With the Airtricity League season coming to a close after Sunday's FAI Cup Final, many of the players will be out of contract as of this morning. Because of Dundalk's expeditions in the Europa League, their side are tied down until the morning after their final game in the competition.
The league has produced numerous stars in the past such as Chris Forrester, Kevin Doyle, Seamus Coleman and Wes Hoolahan, amongst others. But out of the current crop of talent, who'd have the best shot at heading across the water in the off season?
The ones that are practically nailed on
Daryl Horgan
This one is blatantly obvious, but we're going to say it anyway.
The 23-year-old was arguably Dundalk's best player in 2015 but it was team-mate Richie Towell that secured the move to Brighton. Horgan didn't let that faze him and had been a figurehead for the Lilywhites.
His double against Cork City in October pushed Dundalk to the title for the third year running and his performance against Zenit St Petersburg caught the eye of Rafa Benitez.
Having been called up to the Ireland squad for the Austria game, the clock is ticking until he's pried away from Oriel Park.
Linked with: Newcastle, Peterborough, Cardiff City and just about everyone else
Sean Maguire
If you score 29 goals in a competitive season, you are going to be noticed regardless of what league you are in. Everything Sean Maguire touched this year for Cork City turned to goals.
The Rebel Army progressed through three rounds in the Europa League, and Maguire scored in all of them. They also secured their first major trophy since 2007 thanks to Maguire's goal.
He's had a spell in England before with West Ham and is going to end up returning to the Football League. That return may be sooner rather than later.
Linked with: Preston North End, Aston Villa,
A goal from Seán Maguire in injury time of extra time has put Cork City 1-0 up in the cup final https://t.co/iWwdRWSG9F
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) November 6, 2016
The ones to watch
Sean Hoare
Despite St.Pat's finishing in the bottom half of the table, they've had a few bright sparks. None brighter than Ireland Under-21 international Sean Hoare.
The centre-back has backed up a brilliant 2015 with a solid 2016 season. His ability to read the game is superb and he was the standout player as Pats took the EA Sports Cup against a Limerick side that scored 86 goals in 28 First Division games.
A slow start to the year may have warded off any potential buyers then, but don't be surprised if he heads across the water.
With his ginger beard, Sean Hoare looks like he'd eat a steak with his bare hands washed down by a pint of Guinness knocked back in one.
— Damien Cooke (@DamienCooke9) April 15, 2016
Linked with: Motherwell, Swindon Town
Kevin O'Connor
Cork City had the best defence in the league during the year, conceding just 23 goals. That was mainly down to left back Kevin O'Connor. The Wexford native was also a mainstay in the Irish Under 21 side along with Hoare and Maguire.
He marked Horgan out of the first two head to head games between Cork and Dundalk and played two games in 24 hours late on in the season. He lined out for an international game and then one vs Galway United a day later.
Linked with: Ipswich, Leeds, Preston
Brandon Miele
Shamrock Rovers sacked their third manager in four seasons after the departure of Pat Fenlon. But they've a young side with the potential to do damage over the next few years.
Brandon Miele had the Tallaght faithful crowing with is displays. He grabbed nine goals for the Hoops over the course of the season. Like Maguire, he's had a taste of English football before after four years at Newcastle and will want to get back over there.
Linked with: Wolves
