, home to Shelbourne FC. In the semi finals Drogheda had beaten holders Linfield
Linfield F.C.
Linfield F.C. , is a semi-professional, Northern Irish football club, whose home ground is Windsor Park in Belfast, which is also the home of the Northern Ireland international team....
in Windsor Park
Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the home ground of Linfield F.C. and the Northern Ireland national football team. It is also where the Irish Cup and Irish League Cup finals are played.-History:...
and Cork had beaten Shelbourne in Turners Cross
Turners Cross (stadium)
Turners Cross is an all-seater football stadium located in and synonymous with the district of Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland. It is home to the Munster Football Association, and League of Ireland side Cork City FC....
. Derry City was the only League of Ireland club not to progress to the semi-finals, after a draw with Shelbourne, and with Linfield beating cross city rivals Glentoran 6-0 on the same night..
League Cup
Despite the added incentive of a spot in the Setanta Cup, some teams continued to field teams of mixed strength and a number of first division sides knocked out their premier division opponents, most notably Shamrock Rovers beating St Patrick's Athletic in the 2nd round. Limerick continued their excellent cup runs in 2006 by reaching the semi finals where they lost to Derry City. Shelbourne beat local rivals BohemianBohemian F.C.
Bohemian F.C. , more commonly referred to as Bohemians, is a professional football club from Dublin, Ireland. Bohemians compete in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland and are the third most successful club in League of Ireland football history, having won the League of Ireland title 11...
in the other (controversial) semi final, which saw Bohemians reduced to nine men. In the final played in Brandywell again a team was reduced to nine men with first goalkeeper David Forde and then Killian Brennan
Killian Brennan
Killian Brennan is an Irish football player currently playing in the League of Ireland for Bohemians.-Early career:...
sent off for hosts Derry. However, after a tense scoreless game, Derry would win their seventh League Cup on penalties, with stand in 'keeper Pat Jennings Jr.
Pat Jennings Jr.
Patrick Jennings , commonly known as Pat Jennings Junior, is a footballer currently playing as a goalkeeper with Irish League club Glenavon...
saving three.
Premier Division
| Player | Club | League goals | Cup goals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Byrne Jason Byrne (footballer) Jason Byrne is an Irish football player, currently playing for Dundalk in the League of Ireland.-Bray Wanderers:... |
Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
15 | 8 | 23 |
| Mark Farren Mark Farren Mark Farren is an Irish footballer who plays as a striker with League of Ireland club Derry City.-Career:... |
Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
9 | 8 | 17 |
| Glen Crowe Glen Crowe Glen Crowe is an Irish professional football forward who currently plays for Malahide United in the Leinster Senior League.... |
Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
12 | 4 | 16 |
| Ciaran Martyn Ciaran Martyn Ciarán Martyn is a midfielder for Glentoran of the Irish Premier League .-Career:Martyn played with Derry City since 2002 until his loan move to Fredrikstad F.K. in 2007. He is one of the few players who have paid to play for Derry City... |
Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
8 | 7 | 15 |
| Declan O'Brien Declan O'Brien (footballer) Declan 'Fabio' O'Brien, , is a professional footballer who is currently playing for Monaghan United.-Drogheda United:... |
Drogheda United | 11 | 3 | 14 |
| Trevor Molloy Trevor Molloy Trevor Molloy is a semi-professional, Irish football player who is currently playing for Bluebell United in the Leinster Senior League.... |
St. Patrick's Athletic | 6 | 6 | 12 |
| Roy O'Donovan Roy O'Donovan Roy Simon O'Donovan is an Irish footballer who plays for Football League Championship side Coventry City. He has been capped for his country at Under-19, Under-21 and B level.-Club career:... |
Cork City Cork City F.C. Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork... |
11 | 0 | 11 |
| Denis Behan Denis Behan Denis Behan is an Irish professional footballer currently playing for Limerick in the League of Ireland First Division.-Youth level:... |
Cork City Cork City F.C. Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork... |
6 | 4 | 10 |
| Paul Keegan |
St. Patrick's Athletic | 6 | 3 | 9 |
| John O'Flynn John O'Flynn John O'Flynn is an Irish footballer, who plays for Exeter City as a striker.He spent six years with Cork City, winning the League of Ireland and FAI Cup. He scored twice on his league debut for Cork on 5 July 2002... |
Cork City Cork City F.C. Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork... |
6 | 3 | 9 |
| Gary O'Neill Gary O'Neill Gary O'Neill is an Irish footballer who currently plays for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland.O'Neill, a striker, received his footballing education at Tolka Rovers, before entering the professional ranks with Bohemian F.C... |
Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
8 | 0 | 8 |
 Andrei GeorgescuAndrei Georgescu Andrei Georgescu is an Romanian footballer who plays for Drogheda United in the League of Ireland. Georgescu primarily plays as a striker, but can also play in midfield.-Career:... |
Bray Wanderers | 7 | 1 | 8 |
 Darren MansaramDarren Mansaram Darren Timothy D. Mansaram is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Northern Counties East Football League Premier Division side Armthorpe Welfare.... |
Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
7 | 1 | 8 |
| Conor Sammon Conor Sammon Conor Sammon is an Irish footballer who currently plays as a striker for English Premier League club Wigan Athletic.... |
UCD University College Dublin A.F.C. University College Dublin Association Football Club known commonly as UCD is the football team of University College Dublin. They play in the League of Ireland. The club, founded in 1895 was elected to the league in 1979 under the management of Dr. Tony O'Neill. Since the 2008 season they have... |
7 | 1 | 8 |
| Paul McTiernan Paul McTiernan Paul McTiernan is a football player in the League of Ireland, who last played for Sligo Rovers. He is a striker.... |
Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
6 | 2 | 8 |
Awards
SWAI eircom League Player of the Month award| Month | Winner | Club |
|---|---|---|
| March | Paul Keegan Paul Keegan (footballer born 1984) Paul Keegan is an Irish professional soccer player who currently plays for Doncaster Rovers in the Championship.-Career:Keegan signed for Drogheda United in July 2005 having previously played for Home Farm and Leeds United... |
Drogheda United |
| April | Jason Gavin |
Drogheda United |
| May | Pat McCourt Patrick McCourt Patrick James "Paddy" McCourt is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a left winger for Scottish Premier League club Celtic and the Northern Ireland national football team.... |
Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
| June | Paul McTiernan Paul McTiernan Paul McTiernan is a football player in the League of Ireland, who last played for Sligo Rovers. He is a striker.... |
Sligo Rovers Sligo Rovers F.C. Sligo Rovers Football Club is a professional Irish football club playing in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. The club was founded in 1928 and have been in the League of Ireland since 1934. The club is a co-operative venture, owned by the people of Sligo. Sligo Rovers have played at... |
| July |  Joseph NdoJoseph Ndo Joseph Cyrille Ndo is a Cameroonian international football player, born in Yaoundé, currently registered with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.-Cameroon:... |
Shelbourne Shelbourne F.C. Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division.... |
| August | Kevin Deery |
Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
| September | Darren Kelly Darren Kelly Darren Kelly is a Northern Irish footballer who plays for Garforth Town as a defender.He began his career at home-town club Derry City and made nearly 150 league appearances for the team before moving to English Football League side Carlisle United, following financial difficulties at Derry... |
Derry City Derry City F.C. Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division... |
| October | Philip Hughes Philip Hughes (Irish footballer) Philip Hughes is an Irish footballer currently playing for League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne. Hughes plays as a centre forward.-Early career:... |
Dundalk Dundalk F.C. Dundalk Football Club is a professional Irish football club based in Dundalk, County Louth. The club currently play in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland. Founded in 1903, they are the second most successful team, in terms of trophies won, in the history of the League of Ireland. The... |
| November | Roy O'Donovan Roy O'Donovan Roy Simon O'Donovan is an Irish footballer who plays for Football League Championship side Coventry City. He has been capped for his country at Under-19, Under-21 and B level.-Club career:... |
Cork City Cork City F.C. Cork City Football Club is an Irish football team that plays in the League of Ireland. Founded and elected to the league in 1984 to continue the long tradition of Association Football in Cork, City's traditional colours are green and white with red trim, and the crest is a variant of the Cork... |
PFAI
Professional Footballers Association of Ireland
The Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland ' is the representative body for professional and semi-professional footballers in Ireland. Players from all nationalities in the League of Ireland are represented, not just Irish players. It is a member of FIFPro; the international body for...
eircom League Player of the Year award
- Joseph NdoJoseph NdoJoseph Cyrille Ndo is a Cameroonian international football player, born in Yaoundé, currently registered with Sligo Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.-Cameroon:...
- ShelbourneShelbourne F.C.Shelbourne Football Club is an Irish professional football club based in the Drumcondra area of Dublin, currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division....
PFAI
Professional Footballers Association of Ireland
The Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland ' is the representative body for professional and semi-professional footballers in Ireland. Players from all nationalities in the League of Ireland are represented, not just Irish players. It is a member of FIFPro; the international body for...
eircom League Young Player of the Year award
- Kevin Deery - Derry CityDerry City F.C.Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
TV3
TV3 Ireland
TV3 is a free-to-air commercial television network in the Republic of Ireland. Launched on 20 September 1998 it was Ireland's first commercial broadcaster. The channel is owned by TV3 Group a subsidiary of Doughty Hanson & Co.-The TV3 Group:...
's Goal of the Season award
- Kevin Deery - Derry CityDerry City F.C.Derry City Football Club is a professional football club based in Derry, Northern Ireland. It plays in the League of Ireland Premier Division...
Tax problems
On 16 March, Shelbourne FC were served with a winding up notice by the Office of the Revenue CommissionersOffice of the Revenue Commissioners
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners , - now called simply Revenue - is the Irish Government agency responsible for customs, excise, taxation and related matters...
, with their holding company Accolade Ltd. having tax debts reported at €400,000. On August 23, the club was given until the beginning of October by the High Court to pay more than €104,000 in outstanding taxes, having already paid €600,000 that year, when the Revenue Commissioners took action to shut down the club. In late July Shelbourne failed to pay their players promptly and the players iniated industrial action. Later the club announced that "the players and staff have come to an agreement with the club and this hopefully will see all issues resolved".
The club's troubles did not end there as they played through most of the season in a very poor financial state - a situation brought about in the main by market risk-taking in the drive for success, over-expenditure on player-purchase fees, high player wages, low attendance rates and continuing tax debts. Having received an eventual total of three winding-up orders from the Revenue Commissioners within a time-period of nine months, the club just about managed to muster up the funds owed each time and stay above board. This was at the expense of the club's players, though, who went for several weeks without a wage and it seemed, by the concluding weeks of the season, that the only thing keeping them performing at the club was the chance of winning the title and promises of a remedy. However, a remedy never came and most players decided to leave the club or had their contracts rescinded once the season ended. With the extent of the problems and the dire state of the club becoming public knowledge, accusations of off-the-field cheating were directed at Shelbourne, and some fans of the eircom League even believed that the club's title-success was undeserved in that it was won by the club intentionally playing beyond its own means, in turn, giving it a short-term, but highly unfair, advantage over financially responsible clubs. Some believed that because these factors obviously impacted on the club's on-the-field successes, the 2006 Premier Division title should have been stripped from them. However, all Shelbourne players were eventually paid the money they were due unlike Shamrock Rovers' players the previous season who suffered a mere eight pont penalty for writing off of seven figure debts.
Earlier in the season, Cork City FC had been similarly served with a winding up order due to unpaid tax on 2 July. After the billed was paid, no action was taken.
FAI merger
On June 29 the clubs voted to accept John DelaneyJohn Delaney (football administrator)
John Delaney is the current chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland .His father Joe was previously FAI treasurer. Delaney became acting chief executive of the FAI in December 2004 and took up the role full-time in March 2005. In November 2006, his contract was extended to 2012...
's proposals for change in the league. The FAI would merge with the League of Ireland. The league make-up for 2007 onward would be decided by an Independent Assessment Group chaired by former FAI President Des Casey and appointed by the FAI. This group was to work from a set of pre-determined criteria for selection. Initially former footballer Niall Quinn
Niall Quinn
Niall John Quinn honorary MBE is a former Irish international footballer, and the ex-chairman of Sunderland AFC. He still works at the club as an overseas manager. He is also heavily involved in the management side of horse racing...
was a member of the group before becoming manager of Sunderland FC.
The decision of the Group was finally announced on 11 December. Despite the fact that Dundalk FC had won the promotion/relegation play-off in November, they were one of the teams omitted from the 2007 League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
as the Independent Assessment Group did not include them in their list of 12 Premiership teams. Dundalk, instead, were chosen to play in the League of Ireland First Division. Meanwhile, Galway United
Galway United
Galway United F.C. was founded as Galway Rovers in 1937. They are a football club currently playing in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top tier of the Irish football....
, who finished the season in 3rd place behind Dundalk's 2nd were chosen for the League of Ireland Premier Division. This infuriated Dundalk fans and on 13 December 2006 a disgruntled fan protested the Independent Assessment Group's decision by entering the headquarters of the FAI
Football Association of Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland is the governing body for the sport of association football in the Republic of Ireland. It should not to be confused with the Irish Football Association , which is the organising body for the sport in Northern Ireland.For the full history, statistics and records...
in Dublin and dousing the reception area in petrol whilst threatening to set it alight. After about an hour the stand-off that developed ended peacefully.
Dublin City's resignation
On July 18, Dublin City FC ceased trading and pulled out of the league, against league rules. This left the Premier Division being contested by 11 teams as opposed to the intended 12. All Dublin City results were expunged. Shelbourne, who had beaten Dublin City twice lost the six points while certain other sides who might have lost or drawn games with Dublin City, including title-race rivals, Derry City, benefitted in the chase despite losing a lesser number of points, sought to have this decision reversed as their league-lead was placed under threat. They argued on the grounds that proper procedure was not followed. The league board of management agreed with this and sought to have the correct procedure adhered to. On August 16 the league announced that their original decision was to be upheld, however.George O'Callaghan transfer listed
In July George O'CallaghanGeorge O'Callaghan
George Paul O'Callaghan, Jr., is an Irish football player who plays as an attacking midfielder for DPMM FC....
was placed on the transfer list at his own request, as confirmed by his Solicitor, by Cork City F.C. manager Damien Richardson
Damien Richardson
Damien John Richardson is an Irish football manager and former player. He currently has no club attachments, having left Cork City at the end of the 2007 season. Richardson formerly managed Gillingham in England and Cobh Ramblers, Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.Richardson's father...
. The 2005 PFAI Player of the Year was fined two weeks wages for a red card received in a game versus Bohemians as per the Clubs disciplinary rules. O'Callaghan felt he was being victimised despite other players on the team having been fined previously. On the eve of Cork's Champions League tie with Crvena Zvezda
Red Star Belgrade
Red Star Belgrade is a football club from Belgrade, Serbia. The club is a part of the Red Star Sports Society.Red Star Belgrade is the most successful Serbian club, with a record of 25 national championships and 23 national cups in both Serbian and ex-Yugoslav competitions...
, O'Callaghan released a somewhat contentious statement through his solicitor Cathal Lombard giving his side of the argument. On transfer deadline day (July 31) Cork City formally placed O'Callaghan on the transfer list following pressure from O'Callaghan and his Solicitor. He had not found a club by the end of the season but was eventually taken on trial by Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
H subsequently was offered a contract after a lengthly period.
Points deductions
On August 16 Shamrock Rovers were deducted 3 points for fielding Paul ShielsPaul Shiels
Paul Shiels is an Irish footballer, who plays for League of Ireland First Division club Shelbourne...
who had not served a suspension from his Dublin City F.C.
Dublin City F.C.
Dublin City Football Club was an Irish association football club that played in the League of Ireland. They were formed in 1999 after a split within Home Farm Everton and they originally played as Home Farm Fingal before changing their name for the 2001–02 season...
time. Rovers then appealed this decision because of the allegedly extenuating circumstances rearding the suspension. The player nor the club were never informed of the player's suspension. After an unsuccessful appeal it went to arbitration with the original decision upheld. Derry City escaped punishment for fielding the banned Sean Hargan
Sean Hargan
Sean Hargan is a defender, currently unattached. One of the veterans of the Derry City 1996-97 league-winning side, Hargan continued to play an integral part for the Candystripes and had his testimonial year in 2005, before moving to Crusaders at the end of 2008.-Career:As a youngster Sean played...
due to the league not informing Derry City in the correct timeframe. Bohemians were deducted three points for fielding Jason McGuinness
Jason McGuinness
Jason McGuinness is an Irish footballer currently with FAI Cup holders Sligo Rovers.-Career:McGuinness played at youth level for Tolka Rovers, Sheriff YC and Bohemians before graduating to the Bohs first team, making his league debut as a substitute against UCD in August 2002...
in their victory over Shelbourne on August 18. Bohemians, like the previous two incidents, argued that they were not informed correctly but did not appeal the deduction.
Shelbourne-Bohemians replay affair and arbitration
Deriving from the game Bohemians won 2-1 against Shelbourne on 18 August, was another debacle. Although Bohemians were docked three points for fielding a suspended player and did not appeal this decision, on 3 October, Shelbourne appealed against the decision to the FAI Appeal Board (under rule 22.1 of the eircom League rules) arguing that the fielding of Jason McGuinnessJason McGuinness
Jason McGuinness is an Irish footballer currently with FAI Cup holders Sligo Rovers.-Career:McGuinness played at youth level for Tolka Rovers, Sheriff YC and Bohemians before graduating to the Bohs first team, making his league debut as a substitute against UCD in August 2002...
put them at a disadvantage and that they ought to be compensated in some form as well as Bohemians punished. The FAI Appeal Board heard the appeal on 18 October 2006 and took its decision on 31 October 2006 which was notified to Shelbourne by a letter of 1 November 2006. The Appeal Board decided that the deduction of points against Bohemians should stand and that the match between Bohemians and Shelbourne should be replayed in the interest of what it simply described as "Fair Play" with the previous match removed from the records. The ruling, left unexplained, not only seemed to create an absurd and inconsistent set of consequences, but went against the eircom League's rules in that they clearly emphasised the punishment of an offender rather than the rewarding of a victim. On 6 November 2006, the eircom League requested the FAI to refer the matter to arbitration under rule 23.1 of the eircom League rules. The case was heard on 10 November by Michael M. Collins SC. The eircom League’s argument was squarely based on the proposition that the League competition was governed by the rules of the eircom League. Rule 6.1.1 expressly provided that membership of the League constituted an agreement between the league and each member club and its officials, representatives, players, managers and members to be bound by the league rules. Hence, rule 21 of the rules dealt with breaches of the rules and rule 21.4 provided:
- In a match under the jurisdiction of the League any Club playing a player who is under suspension by the FAI or the FAI National League will have three points deducted from its score in respect of each match the suspended player has participated in and be liable to such other penalty as the Board [of Control] decides. The onus is upon the Club to satisfy itself that the player is not under suspension.
On 14 November, Collins delivered his judgment:
- In my view, the case is quite clear. The match was played under the eircom League rules. Those rules provide at rule 21.4 for a deduction of three points in the events which have occurred. They do not provide for the exercise of discretion save insofar as a further penalty may be imposed upon the offending club. To my mind, such an extra penalty involves a fine or something similar but does not extend to the concept of ordering a replay of the match which, to my mind, is not a penalty in the sense in which that word is used in rule 21.4. Even if I were wrong in my construction of the eircom League rules, and if I did have a discretion to exercise in this matter, I find the arguments put forward on behalf of the eircom League on this issue to be convincing and I would not exercise any such discretion in favour of ordering a replay of the match.
Attendances
Premier Division games had an average attendance of 1,539 people, while 570 was the average attendance for games in the First Division. Thus, the overall average for the whole League of Ireland in 2006 was 1,054. Derry City's average home attendance of 3,127 was the highest of any league team for the 2006 season. The record for the highest attendance in the Premier Division was also set in the Brandywell on the last night of the season (17 November) when Derry City met Cork City FC. 6,080 attended the game.Media coverage
Whilst broadcasters such as Setanta SportsSetanta Sports
Setanta Sports is an international sports broadcaster based in Dublin, Ireland. Setanta Sports was formed in 1990 to facilitate the broadcasting of Irish sporting events...
, TG4
TG4
TG4 is a public service broadcaster for Irish language speakers. The channel has been on-air since 31 October 1996 in the Republic of Ireland and since April 2005 in Northern Ireland....
and RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
televised a number of live games during the 2006 season - the agreed games including League of Ireland
League of Ireland
The League of Ireland is the national association football league of the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1921, as a league of eight clubs, it has expanded over time into a two-tiered league of 22 clubs. It is currently split into the League of Ireland Premier Division and the League of Ireland...
games, as well as Setanta Cup matches and FAI Cup
FAI Cup
The Football Association of Ireland Challenge Cup, known as the FAI Ford Cup for sponsorship reasons, is a knock-out association football competition contested annually by teams from the Republic of Ireland...
matches - and TV3
TV3 Ireland
TV3 is a free-to-air commercial television network in the Republic of Ireland. Launched on 20 September 1998 it was Ireland's first commercial broadcaster. The channel is owned by TV3 Group a subsidiary of Doughty Hanson & Co.-The TV3 Group:...
presented a highlights programme, eircom League Weekly
Eircom League Weekly
eircom League Weekly was the name of a weekly football programme on TV3 in Ireland which ran from October 2002 to November 2007, which showed highlights from the League of Ireland. The show was presented by Trevor Welch, who was regularly accompanied by analysts Paul Osam and Pat Fenlon. The show...
, on a Monday night each week, national coverage of the league was criticised by many fans.
Coverage of the league, including that of the press, regularly came in for criticism as it was seen to be neglecting the league somewhat. It was seen as often being deprived of publicity due to the Irish media's long-term infatuation with the English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
FA Premier League
FA Premier League
The Premier League is an English professional league for association football clubs. At the top of the English football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with The Football League. The Premier...
and Scottish Premier League
Scottish Premier League
The Scottish Premier League , also known as the SPL , is a professional league competition for association football clubs in Scotland...
. Broadcasters such as RTÉ
RTE
RTÉ is the abbreviation for Raidió Teilifís Éireann, the public broadcasting service of the Republic of Ireland.RTE may also refer to:* Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 25th Prime Minister of Turkey...
, renowned for continually holding television programmes such as The Premiership
Premier Soccer Saturday
Premier Soccer Saturday is the principal weekly club association football programme on RTÉ.It is broadcast on RTÉ Two every Saturday evening between 19:30 and 21:00 and occasionally on Sunday during the English league soccer season, showing highlights of Premier League football matches...
higher on their sports agenda than their domestic eircom League coverage, were viewed as having continued this trend. Similarly, pages relating to the league on their teletext
Teletext
Teletext is a television information retrieval service developed in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. It offers a range of text-based information, typically including national, international and sporting news, weather and TV schedules...
service, Aertel, were frequently riddled with minor mistakes displaying a sense of casual carelessness or a lack of full awareness in relation to the league. eircom League fans often referred, in a jocular spirit, to the service as "Errortel".
While supporters were indeed appreciative and thankful to witness at least some coverage of the league they followed, TV3's eircom League weekly had also come in for negative criticism from some who found much of its footballing analysis to be inept and insufficient - unaided by a frustrating lack of television cameras present at games and, as a result, views on offer to help the pundits, as well as poor camera positioning and cameras drifting in and out of focus from time to time. The late Monday night slot of 11:30 PM given to the programme had also been unpopular with some.
Footnotes
Interview with Brian Lennox regarding tax Affairs, MP3MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
from CorkCityFC.ie. (Requires media player) Liechenstein has no properly recognised league championship. Therefore, the country has no UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
entrants, although the cup
Liechtenstein football Cup
The Liechtenstein Football Cup is Liechtenstein's premier football competition, and has been organised annually by the Liechtenstein Football Association since 1946. The winner qualifies to take part in the UEFA Europa League....
winners enter the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
.
External links
- Football Association of Ireland
- League table and fixtures — Up to date league table from soccerbot.com
- WalkTheChalk.com — Up to date player appearances and stats
- FAI Cup Final Team News
- FAI Cup final 2006 Match Report