Shamrock Rovers claim 2020 League of Ireland Premier Division title

Shamrock Rovers sealed their 18th league title on Saturday evening after a surprise victory for Finn Harps over Bohemians - their first win over the Gypsies in Dalymount Park this century.

The Hoops, who are currently in their own heightened COVID-19 lockdown which has seen their last three games postponed, have won their first league title since 2011. They have done so with four games in hand and by playing just 14 matches in this shortened coronavirus hit league season.

Stephen Bradley’s side are due to return to action on Wednesday evening when they play Derry City behind-closed-doors in Tallaght and the Hoops will still have plenty of appetite for their remaining games as they aim to complete the entire league season unbeaten. That has only happened on two previous occasions when the Hoops went through the league unbeaten in 1924/25 and 1926/27 (which were both 18 game seasons).

In the all-time league winners list, Rovers move four titles clear of second placed Dundalk who have won the league on 14 occasions with Shelbourne third on 13. 

The Hoops will face Finn Harps away in the FAI Cup Quarter Finals, and they will be focussed on retaining the cup they won last November which would see the club win their first double since the 1986/87 season - the last one they played in Milltown.

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile