Premier Division mid-season review: Shamrock Rovers in control as they hunt a historic four-in-a-row

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We have recently passed the midway point of the Premier Division season, and Shamrock Rovers’ bid for a fourth league title on the spin is looking strong.

The Hoops endured a patchy start by their own standards but now sit six points clear at the top of the pile – and do not look like relenting any time soon.

Meanwhile, the European chase is heating up with St Patrick’s Athletic, Derry City, Dundalk and Shelbourne all in the hunt.

And at the bottom, Drogheda United have defied expectations to sit in 7th, while Cork City and Sligo Rovers are behind Kevin Doherty’s men.

UCD are marooned at the bottom – but with the league in the midst of a mini-break, we have decided to review the season so far.

Top performers: Shamrock Rovers

Following a poor start to the season in a results sense, there were fears in some quarters that Rovers would struggle this season.

But Stephen Bradley’s side have motored on by reverting to type.

Since their first win of the season, the Hoops have claimed 36 points from 14 games – a run that has seen them go six points clear at the top.

They also have the best attacking record in the Premier Division, netting 44 goals in 21 games – although they have just the third best defensive record.



The Hoops are peaking and look in ominous form as Europe and the FAI Cup loom at Tallaght Stadium. And if they are this good already, who knows how much better they can become in the weeks and months ahead.

But the fact they are in pole position despite their shaky start – they only claimed their first win on March 31st – ultimately says it all.

Surprise package: Drogheda United

Tipped to be battling UCD at the foot of the table to avoid automatic relegation, Doherty’s Drogs have defied almost every pre-season expectation this term.

Rather than be cut adrift at the bottom, the Boynesiders – the only part-time outfit aside from the Students in the top-flight – sit in seventh and may even avoid a relegation play-off.



With 23 points on the board after 20 games, Doherty’s side have already won away to Shamrock Rovers, defeated St Patrick’s Athletic at home and won away to Derry City.

And yes, consistency may be an issue for United, but it is easy to forget that there are so many young players in their squad.

As such, goalkeeper Andrew Wogan – just 17 – has stepped in as No 1 for their last two games and looked mightily impressive in doing so.

But if Drogheda avoid the drop this term it will be a big achievement – and they are on course to do so.

Player of the season: Chris Forrester

St Patrick’s Athletic have been patchy this campaign, but their one positive constant has been the form of Chris Forrester.

Forrester, 30, is arguably enjoying his best season at Richmond Park since returning home from the UK – and the stats back that up.

The Dubliner is the Premier Division’s top scorer with 10 goals to his name already – and has helped Jon Daly’s side to third place. He has also picked up two assists.

For the Saints, that is quite a turnaround given their form that led to the departure of former boss Tim Clancy.

And with Europe just around the corner, Forrester’s leadership and quality is likely to be key if the Athletic can qualify through a few rounds of the Conference League.

Signing of the season: Conor Kearns

A signing that went under the radar during the off-season, Conor Kearns has been one of the leading lights for Damien Duff’s Shelbourne this season.

The former Ireland under-21 squad member has been labelled as the best keeper in the top-flight by his manager – and was duly rewarded for his form after penning a new deal with the Reds.

Kearns will stay at Tolka Park until the end of the 2024 campaign at the very least – and if he continues his upward trajectory he will be an even better keeper by then.

The Reds have the best defensive record in the Premier Division this season despite sitting in fifth place, and Kearns is a big part of that.

The 25-year-old has only conceded 14 goals in 20 games – with eight clean sheets picked up already.  

Derry City’s Brian Maher is the next best with 16 goals conceded in 21 outings.

But as far as signings go, Kearns’ switch to Shelbourne has been one of the most inspired of Duff’s tenure – and perhaps of the 2023 season too.

What can we expect in the second half of the campaign?

Shamrock Rovers to get better, and perhaps even run away with the Premier Division.

Rovers look in command at the top – and if they take six points from their next two games against Bohemians (away) and Derry City (home) there would be no doubting that a fourth league title in a row would be on its way to Dublin 24.

And while European football might prove to be a distraction, you get the sense that it will not be too much of an issue this season.

Elsewhere, the race for European football is likely to take a life of its own.

St Pat’s and Bohemians look in control but it would be foolish to discount Shelbourne’s hopes of European qualification following their cash-injection from new owner Acun Ilicali.

Shels have already flexed their muscle with Kearns’ swift contract extension so do not be surprised if they can add more quality to their squad in the weeks ahead.

In the relegation play-off picture – Sligo Rovers should have too much quality within their ranks to be sucked into a dogfight, while Cork City will be looking to strengthen as well.

That leaves Drogheda in a vulnerable position – but they have already shown that they revel in their underdog status and may have the quality to avoid a play-off entirely.

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