Irish football is not ranked among Europe’s elite leagues. Still, it does have some exciting action and is known to produce some top talents that go on to conquer Europe. Players such as Paul McGrath and Roy Keane are good examples.
The country’s top division is the Premier Division which has ten teams. The top teams in this league include the following.
St. Patrick’s Athletic
Anyone coming into football right now would wonder why St. Patrick appears so high on this list, or at all. This is because the team has not had the best performances in recent times. The club’s history, however, earns it a place among greats. It is one of only two teams that have never been relegated from the top division since its (league) formation in 1985.
The club was founded in 1929 and plays its matches at the Richmond Stadium. It is managed by Stephen O’Donnell and finished fifth in the 2019 season.
Bohemians
The Boh’s are Ireland’s oldest club, having been formed in 1890. They are the other club besides St. Patrick that has never been relegated from the Irish premiership. The Dublin based club plays its home matches at Dalymount Park, a 3640 capacity facility. The team is managed by Keith Long.
Dundalk
Another one of Ireland’s oldest clubs, Dundalk was formed in 1903. It is based at Oriel Park, a ground with a capacity of 4500 (3100 seats). Dundalk is the current defending champion of the Irish league with 86 points, 11 more than its closest rival. The team is managed by Vinny Perth.
Shamrock Rovers
The 2019 runners up seal the list of the top four Irish clubs. The South Dublin outfit was founded in 1899. It has undergone various changes and currently plays its home matches at the 8000-capacity Tallaght Stadium under the management of Stephen Bradley.