This weekend brings the start of new seasons in hockey and ice hockey, international women’s rugby in a new setting, a pivotal night in the League of Ireland title race, the final of the European T20 Premier League in Malahide and a very Irish Racing Festival starting in Listowel.
Here are six events that could make for a great day or evening out.
Bohemians vs Drogheda United – Dalymount Park
Friday, September 18th – 20:00
The weekend begins beneath the lights at Dalymount Park, where Bohemians continue their challenge at the top end of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division against Drogheda United.
Bohs produced a dramatic recovery from two goals down to win 3-2 in Galway last weekend, another result that kept them firmly involved in a fascinating title race. Drogheda have shown throughout the season they can upset any of the leading teams, so there should be little room to ease into this one.
Dalymount on a Friday evening remains one of the best atmospheres in Irish domestic sport, particularly when the season reaches the point where every result can transform the table.
The other Premier Division fixtures on Friday include Derry City against Galway United, Dundalk against Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers hosting Waterford.
European T20 Premier League Final – Malahide
Sunday, September 20th – 14:15
The inaugural European T20 Premier League reaches its climax at Malahide Cricket Club on Sunday afternoon, bringing four weeks of franchise cricket to a close.
The competition has brought together six city-based teams from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, combining leading international names with emerging European talent. The finalists will be confirmed following Saturday’s qualifier, adding another layer of anticipation to the occasion.
With the action condensed into about three hours, T20 cricket offers a colourful and accessible day out, even for those relatively new to the sport. Malahide is one of Irish cricket’s finest settings and should provide a fitting backdrop as the league crowns its first champion.
The final begins at 14:15.
EY Hockey League Opening Day – Rathdown School
Saturday, September 19th – from 12:20
The new EY Hockey League season gets underway on Saturday, with ten women’s teams and ten men’s teams beginning the pursuit of national honours.
Rathdown School in Glenageary offers the chance to turn opening day into a double-header. Monkstown’s women mark their return to the top flight by welcoming Railway Union at 12:20 before the Monkstown men face local rivals Avoca at 14:15.
Elsewhere, defending women’s champions Loreto begin their attempt to secure a fourth successive league title against UCD at Beaufort. Men’s champions Lisnagarvey host newly promoted Portrane at Comber Road in another standout fixture of the day.
The standard is elite, the action is close and fast, and the opportunity to watch two national league games in succession makes Rathdown an especially attractive Saturday afternoon destination.
Belfast Giants vs Dundee Stars – The O2 Belfast
Saturday, September 19th – face-off at 19:00
Saturday night ice hockey returns to Belfast as the Giants welcome the Dundee Stars to The O2 Belfast in the Challenge Cup.
The Giants won 4-1 when the sides met in Dundee in the opening game of the competition last weekend. The return encounter gives the Stars an immediate opportunity to respond, while Belfast will want to reinforce its early advantage on home ice.
A Giants game combines top-level sporting competition with the lighting, music and presentation of a major entertainment event. It is accessible to those who may know very little about ice hockey and has developed a particularly strong reputation as a family night out.
Doors open at 18:00, with the puck dropping an hour later.
Ireland Women vs USA – Tallaght Stadium
Sunday, September 20th – 13:45
International women’s rugby comes to Tallaght Stadium for the first time as Ireland open their WXV Global Series campaign against the United States.
Scott Bemand’s Irish side enters the autumn window after another encouraging Women’s Six Nations campaign. The United States should provide a physical and ambitious opening test, with Ireland having won the two most recent meetings between the countries.
The choice of Tallaght Stadium marks another departure for Irish Rugby and offers an opportunity to bring the international team to a different audience. Its compact design should also generate an excellent atmosphere if the home support arrives in numbers.
It is the first of back-to-back Irish home games in the series, with Japan to follow, and an attractive Sunday afternoon option for families and younger players inspired by the continued growth of the women’s game.
Opening Day at the Listowel Harvest Festival
Sunday, September 20th – first race at 14:18
One of the great traditional weeks in Irish racing begins on Sunday as the Listowel Harvest Festival opens its seven-day programme in North Kerry.
The first afternoon is traditionally shaped as a family occasion, offering a more relaxed introduction before the crowds and competitive intensity build towards the major races later in the week.
Seven National Hunt races are scheduled between 14:18 and 17:18. The sport is only one part of the attraction, with music, entertainment and the atmosphere around Listowel itself making the festival a distinctive end-of-summer gathering.
The full Harvest Festival runs from September 20th to 26th, combining racing, fashion, entertainment and the social traditions that have made Listowel one of the most enduring fixtures in the Irish sporting calendar.
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