Tim Clancy’s men to face Waterford in opener
There will be some interesting discussions in the Clancy households after the first round fixtures for the 2021 League of Ireland season were announced on Monday evening.
Trim man Tim Clancy is set to start his fourth season at the helm of Drogheda Utd after guiding the Louth club back to the Premier League following a three-year stint in the First Division.
Tim's father Des has been a long-time Waterford Utd supporter and the Munster side will visit United Park for an opening night assignment on Friday 19th March.
The fixture schedule for the new League of Ireland season was announced on Monday evening and Meath players feature at a number of clubs, with Drogheda boasting the largest contingent.
Apart from Clancy at the helm, the Louth club includes Luke Heeney (Bellewstown), Brandon Bermingham (Duleek) and James Clarke (Trim) in the panel for the 36-game campaign that is scheduled to conclude in November with a mid-season break for two weeks at the end of May.
FAI Cup holders Dundalk have Greg Sloggett from Gormanston ready for his second season at Oriel Park, but it will be the first time in 21 years that Bohermeen man Gary Rogers will miss out on opening night after he announced his retirement last November.
James Finnerty from Skryne and Dawson Devoy from Ashbourne will feature for Bohemian FC while Josh Keeley from Dunboyne is with St Pat's.
LEAGUE OF IRELAND FIXTURES
FRIDAY 12th MARCH
President's Cup final - Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk.
FRIDAY 19th MARCH
Premier - Shamrock Rovers v St Pat's; Finn Harps v Bohemian FC; Drogheda v Waterford.
SATURDAY 20th MARCH
Premier - Longford Town v Derry City; Sligo Rovers v Dundalk.