The domestic League of Ireland season kicked-off on Friday evening with three SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixtures completed. The concerns that the match between Finn Harps and Drogheda United in Ballybofey could fall victim to the impact of Storm Eunice were confirmed with the contest postponed.
Defending champions Shamrock Rovers welcomed promotion play-off winners UCD to Tallaght Stadium and gained a comfortable three nil victory. Dundalk, with former club captain Stephen O’Donnell in the managerial seat, played out a two all draw with visitors Derry City who have assembled a significant squad. Promoted First Division champions Shelbourne, with Damien Duff at the helm, went down to a three nil defeat by St Patrick’s Athletic in Tolka Park with the match covered live by RTE.
The remaining contest between Sligo Rovers and Bohemian set for the Showgrounds on Saturday night has been postponed as a consequence of Storm Eunice.
The nine team Airtricity League First Division also kicked-off on Friday evening with three completed contests.
Athlone Town went down to a five two defeat by visitors Waterford who suffered relegated last season. The Bray Wanderers title which has been retained following the amalgamation with Cabinteely suffered a harsh introduction with a crushing six nil defeat by visitors Cork City in the Carlisle Grounds. The remaining fixture between Wexford FC and Treaty United in Ferrycarrig Park also went the way of the visiting side by five goals to one.
The scheduled meeting of Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers on Saturday evening has also fallen foul of the weather and is postponed.