Friday Will Prove Why The Irish Game Needs Infrastructure Investment

The League of Ireland 2024 campaign has had a few good stories attached to it already when it comes to the wider world of football, and whilst those of individual club colour persuasions may have their own thoughts, it is pretty obvious to most that the Irish game of football is growing massively.

Most of the headlines pre season were about how to further grow fan engagement, which is already rising, and that naturally leads to questions about what kind of investment to take, and the Football Association of Ireland already have their own plan in place as you would expect.

Their ambitious Facility Investment and Strategy Plan was launched last summer and it aims to invest 863 million Euros into the game's infrastructure, but as fans will know, very little has happened on that front, short of the Government's offer of 50 million Euros to the redevelopment of Casement Park with an eye to the 2028 European Championships.

For those who like a flutter, as part of a bet builder, they may want to consider a change in attitudes in the Irish game sooner rather than later as they place their bets, as Ireland talent has already more than proven itself in the English game, and as we keep more of our own it will only drive us to greater success. There are clubs out there who would love Brighton's Evan Ferguson given his impact and his hattrick against Newcastle United, but domestic clubs need to stop going to the bookies or the betting sites and just seeing how they can quickly cash in.

Of course, with the current campaign starting, it has created plenty of other headlines as some sides have so far not lived up to their expected billing, and Damien Duff's Shelbourne side have taken a somewhat unexpected total advantage at the top of the Premier Division table. With five wins and a draw from the opening six matches, they are five points clear of nearest chasers Derry City FC, and with others struggling, right now they are clearly in pole position. There are a lot of games left to be played, and there will be the inevitable twists and turns, but it is not the start that many felt 2024 would have.

Going back to the topic of growing fan engagement and interest in the game, the start to the 2024 campaign will only aid and boost that though, and it definitely means that the ramifications of further improvements to the Irish domestic game will have a significant benefit to all ember clubs involved. This topic has to now come back to front and centre when it is being reported that Friday evening's clash between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians could well be - I should say will - attract the biggest League of Ireland attendance this century.

Shamrock and Bohemians are only separated right now by a single point as both sides have had a slower start to the year than either would have hoped, so it is fully understandable that given the rivalry between the two why this game has now gained a far greater interest.

Whatever happens on Friday night at the Tallaght Stadium between the arch enemies, is likely to get more attention than the expected in excess of 10,000 crowd, but again it simply serves as another example of how the game is growing, and how interest is growing. Not just long term loyal fans, but the next generation who are adopting their own club colours.

Tallaght in many ways proves the investment point, this century record attendance crowd will be based on their investment in a new North Stand, and they will see it pay off. That pay off will come again in future games - but it shows if the facilities are there, fans will fill it.

That has to be the starting point.