LEAGUE OF IRELAND TIPS: A 96/1 FIVEFOLD TO SIGN OFF THE SEASON

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. The 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division concludes tonight. LOI TV Commentator Kieran Burke previews the action.

League of Ireland Tips

Draw (Drogheda United v Galway United)
Shamrock Rovers to win (v Dundalk)
Over 2.5 goals (Shelbourne v Waterford FC)
Derry City -1 (v Sligo Rovers)
Draw (St.Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians)
Odds: 96.20/1

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Drogheda United v Galway United, 19:45, LOI TV

Barring a freak run of results on the final day, Drogheda United will contest the promotion/relegation play-off next week. The Drogs have been a victim of Waterford United’s incredible turnaround under Graham Coughlan. Still, they have suffered a drop-off this season, with off-field distractions also playing a part.

Galway United have had a steady if unspectacular season under old hand John Caulfield. Another season in the top flight has been secured, but you would have to wonder how the Tribesmen go about kicking on a level in the coming seasons to avoid finding themselves in the situation Drogheda are in right now.

While Drogheda United will have to hope against hope that they can escape ninth spot on the final day, Kevin Doherty’s mind is most likely already focused on facing Bray or UCD in a playoff.

Galway have won on each of their last two visits to Sullivan & Lambe Park and can finish off their season by avoiding defeat here.

BEST BET: Draw (13/5)

Dundalk v Shamrock Rovers, 19:45, Virgin Media Two

Shamrock Rovers will get their hands on the League of Ireland title for a sixth time in seven seasons at Oriel Park on Friday. The Hoops’ decision to delay the trophy presentation until their trip to County Louth has proved controversial and may be used as motivation by Dundalk boss Ciarán Kilduff.

The former Dundalk striker has cut an unhappy figure of late, warning his players that they must prove in the final weeks of the season that they deserve to play for the Lilywhites again next season.

Kilduff will have already made his mind up on some players, and as a result, we could see a few farewell appearances handed out.

While Shamrock Rovers have nothing to play for, they face a side whose form has fallen off a cliff in the second half of the season, and the quality Stephen Bradley can call on is something Kilduff can only dream about right now.

BEST BET: Shamrock Rovers (1/1)

Shelbourne v Waterford FC, 19:45, LOI TV

As they could still mathematically finish in the relegation playoff position, Waterford FC boss Graham Coughlan will have no option but to field his strongest team from the start at Tolka Park on Friday. Coughlan, who must surely win manager of the season, may have been tempted to rest some of his key players for next week’s FAI Cup final, but he may now need to wait and see how things are panning out on the night before recalling the likes of Podge Amond and Tommy Lonergan to the safety of the subs bench.

Shelbourne FC have ended the season strongly, seemingly enjoying their role as season spoilers against St.Pat’s and Bohemians. However, Shels fans should be asking where such performances were all season long. The Reds massively underperformed, and new boss John Russell will need to do plenty of work in the off-season to restore Shelbourne to their best.

One area that Shelbourne needs major improvement next season is their home form. Only the bottom side, Sligo Rovers, had a weaker points return at home this season. As a result, I can’t get behind Shels at a short price here, but we should see some goals.

BEST BET: Over 2.5 goals (1/2)

Sligo Rovers v Derry City, 19:45, LOI TV

With the James McClean saga now put into Derry City’s rearview mirror, the Candystripes can boost their confidence ahead of the FAI Cup final by opening up on already relegated Sligo Rovers. There must be huge questions over the future of Bit O’Red boss Darren Purse, who has failed to win a game since being appointed, while he has taken every chance possible to drive the boot into his already confidence-shattered players.

Morale must be in the toilet at the Showgrounds, and we could see a very ugly ending to what has been a horrible season for the West of Ireland club.

BEST BET: Derry City -1 (7/5)

St.Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians, 19:45, LOI TV

This could be one of the flattest atmospheres ever seen for a Dublin derby as Pat’s and Bohs battle it out for the consolation prize of second. Both of these sides were in with a chance of dethroning Shamrock Rovers this season, but they consistently fumbled the ball when the chance to really put the pressure on came, and there should be huge regrets in both camps.

Parking the recent disappointments to one side, Bohemians can be the more pleased of the two this season. St.Pat’s have the budget and the manager to expect silverware, whereas Bohemians are more of a work in progress.

Given the backdrop, it’s impossible to have a strong feeling either way on this almost meaningless fixture.

BEST BET: Draw (11/4)

LOI Tips

Draw (Drogheda United v Galway United)
Shamrock Rovers to win (v Dundalk)
Over 2.5 goals (Shelbourne v Waterford FC)
Derry City -1 (v Sligo Rovers)
Draw (St.Patrick’s Athletic v Bohemians)
Odds: 96.20/1

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