Two storms have hit the country this week but they are not likely to dampen the excitement as a new League of Ireland season begins filled with many storylines.
With close to 20,000 fans expected at five Premier Division matches over the weekend, interest in the league is growing.
Managerial changes, including the introduction at Damien Duff, offer the most intrigue, mainly as there are questions of whether a title race will develop because of the strength of Shamrock Rovers.
Many teams have recruited players from abroad due to much talent departing for higher levels, and a new crop of young talent will get their chance.
In the opposition dugout is the highly respected Tim Clancy who has moved from Drogheda United.
He is filling the void left by Stephen O'Donnell's shock departure from the FAI Cup winners St Pat's to Dundalk.
Ruaidhri Higgins has brought great excitement to Derry City ahead of a clash with his former colleague, while Ollie Horgan's Finn Harps, aided by some of the most creative recruitment seen in the league in recent times, are set to host Kevin Doherty's Drogheda United.
Duff's debut in management will be broadcast the first of 15 live league games by RTE Sport this season.
TV
Coverage begins on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 730pm.
ONLINE
We'll have a live match tracker on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app.
WEATHER
Heavy rain in the aftermath of the storm, and snow in the north-west, could endanger some games. It remains to be seen if pitch inspections are needed. Snow in Donegal and Sligo is forecast.
THE GAMES
Shelbourne v St Patrick's Athletic, 7.45pm, Tolka Park
The return of Shels to the top flight and it's a tough challenge for Duff and his 15 new signings.
Over 4,100 will be in attendance in Tolka Park.
Tim Clancy has assembled a strong squad at Richmond Park, with nine new faces hoping to make their league debuts.
Eoin Doyle is the star quality and has already found the net in the President's Cup. That is likely to be the first of many.
Duff's words have been followed with fascination in the last 24 hours. Clancy is excited by the fixture.
He said: "Three of the first four league matches we play are Dublin derbies, with Shelbourne first up on Friday night.
"We watched them live against Drogheda and UCD and I've watched them in a couple of other games as well, so we know it's going to be a very difficult game.
"It's going to be a brilliant atmosphere and there is a buzz about the place as well so it's a brilliant game to start the season off with."
Paddy Barrett and Ronan Coughlan look set to miss out with injury for the Saints. Adam Murphy and Sam Curtis are available for selection again having missed last week's game in Tallaght due to international duty.
Dundalk v Derry City, Oriel Park, 7.45pm
Such is the interest in Derry investing heavily in their recruitment and the return of native players from Oriel Park, City fans have been creative in trying to source tickets for the game.
After selling out their allocation, Dundalk had to refund over 350 tickets from their home areas bought by Derry supporters.
That was necessary as the Lilywhites have their own returning hero. Stephen O'Donnell has taken a risk in leaving an FAI Cup-winning side behind for a club close to his heart.
They no longer have the financial strength of previous seasons, but remain a force in the league. Tonight will show if there is a power shift between the clubs.
"Myself and Ruaidhri are good mates but there hasn't been much talk since the fixtures came out and pitted us against each other in the first game!" said O’Donnell.
"He will have high expectations this season. Last year was about consolidation at Derry City and he did that very well, especially when you consider the start they made.
"They secured European football so they will be looking to kick on this season and they have been aggressive in the transfer market and have notably taken four of our lads to The Brandywell over the winter."
For Dundalk, John Mountney is still on the comeback trail from a knee injury while Darragh Leahy will undergo a late fitness test after picking up a knock in the Jim Malone Cup with Drogheda United last Friday.
Finn Harps v Drogheda United, Finn Park, 8pm - MATCH POSTPONED
Storm Eunice has claimed this one unfortunately, so the new names in Finn Park, including those from around Europe, will have to wait for their introduction to a wintry night in Ballybofey.
Both sides are expected to be among the relegation contenders come the end of the season so this clash -whenever it's played - will have significance.
Like, Harps, Drogheda have lost many players, to clubs at home and abroad. They've also seen Tim Clancy depart to St Pat's but Kevin Doherty has stepped in to the hot seat and will hope to guide them to safety again.
Both teams will now start their campaigns next weekend, with Drogs hosting Shelbourne and Harps travelling to Belfield to face UCD.
Shamrock Rovers v UCD, Tallaght Stadium, 8pm
Many considered Shamrock Rovers didn't get the credit for their domination of the league last season.
Normally the first game of the reigning champions in the standout fixture on the night.
The Duff factor, plus the fact few give UCD any chances this evening on their return to the Premier, has pushed it down the pecking order.
Stephen Bradley was not happy with his side's display in the President's Cup.
He described it as a wake-up call, something which is quite handy before a competitive game takes place.
Bradley said: "UCD is the important game, that's the one we've been looking at since the fixtures came out. That's the one you want to perform in and get the three points so it's the important one
"They have some really good players. I think every few years UCD get a crop of players that go on to have good careers, whether it's in this country or further afield and I think right now they have a really good group of players. They'll come with no fear, they'll come and have a right go at us I'm sure. That's something that we've got to respect and be ready for."
Sean Kavanagh is the only played ruled out for Shamrock Rovers.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Watch Shelbourne v St Pat's this Friday live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player or follow it via our live blogs on rte.ie/sport and on the RTÉ News App.
