Moses Dyer of Galway United celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match against Bohemians. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
With nearly one fifth of the League of Ireland Premier Division season passed, this year’s iteration has already provided tons of surprises. Galway United are the sole unbeaten team after seven matches. Drogheda United are one point off the top. Whilst League contenders Shamrock Rovers and Derry City find themselves in the bottom half.
Here are the Premier Division Power Rankings after seven games:
10. Derry City
One win in their last five, Tiernan Lynch’s side would have wanted a better start to 2025. Already trailing Stephen Kenny’s St Patrick’s Athletic by five points, the Candystripes need to start putting a run together if they are to have any hopes of winning a first league title since 1997. Back to back home fixtures against Cork City and Drogheda United provide an excellent opportunity for the club.
9. Bohemians
The North Dubliners smashed Waterford at the RSC on the 7th March but have since fallen twice at the hands of St Pat’s and Galway respectively. Alan Reynolds’ side currently find themselves in ninth place in the league with four losses from their last five games. But performances against Shamrock Rovers and Waterford prove that there is ability within the squad.
8. Sligo Rovers
Expectations at Sligo Rovers will have been lower than that of Derry and Bohs but the North-Westerners have had a woeful beginning to 2025. One win, one draw and five losses has left a lot to be desired for John Russell’s charges. The Bit O’ Red will hope to get their act together soon or risk being cut adrift relatively early into the season.
7. Shamrock Rovers
The Tallaght based club are the definition of a mixed bag so far. Two wins, two draws and two defeats. Five goals scored. Five goals conceded. The Hoops do have a match in hand after their game with Cork City fell foul to the weather. However, to be joint lowest scorers in the league is not something one would expect from a team who were so successful in European competition in 2024/25.
6. Cork City
An okay start to 2025 for the Leesiders with just one defeat in six matches. Being hard to beat is an admirable quality, especially for a newly promoted outfit. Although tough tasks await with an away trip to Derry before St Pat’s come to town.
5. Waterford
The Blues threw away three points to St Pat’s on the most recent game week by conceding two late goals to lose what seemed to be a well earned three points. But an own goal and a superb Brandon Kavanagh free kick have continued Waterford’s losing streak after a positive start to the league season. Waterford’s away trip to Drogheda on Friday is a big match for the south-east club.
4. Shelbourne
Shels start to the season has been far smooth. The Reds are struggling to put a winning run going. But their resolute style has meant they have fell on just one occasion. It will be interesting to see how Damien Duff approaches his side’s Dublin derby with St Pat’s on Friday night at Richmond Park.
3. Drogheda United
The Drogs have fallen off somewhat after an unbelievably positive start to the campaign. Just one point from their last six available, they will look to get back on the winning horse with a home fixture against Waterford next on the agenda. A big match for both clubs to regain momentum after positive starts in 2025.
2. St Patrick’s Athletic
Stephen Kenny’s men have settled into the season after a rocky start. Pat’s came away with a smash and grab in Waterford last Friday to tee up a mouth watering Dublin derby against Shelbourne this Friday night. Will a point suffice for both teams to not lose ground so early into their season or will one side look to stamp their authority on the league?
1. Galway United
The Tribesmen have been a revelation so far this season. John Caulfield’s men have staked their claim for a title bid with their style of football a real problem for any team in the league. Shamrock Rovers come to Eamonn Deacy park on Friday night. A win will certainly make people take notice of Caulfield’s troops and show they aren’t going anywhere.