When Shamrock Rovers overcame Sligo Rovers 3-2 on Saturday 7th March, only 18 cases of Covid-19 existed in Ireland. One could not have envisaged how the following 4 months would unfold. That match in the Showgrounds stadium proved to be the final League of Ireland fixture before Ireland entered lockdown. The league had merely begun, with the Hoops unbeaten at the top of the league, and Sligo winless at the bottom. However, with all future sporting events cancelled in March, League of Ireland clubs and supporters grew increasingly concerned about the league's future, nevermind the restart.
As the FAI and National League Executive Committee began to discuss how the league would resume, many clubs were already bearing the brunt of Covid-19’s consequences. In March, St.Pat’s, Cork City and Sligo Rovers were all forced to temporarily lay off all playing and club staff, while all First Division clubs ceased paying those on professional contracts. Many other clubs found themselves in similar situations due to the huge loss of match-day revenue and sponsorship. Cork City chairman Declan Carey said last March that “we can't function as a business as we normally do, bringing in 3,000 or 4,000 people every second Friday, if you take that away we don't have a business”. The loss of this revenue left many clubs considering their futures.
Some had no choice but to adapt and generate new fundraising methods. Cork City and Bohemians both released new jerseys over lockdown, while Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers both raised tens of thousands of Euro to secure the future of the two clubs. Premier division clubs were awarded a 190,000 Euro support package by the FAI, however it was clear that this funding was insufficient, as clubs expect to have sparse match attendances and sponsorship revenue for the foreseeable future.
Huge relief came for all those involved in the game on June 30th, as the FAI announced the league would resume on July 31st following weeks of negotiations between the NLEC, FAI and club representatives. The restart will see a reduced 18-game season, with the bottom club relegated, and the 9th placed side facing a play-off with the First Division play off winner. While this format did generate controversy among some clubs, it was chosen as the best course of action. The last time an 18-match season occurred was in 1962-62, won by Dundalk.
As squads got back together over July, one could call it a unique pre-season, between friendlies, new signings and improving fitness. Questions were raised as to how the league restart would be televised, due to games being behind closed doors for the time being. On July 22nd the most ambitious and promising project in recent years was announced by the FAI/LOI, called WATCHLOI.ie. In collaboration with streaming service GAAGO, WATCHLOI.ie will stream over 55 League of Ireland and FAI cup games to any device with live commentary. All revenue will also be split across the two divisions. A pass costs 55 Euro for domestic viewers, or 69 Euro for those overseas. At around 1 Euro per game, the pass is incredible value and will no doubt bring much needed attention and funds to the League. If successful, the FAI may decide to continue the service in the years ahead.
So after a 146 day wait the League of Ireland finally returns, albeit behind closed doors for the time being. There is no doubt that after such a difficult and uncertain few months, players and staff will be delighted to return to some normality and play the game they love. This Friday, Derry face Sligo at 5:45pm before Dundalk host St.Patrick’s Athletic 2 hours later. On Saturday, new boss John Sheridan and his Waterford side travel to Tolka Park to face newly promoted Shelbourne, before Shamrock Rovers host Finn Harps that evening. The opening weekend concludes with Cork City entertaining Bohemians, and will hope to impress after a poor start to the season. All remaining games will be available to watch at WATCHLOI.ie. The greatest league in the world finally returns, in what could prove to be a decisive turning point in its future.