Galway set to host Shels on the opening night of the First Division season

Galway United will begin their 2021 First Division campaign with a home tie against recently relegated Shelbourne.

The game will be a re-run of the Reds’ opening day encounter in 2019 when they came from behind to win 3-2 at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Ian Morris’ charge would win the First Division that season before suffering relegation after just one year in the top-flight.

Cork City, who were relegated along with Shels, will begin their 2021 season with a Cork derby against Cobh Ramblers at Turners Cross.

This will be City’s first time playing Cobh in the league since both teams were in the Premier Division in 2008.

Elsewhere, UCD will host Athlone Town on the opening night of the season at the UCD Bowl.

The Students won both games against the Co. Westmeath side last season.

Wexford will also host Cabinteely on the opening day of the campaign at Ferrycarrig Park, while Gary Cronin’s Bray Wanderers will play against a side to be confirmed at the Carlisle Grounds.

All fixtures are subject to change and ‘if additional clubs are successful with their application for a First Division licence, and additional teams are granted entry to the First Division, the fixtures will be amended accordingly at the given time’.

The FAI have also confirmed that the First Division play-off series will begin on Friday, November 5 with two-legged semi-finals ahead of the First Division play-off final on Friday, November 19 at a neutral venue.

The winner of this match will then face the ninth-position Premier Division team in the promotion/relegation play-off final in the week ending Sunday, November 28.

Opening round fixtures in full

Fri. 26 March 19:30 Bray Wanderers vs TBC Carlisle Grounds

Fri. 26 March 19:45 Cork City vs Cobh Ramblers Turners Cross

Fri. 26 March 19:45 Galway United vs Shelbourne Eamonn Deacy Park

Fri. 26 March 19:45 UCD vs Athlone Town UCD Bowl

Fri. 26 March 20:00 Wexford vs Cabinteely Ferrycarrig Park