Dublin derbies mini-table will be key to LOI title race - Keith Treacy

The team that comes out on top in this season's Dublin derby mini-table will have a strong chance of lifting the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title according to former Republic of Ireland international Keith Treacy.

The new season will kick off on Friday with reigning champions Shelbourne hosting Derry City and with Damien Duff's side being one of four capital clubs in the top flight points accrued in the league's many Dublin derbies go a long way to pushing teams up the table.

Speaking on the first RTÉ Soccer Podcast episode of 2025, ex-St Patrick's Athletic and Drogheda United winger Keith Treacy highlighted how Shelbourne had enjoyed good fortunes in the match-ups between Dublin sides on route to winning the title last year, especially compared to runners-up Shamrock Rovers.

"I was digging through all the stats of last season and what Shelbourne did really well was they won the games in Dublin," he said.

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"In the so-called Dublin Derby table, Shelbourne came out with 21 points. That's more than St Pat's, who had 18, Bohs had 14 and it probably doesn't surprise anybody given how Rovers went last season that they only picked up 12 points in Dublin.

"Now, I'm not saying that it's all about the Dublin clubs. Galway will have a big, big say. Nobody is looking forward to going to Galway (United) or playing there; Cork (City) look really strong, not too sure what we're going to get