Shamrock Rovers to meet Sligo Rovers in opening fixtures of men and women's League of Ireland

Shamrock Rovers will begin the defence of their Premier Division title with an away fixture against Sligo Rovers on Saturday 18 February.

The first round of matches were confirmed this afternoon by the FAI as part of a teaser for the full list which will follow later this week.

The first night of the season is 24 hours earlier as Cork City will mark their return to the top flight against Bohemians at Turner's Cross on Friday 17 February.

FAI Cup winners Derry City take on St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park, while Shelbourne host Drogheda United.

Dundalk will meet UCD to conclude the opening round of matches.

There will be another 'Clash of the Rovers' in the Women’s Premier Division as newly-formed Shamrock Rovers visit The Showgrounds on 4 March to take on Sligo.

Champions Shelbourne take on Cork City in their opening clash.

Elsewhere in the First Division, Kerry FC play their first-ever game against Cobh Ramblers on 17 February.

Finn Harps will begin life in the First Division again against Galway United.

Men's Premier Division:

Friday 17 February

Cork City v Bohemians

Dundalk v UCD

Shelbourne v Drogheda United

St Patrick's Athletic v Derry City

Saturday 18 February

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

Women's Premier Division

Saturday 4 March

Galway United v Wexford Youths

Shelbourne v Cork City

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers

Treaty United v Bohemians

Athlone Town v Peamount United

Men's First Division

Friday 17 February

Kerry FC v Cobh Ramblers

Treaty United v Bray Wanderers

Wexford v Waterford

Finn Harps v Galway United

Saturday 18 February

Longford Town v Athlone Town