Who will win the League of Ireland title in 2026?
The League of Ireland title race has reached the deliciously awkward stage where nobody can hide behind the table. St Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers all have 59 points, but Rovers hold a game in hand. The League of Ireland table therefore looks level while the maths is not: Thursday’s Shamrock Rovers-Drogheda match can change the shape of the run-in before Monday’s Dublin derby.
What does the League of Ireland table look like now?
St Pat’s lead on goal difference, Bohs are second and Rovers third. Rovers have played one match fewer.
| Team | P | GD | Pts | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Athletic | 32 | +27 | 59 | 71 |
| Bohemians | 32 | +19 | 59 | 71 |
| Shamrock Rovers | 31 | +18 | 59 | 74 |
If clubs finish level on points, goal difference is the first tiebreaker, followed by goals scored. That makes St Pat’s current +27 significant, although five rounds of football can erase a neat-looking advantage very quickly. Every dropped point now has double value because it both limits one contender and opens space for another.
Our biggest challenge is us. If we do our business, it’s irrelevant what anyone else does.” Stephen Bradley
What fixtures do the three title contenders have left?
The calendar gives Rovers the extra match, but Bohs have the most direct influence because they still face both rivals.
- Shamrock Rovers: 8 Oct Drogheda H, 12 Oct Bohemians H, 16 Oct Galway A, 23 Oct Sligo H, 30 Oct Dundalk A.
- St Patrick’s Athletic: 16 Oct Shelbourne H, 19 Oct Derry A, 23 Oct Galway A, 30 Oct Bohemians H.
- Bohemians: 12 Oct Shamrock Rovers A, 16 Oct Waterford H, 23 Oct Shelbourne H, 30 Oct St Patrick’s Athletic A.
What does each club need to win the title?
Rovers have the cleanest equation: win all five and they finish on 74 points, beyond the 71 available to either rival.
St Pat’s can reach 71 by winning their remaining four. For an outright title at that total, they need Rovers to take no more than 11 points from their final five. If Rovers also reach 71, the tiebreakers decide it.
Bohs can also reach 71, but their route is more confrontational. Winning all four would include victories away to Rovers and St Pat’s. In that scenario Rovers could still reach 71 by winning their other four games, so goal difference and goals scored could become decisive.
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda odds: Thursday’s pressure test
This is the game in hand, the one fixture that turns three teams level on points into something less tidy. Rovers are favourites at Tallaght, but a draw would preserve the traffic jam.
Odds checked 6 October and may change.
When is Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda and how can you watch?
The match is at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday 8 October at 20:00 Irish time. It was moved from Friday for television coverage and will be shown live on Virgin Media Two.
After Thursday, this page should be updated rather than replaced: refresh the League of Ireland table, maximum points, remaining fixtures and scenarios on the same URL.
