Tiernan Lynch’s Derry City Debut Set Against Reigning Champions Shelbourne

Tiernan Lynch, who concluded his seven-year tenure as Larne’s manager to assume leadership at Derry in November, is scheduled to commence his role with Derry City by undertaking a challenging away match against the reigning League of Ireland champions, Shelbourne. The team, known as the Candystripes, is set to visit Tolka Park on 14 February for their inaugural game of the season. This upcoming encounter follows Shelbourne, managed by Damien Duff, having secured the Premier Division title last month by defeating Derry at the Brandywell in the final match of the 2024 season, marking their first league championship since 2006. Subsequently, Derry experienced a loss in the FAI Cup final against Drogheda, which also marked the conclusion of Ruaidhri Higgins’ management before Lynch’s transfer from Larne. The schedule for the opening weekend of fixtures additionally features newly-promoted Cork City facing Galway United and St Patrick’s Athletic playing Drogheda United, both on 14 February. On 15 February, Sligo Rovers will compete against Waterford, while Bohemians will meet Shamrock Rovers at Aviva Stadium on 16 February. Following their trip to Shelbourne, Derry is slated to host Bohemians and Waterford consecutively, before an away fixture against St Patrick’s Athletic. Lynch’s squad will then welcome Drogheda for a rematch of the FAI Cup final on 11 April. The season’s concluding game for Derry will involve a lengthy journey to newly-promoted Cork City on 1 November. The complete list of fixtures is available for review externally.