The 2019 Airtricity League Premier Division commenced this Friday evening with defending champions Dundalk playing out a one all draw with visitors Sligo Rovers at Oriel Park in front of the live RTE 2 cameras. Bohemian scored the only goal to defeat newly promoted Finn Harps in Dalymount Park while promoted First Division champions UCD went down to a three nil defeat by Derry City in the Brandywell. Two clubs expected to present a title challenge, St Patrick’s Athletic and Cork City faced each other in Richmond Park with the hosts scoring the only goal for victory. Last season’s fourth and third placed sides, Waterford and Shamrock Rovers locked horns in the Regional Sports Centre with the visitors recovering from the concession of a first half goal to secure a two one victory.