EUROPEAN football might be the pinnacle for a League of Ireland footballer but a domestic date has stolen its thunder. Shamrock Rovers will bid to strengthen their grasp on a place in the knockout

Shamrock Rovers ace Gary O’Neill says next season’s curtain raiser at Aviva Stadium is going to be ‘an incredible’ experience for the League of Ireland. And Hoops boss Stephen Bradley reckons the Dublin 4 venue should be opened up more often to showcase big league games - not just the FAI Cup final.

BOHEMIANS AND SHAMROCK Rovers will meet in the Aviva Stadium on the opening weekend of the League of Ireland season — the first time that a league fixture will be played at the stadium. The cross-city rivals will meet on Lansdowne Road on Sunday 16 February at 2pm,