Virgin Media Television and the League of Ireland have today confirmed the opening ten live broadcasts of the 2026 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season, delivering a statement of intent for the new campaign with every club included in the first round of televised selections.
The schedule underlines the growing strength of the domestic game on free-to-air television, with title contenders, newly promoted sides and historic rivalries all given early exposure across Virgin Media Television platforms. Matches will be shown live on Virgin Media Two, Virgin Media Three and Virgin Media Play, continuing the broadcaster’s central role in showcasing the League of Ireland to a national audience.
Champions Shamrock Rovers will open their title defence live on Virgin Media Two on Friday, 6 February, when newly promoted Dundalk travel to Tallaght Stadium. The fixture sets the tone for a compelling opening weekend, which concludes with a high-profile Dublin derby as Bohemians face St. Patrick’s Athletic at Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 8 February.
Derbies and traditional rivalries feature heavily across the opening rounds. Round 2 sees Shelbourne host Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park on Friday, 13 February, while Round 3 marks the return of the Louth Derby, with Dundalk welcoming Drogheda United to Oriel Park. That fixture will be broadcast on Virgin Media Three, highlighting the expanded reach of coverage across the Virgin Media portfolio.
One of the standout dates in the calendar comes on Friday, 27 February, when Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers meet at Dalymount Park in what will be the last Friday-night Dublin derby at the historic venue before its planned redevelopment in 2027. The match is expected to attract major interest both in the stadium and on television, reflecting the enduring appeal of the capital’s biggest rivalry.
March brings a run of marquee fixtures, beginning with Shelbourne against St. Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park on Friday, 6 March. A week later, champions Shamrock Rovers travel to The Showgrounds to face Sligo Rovers, before attention turns west with back-to-back televised matches involving Galway United. John Caulfield’s side will host Waterford on Monday, 16 March, before welcoming Derry City on Friday, 3 April.
In between those two Galway fixtures, Virgin Media Two will show Dundalk’s trip to Dalymount Park to face Bohemians on Friday, 20 March, meaning live games will be broadcast from six different grounds across the opening ten selections. That geographic spread reinforces the league-wide focus of the broadcast partnership and ensures early-season visibility for clubs across the country.
Alongside the fixture announcements, Virgin Media Television has confirmed a revised broadcast schedule for 2026. All selected matches, with the exception of the Aviva Stadium clash between Bohemians and St. Patrick’s Athletic, will now kick off at 20:00, with coverage beginning at 19:30. The later start allows for extended pre-match build-up and deeper storytelling around the league’s key fixtures.
Post-match coverage has also been enhanced, with highlights from around the grounds now including the best action from the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division. Analysis and reaction will continue until 22:30, giving viewers a broader picture of the domestic game on match nights.
The opening broadcast slate reflects the League of Ireland’s continued momentum, combining strong attendances, competitive balance and increased visibility through national television. With champions, challengers, derbies and regional storylines all represented, the 2026 season begins with a clear signal of ambition from both the league and its broadcast partner.
Virgin Media Television – Live Fixtures (2026 SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division):
Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk – Tallaght Stadium, Friday 6 February (20:00)
Bohemians v St. Patrick’s Athletic – Aviva Stadium, Sunday 8 February (14:00)
Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers – Tolka Park, Friday 13 February (20:00)
Dundalk v Drogheda United – Oriel Park, Friday 20 February (20:00) – Virgin Media Three
Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers – Dalymount Park, Friday 27 February (20:00)
Shelbourne v St. Patrick’s Athletic – Tolka Park, Friday 6 March (20:00)
Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers – The Showgrounds, Friday 13 March (20:00)
Galway United v Waterford – Eamonn Deacy Park, Monday 16 March (20:00)
Bohemians v Dundalk – Dalymount Park, Friday 20 March (20:00)
Galway United v Derry City – Friday 3 April (20:00)
Image Credit: Pitch
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