RTÉ has declared it will televise both the Derry City versus Shelbourne and the Shamrock Rovers versus Waterford matches this upcoming Friday evening, as the League of Ireland Premier Division reaches a climactic end.
Damien Duff’s Shelbourne team, known as Shels, will be heading to Derry with the knowledge that a victory would secure them the title, a fact that will be broadcast live on RTÉ2. Simultaneously, Shamrock Rovers could potentially secure an unprecedented fifth consecutive title with a win against Waterford at Tallaght Stadium, provided Shels fail to secure any points. This match will be shown live on the RTÉ News Channel.
In addition to being televised, both these high-stakes matches will be available live on the RTÉ Player platform, with both due to commence at 7.45pm.
If Shelbourne emerges victorious, it would mark their first league title since 2006, while the Rovers are aspiring to achieve a record fifth consecutive title.
“We’re officially in Europe, but as I’ve told the squad, we’re designed for more than just that. We’re not seeking congratulations on getting to Europe – we’ve set our sights higher,” Duff stated after their recent victory over Drogheda.
Title and European implications
Shelbourne stands to secure their inaugural league title with a win against Derry City at the Brandywell, or if Shamrock Rovers lose to Waterford in the season’s finale. They are also assured of a place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Conference League next season.
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers is in a position to clinch a fifth consecutive title with a win at home against Waterford on Friday, provided Shelbourne does not secure a win against Derry City. If Shelbourne only manages a draw against Derry and Rovers emerge victorious, the superior goal difference of Rovers will crown them as champions. However, there still exists a remote chance Rovers could miss out on Europe if they lose to Waterford, St Pat’s win, Derry City triumph over Shelbourne and Drogheda United defeat Derry City in the FAI Cup final.
St Patrick’s Athletic have impressively secured victories in eight successive games, yet, for the unlikeliest championship, it’s merely a tad belated. Nevertheless, they have set the stage for participation in European football, wherein a ninth consecutive win against Sligo Rovers would undoubtedly secure a top-three finish. They are required at the very least to match the outcome of Derry City’s match with Shels to ensure a top-three spot. For instance, if they suffer a loss to Sligo Rovers while Derry manages a tie, a fourth-place finish will be their fate. A fourth-place finish, though, could still lead to European football if Derry outplays Drogheda in the FAI Cup final. If, however, they rank fourth and Drogheda becomes victorious in the FAI Cup final, Europe will be out of their reach.
The championship is beyond the grasp of Derry City following their defeat to St Pat’s on Friday. The emphasis now shifts to the FAI Cup final, which, if won, provides them a ticket to European football, or a top-three finish if they lose in the finals – likely to be achieved by either beating or tying with Shelbourne and St Pat’s losing to Sligo Rovers.