The opening weekend of the upcoming eircom League season received a significant boost today with confirmation that the Cork City v St. Patrick's Athletic clash is to be televised live.
The Turners Cross tussle, which sees new Cork manager Pat Dolan up against his former charges, will be screened by TV3 on Saturday, April 12th. The game will kick-off at 5 p.m.
Cork chairman Brian Lennox said he was pleased the club was "playing such a significant part in the aggressive marketing campaign" underway to flag the season's start.
He admitted the switch from Friday night football would "not please all of our fans" but said they would understand the decision taken for the "wider interests of the game in Ireland."
Meanwhile, Shelbourne continued their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo at their training camp in Marbella, Spain today.
Striker Jason Byrne - a January signing from relegated Bray Wanderers - notched up another close season strike after 41 minutes but the Norwegians pinched an equaliser with just minutes to play.
Pat Fenlon's side open their league account with a tricky trip to the RSC to tackle Premier Division new boys Waterford United.