The fixture list for the 2014 Airtricity Premier Division has been released, with champions St Pat's Athletic visiting Turner's Cross to take on Cork City on the opening weekend.
The first series of matches, scheduled for 7/8 March. will feature a Louth derby as Drogheda United, runners-up in 2012, host Dundalk, who finished second last season.
For next year's campaign the names of Drogheda's ground will revert back to to United Park
New Derry City manager Roddy Collins, who led Athlone Town to the First Division title last season, will open his reign with an away game against one of his former clubs, Shamrock Rovers
Athlone, who are back in the Premier Division after 18 consecutive seasons in the First Division, mark their return to the top flight with an away game against Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds on Saturday 8 March.
Athlone will stage the first ever Premier Division match at Athlone Town Stadium a week later when they play host to Shamrock Rovers.
As in 2013, the first Dublin derby of the new season will feature UCD against Bohemians, while Limerick will kick off against a Bray Wanderers side that will be starting their 10th successive season in the top flight.
The EA Sports Cup final will take place on 20 September, with the FAI Ford Cup final again taking place at the Aviva Stadium. The 2014 decider is scheduled for Sunday 2 November.
AIRTRICITY PREMIER DIVISION OPENING FIXTURES
Friday 7 March
Cork City v St Pat's Athletic
Drogheda United v Dundalk
Limerick v Bray Wanderers
UCD v Bohemians
Shamrock Rovers v Derry City
Saturday 8 March
Sligo Rovers v Athlone Town
