Shamrock Rovers conclude their title-winning 2026 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season away to Dundalk on Friday night. The champions will be presented with the trophy at Oriel Park following the final whistle.

The Hoops secured the league crown last week and now sit top with 68 points from 35 games. They hold a six-point lead over second-placed Bohemians. Their final outing comes against a Dundalk side sitting seventh, with 42 points, just two points clear of the relegation playoff spot.

Dundalk's precarious position

Dundalk's primary goal this season was to consolidate their Premier Division status after winning promotion as First Division champions last year. They are level on points with sixth-placed Galway United and can still finish as high as sixth or as low as eighth depending on other results. Their average home attendances this season are the highest the club has seen since 2015, a significant marker of recovery for a club that came close to extinction two years ago during its centenary year.

Former striker Ciaran Kilduff highlighted the step up in quality. "The level is so much different to winning the First Division last year," he said. "You make a mistake; the ball’s in your net."

Recent form and context

Stephen Bradley's Shamrock Rovers side are in strong form, having won four of their last five matches. Their most recent result was a commanding 4-0 home victory over Sligo Rovers, with Adam Brennan scoring twice. Dundalk, by contrast, have struggled with injuries and a loss of form after a strong start, collecting 35 points from their opening 21 games before their campaign stalled.

The last meeting between these sides was a dramatic 3-2 win for Rovers at Tallaght Stadium back in August. Friday's match kicks off at 7.45pm and will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two. A large crowd is expected at Oriel Park, with the club reminding supporters that flares, pyrotechnics and pitch incursions are strictly prohibited. Refreshments are available inside the stadium, including in the away section, but drinks cannot be brought into the ground.

Rovers' top scorer this season is Rory Gaffney with nine goals. The team's next fixture after this season finale will be the start of their 2027 title defence, with the full fixtures list to be confirmed in due course. The final act of their successful 2026 campaign will be the trophy presentation on the pitch in Dundalk.

Read the full report at dundalkdemocrat.ie