Airtricity League - The Final Day Promises More Drama
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
Cork City is relegated while Derry City eyes a runners-up spot
It is fair to say Cork City FC had a lacklustre performance in the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season. The team won the lowest number of games (W4) and lost 19 of their 35 games. With that information, it's not surprising they find themselves anchored at the bottom of the table with their bags already packed for the second division come next season.
Their relegation fears were confirmed after a defeat to Shelbourne on October 13th. This marks their third relegation from the top flight in six years. The good news about their run this season is that they will feature in the FAI Cup final against Shamrock Rovers on 09 November. Hopefully, a positive result will give their already frustrated loyal fanbase something worth celebrating.
Derry City enter this match needing three points. Their league form so far has been outstanding, avoiding defeat in nine games, including a three-match winning streak. With the season coming to an end, their objective on the final day is to finish as runners-up, as this will guarantee participation in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season. There's a catch! If Shamrock Rovers defeat Cork City in the FAI Cup, that means they'll be gracing the UEFA Europa League with their presence.
Shamrock Rovers set for their Championship Coronation at Tallaght Stadium
What an exceptional run it has been for Shamrock Rovers in the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division season. After failing to defend their league title in the previous season - where they finished as runners-up to Shelbourne - the Dublin outfit made amends this time around, reclaiming the crown and stripping their rivals of the championship with one game to spare.
The moment of magic came when they defeated Galway United in their most recent fixture. Dylan Watts scored the only and decisive goal in the 75th minute to lead his team to a narrow 1-0 home victory.
It definitely wasn't easy achieving this feat, considering they had to wait a month to celebrate this success. They needed just one point - to rubber-stamp the writing on the wall - after their 2-1 home victory against Bohemians on September 26th. However, what followed was a three-game skid.
The Hoops have set the perfect date to lift the trophy, and that will be on the final day of the 2025 SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division in front of a jam-packed Tallaght Stadium. Their opponents are none other than Sligo Rovers.
Sligo Rovers, Waterford, and Galway United are in danger
Three teams in the league standings currently find themselves deep in the relegation playoff discussions. This includes Sligo Rovers, Galway United, and Waterford. Out of those teams, one will be unfortunate to see the axe drop on them on the final day, meaning they'll have to go head-to-head with a First Division side in the promotion/relegation play-off six days from now.
Check out their current league standings after matchday 35:
| Position | Club | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals Fired | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7. | Galway United | 35 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 36 | 43 | -7 | 38 |
| 8. | Sligo Rovers | 35 | 10 | 8 | 17 | 40 | 53 | -13 | 38 |
| 9. | *Waterford | 35 | 11 | 5 | 19 | 40 | 59 | -19 | 38 |
*relegation play-off spot
Sligo Rovers have a challenging away match against Shamrock Rovers, a side brimming with excessive confidence. Their last meeting witnessed the spoils being shared in a 2-2 draw.
A point, however, won't cut it this time around, as they need the maximum to ensure safety. Relying on results to go elsewhere also won't be beneficial. Will they be able to get the job done this time and secure three points that'll be important for their survival? Find out what our experts have to say in our Shamrock Rovers vs Sligo Rovers prediction.
Waterford and Galway United will face each other, and things could go horribly wrong for the former if they fail to walk away with a positive outcome, considering they are within the relegation playoff spot in ninth place.
Looking at their league form, it appears as though the Blues will be the unfortunate ones, having won just one of their last ten games (D2, L7). However, let's not forget that this is a side that can pack a punch on any given day, and this has been evident in this fixture, winning their last two matches.
Galway United have a -7 goal difference in the league standings, which is way better compared to the two sides below them. A point here will be enough to guarantee their safety and their participation for next season. When push comes to shove, snatching three points will be a bonus. Their last league game was a 1-0 away defeat against Shamrock Rovers, which ended a three-match unbeaten run.
