The SSE Airtricity League fixture list for the new season has been announced and as usual, there's a couple of intriguing ties to things off. It's Premier Division champions against First Division champions at Oriel Park on the first Friday night of the season with Dundalk welcoming Longford.
Elsewhere, there's a Dublin derby to look forward to with Shamrock Rovers hosting FAI Cup holders St Pats in Tallaght.
First round of matches:
Fri. 6 March - Dundalk v Longford Town Oriel Park 7.45 pm
Fri. 6 March - Galway United v Derry City Eamonn Deacy Park 7.45 pm
Fri. 6 March - Shamrock Rovers v St. Patrick’s Athletic Tallaght Stadium 8.00 pm
Sat. 7 March - Bray Wanderers v Drogheda United Carlisle Grounds 5.45 pm
Sat. 7 March - Limerick v Bohemians Markets Field 7.00 pm
Sat. 7 March - Sligo Rovers v Cork City The Showgrounds 7.45 pm
There's also the interesting move from Limerick and Bray to move their home fixtures away from the traditional 7.45 pm Friday evening slot. Limerick's home fixtures will be played at 7.00pm on Saturdays while Bray's will also be on Saturdays but at the earlier time of 5.45pm.
You can see the full fixture list for the season here
