Hoops to begin season with two away games as Tallaght Stadium upgraded

Shamrock Rovers will begin the new season with two away matches as the new stand at Tallaght Stadium is completed.

The Hoops will face Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United in the opening fortnight to provide the finishing touches to the fourth stand in the stadium.

Stephen Bradley's men will then begin their home campaign in a mouth-watering clash with last season's runners-up Derry City on 3 March.

That game could the break the modern record attendance for the top flight if the stand is open as the new capacity is 10,000.

The four men's teams competing in UEFA club competitions will have two fixtures moved forward to earlier in the season to ease fixture congestion and enhance competitiveness of these teams featuring in Europe.

There is also an extended break for the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division between 11 June and 19 August due to the Republic of Ireland participation in the Women’s World Cup.

In the First Division the introduction of Kerry FC has seen that competition move to a 36-game season.

Earlier this week the first round of matches were confirmed as well as St Patrick's Day fixtures in all leagues.

The full fixtures can be found here.

The season will begin with the President's Cup on 10 February which will be contested by defending league champions and the cup holders Derry at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

League of Ireland director, Mark Scanlon said: "This launch marks an exciting and landmark week for the League of Ireland as we reveal our new brand identity as well as our 2023 fixture list.

"As we continue to move towards parity for men's and women’s football in Ireland, bringing the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division as part of the same structure as the Men’s divisions is a significant move and