St. Pat’s Crowned League of Ireland Champions

The Saints ended 14 years of hurt on Sunday as they defeated Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park, securing their 8^th league title. Liam Buckley’s men triumphed in style with a convincing 2-0 victory in front of a near sell out on Sunday evening.

Many pundits and fans believed they would fall off the pace at the tail end of the season but they proved the doubters wrong. Not only did they win the most matches in the season but they played the most attractive football integrated with an attacking mentality. Despite not making an impact in Europe (losing to Zalgiris Vilnius), they have clearly made a statement this year with their worthy success in the Airtricity League. The signing of Killian Brennan at the beginning of the campaign and Daryl Kavanagh mid-season were the catalyst for the championship win but the foundations were already there in Richmond Park from the last campaign.

The Super Saints can now look forward to a Champions League Qualifying campaign next summer, a challenge that will be relished by the Inchicore man. The question of whether they will be able to retain their title will have to be answered this time next year but they will definitely be up there with the favourites.

Dundalk’s bid for the title ultimately ended last week also as they lie in 2^nd spot 8 points behind St Pats. Sligo Rovers are lurking behind them in 3^rd a couple of points behind. They’re likely to clinch runners up spot as Dundalk appear to have run out of steam as the season draws to a close. Derry City and Shamrock Rovers are fighting out for an important 4^th spot in terms of a lucrative European spot by default providing Sligo win the FAI Cup. The Candystripes are currently edging out the Hoops with 3 point advantage. However things could swiftly turn around for Rovers as they play near bottom UCD at the Bowl on Friday evening and Derry face a daunting task in tackling the newly crowned Champions St Pat’s on their turf.

St Pat’s fans storm the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with the players!

Mid table consists of Cork City, Limerick, Drogheda and Bohemians respectively who are mathematically safe from relegation at this point in the season with 2 games remaining. UCD are all but safe from automatic relegation but are not out of the woods of the promotion/relegation play-off spot with Bray on their heels 3 points behind. Finally Shelbourne are in serious danger of dropping down to the First Division as their only hope of survival is to catch Bray and win a 2 legged play-off against Longford Town or Mervue United who finished 2^nd and 3rd in the first division.

It is safe to say there is clearly still a lot to play for in these two remaining round of matches!

This Weekend's Fixtures