Sport

Shelbourne v Derry City to be televised live as first game under new Virgin Media deal

Broadcaster confirms first five Premier Division fixtures to be show live over opening rounds

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff celebrates after his side beat Derry City at the Brandywell in November to win the league. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff celebrates after his side beat Derry City at the Brandywell in November to win the league. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho
Wed Jan 29 2025 - 17:05

A rematch of the last season’s dramatic Premier Division final night showdown between champions Shelbourne and Derry City will be the first fixture televised live as part of Virgin Media Television’s exclusive broadcast deal.

The fixture at Tolka Park is one of three games to be played on Friday, February 14th as the new league season kicks off.

Having announced the new four-year deal earlier this week – which will see Virgin televise 36 matches per season, guaranteeing one live fixture from each round – the broadcaster on Wednesday confirmed the first five fixtures that will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and the Virgin Media Player.

In addition to the Candystripes' trip to Tolka Park, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers' meeting at the Aviva Stadium on February 16th will also be televised on the opening weekend of the new season.

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In the second round of games, Galway United v St Patrick’s Athletic on February 21st will get the live TV treatment, followed by Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers on February 28th and Waterford v Cork City on March 3rd.

The live fixtures in subsequent rounds will be confirmed at a later date.

Fixtures to be televised live:

Shelbourne v Derry City – Friday, February 14th (KO 7.45pm)

Bohemians v Shamrock Rovers – Sunday, February 16th (KO 2pm)

Galway United v St Patrick’s Athletic – Friday, February 21st (KO 7.45pm)

Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers – Friday, February 28th (KO 7.45pm)

Waterford v Cork City – Monday, March 3rd (KO 7.45pm)