Just 75 days after the end of the League of Ireland season, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic will mark a new year by meeting in the President’s Cup this evening at Tallaght Stadium.
Shamrock Rovers head into the 2022 campaign looking to defend their Premier Division title and go one better in the President's Cup, as last year they lost on penalties to Dundalk.
St Pat’s won the FAI Cup in late November last year and also finished runners-up in the league.
While Pat’s have lots of changes in the dugout and on the pitch, the home side have had little to report in the off-season.
The Hoops have brought in Andy Lyons from Bohemians and Jack Byrne returns to the club, and manager Stephen Bradley is determined to start the season right as they look to defend their title.
"This season, the aim has to be to the defend our title first and foremost," said Bradley.
"It is going to be difficult but we're happy with the group, we haven't had many changes and that continuity is very important to us.
"We've always wanted a strong group to be able to compete in all competitions and we look like we've got really healthy competition right throughout the squad."
"A lot of other teams have improved as well. (St. Patrick's Athletic) They're very strong attacking wise, obviously bringing back Eoin Doyle is a massive one for them. He scores goals, he always has and I'm sure he will this year."
Doyle is the marquee signing for the Saints under new boss Tim Clancy.
The departure of Stephen O’Donnell to Dundalk, and some key players such as Lee Desmond, gives them a new look but there is confidence within the group that they could once again compete for honours, beginning tonight.
Clancy said: "Shamrock Rovers finished last season 11 points ahead so it is up to us and a few others to get up there, cut that gap and make it competitive this season.
"The expectations are a little bit different from when we were underdogs at Drogheda. It is a little bit different now but we need to find a winning formula and see how we can progress from the success the club had last year.
"We've strengthened the squad and now feel like we've got good strength in almost every area. We're really looking forward to it, I've been given this opportunity with Pat's and we're determined to be a success.
"Friday night is the first night where it is a competitive game and we'll be able to see where we're at and it'll be great to get underway."
The match will not be broadcast on television but will be available for free on LOITV.
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