The League of Ireland got going in a big way this weekend. The champions Shelbourne got off to a blistering start, despite the power outage at Tolka Park. Cup champions Drogheda United held St Patrick's Athletic scoreless, while Galway United and Cork City drew at Turners Cross. Waterford beat Sligo Rovers in what was probably the game of the round, while Bohs defeated Shamrock Rovers before a record audience at the Aviva on Sunday.
Here's our team of the week for Round One.
Goalkeeper - Stephen McMullan (Waterford FC)
It was a League of Ireland debut to remember for Stephen McMullan with the Northern Ireland international making 9 saves, 6 of which came from inside the box. But it was in the 57th minute when McMullan shone brightest. Sligo Rovers had a penalty to tie things up at 2-2 but the Fleetwood Town loanee dove the right way making a superb save to deny Cian Kavanagh and even more dramatically almost instantly after, Coonan Noonan went up the other end scoring to make 3-1 to the away side.
Right Back - Jeannot Esua (Galway United)
Probably the toughest position to pick a standout player from this weekend’s action. All things considered, Jeannot Esua slightly edges it over others at right back. The American was all action for Galway United on Friday night, providing an option going forward but also dealing well with any threats defensively. Esua also showed that little bit of class in the final third, picking up a gorgeous assist in the first half, delivering a sweet cross from the right flank onto Patrick Hickey's head who buried the opportunity.
Pp3
📈🤲🏿⚡️ pic.twitter.com/q49WG8o77c— Jeannot Esua3 (@JeannotEsua) February 15, 2025
Centre Back - Conor Keeley (Drogheda United)
Conor Keeley made sure to remind everyone on Friday night that young brother Josh is not the only good footballer in the family. Keeley who was making his second debut for Drogheda United was an absolute colossal at the back, heading every ball in sight and not giving Aidan Keena a sniff. Keeley appeared determined to prove a point against his former club and manager, who had deemed him not good enough for Stephen Kenny’s St. Pat's side. If Kevin Doherty can get this version of Conor Keeley every week this season, Drogheda have one hell of a player on their hands.
Centre Back - Tom Grivosti (St Patrick's Athletic)
Grivosti let us all know that Conor Keeley was the only centre half getting the attention at Richmond Park. The scouser was the shining light in a disappointing St Pats performance, showcasing how good he is as a raw defender but mixing in his ball playing ability that has made him one of the marquee defenders in Ireland over the past three years. I'm sure this won't be the last Team of the Week Grivosti makes in 2025.
Left Back - Conor Kane (Drogheda United)
Conor Kane had the daunting task on Friday night of going against Zach Elbouzedi who had lit up the League of Ireland up late last year. Kane, like the rest of the backline for Drogheda on Friday night kept St Pat's mainmen very quiet despite being written off before a ball had even been kicked. The left wing back had a lot of pressure on his shoulders to deal with a very strong St Pats right hand side but Kane went about his business expertly.
CM - Greg Bolger (Cork City)
Greg Bolger, who is now 36 years-old showed no signs of aging putting in a magnificent performance against Galway in the club's return to Premier Division football. The former Sligo Rovers man scored only his second for Cork City on Friday night and by god was it a good one. A set piece from the Rebels was cleared to the edge of the box with Bolger running onto it and smashing a left footed strike into Brendan Clarke's bottom corner. Thankfully for Bolger it was more than just a good goal in the game as he covered every blade of grass and topped it off with that magnificent strike.
Greg Bolger on target for City last night, for only the second time! 🎯#CCFC84 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/Y1RoEp1S1r
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) February 15, 2025
CM- Rowan McDonald (Waterford FC)
The star of the show for Waterford’s victory at the Showgrounds on Saturday was certainty Rowan McDonald. The Man City academy graduate opened the scoring for Waterford in the 13th minute with a gorgeous curling effort from outside the box and before the half was up, he helped the Blues double their lead by assisting Tommy Lonergan. Sadly for McDonald, his game was cut short in the 53rd minute through an injury that he picked up but Waterford fans will be hoping it's nothing serious and he can get back impacting games very soon.
Buzzing to get first goal💙lads different class to a man👏🏻 https://t.co/tgCTbKhmfw
— Rowan Mcdonald (@rowanmcdonald1) February 15, 2025
CM - Ross Tierney (Bohemian FC)
The match-winner and man of the match in the showpiece game at the Aviva Stadium. Playing in front of the largest crowd in League of Ireland history would be daunting from some but nothing seemed to affect Tierney. The Bohs starman was absolutely flawless in everything he did. Superb in possession, covering every blade of grass and most importantly popping up at the right moment to tap home the game-winner, giving Bohemians the bragging rights in the biggest Dublin derby in League of Ireland history.
🗣️"That's what the game's for"
Man of the match Ross Tierney discusses his chats with Rovers fans after scoring the goal that proved to be the winner for Bohemians yesterday pic.twitter.com/jAolDqnyQH— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 17, 2025
Left Wing - Harry Wood (Shelbourne)
After scoring the title winning goal for Shelbourne last season, Harry Wood was always going to go into this season brewing with confidence and he really showed that on Friday night. The former Hull City winger was involved in everything for Shels and despite not scoring or assisting put in a display that has Shels fans very excited for what's to come from him this season. His pace, touch and weight of pass was exceptional on Friday night.
Striker - Sean Boyd (Shelbourne)
With all the attention on Boyd’s strike partner Mipo Odubeko going into Friday's game at Tolka Park, Sean made sure to remind us all why he was so instrumental in Shels title winning side last season. Boyd scored twice and picked up an assist in the space of 45 minutes leaving his mark on the 2025 League of Ireland before it had really even started. His link up play with Mipo was also exceptional and the two of them have built an understanding like they've been playing together for years. The start of something possibly very special at Tolka Park.
A crazy goal from Sean Boyd to get the League of Ireland season up and running
Pandemonium in Drumcondrapic.twitter.com/RmD3YNBfxQ— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 14, 2025
Right Wing - Will Fitzgerald (Sligo Rovers)
Despite Sligo Rovers being on the wrong side of the result on Saturday, Will Fitzgerald was an absolute menace for the full 90 minutes. The winger brought his side back into the game in the 50th minute with a brilliant assist and five minutes later continued to cause trouble , winning a penalty for the hosts giving them an opportunity to equalise but unfortunately it was missed by Cian Kavanagh. If Fitzgerald can keep this form up for Sligo Rovers all season he could be in for one hell of a year.
