VIRGIN MEDIA has announced its first five TV games of the new League of Ireland season – starting with champions Shelbourne’s opener.
The broadcaster recently confirmed a landmark four-year TV deal which will see them televise 36 matches – equating to a match per round.
On Wednesday, the first five games of the new arrangement were confirmed, including two Dublin derbies.
First up, on February 14, champions Shelbourne will begin the defence of the Premier Division title when they welcome Derry City to Tolka Park.
The Candystripes lost out to Damien Duff‘s men on the final night of the season – with Harry Wood’s goal securing the LOI title.
Two days later, on February 16, Virgin will be showing the all-Dublin meeting of Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers, live from the Aviva Stadium.
On February 21, it is the turn of Galway United vs St Patrick’s Athletic.
The Tribesmen enjoyed an impressive year in the top tier, ultimately finishing fifth – just two points shy of Derry.
They will be playing host to a St Pat’s side that enjoyed a resurgent end to the Premier Division last season under Stephen Kenny.
The Inchicore men won their last nine games of the campaign; briefly flirting with a title challenge before ultimately finishing third behind just Shels and Shamrock Rovers.
On February 28, there is a mouth-watering clash pitting Shelbourne against Shamrock Rovers in an early litmus test of both sides’ league credentials.
And on March 3, Cork City make the trip to the RSC to face Waterford in the Leesiders’ fourth fixture back in the Premier Division.
Through the new TV deal, Virgin has committed to a dramatic ramping up of coverage, having initially started showing some games in 2023.
Virgin Media Television, Director of News and Sport, Mick McCaffrey, said: “We are delighted to be the exclusive broadcaster of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division for the next four years.
“Virgin Media Television is committed to the League and to delivering on the fans’ ask for more live matches.
“For the first time ever, supporters will have free to air coverage of the biggest and best game each Friday of the season along with the goals from every other game.
“We are excited to bring greater exposure to the league and play our part in increasing grassroots participation in communities throughout the country.”
Virgin had shown 14 matches last year having started out with seven in 2023.
FAI Commercial Director Sean Kavanagh added: “We’re delighted to announce this landmark broadcast agreement for the League of Ireland with Virgin Media Television.
“Since our initial agreement in 2023, the partnership has grown along with the interest in the League and this new announcement will be able to help take the League of Ireland to another level.
“Having the consistency of live broadcasts for every round will be crucial in building the level of coverage needed for the League of Ireland and we are excited to continue working with the team at Virgin Media Television who have been brilliant partners since we have started working together.
“Along with recent partnership announcements for the League of Ireland, this new agreement shows the level of interest and excitement in the League are increasing year-on-year and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”
