THE President’s Cup will take place in Tolka Park on Friday February 7 with a 7:45pm kick-off.
Damien Duff’s Shelbourne side will face off against FAI Cup winners – managed by Kevin Doherty – in the season curtain-raiser.
It will be the first time either club has taken part in the game which was started in 2014, with Shels winning their first title since 2006 and Drogheda lifting the Cup for the first time in 19 years.
The opening round of the men’s Premier and First Divisions will be played the following weeks. The fixtures for those two leagues and the women’s Premier Division will be released on December 17.
Meanwhile, the installation of an artificial surface has begun at the Carlisle Grounds.
Bray Wanderers were allocated funding for the project back in 2025.
It would bring to six the number of the 20 men’s League of Ireland clubs that have non-grass pitches, although Derry City are hoping to reach agreement with the local council over a return to a natural playing surface.
Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Dundalk and Kerry FC also have artificial surfaces.
