Dundalk will begin quest for three-in-row away to Bray

SSE Airtricity League champions Dundalk will begin the search for three-in-row on Saturday March 5th away to Bray Wanderers while Cork City, who were runners-up to Dundalk in both the League and FAI Cup last season, start their campaign at home to Bohemians.

The first series of matches will feature a North West derby on March 4th at Finn Park when promoted Finn Harps face neighbours Derry City, now under the management of Kenny Shiels. Last season's First Division champions, Wexford Youths make their Premier Division debut the same night at home to the 2014 First Division winners Longford Town.

St Patrick's Athletic, who won the EA Sports Cup last season, have a home game against the team they beat in that final, Galway United, also on March 4th while the following day there is a battle of the Rovers at The Showgrounds as Sligo Rovers, with Dave Robertson now at the helm, meet Shamrock Rovers who finished third in 2015.

The first round of the EA Sports Cup will take place on March 21st and 22nd with the second round on April 18th and 19th and the Quarter-Finals on May 2nd. The semi-finals are scheduled for August 1st and the final is on Saturday, September 17th.

The second round of the FAI Cup, when the 20 SSE Airtricity League clubs enter the competition, is scheduled for the weekend of May 22nd with the third round on the weekend of August 21st and the quarter-finals on the weekend of September 11th. The semi-finals will take place on the weekend of October 2nd and the final is at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, November 6th.

The mid-season break will take place from Monday June 6th until Thursday June 23rd inclusive. The Premier Division season will conclude on Friday October 28th.

SSE Airtricity League 2016

Premier Division week one

Friday, March 4th

Cork City v Bohemians, Turner’s Cross, 7.45pm.

St. Patrick’s Athletic v Galway United, Richmond Park, 7.45pm.

Finn Harps v Derry City, Finn Park, 8pm.

Wexford Youths v Longford Town, Ferrycarrig Park, 8pm.

Saturday, March 5th

Bray Wanderers v Dundalk, Carlisle Grounds, 7.30pm.

Sligo Rovers v Shamrock Rovers, The Showgrounds, 7.4pm.

Click here for the full Premier Division fixture list.