JANUARY FACE-OFF OF RIVALS TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN

THE 2026 League of Ireland season will kick off earlier than any previous campaign - with champions Shamrock Rovers and runners-up Derry City competing in the President's Cup on Saturday January 31.

- By MARK McCADDEN

That game will take place in Tallaght Stadium with a 5pm kickoff.

Six days later, Rovers will launch their defence of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division crown - and the 2026 season will run until October 30.