Derry face difficult start to the defence of their title

DERRY CITY face a difficult opening programme in defence of their FAI National League Premier Division crown when the domestic soccer season kicks off at the end of August.

Felix Healy's champions open their campaign with an away game against previous champions St Patrick's Athletic on Friday, August 29th.

Following that they have an early chance to avenge their cup final defeat when Shelbourne visit the Brandywell on Saturday, September 6th. But there's no respite for the champions as their next game has them making the long trip to play Cork City at Turner's Cross.

Premier Division newcomers, Kilkenny City, will be disappointed at not playing their first game in the top flight at home, but may draw some consolation from an opening game away to Shelbourne.

Cork City provide the opposition for Kilkenny at Buckley Park the following weekend.

As usual the season begins with the National League Cup which commences on Friday, August 15th in its accustomed format of six four team groups. Nonleague clubs Fanad United and Meryue United from the Ulster Senior League and Connacht Senior League respectively make up the numbers.

Both Premier and First Division fixtures begin at the same time with the Shield competition for First Division sides taking place in midseason from January 2nd to February 15th.

The FAI Cup first round is scheduled for the week beginning January 11th with the final fixed for Sunday, May 10th.

The FAI National League made 10 awards in five categories at its fixture launch reception yesterday.

UCD and Cobh Ramblers won the Fair Play awards in the respective divisions. The top goalscoring awards in both divisions were shared in the Premier Division, Stephen Geoghegan of Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers' Tony Cousins both scored 16 goals. In the First Division Tony Izzi (Cobh Ramblers) and Richie Hale (Kilkenny City) both scored 13 times.

The media awards went to Paul Lennon of The Star newspaper who was selected as Soccer Writer of the Year. Peter Byrne, soccer correspondent of The Irish Times, received a Hall of Fame award for his distinguished contribution to the sport over many years.

Presentations were also made to retiring referees Denis McArdle and Brendan Shorte.