The Daily Star Ireland
The 2025 League of Ireland season will begin with an exciting Dublin derby between Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva Stadium. In recent months, both clubs and the FAI have been negotiating to make this high-profile match at Lansdowne Road a reality, with the game scheduled for Sunday, February 16 at 2pm.
Bohemians have chosen to relinquish their home advantage for this game, opting to hold it at the Dublin 4 venue, with tickets expected to go on sale in mid-December.
The last encounter between these rivals at Tallaght Stadium in March attracted a record-breaking attendance of 10,094, the highest ever for a League of Ireland match. However, this record is set to be surpassed in February when Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers clash in this notable event. The record attendance for an FAI Cup final remains at 43,881, achieved during the 2023 match between St Pat’s and Bohs.
Dan Lambert, Bohs COO, expressed his excitement about the announcement, stating that this historic fixture, coinciding with the 110th anniversary of the clubs’ first meeting and Bohemians’ 135th anniversary, is a significant milestone. He praised the FAI for their support and Shamrock Rovers, especially John Martin, for their cooperation.
Shamrock Rovers CEO John Martin highlighted the positive impact of this game on the growth of the League of Ireland and emphasized the collaborative effort between the clubs. He expressed anticipation for being part of this historic event.
League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon added that after a thrilling and record-breaking 2024 season, starting the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season with a major Dublin Derby at the Aviva Stadium is a fantastic showcase for the league. He noted the rising attendances and fan bases in recent years, and how this game will be a perfect opportunity to highlight the league’s excitement to a broader audience.
