RTÉ soccer analyst Alan Cawley believes that the gap may have increased between Shamrock Rovers and their leading challengers as the Hoops seek a historic fifth title in a row.
Stephen Bradley's side, who begin their title defence at home to Dundalk tonight [Live on RTÉ2, 7.35pm], sealed their fourth league triumph in a row in 2023, matching the feat of the celebrated Rovers side of the mid-1980s.
However, they laboured to the title in comparison to the previous years, even going five matches without a win at the beginning of the campaign and failing to make a dent in Europe. At the league's end, there was a sense of an opportunity missed for the chasing pack but that they were nonetheless closing the gap.
However Cawley feels that Rovers' recruitment in the off-season, combined with Pat's losing a couple of key players, may see the gap open out further this year.
"Sometimes, I'd be wary about being too bullish in giving pre-season predictions but I'd be very, very strong on Shamrock Rovers this year," Cawley said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland.
"They've strengthened in the off-season by bringing in Josh Honohan, Aaron McEneff, Darragh Burns on top of all the quality they've already had.
"You'd expect [a challenge] to come from Derry, where it's been over the last couple of seasons. The points deficit in 2022 was 13 points, they closed that to seven points last year.
"You would think that trend is going in the right direction for the main challengers, but I actually think we could be back to double figures again this year, just with the strength that [Rovers] have.
"I think Pat's will put up a good showing. They've done very well since Jon Daly has come in and obviously won the FAI Cup last year. But they have lost two key players - Sam Curtis, Tommy Lonergan - I know they're only young players but they're two key players from last season.
"I think Shelbourne might surprise people. They did really well last year, getting into Europe. But I don't think they've strengthened in the way that's needed to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers."
League of Ireland attendances rose by 20% in 2023 across both Premier and First Divisions and Cawley is eager to see this trend continue.
"A recent report from UEFA looking at all the clubs' finances, I think over 26% of the clubs' revenue is generated by attendances. We want the attendances to keep going in the direction that they're going. The interest is huge, the hype is huge. I hope that maintains for the whole season."
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Shamrock Rovers v Dundalk on Friday from 7.30pm live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on all matches on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app
