We're back after a couple of technical issues. What have we missed? Well Shamrock Rovers clinched the title, then they lost it again. Cork City were almost relegated, before winning last week. Galway continue to coast in the First Division but we missed Kerry's first ever win. Peamount are still top of the LOI Women's Premier Division, and still all the talk is elsewhere. All the clubs tried to claim the Ireland under 17s as their own and a club owner may be in jail. Oh and Athlone have changed manager again without telling anyone (again). Alright, let's dig in.
LOI recap: Week Thirteen
The Big Talking Point: The Title Race
Bohs fans may argue, some will not, but with one win in five games, they're drifting away from the title race pretty quickly. Before drawing in Dundalk last week, the Gypsies had lost back-to-back games with Shamrock Rovers and Derry City and it looks like we're down to the title race everyone thought we'd have.
Rovers had looked imperious with nine wins in ten games including a win in Derry but a shock defeat to Drogheda United in Tallaght throws the league wide open again. Well maybe not wide open, but definitely ajar. No team has conceded more goals at home than Rovers - 15 so far - and with Alan Mannus set to miss more time, they're certainly far from invincible.
Derry have won their last four games with only a consolation for UCD last week in the goals against column. They'll be hoping that Mark Connolly can return to shore up the defence and with 3 games coming up against the mid-ranked teams, they should be top for a while. Thee transfer window opens in July and Europe is on the horizon. What both clubs do there, could really effect the league race.
The Moment Of The Week
⚽️ A stunning team move for Dayle Rooney's goal in Tallaght last night 👏
📺 Full Highlights on YouTube now!https://t.co/QU2YoCkUVl
🟣🔵 #WeAreDrogs | #OurTownOurClub pic.twitter.com/ndqTt6fSlt— Drogheda United F.C. (@DroghedaUnited) May 20, 2023
Sometimes the moment of the week has significance, and while this goal did end up being the winner for Drogheda in Tallaght, let's just admire the beauty of the move, the cross and the finish. A wonderful goal.
The Happiness Index
Once again, it needs to be mentioned that no set of fans is completely happy, and with the nature of football being the way it is, the majority are unhappy.
- Galway United – The whole club is flying.
- Derry City – Top of the table and a Dublin derby to look forward to.
- Drogheda United – You saw the goal above, yeah?
- Peamount United - Have we picked the clubs that are top of their leagues? Yes, of course we have.
- St Patrick's Athletic – A win over Shels might have helped convinced them that Jon Daly deserved the job full time. This joy may be fleeting.
Kenny Cunningham Eye Brow Raise of the Week
Waterford fans have been subjected to all manner of owners in recent years. They've had penniless local folk with their heart in the right place, they've had the brash talking Lee Power promising the earth, moon and stars. Now, they've a convicted criminal in charge.
Andy Pilley took over last summer and immediately linked Waterford to his Fleetwwood Town group. When the recent Waterford managerial vacancy was being filled, the email address was a Fleetwood one. Last week, Pilley was convicted of fraud in the UK and he's set for sentencing next week. Waterford, and Fleetwood, have said it's business as usual but no one believes them. Once again, Waterford fans are worried how their owner's finances will effect their club. They're probably OK for this year, but what about next year?
Predicting the LOI Game of the Week
The RTE TV game from the LOI is Bohemians v Shelbourne and both sides will certainly hope a win will put them in firm European contention. St Pats host Dundalk and again, European football is the aim for both clubs. The game of the weekend might be in Sligo tomorrow though with Rovers hosting Derry City. City are chasing a league, but Sligo have lost their last three. Will they stop the rot?
SEE ALSO: How Team Ireland Is Shaping Up For The Paris Olympics: Spring 2023 Edition
