Five things to watch in the new League of Ireland season

Shelbourne won a first League of Ireland Premier Division title in 18 years in 2024

It feels like Shelbourne have just been crowned champions, but the new League of Ireland Premier Division season is upon us.

With big signings, new challengers and record-breaking deals, there are storylines everywhere you look up and down the league.

So, what are five things to look out for in the new season?

BBC Sport NI takes a look.

Listen to Shelbourne v Derry City on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Foyle and the BBC Sport website on Friday at 19:30 GMT.

Shelbourne aiming for two titles in a row

Former Chelsea and Fulham winger Damien Duff guided Shels to the title

Damien Duff's Shelbourne ended their 18-year wait for the Premier Division title in 2024.

At times it felt like it was the league that nobody wanted to win, but Shels held off challenges from Shamrock Rovers, St Pat's Athletic and Derry City to claim the biggest prize in Irish football.

Now, all eyes will be on Duff's side to see how they handle having a target on their back in the new campaign, along with European commitments for the Dubliners in the summer.

They started 2025 with victory in the President's Cup over FAI Cup winners Drogheda United, and they will be hoping to kick on again in the new campaign.

How will new-look Derry City get on?

Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce is a high-profile arrival at the Brandywell

It's a fresh start for Derry City, who have been one of the most intriguing sub plots of the off-season.

Under new manager Tiernan Lynch, who replaced Ruaidhri Higgins after a trophyless season last year, the Candystripes have been active in the transfer market.

Northern Ireland internationals Gavin Whyte, Liam Boyce, Carl Winchester and Shane Ferguson have all arrived at the Brandywell.

Ex-Larne boss Lynch has also recruited Robbie Benson from Dundalk and midfielder Don Thomas from Queen's Park.

It's a statement of intent from Derry, who are aiming to win their first league title since 1997.

Silverware of any kind would be a successful start for Lynch, but the Brandywell faithful are craving that league title.

Can record-breaking Melia fire St Pat's to glory?

St Pat's youngster Mason Melia will join Tottenham Hotspur in January 2026

Mason Melia hit the headlines in January after his record-breaking transfer to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur.

Luckily for St Pat's Athletic fans, they will get to enjoy watching the 17-year-old for one more season before he moves to north London in January 2026.

After the arrival of Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny three months into last season's campaign, St Pat's initially continued to struggle as they sat as low as eighth heading into the final two months of the season.

However, after a superb run of form, they soared up the table and even had a slim shot at the title on their way to finishing in third place.

If they can bring that momentum into the new season, and with Melia having a point to prove, they are tipped to be strong challengers this year.

Shamrock Rovers' European run

Stephen Bradley's side won three of their six matches in the Uefa Conference League

Despite missing out on the Premier Division title last year with a late charge, Shamrock Rovers had an incredible end to 2024 with their European run.

The Hoops continued their Uefa Conference League heroics by beating Molde 1-0 in Norway on Thursday night and Stephen Bradley's side now have a glorious chance to seal their last-16 spot by avoiding defeat in next week's second leg in Dublin.

Rovers have lost key attacking players in Johnny Kenny, who has returned to Celtic, and Neil Farrugia, who joined Barnsley, but still have one of the strongest squads in the league with recruits such as Matthew Healy, Ed McGinty and Danny Grant.

The longer Rovers' European run goes on, the more it is likely to be a distraction to their title bid.

However, after four titles in the past five years, few would bet against Rovers from reclaiming their crown if they can make a fast start.

Will Cork City stay up?

Former Republic of Ireland striker Sean Maguire fired Cork City back to the top flight

After Dundalk's fall from the top flight, Cork City will take their place after winning the First Division for the second time in three years.

Galway United showed last year that promoted teams can not only survive, but thrive in the top flight.

Republic of Ireland and former Preston North End striker Sean Maguire is revelling being back at his hometown club, while also keep an eye on talented teenager Cathal O'Sullivan.

Now, the challenge for Cork City will be to retain their Premier Division status and end their yo-yo stint up and down the leagues.