Dundalk FC head coach Stephen O’Donnell and club captain Patrick Hoban were present at the launch of the 2023 League of Ireland season at City Hall in Dublin on Wednesday.
The 2023 season is the first with the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division and newly named SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division under the one identity and is set to be the biggest campaign to date.
With clubs reporting record season ticket sales across the board in all three divisions, attendances at the League of Ireland look set to continue to rise with the audience growing even further through LOITV and expanded coverage on RTÉ and TG4.
The LOITV Season Pass has also returned for 2023, offering incredible value for all League of Ireland fans who can now access over 440 games for just €120 for the new season as well being able to avail of pay-per-view options with on-demand playback available of all broadcasted games on the platform.
League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: “We have a new mix of exciting young talent across playing and coaching staff in all our clubs and I would like to wish them all the best of luck throughout the 2023 season.
8 February 2023; SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division players, from left, Luke Byrne of Shelbourne, Jack Keaney of UCD, David Cawley of Sligo Rovers, Keith Buckley of Bohemians, Ronan Finn of Shamrock Rovers, Ciaron Harkin of Derry City, Patrick Hoban of Dundalk, Joe Redmond of St Patrick’s Athletic, Cian Coleman of Cork City and Gary Deegan of Drogheda United at the launch of the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland 2023 season held at City Hall in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
“With a new identity for the League of Ireland comes a new era and an opportunity to grow our audience even more. Whether it be challengers to Shamrock Rovers’ SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division title, or those wishing for promotion from the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as well as the clubs looking to challenge Shelbourne’s reign as SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Champions there’s no doubt this will be the best League of Ireland season yet.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to SSE Airtricity for their continued and growing support of the League of Ireland. I would also like to thank the Bank of Ireland and EA SPORTS for their continued sponsorship of the League and look forward to working with all our partners even closer in 2023.”
SSE Airtricity Head of Brand, Advertising & Sponsorship, Ashley Morrow, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the League of Ireland once more in 2023 and to be an integral part of bringing the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division alongside the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier and First Divisions.
“The extension of our partnership with the League of Ireland has allowed us to support the continued growth of Women’s football with increased funding available to help improve the environment for players and coaches. We are privileged to be the principal sponsor of all three Divisions, which shows SSE Airtricity’s commitment to the domestic game.
“We wish all players, staff and supporters the best of luck for the season ahead.”
