Nov 01,2024
The 2024 League of Ireland season has delivered a spectacle unmatched in recent memory, thrilling all of us right up to tonight's decisive fixtures.
With Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers both on the cusp of claiming the title, the culmination of it all promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Irish football.
The 2024 season won't be forgotten quickly. This season has been a rollercoaster of twists, turns and strategic gambles that have led us to this dramatic climax.
The word "permutations" has been used a lot over recent weeks, encapsulating the complex web of possibilities that could lead us to the champions.
From a resurgence of form to unexpected player departures, each side's journey tells a story involving suspense and resilience. Shamrock Rovers host Waterford in Tallaght, a match that should, by most expectations, fall in Rovers' favour.
However, the memory of their unexpected 3-1 loss to the same opponents in May lingers like a shadow.
That game marked a different time for both Rovers and Waterford.
Since then, Waterford lost Maleace Asamoah, whose pace and ball-carrying abilities played a huge part in how they played.
Add to that, Waterford’s recent form has waned, a record only slightly less grim than that of Dundalk, picking up only eight points from their last 10 games.
This is also a different Shamrock Rovers side.
Their squad is now strengthened by the return of influential players such as Dylan Watts, Lee Grace, Gary O’Neill, Darragh Burns, all of whom were missing in that May fixture.
Jack Byrne was only recently back from injury and chasing fitness.
Their recent form is a different beast to what they were producing around May.
The hard-fought victory over Dundalk, a match played in less-than-ideal conditions following a great European triumph against Larne, is a testament to their ability to grind out results when it matters most. Simultaneously, all eyes will turn to Derry, where Shelbourne face their biggest challenge at the Brandywell.
This fixture is ripe for speculation, with Derry City’s own motivations shrouded in ambiguity.
With a cup final looming just a week away, will Ruaidhrí Higgins opt to rest key players, potentially easing Shelbourne’s path to glory? Or will the pride of finishing on a high, coupled with a potential top-three placement and momentum going into the final, spur Derry to put up a fierce fight in their final home game of the season?
Will anger play its part? Seeing Shelbourne lifting the trophy on their pitch at the final whistle after being in contention all season might be enough to put in a performance fuelled by rage.
Permutations. So many permutations. The tactical approach Shelbourne adopt will also be interesting.
Damien Duff’s side have switched from being primarily defensively solid to attacking with courage in these last few weeks - a testament to Duff's blend of pragmatism and ambition.
Will he go back to that old approach tonight and just stay in the game and try strike late on or will he attack with purpose from the start like we’ve seen in recent weeks?
Regardless, this is a cup final for Shelbourne and anything is possible in a one-off game.
They lost Gavin Molloy and Will Jarvis during the campaign which was always going to have a huge say on results for Shelbourne.
If they kept them, I’d be confident they would already be crowned champions, yet, here they are tonight, on the final day of the season with the outcome fully in their hands.
Both managers face significant choices: Bradley’s task is to ensure his side keeps their composure, while Duff’s lies in pushing his players to treat this as the cup final that it is.
The atmosphere in both changing rooms will be intense, each team aware of the fine margins that could tilt the league one way or another.
Regardless of the results tonight, this season has cemented itself as one of the most captivating in League of Ireland history.
The narratives woven through the campaign have captured the spirit of Irish football at its finest.
It’s no surprise to those of us close to the league to see the results of the Economic Impact Assessment which BDO announced during the week.
Something unmeasurable but that we always knew is that the league’s social impact has huge benefits for all involved.
Now we can see, thanks to the report, that it produces very positively towards the national economy as well.
A hugely important fabric of our society which deserves respect and help.
The scope for growth is huge, there is no reason to think having 10-15 stadiums across the country to the standard of Tallaght is an unrealistic goal.
Facilities, training bases, academies all need help.
The report shows what is produced with very little.
A little help for such a positive societal need can produce greater numbers to help the exchequer which benefits us all.
Tonight, as the clock ticks toward the 10pm conclusion, one thing is certain - whatever the results, the 2024 campaign will be remembered for its exhilarating unpredictability and the undeniable belief of those who fought for success both on and off the pitch.
For those of us watching, it has been a privilege to witness such drama unfold week after week.
