The League of Ireland has today released the 2023 fixture list with the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League, now renamed the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, alongside the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division and SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division as part of its new brand identity.
The new structure will mean that there is a League of Ireland Premier Division for both men and women, followed by a League of Ireland Men’s First Division.
Wexford Youths Women make the trip to Galway United on the opening day of the season.
Christmas has come early...
The full League of Ireland fixture list for 2023 has just dropped. Get planning your season now!
#LOI | #LOIFixtures
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) December 15, 2022
That means 476 games, 31 teams, and three Divisions with more moments of magic, cries of joy and tears of heartbreak. More top team clashes. More amazing away days and more time with your fellow fans by your side.
Coming back for its biggest ever and most passionate season yet in 2023, SSE Airtricity continues as the Title Sponsor for the League of Ireland, welcoming continuous support as its main partner of 14 years.
A South East derby kicks off the opening game week in the men's first division with Waterford FC making the trip to Wexford FC.
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Waterford FC begin the 2023 season away to Wexford on February 17th before successive home matches against Longford Town and Galway United at the RSC.
Full details ? https://t.co/YnFNmyIvR0#WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/uUJYirZzXq
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) December 15, 2022
As part of the fixture list, the four Men’s teams competing in UEFA Club Competitions will have two fixtures moved forward to earlier in the season to ease fixture congestion and enhance the competitiveness of these teams featuring in Europe.
Reigning SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers will play away from home in the first two rounds of games due to the ongoing construction of Tallaght Stadium’s North Stand.
What fixture excites you most in 2023?
The full list of matches for three brilliant Divisions are out now! #LOI | #LOIFixtures
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) December 15, 2022
There is also an extended break for the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division between June 11 and August 19 due to the Republic of Ireland WNT’s participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
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It’s finally here! Check out our SSE Women’s Premier Division fixture list for the upcoming season!
The FAI Cup competition kicks off 26th August with the Cup Final set for 19th November.#LOIW pic.twitter.com/xx2V0rgbNZ
— Wexford Youths Women (@YouthsWomen) December 15, 2022
The League of Ireland season will kick off on February 10 with the President’s Cup which will be contested by defending SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Champions Shamrock Rovers and reigning Extra.ie FAI Men’s Cup Champions Derry City at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Along with the new league structure will be a new brand for the League, displaying the League’s dynamic and youthful side whilst reflecting the inherent Irishness and heritage of the competition.
Speaking at the launch, League of Ireland Director, Mark Scanlon, said: "This launch marks an exciting and landmark week for the League of Ireland as we reveal our new brand identity as well as our 2023 fixture list.
"As we continue to move towards parity for men’s and women’s football in Ireland, bringing the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division as part of the same structure as the Men’s Divisions is a significant move and another exciting moment for women’s football in Ireland.
"The new brand represents the passion, energy and dynamism contained within the League and will allow us to further expand the League’s fanbase for many years to come.
"I would also like to thank our sponsors SSE Airtricity for their brilliant and continued support of the League of Ireland for the past 14 years as they continue to be the Title Sponsor of each of our divisions for 2023.
"We look forward to seeing the diverse set of fans that we have at our grounds nationally as well as all of our exciting players and teams in 2023."
