Tickets remain on sale for the openign match of the League. The match kicks off at 8pm in Tallaght Stadium. Coverage on Virgin Media.

It was a 0-1 defeat to Derry City last Saturday in the President’s Cup Final, but you were very upbeat after the game. Were the players of a similar mindset?

“We obviously went through and reviewed it during the week, there was a lot of really good stuff in the Derry game. What I said after the game, is what I feel having watched it back. It was only our second week back for pre-season, so to play that game and to play how we played, was really good. So there were many positives to take out of the game.”

We begin the defence of our title tomorrow, while all the games need to be played, is a home game to begin with a preferred option?

“Yes, it is. It’s always nice to start the league season off at home. Hopefully the weather allows the game to go ahead. But it’s always nice to start off a new season in front of your home fans.”

Dundalk provide the opposition after winning the First Division title in 2025. What are you expecting from Dundalk, having done your homework on them?

”It will be a tough game. They are very good in the attacking part of the pitch, they have real threats with Eoin Kenny, also Danny Mullen who they signed from Derry City and also the experienced Daryl Horgan who we know has the quality. Dundalk have good experience in their team and are coming off the back of a very good 2025 season. So we’re expecting a very tough game.”

Dundalk’s manager, ex-Rovers centre forward Ciarán Kilduff, is another of the many young managers in our league. What did you make of his first season in charge of The Lilywhites?

“Ciarán has been really good. He had to manage with what was happening off the pitch so to also manage the team to win the first division, was really impressive. So Ciarán has done a really good job there so far.”

Have we any injuries or suspensions carried over?

Max Kovalevskis unfortunately picked up a knock during the Derry game which will keep him out for a few weeks, which is unfortunate because he did well in the game. Rory Gaffney also has a little knock, but everyone else is fine and we have no suspensions.”