All To Play For As League Of Ireland Goes Down To Final Day
Shamrock Rovers crowd in Tolka Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)
Ultimately, it what was what every neutral had hoped for when it came to the 2024 League of Ireland campaign, as opposed to having a runaway leader in first place in the table, it has rather unexpectedly come down to a final day shoot out between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers.
With Damien Duff's Tolka Park side initially looking like they would run away with this years trophy to lift their 14th title, and first since way back in 2006, their initial lead had been cut to only a matter of points after some choppy form, and fans now know that it will go down to the last day after Dylan Watts gave Rovers the victory to see off already relegated Dundalk in their last clash at Oriel Park.
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The reigning Champions have not led the table at any stage in this campaign, but with a two point gap between the teams, they could yet finish on top and the mathematics geeks will be well aware that there is more than one permutation to decide the winner right now.
Should Shelbourne take victory over Derry City, or Shamrock Rovers suffer a loss to Waterford FC, then it would be game over. However, should the Shels draw and Rovers take three points, then goal difference could see them move into top spot, as would be the case if Shels lost and Rovers won, as they would pip them to the title by a single point.
Whilst the debate surrounding whether or not this campaign has been far more competitive than is usual, or whether or not the standards of some sides have slipped massively - well, conversation on that point will undoubtedly rage on - but for now fans can look forward to a far more engaging finish than is normal.
Those interested in the finale will have ample opportunity to watch the action unfold as broadcaster RTE has now confirmed that they will be screening both of the final days games on Friday evening, as the league title goes to the wire.
Shelbourne's trip to Derry will be screened live on RTE2 as they go for a first title in 18 years, whilst the Tallaght Stadium action will be screened on the RTE News Channel as Rovers go for a historic fifth title on the spin. Both matches will kick off at 7.45pm and will also be shown live on the RTE Player for those who prefer to stream their entertainment these days.
The final two games will not only decide this years title, it will also confirm relevant European action for the sides as well, as this naturally hinges on the final league placing. Should it all go wrong for Rovers at the death in the chase for the title, they can at least take solace in the knowledge that they should at least be guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League qualifying stage for the 2025 campaign. They will undoubtedly be hoping for far greater than that though, as there is a nightmare scenario at play for them.
Should Rovers lose to Waterford, the Shels lose to Derry, St Patrick's Athletic beat Sligo Rovers and then Drogheda United beat Derry in the FAI Cup Final, in that incredibly unlikely scenario they would miss out on Europe full stop.
It is very much all to play for.
